Farm Kings Season 2 Episode 6

Wow! I'm sure there is some back story that we don't know about but why in the world is Dan always getting kicked about by his older brothers??!!!?? I still think that Dan should have returned to Polyface. Joel Salatin still had loads to teach him. The way the boys react when Dan tells them how something is done at Polyface is so wrong too. At this point it would be nice if they gave Dan at least the courtesy of listening to him. They are right in that it's Freedom Farms and not Polyface. That said they've also mentioned that Polyface is the example that they are shooting for. The idea of making Dan CEO for the week was kind of fun to watch. Thankfully it didn't backfire on Dan! If the worse thing he did was order to much flour so be it. It gave Dan empathy for what Joe goes through and that's all fine and dandy but that's the role that Joe has chosen for himself. So while I'm glad it gave Dan a chance to prove himself but not messing up and doing the commercial it didn't seem to open up the family's eyes about Dan. Honestly it seems like he is a man of many strengths and can excel at almost anything when given the opportunity. I loved that he spoke up about not knowing about the trip that Tim & Sam went on and the Taste of whatever that Lisa, Bitty and Dale (?) were participating in. I think if Joe had been out of the loop that he would have raised hell. Now on to the Taste of ???? and the competition. Good G-d! Lisa might have the most competitive streak I've ever seen. I'm sure it has helped in throughout life but it also makes you think that she could get ruthless if need be. The sense of competition was fun to watch. It was great for Freedom Farms since they featured so many of the Farms products. Hey Bitty! Can you share that recipe for the meatballs? If you don't want to give away the whole recipe how about just the meatball part? We're mushroom junkies in this house and that would go over so well! The trip that Tim and Sam took was interesting to see in that I want to get more berries in the backyard so it was a bit of a learning experience for me. It was also interesting watching Sam struggle with the decision to to to college or stay and work on the farm. The fact that they have so much trust and respect for him is awesome. Also since he didn't have a clear idea of what he'd like to do with his life other than farming it was a good choice to not spend big money on college. I do think that with college being as expensive as it is and kids of 18 being as immature as they are (and should be at that age) going away is just asking for trouble and winds up blowing money. I did love the way Sam acknowledged that helping his brother grow the business was something special. Again the love, respect and work ethic Lisa instilled in her kids shines through. The commercial in and of itself was probably a great idea. The money aspect of it was something to be considered but it was out of the box for Freedom Farms and a great way to spread the word on when the home market was opening. A few problems though. I get that it was Dan's idea and he was CEO for the week. He should have not featured himself as the CEO and focused more on the family. It was a great idea of showing them cleaning and getting ready to open up for the season but perhaps they could have verbalized it better. The last thing is where in the world did they get that producer??????????????? Ok, he's Polish at least that's what I gathered from the accent and his jacket. As a fellow Pollock he kind of made me cringe but that could just be me. SO- all in all Dan did a great job. I'm sure he'll get no real credit for it and they won't be giving him more respect any time soon. Still nice to see that Dan can handle whatever is thrown his way. It will be interesting to see what niche Dan fills in this year and how Sam does with the fruit production.

Farm Kings Episode 3

Ok I'm late.  Sorry.  I was oh so organized this time & jotted things down as I watched the show.  Man if there is a career in this somehow I need to get it lined up!  Anyway the primary focus of this episode is Joe and Pete going to Polyface Farm and visiting with Joel Salatin.  If you don't know who he is shame on you!  A bit harsh?  Alright.  Sorry.  He is an incredibly fascinating man who is basically a living encyclopedia about sustainable farming.  Using the land, animals and crops to complement each other.  Working with Mother Nature instead of hitting her over the head and poisoning her.  OK so I'll get off the soapbox here.  The guys went to go visit Salatin and learned a lot.  The down side of it is that Dan really wanted to go because Salatin is his hero and he's starting the pig operation.  Apparently there wasn't anyone else who could do the donut run so Dan had to stay behind and take care of that.  Seriously?  You couldn't find anyone else?  Dan had never been to the New Kent market so he was worried about being on time.  Um, Dan....why hadn't you been there yet?  Get with the program buddy.  Ok that is the only derogatory thing I'm going to say about Dan on this episode.  Joe once again kind of rubbed me the wrong way.  As I mentioned I'm pretty sure that they could have found someone to cover the donut run.  Also the way Joe talked to the employee that forked the truck.  Ok, I get being upset and all.  I don't understand talking to someone like that.  I love that Pete jumped right in with take a pic and send it.  Joe just wanted to ream the guy.  Joe also does a WHOLE lot of complaining.  I think that could be my biggest problem with him.  I understand that he has taken on way too much but ultimately it was his decision.  I might go crazy if I hear about him complaining about getting a phone call with a problem.  Um dude....your the boss.  Welcome to your life.  You are the guy that is going to get the phone calls.  You're the guy that has to cover hours if there is a need.  Your the guy that is the be all and end all.  That means putting up with a whole lot of  crap.  So suck it up buddy!  Enough on that for now.  The was a segment on the first chicken slaughter of the year.  I had to tell Princess Bear (PB) to look away when the put the chicken in the kill cone.  I wasn't sure how much they'd show.  Thankfully it was all handled very well.  The guys headed up by Pete looked like they did a great job and things went smoothly.  I loved listening to Luke explain how it is different that dissecting in school.  After that there was a family dinner at Lisa's serving the chicken.  Hey Tim, anytime you're looking for a place to hang out barefooted and cooking give me a call, ok?  :) 

So, my thoughts on the episode as a whole:
-Dan really is getting a bum rap that I'm not completely sure he deserves.  He also came around enough to acknowledge how his staying allowed Joe to have a good time and learn what he needed.
-I think overall Pete has the funniest personality.  I love when he's talking to the chicks as he's feeding them or when he was talking to Hold 'em.  He just makes me smile and I'm sure other respond likewise. 
-Joe see above.  Also you need to make sure that when you are leaving that everyone knows what is going on.  IE the list that Dan needed at Boldy's. 
-Tim you're just hot.  Bottom line end of story. 

Ok, I'm outta here for now.  Catch ya tomorrow!