My regular creative business in photography, videography and design is completely decimated, amidst an unrelenting pandemic that seems to see no end at least for the next 2 years. It was a difficult journey when I first started that business 9 years ago. I remembered literally going knocking from door to door at Publika asking for work. That was then.
Fast forward to now, and not any younger, I have to start anew again, albeit a completely different field. Looking back, I’m amazed at the thick-skin epidermic-like courage I possessed, and I wonder if the same can see me through this pandemic. I guess when push come to shove, I have to simply stick my neck out.
However, having a little one in tow now certainly serves both as a reminder to stay afloat and a glimmer of hope/driving force to persevere. Hoping to pass on the “fighting” never-give-up spirit and trudge along no matter how uncomfortable the journey is, exposing my boy to the rigours of farm work is never too early. With virtual learning increasingly becoming the norm of learning these days, being exposed to real outdoor work is a refreshing opportunity and perspective to add to one’s personal growth.
The arrival of 500 kampung chickens will be delayed until end Feb. These 90 coloured broilers are almost 4 months plus now and some reaching the ideal slaughter weight of 1.5 kg, after 2 months without a trace of commercial feed. Difficult for a newbie like me but doable nevertheless. Looking back and thank God, it wasn’t so difficult after all.
Time flies and it only makes one stronger. It’s amazing to see a good number of the chickens grow 500g in 2 months; a satisfying journey I’m sure will be equally matched by my boy’s growing up. Small baby steps along the way. But perhaps that’s it. It’s all about taking one day at a time.
By June 2021, if this farming venture takes off, I would have worn 4 different hats in 20 years of my working career. If everything goes according to plan, this June would also be the time when my production goes full swing with 600 chickens and 100 ducks. Small but that’s a start.
By then, I would be back doing what I’ve been doing all along: sales; direct selling to health-conscious and discerning consumers who believe in the ethos of regenerative agriculture that this farm stands by.
[Photos taken end Dec 2020]
