The Quiet Efficiency of a Farmer’s Lists

After a long, cold winter in many parts of the world, farming season is now in full swing. In the “A Farmer’s Lists” chapter in his At the Corner of Fact & Fancy, journalist and weekend farmer Jonathan Kolatch reveals that list-making is essential to accomplish the many tasks that need attention before growing season begins in earnest.

What seems like a simple habit--scribbling down tasks on paper--emerges in Kolatch’s world as a lifeline between intent and action. For farmers, particularly those balancing another profession, lists are not merely organizational tools; they are the bridge between aspiration and harvest.

The Farmer’s Dual Life

Kolatch’s identity as a weekend farmer is central to his reliance on lists. During the week, he is a writer--a man of words and ideas. However, as the weekend approaches, he transitions into a hands-on orchardist, responsible for acres of land, trees, pests, and weather patterns.

This kind of dual existence creates a unique challenge: how does one switch efficiently from the world of writing to that of farming?

Well, the answer lies in preparation, and from Kolatch’s viewpoint, preparation takes the form of lists.

Before leaving the farm each weekend, he writes down unfinished tasks. On his way back the following week, he prepares another list, and in a way steps back into the agricultural rhythm. These lists act as continuity devices, ensuring that nothing is forgotten and that momentum is never lost.

For modern readers, this resonates deeply. In an age of constant distraction, the act of writing down tasks remains one of the most effective ways to regain focus and clarity.

The Anatomy of Farmer’s List

Kolatch’s lists are simple, and a typical list might include:

• Mend fence
  
• Dandelions
  
• Groundhogs
  
• Spray scab
  
• Compromise
  
• Thinning
  
• Wild turkeys

At first, these items appear almost random--some are tasks, others are problems, and a few seem abstract. However, this is precisely what makes a farmer’s list so very fascinating: it helps to capture the entire spectrum of agricultural life.

The different tasks and threats

A farmer’s list is different from a conventional to-do list. It includes both actions and adversaries. “Mend fence” is a clear directive, but “groundhogs” or “wild turkeys” represent challenges that require attention, strategy, and sometimes improvisation.

 The dual nature reflects the reality of farming: it is not just about doing, but also about responding. Nature does not operate on a fixed schedule, and neither can the farmer.

The presence of the unexpected

Items like “compromise” provide a hint at the philosophical dimension of farming. Everything cannot be controlled. Weather conditions, animal behavior, and plant diseases often force farmers to adapt their plans.

A list is, therefore, not a rigid blueprint; it is a flexible guide that is open to revision and reinterpretation.

Mend Fences: The First Line of Defense

One of the most vivid sections in Kolatch’s writing revolves around mending fences. At first, this might seem like a mundane chore, but it quickly reveals itself as a critical aspect of farm management.

Deer, particularly white-tailed deer, are both beautiful and destructive. They roam freely through orchards, attracted by the promise of fresh leaves and fruits. A broken fence is indeed an open invitation to devastation.

Kolatch’s observations highlight an important truth: farming is as much about protection as it is about growth.

A farmer must constantly guard against threats, both visible and unseen. A fence acts as a barrier between cultivated order and natural chaos.

The Battle Against Weeds and Pests

“Dandelions” may sound harmless, even charming, but in the context of farming, they represent competition. Weeds steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from crops, undermining the efforts of the farmer.

Similarly, groundhogs and other animals pose a persistent threat. They dig, gnaw, and consume, often undoing weeks of hard work in a matter of just a few hours.  

Kolatch’s lists remind us that farming is not a passive activity. What is required is constant intervention--pulling weeds, setting traps, applying treatments, and monitoring changes.

This kind of ongoing battle underscores the importance of vigilance. A single overlooked task can have cascading consequences.  

The Science of Spraying and Thinning

Tasks like “spray scab” and “thinning” introduce the technical side of farming. These are not arbitrary actions; they are informed by knowledge, timing, and experience.

Spraying for Disease Control

Apple scab, for example, is a fungal disease that can severely damage crops. Spraying is a preventive measure that requires precise timing and careful application.

This highlights another dimension of list-making: it ensures that time-sensitive tasks are not missed. In farming, timing is everything. A delay of even a few days can mean the difference between a healthy crop and a failed harvest.

Thinning for Better Yield

Thinning involves removing excess fruit so that the remaining ones can grow larger and healthier. It is a counterintuitive practice - removing potential produce to improve overall quality.

This reflects a broader life lesson: sometimes, less is more. Strategic reduction can lead to better outcomes, whether in farming or in other areas of life.

The Seasonal Rhythm

Farming is inherently seasonal, and lists reflect this rhythm. Tasks change with the time of year, guided by weather patterns and plant cycles.

Spring, in particular, is a period of intense activity. After months of dormancy, the land comes alive, demanding attention and care.

Kolatch’s lists capture this urgency. They are filled with tasks that must be completed quickly and in an efficient manner, before the growing season reaches its peak.

Conclusion

As the farming season begins, the importance of preparation cannot be overlooked. Fields must be tended, fences must be repaired, pests need to be managed, and crops need to be nurtured properly.

In the midst of this complexity, the humble list emerges as a powerful ally. It helps to organize, guide, and sustain the efforts of the farmer.

Jonathan Kolatch’s “A Farmer’s Lists” is a reminder of the fact that success in farming often depends on the simplest of tools. A piece of paper, a few carefully chosen words, and the discipline to follow through can actually make a big difference.

Jonathan David Publishers welcomes you to explore Jonathan Kolatch’s At the Corner of Fact & Fancy to gain insight into worlds that might be far different from your own.