Decades after starting their farm with a stack of books, it seems only natural that the McEwens wrote a book of their own, Raising Resilient Bees.
The book, released by Chelsea Green Publishers, is both deeply technical and highly personal. It's a compelling read, a deep dive into the art and science of beekeeping and a love letter to bees, brimming with fascination and wonder.
It's also a step toward helping their Diggin' Livin' ecosystem extend into a new generation.
"We really wanted to leave something for our kids, a manual," says Joy. "And what we were doing is so special, we had to write it down."
The book is also a legacy.
"It's really wanting to inspire younger generations, not just our kids, to feel they can participate in growing their own food, which really brings about that sense of autonomy, of food sovereignty," says Joy. "That's what makes a healthy nation. If we can just inspire more people to be part of growing their own food, essentially we are going to have a happier society."