Karen shares the story of finding land for farming in rural New York state, and how she and her fellow growers have made the transition from backyard urban gardening to commercial production. Karen digs into the nuts and bolts of how they address the social justice issues that are so important them while still tending to the needs of their for-profit farming operation.
We also discuss the challenges of and some strategies for communication and managing farm relationships with love and healing – and how that’s not always the easiest thing to do.
Sponsors
Vermont Compost Company: Founded by organic crop growing professionals committed to meeting the need for high-quality composts and compost-based, living soil mixes for certified organic plant production.
BCS America: BCS two-wheel tractors are versatile, maneuverable in tight spaces, light-weight for less compaction, and easy to maintain and repair on farm. Gear-driven and built to last for decades of dependable service on your farm or market garden.
Quotes from the Show
I think any farmer that says that they are an expert, I tend to disagree with that because I feel that the only expert is Mother Nature. Mother Nature will tell you right from the start who's the boss.
The work of farming is labor intensive, but also you have to put into your farming attitude the realm of self-care, because if you don't have self-care, you're going to burn out.
The farmer is white male, so when Lorrie and I would go to markets, people would assume that we were the help. That we weren't the farmers.
It takes a lot of education, but people want to be able to pay for something that is healthy, and knowing that that money that they're paying for helps us to stay in business.
Growing food gives you power.
Show Links
Karen also attendedGrow NYC’s Farm Beginnings Whole Farm Planning Course as part of getting ready to start her farm.
Rise and Root Farm is located at the Chester Agricultural Center.