from the Army to Alpacas

I know a lot of people don’t immediately think of a Soldier becoming a farmer. I know I sure didn’t at first.

And we didn’t exactly go from the Army into alpaca and flower farming straight away.

We got here in a roundabout way, but I honestly believe it’s the experience in the military that made us uniquely qualified to become and stay farmers.

There are a number of things I could say about why that is.

But if I had to pick just a few, it would be purpose, direction and motivation.

Sometimes the purpose is big and overarching - like proving all-natural fibers, American-made textiles is still possible.

Sometimes purpose is more compact.

Like surviving from one season to the next.

Often times, purpose shows up as taking the lead. Whether that’s taking the lead of a haltered animal…

or taking the lead of the whole herd.

And venturing into the unknown.

Most days, the purpose is often facing your fears.

Whether it’s saying out loud that you’re an alpaca farmer, or being witness to the circle of life.

And a lot of the time, purpose is sacrificing the now for the later.

To serve your community today, while providing for the future of your family.

Going great distances, both literally and figuratively.

Mike’s National Guard career is a real example of that. Traveling across the state, over two mountain passes, every single month for 10+ years. Serving in a variety of capacities so that we could secure health benefits in our golden years.

And when it comes to direction, well that’s the most fluid of them all. And arguably one of the most challenging as well.

Farm life will tug you in many directions.

Often it’s not always clear what you’re aiming at.

With so many competing and overlapping priorities, it can be difficult to know what path to take and when.

But when I reflect on my Army experiences…

More often that not, the direction was always straight ahead, into the vast unknown-ness.

On the farm, direction regularly means simply showing up and knowing you’ll make it happen….whatever ‘it’ is…because you’ve always have.

Ironically, being open to a different life direction is what made us farmers in the first place.

Accepting a new, unexpected direction is more freeing than it ever is restrictive — if you’re willing to see it that way.

And at its most fundamental, direction usually means being told what to do. As you would expect, there’s no shortage of direction in the military.

But when you learn to take direction well…

That makes all the difference as you ascend in the ranks.

Because when you can do the small stuff well - from spit shining your boots & making your bed exactly right -

You learn how critical some of the smallest details become to the bigger picture.

Like how essential cleanliness and sanitization is…

For the individual and to the collective.

And when you truly learn to take direction—

You effectively learn to give it in return.

Because a large part of farming is simply taking action and knowing you have the tools to complete the job, or redirect when needed.

While motivation maybe be last in this list, it is certainly not the least.

Simple in concept, hard in practice.

The constant-ness of farming requires a level of self-motivation unlike any other.

Hard days bleed into long, seemingly solitary nights

Unrelenting and unending.

The interdependency of it all is intrinsically motivating, if not slightly frustrating!

And if you ever find yourself short on it-

There’s usually a couple few standing at the ready to give you some motivation - whether you asked for it or not!

Over time, motivation becomes ingrained, a reflex of sorts. Whether you're standing in the barn or in an Army formation…

If you’re taking charge or passing the torch…

Knowing you have a purpose and the ability to find your own direction, plus the motivation to get you there…well that’s kind of the trifecta.

I could think of no better example of those key attributes than First Sergeant Mike Vandiver.

A citizen-Soldier and alpaca farmer who is celebrating his very first Veteran’s Day this year!

For twenty years, Mike’s been at our collective service.

From those first 4 years on as a specialist on Active Duty with the 497th Transportation Company to becoming the 1st Sergeant of 133d Army Band, then 96th Troop Command and the 1041st Transportation Company, what an incredible ride!

All while also working a full time job with the Army Corps of Engineers…

And becoming the most decorated alpaca farmer of all time!

As a veteran myself, it is a great honor to welcome you into the fold.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, dear!

And thank you for keeping purpose, direction and motivation alive here on the farm!