This week’s Word Press Weekly Photo Challenge theme is off-season.  Winter was the first thing that came to my mind and I knew the exact picture I wanted to use.  I took this picture right after one of the numerous snowstorms this winter.  It’s a barn just a short walk from my house.

But then I started thinking how this barn represents the plight of small farmers.  One hundred years ago, when this barn was built, it was state-of-the-art.  It had a beautiful carriage barn, hand-hewed beams, sturdy cow stanchions and rock walls over eight feet high.

Now it’s neglected and deteriorating.  Time and the elements will make sure it has a slow demise, weakening it until there’s nothing left.  Then it will finally fall victim to farming’s permanent off-season, just like most of the small farms in my area and across the country.

“Our food system belongs in the hands of many family farmers, not under the control of a handful of corporations.”  – Willie Nelson