When Delbert Garrett Jr. took over Garrett Cattle Company, he had a new vision. To produce organic crops and raise animals in an organic way. The farm, now known as GCC organics, is a USDA certified organic farm. Delbert is currently on the Michigan Agricultural Advisory Board of the Humane Society of the United States, and takes pride in his way of raising animals.
Delbert and his wife Krystal welcomed two new children into their lives in September of 2014 and with the time consuming job of being a parent Delbert looked for more outside help on the farm.
Cameron Ward, Delbert’s half brother, has been working at the farm for 4 summers. With the new additions to the family, Cameron enlisted the help of his tow close friends, Kyle Staples and Ryley Stringer, to join him for the summer’s job.
“Sometimes you just need to get away from home,” Kyle said.
For Kyle, home is Pueblo, Colorado where he met Ryley and Cameron. They were a close knit group of friends during high school, the four amigos, you could say. One of the four has moved to Texas, but the three reunited this May at GCC organics farm and will work together through December.
The typical day starts early with Kyle and Ryley committed to morning chores. The two care for the estimated 1300 chickens, cows, and turkeys who call the farm home. Cameron chimes in for the daily tasks that range from harvesting crops to dressing chickens. Every evening Cameron collects and cleans over 150 organic eggs, and Kyle and Ryley chip in for the cleaning process.
“I feel like I should be wearing a bonnet,” Cameron says while collecting the eggs.
Kyle, who grew up on a dairy farm, has some experience of the farm life. Ryley says this is his first tome working on a farm, and Delbert has been patient with him learning the ways of the farm. Once, he tried to nurse a chick back to health after an injury. He was almost successful, but learned that it was a lot of time commitment.
As the evening chores wrap up, the boys gather outside of the garage and chat with Ryley about welding a piece of farm equipment for the next day’s chores. They gather in lawn chairs while watching the Michigan sun set. They talk about the day’s events, and reminisce about the past and the things they miss.
“Besides you guys, I don’t have a social life. I can send one text once I’m done with chores, and I fall asleep,” Ryley tells Cameron and Kyle. The appreciation of the work that goes into farm work is evident with the tree friends who both work hard and goof around together every day. As men in their early 20’s, it’s a change from the generation of technology driven communication.
The appreciation of the work that goes into farm work is evident with the tree friends who both work hard and goof around together every day. As men in their early 20’s, it’s a change from the generation of technology driven communication.
Kaiti Grant 