Naturalists tell us this was a mast year for acorns so hopefully this abundance will keep the wild critters well fed over the winter. Likewise, I hope that this was an abundantly productive year for your Grange. While some Granges are succeeding, I know others are in hard times. My hope is that you will persevere in the spirit of our Fraternity and stick together to succeed in your projects and other events and continue to grow together as you reap the many benefits that the Grange gives to you. Now that winter, the season of reflection, has arrived, think about what your Grange can do differently in the coming year; new community service, fundraisers, and ideas to have fun at your meetings. I never cease to be amazed at the warm welcome received upon visiting Granges in any town or state.

Remember the installing officer in the installation ceremony says, “Be cheerful, be united. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

In the Connecticut Farm Bureau October issue of “From the Farm”, challenges facing both US and CT farms were written up as taken from the latest Ag Census. This is taken every five years and we complete them for our farm here in Southbury. In CT, farm production expenses were up more than 13% (17.8% nationally) from 2017 to 2022 for an average increase of $26,000 per farm. Across the country, agriculture is slipping with losses of family farms and farm acres, income and government support. Increased regulations, increased cost of supplies, and lack of available labor are making it tougher for farms to be profitable. Another problem is dealing with unpredictable weather events. The adaptability of farms and farmers to new markets has led some to respond by providing products based on their local market needs like pick-your-own berries and corn or sunflower mazes. Passage of a new farm bill by Congress is important to the long term sustainability of agriculture across the US.

From National Grange President Chris Hamp’s Internal Address at the 158th National Convention, she encourages a forward looking vision to make the Grange stronger tomorrow than it is today. At the same time, we must try to avoid the deficit mindset by focusing on our richness from the past legacy of the Grange while looking forward with positivity and new ideas to try out in our communities. Another hot button topic of discussion is dues. Our dues structure is grossly outdated and can be seen in that many Granges have not significantly increased their dues in the 36 years I have been in the Grange. We all complain about increases and loss of membership, but dues must increase if we are to remain viable. The only other way is if your Granges start raising more money to offset expenses. What goes out shouldn’t exceed what comes in. A third topic from the address is that of what the National Grange does for us. Many think far too little is done by National which is not true or fair to them. Instead of complaining about this, try looking at the National Grange website and all the resources as well as the options for webinars on a variety of topics to help you promote your Granges and get ideas from others.

It is time once again for the Northeastern Leaders’ Conference. This year it is in Danvers, MA at the Double Tree Hilton. The field trip and seminars sound great. We will visit a local vocational agricultural school for a tour- something new arranged by Mass. State Grange President Corey Spence. I can’t wait!