BLOT: Our part in that inspiring task
Over the past two years, we’ve been quietly rebuilding the future of Affinity Farms. We’ve spent 24 months taking a hard look at our farm—asking simple but important questions with mentors, vendors, and customers. Is our production model aligned with our mission? Does it fit today’s economic reality? Are we truly serving our community?
The answers weren’t always clear, and at times they were uncomfortable. That process pushed us to rethink how we operate in an environment that hasn’t been kind to farmers, agriculture, or rural communities.
Agriculture has always evolved alongside civilization. The systems we rely on today were built for a different time, and like those before them, they must adapt. With that in mind, we’re steering this farm to better serve our local community and respond to the realities of today’s economy.
Our move toward automation was just the beginning—a preview of a broader ten‑year plan to help build a more resilient, sustainable food system. Over the next few years, we’ll be rolling out new projects that support that vision, both directly and indirectly.
This week, we’re excited to share the first of those steps: Affinity Farms is building a small malthouse on the farm.
Last fall, we planted 40 acres of barley with the goal of malting it ourselves after this June’s harvest. That lets us complete the third ingredient of a whiskey mashbill right here on the farm, while also creating a local source of malt for breweries in our region.
The past two years have been extremely difficult. While we believe the old 70s commodity model still has a few good runs left, we’re choosing to evolve—aligning our operation more closely with our mission to serve the community of Nelson County.
We are deeply thankful for our team at Affinity Farms, who show up every day to work through problems and build something remarkable.
We believe American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that we can exert an influence in our home and community which will stand solid for our part in that inspiring task.