Stories From the Farmers

Dorie Belisle - Apple Grower
Dorie Belisle of BelleWood Acres describes some of the main challenges to the modern farm – loss of agricultural land, and lack of human connection to the land. Dorie says that in order for farms to stay resilient the public must focus on support for the farm community -- food should come from regions first, the nation second, and export third. She acknowledges that the American public almost has a fear of food, especially regarding whether or not food is safe. This is very challenging for small, responsible growers trying to farm the right way and then sell their produce.

But there is hope! Especially among young people who are excited about farming. What to do? Visit farms, get excited; support land protection tools such as zoning, land trusts. Believe in ag and keep ag here (wherever that is) – to keep our food communities vibrant,  and close.

Troy Lenssen - Dairy Farmer
Troy Lenssen of Lenssen Dairy describes farming as a family business and passion. Family is why he farms. A big challenge to farming is misinformation, and absentee farm-owners or “investor farms” in rural areas is a problem, where little of the on-farm income generated will stay in the community. Mono-agriculture of one crop can easily dominate these communities. The economic pressures are huge – where are the future farmers of America? The best way to be resilient is through using social media to deliver the message – “we do the best we can do in the most sustainable ways to make a good, safe product.” Farmers are the first stewards of the land – land is the most critical resource. For more...

But There is hope! Get educated, talk to a farmer, go to the farm. Don't rely on second hand information.

Larry Stap - Dairy Farmer
Larry Stap of Twin Brook Creamery describes farming as enjoyable, but such hard work. There’s nothing like working with the animals. The main challenge to farming is people because they impose taxes, regulation, and policy. But they also want cheap food. Still, some people are willing to pay more – for quality. Larry Stap is against subsidies as are many farmers because subsidies usually have strings attached and create dependence on government. Larry says that in order for farms to be resilient they have to try something new, as they did – with high-quality, nonhomogenized milk in glass bottles – a great example of effective product differentiation. For more...

But there is hope!  Education for policy makers, education for the public as to the value of farm products. As Larry says, the best way to help farms is to get educated, talk to a farmer, go to the farm. Don't rely on second hand information.
 

Debbie Vander Veen - Dairy Farmer
Debbie Vander Veen of VeenHuizen Farms describes the joy of farming, as well as challenges to the modern farm. One of the biggest challenges is keeping the younger generations interested and passionate about farming. Farming, to children, is working with the land and animals, but in reality, it’s mostly paper work. So, as Debbie says, it’s difficult to find even five generations of dairy farmers on the same land. The regulations, in particular, amount to constantly-changing and constantly-conflicting standards. For More...

But there is hope! Debbie says that children want to continue, want higher education in agriculture. Farmers join boards and attend hearings so that their voices are heard; they invite policy makers and the general public to their farms. The public can visit farms, observe, talk to the farm families – especially the children.

Clayton Burrows - Growing Washington

Clayton Burrows, as part of Growing Washington, farms over 100 acres organically — but his main product is "growing farmers." He works primarily with new, young farmers and Latino and Latina immigrants. He addresses controversial issues of food safety ("we want to be legal and safe, but we also want to get a product out of the soil"). Resilient farmers need to produce food profitably and sell food profitably — all in a sustainable manner. Clayton explains how to avoid the "race to the bottom," and to be self-sufficient either as an individual or in a community network.

Brian Kerkvliet - Inspiration Farm

Brian Kerkvliet makes a case for the completely integrated farm, as one important approach to resilience. He discusses the "small and many" model, as well as a new model he's developing — CIA (Citizen-involved Agriculture). Beyond Organic for him is "Beyond Bureaucracy" -- he uses a no-till method of cultivation, with much focus on soil structure and effective water management through use of swales and contour farming. The proof of the farming is in the tasting —taste is important, and also food justice (We can feed the world!)

Scott Meyers - Sweet Grass Farm

Farming on Lopez Island (WA state) is challenging — inputs are expensive, and products can be difficult to market. Yet Scott Meyers, of Sweet Grass Farm, is working towards a kind of integrated farming, heavy on self-sufficiency, as well as labor efficiency (his is virtually a one-person operation). Constant attention is needed to maintain a high-quality pasture, as well as high-quality beef.  Scott's also working towards establishing or reinstating wetlands, even on rented acreage — a bold stance indeed, to invest for the seventh generation when you may not have it for more than one.

Tom Thornton - Cloud Mountain Farm

Tom Thornton explains the importance of resilience in planning for extreme weather, and that it requires a complete understanding of place. In order to be a successful resilient farmer, it is important to "eat, live, breathe" agriculture. Cloud Mountain's new Ag Learning Center will inspire young farmers to do just that. But to make it possible in the county will require at least 100,000 acres that must be maintained in agricultural use.

Also, Share Your Story!
We want to hear from you! If you have a story (like your own Youtube video), suggestion, or comment you think can help promote resilience and sustainability of farming please share your views. 

Where do you see farming in the future?
Do your kids want to continue farming?
What pressures do you face as farmers?
What are the biggest threats to local farms like yours?
What would make farming easier?
What can I do?