Down the road from the Ben-Gurion sites, is another way the
desert will prosper, through the Lone Farmers, or at least that is the
hope. Lone Farms are little, self-sufficient outposts
in the Negev, dotting the landscape in a variety of form and function. From vineyards and ranches to wheat and
barley fields, with government approval,
these little ‘cottage industries’ are more than just an interesting way to
spend a day, they are a life changing, future altering endeavor. Much like the pioneers in the United States who ventured West, Lone Farmers are often city dwellers who have a dream and they follow it (into the South in this case). The difference here is that even for the first, the unknown is known. The geography is not a surprise, usually they have an idea what they want to do, can research and plan, and they understand the pitfalls and very real dangers of their new lives. Like pioneers everywhere, they press on regardless.
We drove past a variety of farms before we stopped at the
Naot Farm. Leah and Gadi Nahimov moved
from the big city, where they owned and operated a popular chain of successful
steak restaurants, followed their dream with their six children to live on a
farm and in their case, raise goats and make cheese. In October 2003 they set out to see if they
could do it and today, they are doing it quite well. Still challenged by the desert and its many
inhabitants, government bureaucracy, and the day to day issues surrounding
livestock, cheese production, retail sales, operating a restaurant, and hosting
overnight guests, the family is as sure today as they were when the set out
that this is the life they want.  |
| One of the wonderful cheeses Leah makes! |
We visited the sheep and goats, tasted a wide variety of
cheeses expertly made by Leah, tried the ‘preserves’ that they make and sell in
their shop, and heard the story of their exodus from the big city.
If you’re looking for an "off the beaten path" kind of
vacation, staying at a Lone Farm should be on your list.
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| Self-sufficient, from the ground up |
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| We always have a guard with us. |
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| Leah and the "kids" |
For more information about Lone Farms visit
It amazes me that people are willing to endure hardships like this. The pioneer spirit is a driving force.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! Now that's a place I haven't been to yet ...
ReplyDelete