Farm Apprenticeship

When people first learn that my husband and I live on a 42-acre farm, grow vegetables for market, and raise chickens, goats, ducks, and cows, they often assume we come from a line of farmers. While our great grandparents were indeed farmers, as many in their generation were, we did not have opportunities to learn how to farm from these family members.

With the wealth of knowledge available at our fingertips, every aspect of our farm has been a result of extensive research, followed by a time of trial and error. This is true for everything from infrastructure improvements such as setting up electric fences, to animal husbandry practices. Of course, our farm did not reach its current state overnight, and we are humbled by our farm journey that started only a few years ago. We like to think that our farm is constantly evolving (and we hope for the better!) because we are continually looking to make improvements, create more efficient processes and procedures, set higher goals, and learn from those who are more experienced and knowledgeable.

Earlier this month, a learning opportunity opened up for us. I took a trip to Rosendale, located approximately 45 minutes north of our farm, to visit Bob, owner/farmer of Fiddlehead Farm. I went with the intentions of lending a hand during harvest day, and more importantly, picking Bob’s brain about everything farming related, with a particular focus on his winter hoophouse production. Bob runs an amazing CSA through the winter months, and is able to provide a wide range of products to his customers during this time. As we harvested greens together in his bountiful greenhouse, I asked every question that came to mind, and Bob patiently and thoroughly answered all of them. I left that day with an open invitation to return for another harvest day, a head full of information, and renewed motivation and inspiration.

After such a motivational, educational, and enjoyable visit, Tyler and I decided it would be silly not to return for the next harvest day, and so two weeks later, I once again found myself at Fiddlehead Farm. Conversation, questions, and levity flowed as we washed and packed kale, lettuce greens, spinach, and mustard greens for Fiddlehead Farm’s CSA pickup day. When the work was finished, I left with a smile on my face and a basketful of kale and lettuce greens to offer at Colden Springs Farm’s mini winter market the next day.

Not surprisingly, the vegetables from Fiddlehead Farm were a big hit at our market. Motivated by the positive response, we knew we had to do something to make these vegetables a consistent product for our customers. I called Bob the next day, and after some brainstorming and tweaking of schedules, we came to a mutually beneficial solution for both farmers.

We are happy to announce that for the remainder of our mini winter market, we will offer fresh, local, greens from Fiddlehead Farm to our customers! By purchasing these vegetables, not only are our customers supporting another local farmer, but supporting an invaluable farm apprenticeship and learning experience as well. Stay tuned, as we plan to start our own winter hoophouse greens production for our 2021 winter market!