Maintaining an eco-farm and caring for the land requires a level of dedication that extends far beyond the conventional concept of work and leisure. For Filip Marek, owner of an eco-farm in Český ráj, taking care of the farm means relinquishing the notion of rest and embracing a way of life that demands constant attention and effort.

Nestled near the village of Všeň, Marek’s farm offers visitors a glimpse into a slightly different world. The picturesque pastures are adorned with Indian teepees, horses grazing nearby, and blooming trees, creating a romantic atmosphere that captivates urban dwellers seeking a rural escape.

Spanning hectares of fields, expansive meadows, horse breeding, and a cattle herd, the eco-farm also boasts a sprawling orchard, a fruit drying facility, and a renowned fruit juice production unit that attracts hundreds of people each year. The facility offers commercially available juices and provides fruit processing services.

As the landowner, Marek wears multiple hats, functioning not only as a farmer but also as an economist, repairman, and occasionally even a veterinarian. He closely monitors gas prices, energy costs, and fuel prices, adjusting his operations accordingly. For instance, the juice production line relies entirely on electricity, making last year’s increase in electricity prices a significant challenge for the farm.

Caught in a trap of rising energy and fuel costs, farmers like Marek are forced to adjust their prices for customers. This predicament creates a delicate balancing act, as raising prices may result in lost customers, while failing to do so can lead to financial losses. Marek reluctantly adjusted his prices, mindful of the impact on his customers, many of whom reside in the farm’s vicinity.

In his fields, Marek focuses on growing feed exclusively for domestic animals. The farm has a herd of grazing cows, although it does not keep dairy cows due to the time-consuming milking process. The milk is reserved for the calves until they are weaned, after which it is sold to another farm.

To ensure year-round feeding for their animals, including horses, the farm must secure an adequate supply of feed during the summer to last through the winter. This requires stockpiling dozens of tons of feed, carefully managing consumption rates, and selling any surplus once their own needs are met.

Marek also dedicates significant attention to his fruit trees, which draw regular visitors from cities like Prague, Liberec, and Kladno who come to purchase fruit juice. Tending to an extensive orchard with hundreds of trees is a time-consuming task, and the success of the harvest depends on various factors that can only be assessed in the autumn.

While working alone on the farm during the day, Marek’s wife and sons pursue their own commitments, and family time is limited to evenings and weekends. Farming is not merely a job for them; it is a way of life that requires constant effort and dedication.

Despite the challenges and the absence of traditional leisure time, Marek’s passion for his eco-farm shines through. His unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture and the well-being of his animals and land is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of farmers who embrace farming as a way of life rather than a simple occupation.

Article by Prague Forum