It's the season when news of cherry blossoms blooming is everywhere. This morning, the news was buzzing with excitement about how the blossoms were about a week earlier than usual! I also feel that the cherry blossom buds at the farm are swelling earlier than usual.
Last weekend, on the 14th and 15th, the ranch reopened after being closed for the winter. Blessed with fine weather, many people came out for a stroll, and the grounds were bustling with activity for the first time in a while.
This year, the most beautiful thing in the garden right now is the golden witch hazel blossoms. They are blooming brilliantly, basking in the sunlight.
Although the farm is closed for the winter, it is not dormant.
Construction of a new egg-gathering area called "Egg School," development of a new vineyard, stable cultivation and preparation of safe vegetables, and planting of flower seedlings (the 31,000 nemophila plants have just been planted).
Cutting down dead trees on the farm (they were heavily damaged by pine beetles). Maintaining the herb garden.
Sheep and goats continued to give birth, and of course, eggs were laid every day, and the wheat treading work was finished earlier than usual.
Agriculture is a life-sustaining industry.
The work of creating life never ceases.
As you know, the world is currently facing a very serious crisis, with great power politics running rampant. I believe that each of us, as citizens of Japan, must consider what we can do. The excellence of the Japanese people was such a threat that the post-war government resorted to policies to weaken them. While those policies may have had some effect, I believe that the inherent strength remains in our blood.
Food is vital not only for human health but also for a nation. While farmers can do much in terms of food production, I believe government support as part of agricultural policy is crucial. Japan needs agricultural promotion policies on par with those of Europe and the United States.
And now, with the preparations made during the winter bearing fruit, Ark Tategamori is a haven of tulip fields, nemophila fields, pure white magnolia blossoms, cherry blossoms, and more, and we eagerly await the lush green wheat fields of early spring.
Shizu Hashimoto
