A Personal Note from the Farmer

I’m a rather private person and I much prefer to talk about vegetables than about my personal issues. Today, however, I feel compelled to open up with the Red Thread community to provide context for what will be happening with the farm in 2025. 

A few weeks ago I learned that I need open-heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. An enlargement in my aorta was discovered a few years ago and has been monitored regularly by my cardiologist in the hopes that an intervention would not be required. A team of heart specialists at Vanderbilt has now determined that I am at increased risk for a life threatening dissection (rupture) if that portion of my aorta is not replaced. 

All of this sounds terribly serious - and it is. Please know that I am in great hands with some of the best cardiologists in the country. My prognosis is exceptionally good thanks to my relatively young age, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle. Although my mind won’t let me forget about the ticking time bomb in my chest, I am not experiencing any noticeable symptoms and I feel well. The surgery is scheduled for mid-January and I am staying focused on finishing out the next two months at the farm and enjoying the holiday season with my family.

What This Means for Red Thread Farm

As you may know, we’ve made an intentional decision to run this little farm with no employees, meaning crop production is almost solely dependent on me. The recovery period after surgery will preclude me from doing the physical work required for the spring season. Amy and I had already made plans to take off in the summer to spend quality time with our teenagers who are growing up so quickly. Therefore, our plan is to reopen Red Thread Farm by late summer 2025.

For now, nothing changes. We will continue to host the weekly online preorder and maintain regular farm store hours through our last day of the season on December 14th.

Amy and I are so very grateful to this community of people who share our love of healthy, authentic, local food. Now, more than ever, we are thankful for your loyalty, your support, and – most of all – your friendship. I’m already starting to dream about how we can serve you even better in 2025. 

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About Thoracic Aortic Dissection

Over 20,000 people suffer a thoracic aortic dissection every year in the US and half of those cases result in loss of life. Most people survive aortic disease when promptly diagnosed and treated. I encourage you to visit The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health to learn about this life-threatening condition that often goes undiagnosed. Visit johnritterfoundation.org for more information.