For Reverend Dr. S. W. Hodge, farming is an enjoyable pastime, yet it is a serious means of growing and eating a variety of locally-produced agricultural products – on a small scale – thus reducing total reliability on costly imports.
The superannuated Methodist Minister, who still has some sporadic involvement in preaching schedules and other church work, as may be necessary, readily describes himself as a farmer.
He has long been an executive member of the Anguilla Farmers’ Association which continues to provide extension services to other farmers. Over the years, these services have included ploughing, wood-chipping for mulching and the supply of a range of pesticides. He has become well-known for his interest and example in animal husbandry (well-bred goats), poultry farming and growing such crops as corn, pumpkins and potatoes.
His cultivation in the open field is supplemented by an improvised backyard greenhouse where he grows a variety of vegetables in rich light soil of which he tells visitors: “I make this”. Though his delightful farming is essentially geared to domestic consumption, he has become a mainly philanthropic supplier to other persons in the community, much to his credit, example and enthusiasm.
Among his recently-harvested products is a stack of corn, now strung-up on his porch in the traditional manner; and an 11-pound sweet potato, the largest he has ever grown. As for the corn, it is being shelled and will soon disappear in the mill, the oven and the pot, for consumption, while a small remnant will be preserved as seeding for the next crop. What about the large potato boulder? It has already been grated and turned into a tasty pre-Easter pudding with such ingredients as raisins, sugar, pumpkin and coconut. By now the large delicacy should have disappeared, given the number of friends with whom he has willing shared it.
“I am a farmer,” Reverend Dr. S. W. Hodge, broadly smiling, reminded The Anguillan a few days ago. Given his food preparation and baking skills, he may also be referred to as a chef in his own right.
