Not Just a Job, a Way of Life
Farming isn’t just a job to the Mast family. They enjoy the process and the fulfillment of being self-sufficient. Joe and Lydia Mast like to watch things grow and cherish the time at home with their four children.
They have 11 acres of farmland next to their home. When 
they gaze out of their kitchen window, they see the beautiful life they’ve created. Towards the back, there are rows of bright red tomatoes, slowly growing. In the middle, there are many stalks of corn, which Lydia loves. She said, “Corn is so good. You just can’t beat it.” Although she does admit that with four children, “It’s so messy too.”
Their greenhouse is towards the front of their house. While Joe likes being out in the field, Lydia said, “I like the greenhouse better then the field. You can look at all of it.” She also said, “Weeding in the greenhouse can be relaxing whereas weeding in the field can be overwhelming.” Both Lydia and Joe most enjoy the planting part of the farming process.
The Masts don’t like to waste food. Instead they can leftovers and set them aside for winter months. Lydia doesn’t enjoy the canning process, but definitely takes pleasure in the end result: a full kitchen cupboard. With that full cupboard comes a sense of security.
Although the trip to the farmers markets is expensive, Joe said, “I enjoy coming to the market. It’s a highlight.” Members of the Mast family make trips on Thursdays and Saturdays to farmers markets. On Wednesdays, Lydia bakes her famous donuts in preparation for the markets they attend. While in the area, they also sell to local businesses such as Cyrano’s.
In the far back of the Masts’ field is the barn that houses their workhorse and a few livestock. As Joe and Lydia look out their back window, they also see the sandbox and swing where their children play. They see where their white fluffy dog, Tootsie, runs with her new puppies. Farming is a lot of work from planting to harvesting to selling at markets. The Masts have built their life around what they enjoy and what will sustain them: family and food.
- Article by Megan Favignano. Photos by Caitlin Zera.