From Peas to Bees

Last year, we took a ride on an agricultural roller coaster, one full of ups and downs and unforeseen corkscrews. With the ups, our eyes opened wide and gave us a better view of exciting things and the downs gave us the famous feeling of gut-wrenching pull of gravity.

We planted 70 acres with field peas in March. After a few months of riding the ups, our beautiful crop experienced a two-week drought. Peas are a cool weather loving crop and this hot and dry spell weakened the plants and attracted aphids by the busload. Word traveled fast; invites went out, I think, and every aphid in Houston County came and ate their best meal. We began feeling the downward turn of the ride.

Visible damage increased on a daily basis. Rains wouldn't keep them from their encroachment. We tried killing the the soft-bodied aphids by dusting the field with diatomaceous earth; crushed fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms,. However, it was quickly washed away by more rain before it could be effective.

By late June, the decision was made to accept our losses and plow the peas under.

In place, we planted buckwheat, a quick growing crop, one that's also related to rhubarb (by the way). Within four hopeful weeks, we had tiny, white beautiful blossoms scattered across our green field! The tightly clustered flowers gave off an aroma that was unlike anything I'd smelled before; bold, somewhat earthy and slightly sweet. Honestly, it made my nose wrinkle up a bit as it also had an aroma similar to a cow pasture. But, they were beautiful and it was nice to see a flourishing crop again. We were happily riding this crazy roller coaster again, and enjoying the views! We knew each blossom would develop a seed that was harvest-able and marketable!

By now, it was late July and we were focused on tending our garden. Out weeding one day, I heard a familiar busy humming sound nearby and went to find the source. To my delight, a few hundred honeybee scouts and leaders were checking out a couple hive boxes I had sitting out! Knowing how amazing this moment was, I ran back to the house and rounded up our kids so they too could witness this event. Check out the video below!

What a blessing!! We lost our peas, but we got free bees! As honeybees absolutely love buckwheat, I believe it was the reason they chose our homestead as their new home. And, in late-July, it served as a great pollen source for them. The honey produced from buckwheat is incredibly rich and highly coveted among honey enthusiasts. Buckwheat honey is rather dark, packed with antioxidants and is known for being an excellent honey for coughs and colds, and for use in homemade syrups. The flavor is described as somewhere between molasses and maple syrup, with a wonderful lingering taste. We enjoy buckwheat honey in and on our homemade wheat bread, as well as homemade corn bread!

We didn't understand what God had in store for us, but we trusted He'd see us through this crazy ride. After all, He's the one controlling it.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6