What a season it has been so far.

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As August begins, it's hard to believe everything we've already experienced. We've battled drought conditions, a massive heat wave with temperatures climbing above 100°F, and yet another summer of smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires, making long days in the fields even more challenging.

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Now in my fourth season at Crossroads Farm, I finally feel like we are getting ahead of the curve. Instead of constantly reacting to pests and other crop challenges, we are beginning to anticipate them. The lessons from the last few years are paying off. We are better prepared for the challenges that come every summer, rather than being caught off guard by something like losing most of our tomato blossoms during that 105-degree Fourth of July weekend heat. That was certainly not something we had worked into our crop plan, but the show must go on.

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Oftentimes, I equate farming to sports. You have to learn how to roll with the punches. Sometimes you need a short memory. You can't dwell on what went wrong. You go back to your instincts, your notes from previous seasons, and you just keep planting. Just keep weeding. Just keep harvesting. Most importantly, just keep showing up.

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This has also been the first year that my daughter has been able to participate in both our Spring and Summer Sunshine Days programs. Being settled into my role here while also getting to enjoy being a parent has been one of the greatest blessings of the season.

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Not only has she loved the farm's educational programs, but we've also made it to nearly every Friday Food Truck Rodeo since Memorial Day weekend. It's become a family tradition.

The rodeos now run like a well-oiled machine, allowing me to step away from operations for a few hours and simply enjoy the evening with my family. I get to catch up with old friends, chat with Farm Store customers, and spend time with members of our community. Those moments remind me why we do what we do.

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At one recent Food Truck Friday, a gentleman stopped me and said how remarkable it was that, here in suburban Long Island, someone gets to raise a family on a working farm and come to work in such a special place every day. His comment really made me stop and think.

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It reminded me just how fortunate we all are to have Crossroads Farm as part of our community. A real working farm. Meaningful educational programs. Community events filled with live music, local vendors, fresh food, and neighbors coming together. These are the kinds of authentic experiences so many people are searching for today, and we're incredibly fortunate to have them right here in our own backyard.

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As I reflect on the summer so far, I feel incredibly grateful not only to call Crossroads Farm my second home and to be raising my family alongside this amazing community, but also to work with such a dedicated team. Every member of our staff, volunteers, educators, board members, and supporters plays a part in making this place so special. I'm excited to see what the rest of the season has in store.