When the heat changes everything… even what we buy.

When the heat changes everything… even what we buy

The goats still need milking, the work still gets done—but something strange happens to retail sales when summer turns brutal. I’m curious if you’ve noticed it, too.

 

A few things I've realized in the last few days...

There is a reality to summer in the South that is hard to explain unless you live it.

We're on the northern edge of the South here in the Ozarks, and yes, we get a real winter. But this summer has been different. I've been told — and I've seen it for myself — that we've had more days over 100° than is normal for us.

And here's the strange thing about farmers:

We keep going.

We really do.

The goats still have to be milked. Animals still have to be fed. Fences still need fixing. Orders still need packing. There are always things that simply cannot wait for cooler weather.

But somewhere along the way, you develop a certain tolerance for it.

Or maybe it's perseverance.

I'm not sure there's even a good word for it.

You learn to work early, slow down when you have to, drink more water than you think you need, and pick things back up again when the heat gives you a little break.

And you get a little impatient with yourself because you know what you could accomplish if it weren't 103° outside.

The heat shows up in the utility bill, too. That's certainly no small thing.

But honestly, that's not what concerns me most.

It's what happens to retail sales.

There's a term I've heard other businesses use for it: the summer slump.

A deli I know has experienced a real slowdown this summer, too.

And I find myself wondering: Why?

A cold-cut sandwich sounds pretty darn good when it's 100° outside. Yet their business slows down.

And we're seeing something similar.

Our retail sales can really plummet during these stretches of extreme heat.

It's hard to understand.

People don't stop needing soap because it's hot outside. If anything, summer means more showers, more washing, more time outdoors, more dirt, sweat, and sunscreen.

So why does the buying seem to stop?

Is it that people simply don't want to think about shopping when it's 100° outside?

Are they spending differently?

Are they staying home?

Does extreme heat change our routines enough that even things that seem perfectly suited to summer get pushed aside?

I don't have the answer.

And I'm not writing this because I expect anyone else to have one.

I'm genuinely curious.

Because farming has taught me that perseverance isn't always about pushing harder. Sometimes it's about paying attention. Watching. Wondering. Asking questions.

So that's what I'm doing.

When it's this hot, does the heat change the way you shop, too? What changes for you?

Because around here, we're still working.

We're just doing it a little slower, a little sweatier, and with a whole lot more patience.

Our livestock impress us daily - they are not nearly as bothered.

The two cows are Sassy ( the Holstein) and Maybelline 💙
.

 

Thank you to everyone who purchased a hog share! We truly appreciate you supporting our little farm and putting good, pastured pork in your freezer.

And looking ahead… we’re hoping to have Dexter beef available in early winter. More details to come as we get closer!

 

The website has a few new pictures, some rearranging, and a little more room to help you find your way around.

And we’ve added new volume pricing on our goat milk soaps:

3 for $23 • 6 for $45 • 9 for $65

Plus, free shipping on orders over $45.