Planting Seeds

The interview process has started for securing a March/April start for farming internships.

This week I drove out to two potentials to meet with the farmers and tour the grounds. Both farms were gorgeous, successful and run by exceptionally capable, dedicated folks.

I've been mulling over these experiences for a few days, and realizing that recognizing that I need a mentor is only step one. What kind of mentor, what kind of working environment- those are bigger looming questions.

The first farm that I visited was massive by organic CSA standards- 1100 shares, plus a small livestock/hay operation. They had the most incredible array of farming equipment I had ever laid eyes on. The farmers were super efficient, and very intense. They have had apprenticeships previously, and seem to really push their staff and interns to get what they want to learn out of each growing season. We ate an especially delicious lunch of home-grown liverwurst, fresh bread, and locally produced apple cider while we discussed the farm operations, and what I was looking for.

The farmers were incredibly helpful, and I think that even if I choose to do an internship elsewhere, they would be happy to answer questions and serve as a resource. They have over 20 years of experience, and want to see young farmers develop.

The second farm was run by folks that reminded me of some of my closest friends from the cooperative market I worked at for years. Earthy, genuine, and a little bit gritty. This farm felt like a favorite sweatshirt as we walked briskly across the 25 rented acres. It was exceptionally cold, and grateful as I was to be taking tours- I was cursing the still drying carhart jacket at home in front of the woodstove.

I think that the community at this second farm would be very familiar to me, but the learning experience would be less structured. Over a cup of tea the farmers and I discussed the nuts and bolts of the upcoming season. One of the best things about farm interviews is that many of the farmers recognize the real value in breaking bread while getting to know one another.

Speaking of bread-- today's loaf is especially good lookin'....

I've applied to a few more farms, and have another in person interview next week. Regardless of where I end up it was so good to be back on a farm, and get the sense for successful operations.

A friend sent a text message requesting this recipe today, so I thought I'd share it. Spaghetti Squash is sold at many farmers markets, and more recently, grocery stores too. The name comes from the noodle like quality of its tasty cooked insides. It's just as versatile as pasta, but won't sit in your stomach if you over eat (as I always do).





Spaghetti Squash w/veggies

1 medium spaghetti squash
2 tblspn olive oil
1 red onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tblspn dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh)
1 tblspn dried parsley (or 1/4 cup fresh)
salt/pepper to taste
parmesan cheese

Any/All of the following (all chopped):

1 zucchini
1 cup white mushrooms
1 yellow squash
2 medium tomatoes


1. Half the spaghetti squash, remove the seeds and sprinkle with salt. Place skin side up on a greased cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until tender, and easy to pull apart with a fork.

2. While the squash is baking, add olive oil, onions, and garlic to a large-ish sauce pan. On medium high, stir with a wooden spoon until softened and fragrant. I'm convinced wooden spoons greatly enhance the flavors of many dishes, but I think that's due to my grandma rather than fact.

3. Turn down the heat to medium and add mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, wine, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cover- stirring occasionally until a vegetables begin to break down and develop a sauce-y look.

4. Now add your tomatoes, olives and vinegar. Check your flavor to see if you need more salt (don't forget the olives will add some just by their nature). Turn heat to low, and leave covered.

5. Use a fork to pull apart the inside of the spaghetti squash into long strands. Add to your veggie/sauce mixture and toss lightly, being careful to preserve the noodle shapes- which will turn to shredded mush if you are over zealous. Check your seasoning again, serve in big bowls, with a generous slice of bread and covered in cheese.

For an extra kick, (and a less recession friendly recipe) toast some pine nuts and add them to your parm cheese topping.

Enjoy!

In other news, the search for a farming mentor is well on it's way. Three internship interviews are scheduled for this week. I'm itching to see these successful farms, and hopefully secure my next steps. There is only so much housecleaning/bread baking/internet surfing I can handle.

seriously, it's a crap shoot

I just wanted to clarify that the climb is a long way up from where I am now. If I'm completely honest, I'm in one of the worst positions financially I've ever been in my life. I dropped out of college after 2.5 years because I had no direction, and couldn't see spending thousands more dollars to not have a clue what to do.

I jointly own a house with someone who doesn't live here anymore, and can't afford to pay the mortgage. I have some serious debt. None of which I can pay at the moment. So, as dedicated as I am to getting it together, this is no easy feat. Right now, I've got a ridiculous amount of applications hanging out in the universe, everything from retail (which I've worked before), to farm jobs, to restaurant work to call centers. I've applied for unemployment too. I'm walking dogs to take the edge off of the financial burden, but not often enough to really count on it. I'm kind of screwed, and pretty freaked out.

So why was this worth it? I could literally lose my home (though it wouldn't happen immediately).

It took me a really long time to feel comfortable and confident. One of the things that was most helpful in that process, was vegetable gardening and caring for everyone's favorite beginner livestock: chickens. The feeling of being able to grow my own food, to plan for colder weather, changed me. It strengthened me physically, and changed my composition. Plus, I love to eat. I think constantly about food, and the stuff you grow from scratch tastes damn good.

Agriculture feels like it lives in my bones, and I don't think I'm the only one who could use a good strong dose. I think there might be many folks out there, who in connecting back with these simple pleasures, could feel a whole lot better. And I'm also hoping I'm the guy for the job.

Why, how do you do?

I've wanted to be a farmer since I can remember. Third grade, high school, college- there has always been an undercurrent pulling me towards livestock and dirt. I kept my passions subdued by raising chickens, helping out some neighbors/family with their chores, growing a ridiculous amount of fresh produce (especially cucumbers), and canning everything in sight. But the full-time farmer dream was kept on the shelf for a variety of reasons, which I'm sure will illuminate in time. Then it became clear that my homesteading habits weren't enough. So, I like I everything I do- I jumped in.

Prior to this September, I worked for a fairly big non-profit as a political organizer. I was good at it. I planned campaigns, helped folks meet with legislators, attended events.

And I was miserable. I was passionate about changing the world- sure- but politics were draining me and sitting at a desk was no help. So, I quit. To take a job on an organically minded livestock farm over an hour from my house, working for half of what I previously earning. No health insurance, no sick days, no vacation- and frankly- I had never been happier.

But the hour drive, combined with reduced hours and a change of job description centering on driving rather than farming made the position unsustainable. So now, here I am rookie farmer, unemployed in a terrible job market. Was it the wrong decision? I'm leaning towards no, though the dwindling bank account and looming bill due dates may beg to differ.

This may be a catastrophic disaster- or it may be a huge success.

So what's the plan now?

I need an internship or an apprenticeship. I need some wise farming elder who will whip my sorry naive passions into a knowledgeable, effective farmer. Aaaannddd..... I need to find something to pay the bills. In either order, really. And I'm going to use this blog to archive of the results of my quest to eventually running a farm. Not just any farm though- the idea is bigger than that. The goal is a farm that teaches people real skills, helps them feel connected to their food, and inspires them to do more.

Enjoy, and expect some sarcasm, delicious recipes, a catalog of set-backs, hopefully a few funny moments, and maybe- just maybe- a dash of success. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.