West Faithful Acres

Shaking Earth | This image was generated using OpenAI's AI tools.  Although the United States does not experience major earthquakes as frequently as Japan, it faces significant seismic risks, especially along the West Coast. To address these risks, the country has developed a comprehensive disaster-management framework that coordinates federal, state, and local authorities. A key feature of this system is its ability to mitigate damage by combining government efforts with scientific research and private-sector collaboration, ultimately enhancing societal resilience. At the heart of this framework is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When a large earthquake occurs, local governments initiate the immediate response, while FEMA provides support if the disaster exceeds local capacity. The agency is responsible for allocating resources, managing shelters, assisting displaced ...

 I always start my mornings before the sun rises. On the farm I am up at four a.m. long before most people are awake. In this season bears sometimes come close so I adjust my start time a little to stay safe. When I walk into the fields the air is crisp and cold and I drink a hot cup of coffee while I breathe in the clean fresh air. That is my favorite part of the day. It is quiet and peaceful. I am alone with the land and it feels like the world belongs only to me. Maybe some of you have had a moment like this. I really love this time and I would not trade it for anything. Azusa Limited Express Train Front View at the Station On Thursdays my routine changes. Most of the week I live the slow grounded life on the farm but on Thursdays I catch the first Azusa train to Tokyo for my main job. I commute from a rural area to the city and this dual life is a big part of my story. I book my seat...

Today marks day one of a week-long farm maintenance project along my orchard and the forest next to the fields. I’m carefully pruning overgrown vines and small branches that have wrapped around larger trees, while leaving mature trees such as pine, cedar, walnut, and chestnut intact. This is essential farm and woodland upkeep to keep both the trees and surrounding land healthy. Pruning Vines and Small Branches in the Orchard and Adjacent Forest Using a heavy-duty lopper, I’m cutting vines and smaller branches that have become tangled or are shading important trees. Some younger shoots have small thorns, while older vines have hardened into woody, tree-like branches. Strong climbing vines such as Smilax (greenbrier) are incredibly tough, almost rope-like, so proper vine and branch management in the orchard and forest edge is key for safety. ...

This isn’t just a concern for travelers—it applies to us farmers as well! This year, the number of bear sightings and injuries has been especially high. I even carry bear spray with me when I’m working in the fields. Japan Deploys Troops to Battle BEAR ATTACKS After 12 People Killed Source: New York Post 1. Why Bear Sightings Are Increasing in Japan Bear encounters in Japan, especially in northern regions like Hokkaido, have surged in 2025. Experts cite several reasons: Growing bear populations: Conservation efforts and reduced hunting have increased the number of bears. Food shortages: Poor acorn and nut harvests have forced bears to venture closer to towns and parks. Urban encroachment and abandoned farmland: Depopulation of rural areas has left forests and fields unmanaged, providing bears with easy access to human areas. This combination of ecological and human factors has led to more frequent sightings and occasional attacks, prompting autho...

Before diving into today’s topic, I want to share some foundational knowledge about agriculture. Farmers constantly work to expand their understanding, not just in the fields, but through community engagement and studying books or research materials. Thanks to this relentless effort, delicious vegetables and fruits make it to my table every day. This knowledge is never wasted, and today’s blog post will briefly introduce some of it so readers can better appreciate the dedication and insight of farmers. A Rest Day at the Farm Observing Frosty Fields Agriculture shapes both economies and cultures worldwide. Understanding the significance of Farmers’ Day in different nations provides insight into the interplay between tradition, environment, and sustainable cultivation. This article explores the agricultural celebrations, major crops, soil characteristics, climate, and farm size ratios in 9 countries plus Jap...

Good news today I received my very first order for vegetables from a neighbor. Even though it is a free offer, it is exciting to see someone eager to enjoy what I have grown in my field. Yesterday I spent several hours mowing the field with a rented brush cutter. The repetitive work is physically demanding, but it is evident that careful preparation and proper gear allow me to accomplish the task efficiently. Gloves, goggles, and an apron protect me from flying debris and sharp objects in the grass. This morning I returned to the field and saw that frost had covered the grass and soil. The timing of the mowing was perfect, as the frost emphasizes the seasonal changes and shows the delicate balance of nature. I captured a photograph of the frosted field to document this serene landscape. Frost covered field early in the morning highlighting seasonal change. A serene view of the field after an overnight frost. ...

  Beautiful mountain view over a freshly harvested rice field Today I want to share one of the most beautiful scenes I have captured this season. After finishing the harvest, the field has become quiet and still, almost as if it is taking a long deep breath before winter arrives. In the distance, a line of mountains stretches across the horizon, creating a calm and powerful backdrop. The contrast between the wide open rice field in the foreground and the mountains standing tall behind it makes the landscape feel both peaceful and grand at the same time. This is one of those moments when nature reminds me how simple and beautiful rural life can be. Even after a busy farming season, the land still knows how to show its gentle side. I hope this photo brings you the same feeling of calm that it brought me. Sometimes you don’t need anything complicated, just a quiet field, a clear sky, ...

 Hey everyone!,  I hope you are doing well today. It was a clear sunny morning and the weather was perfect for working in the field so I decided to do a big grass cutting session. I spent around five hours with a rented brush cutter clearing a large portion of my farm. As a farmer I do not own all my machinery so I often rely on equipment rental to manage costs efficiently. Tools I Used for This Grass-Clearing Job In my case the decision to rent rather than buy makes sense because I only need the brush cutter two or three times a year. Paying for a farm equipment rental is far more economical when usage is so infrequent. The cost to rent a mower or cutter from a local center is extremely affordable compared with purchasing an expensive machine that sits idle most of the time. Renting lets me avoid the substantial upfront investment and reduces the burden of maintenance. G...

 Hi!, Today, while inspecting my garden, I encountered a hunter and his highly trained tracking dog. Recently, there have been multiple bear sightings in the area, so I felt profound gratitude toward them. The dog was methodically following olfactory trails, completely absorbed in detecting wildlife movement. It was remarkable to observe such specialized canine behavior; their acute sensory perception enables them to locate animals, track movements, and provide early warnings for potential hazards, all of which significantly enhance personal safety for people working outdoors. Hunter and Canine Expert Tracking Local Wildlife Recently, I had placed small, astringent kiwifruits and overgrown Japanese mustard spinach (Komatsuna) into the compost bin. There is a deliberate strategy behind this: wild animals have been foraging in the garden. I immediately recognized the evidence because the soil around hidden tree roots carried a distinct, wild scent, indicating territorial marking...

Hi, Today I spent some time collecting the seeds I’ll be planting in my garden next spring. The variety is a Western-type Japanese pumpkin called "Ebisu Kabocha" The squash I saved seeds from was part of my second round of harvests, which meant the flavor of the fruit itself was noticeably mild, something that often happens late in the season. Still, each squash produces a generous number of seeds, making it surprisingly cost-effective. Whether next year’s plants will set fruit well is something I won’t know until I evaluate them, but that uncertainty is part of the excitement of gardening. Saving Seeds from My Homegrown Ebisu Kabocha This fall, harvesting my homegrown 'Japanese Ebisu kabocha' made me consider what factors actually influence the flavor, and ...