Marion and Gordon Jones love many things about the farming life but if they had to pick their favorite day of the year, the farmers say, it would have to be springtime, “specifically the day the cows go out onto pasture!” And their favorite part of the farming life? “Working together as family,” is the immediate response.
The Jones work with their son-in-law and are looking forward to passing on the farm Gordon took over from his parents. They take the stewardship of land and animals very seriously, practicing conservation tillage to reduce erosion and fuel consumption, while also minimizing soil compaction. They are also one of only a few herds in New Hampshire that practices rotational grazing with their herd, making sure to move the cows regularly for both their benefit and to keep pastures thriving.
“What you know to be right.”
Yes, farming is hard but the rewards are many, says Gordon. “The work is every day. All day. But we do this because we want to, not because we have to, not because we aren’t smart enough to get work elsewhere, or because we fell into it,” he continues. “We choose to do what we do. Our motto around here is ‘Get up every day and do what you know to be right.””