I never had the chance to become a farmer until a few years ago. My parents were farmers but my father does not trust men when I tell him I will be managing on his behalf and just laughs at me. Perhaps he thinks I am still too young to understand since I didn't survive farm work way back when he asked me to.

Too young to be trusted

Two years after I had a child, I braved myself leasing a piece of land in my wife's sister's place in Valencia Bukidnon. They encouraged us to do so and I took my chance on proving to myself that I could do it. The contract was we get to use the land for five years and our money would be returned and we agreed since it's a great offer.

Failures

We planted corn on the first year yet we only had a little harvest. The area was too far from us and our schedules changed since I and my wife already had a job and we agreed with my wife's sister that they would manage the farm and give us a part of their income.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen and the whole amount on teh lease was not even returned. Time passed by, my father got discouraged with his farm and left for Lanao; he asked me to manage teh farm and so I planted cassava after harvesting his corn.

Irony of life

It's funny because my wife and I attempted to rent land to farm yet we have not been successful then here comes my father.

The harvest was not that great because we lacked the budget for weeding and the weeds grew taller than our crops.

When it's time, it's time.

The following year, my mother-in-law and I agreed that I would be planting cassava on the rolling portion of her land since she did not have enough money to manage it.

Time flew and here I was, harvesting the cassava I planted.

It was a hot day in July when I asked some men to do teh harvest but they left so many crops and what I did was take them with the help of my father and his friend. At that time, my daughters and boxers did not have classes so I gave them the opportunity to earn money by helping me.

Our work became fun with everyone around. Kids don't take things seriously but their work is a can-do.
Every time we take a rest, they will turn it into playtime, playing tag and climbing trees so they will not be chased.

Snacks

We had our snacks from nature and the kids are eager to climb trees for food.

This is us enjoying jackfruit

I feel so blessed with the weather, just exactly what we needed to dry our crop. As you can see, there were little to none of the clouds up in the sky

The chopped cassavas only took four days to dry.

Our Drinks

Whenever we get thirsty, the boys are quick to get young coconuts to quench our thirst and satisfy our dry throats because of the hotness of the weather.

Can you see the kids up in the coconut trees?

My daughters look like they don't feel the heat of the sun too, they go to the farm and play around ance even Parker was of no excuse. They rode him like he was a horse and the poor creature did not bother.

Daughetrs had a great time too

Everyone had a great time, and I am happy that the kids helped me with the work too. Indeed, a heavy load when lifted by many will become light.

Anyway, here are snaps of the lush surroundings on the farm.

And this is one of the wonderful sunsets I got to witness while walking our way home.

Farming is never easy, It requires strength, money, techniques, patience, and perseverance. It takes months or years to harvest what you invested and yeah, one needs lots of prayers in order to succeed.

I am glad I had the chance to be able to do farming, lengthening my patience and learning from my mistakes. I am also thankful to my parents, my in-laws, and my wife for the utmost trust and support.

Today, I have waist-high cassava crops and I hope it will be a huge blessing for me and my family.

Thank you for being with me on one of my farming journeys and happiness.

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All texts and images in this post are my own and are not free to use.

Photos taken using Tecno Spark7T
Location: Philipines.
Date posted November 21, 2023

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