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Jenny-Jack Sun Farm "good food news" Farm labor is a topic of conversation that casually eases in and out of our discussions all year long, every year. Should we nix our longstanding apprenticeship program in lieu of a couple of full-time folks or maybe just hire a handful of part-time people or perhaps downsize our growing space, farm with just the two of us, and invest mightily in time-saving equipment? We might hear about a farm growing on more land than us and employing less people or read about a couple making more money per acre and doing it all themselves and then we go round and round investigating the little nooks and crannies of each possibility. In short, our conclusion thus far is there are countless models of successful small farms. The imagination uncontained is a magical force with starry eyes and endless potential. And these varying, creative snapshots of raising food are all dependent on so many factors like: markets in close proximity to the farm, population density of nearby towns/cities, farmers background experience and business sense, is money coming in from off farm?, children, definition of success, and the list goes and goes. Labor, of course ties heavily into all of this because it is such a powerful, polarizing piece. For one, it occupies a little over 30% of our operating expenses, and of course, generates a sizable chunk of revenue. Similarly, it simultaneously enhances and detracts from our overall quality of life. The amount of work that motivated, energetic hands and feet can accomplish in a given day is profoundly satisfying, but to manage multiple people on a daily basis week after week is exhausting no matter their classiness of character. In the end, the equation seems too diluted by a barrage of flighty factors to get bogged down on encountering the “right” or “perfect” solution. For now, we’re happy with working towards “good enough.” We like employing two apprentices each year because they bring positive, boundless energy to our work, they offer valuable insight from both a farming perspective and a unique individual perspective, they have the capacity to challenge our worldview as well as farm view, and they typically become friends who leave this place and go do good work elsewhere. We undoubtedly benefit not only from their sweat investment here but the incredible value they add to our lives from here on. There is a cost associated with employing apprentices, like with anything, but every single one of them that has graced this farm have made an indelible mark on our hearts and our minds. Without hesitation, we are deeper, broader, more loving, compassionate people because of their presence, and so far, that has outweighed the accompanying, inevitable costs. That list of fine folks increases by two this season with the addition of Ann and Kelley. Ann comes to the farm from Ohio with a sustainable Agriculture degree, a love for yerba matte, climbing, hiking, and the grand outdoors. Kelley hails from Kentucky by way of Savannah with a degree in sociology from Tulane University and a background in Girl Scout employment and Rugby; both bruising pursuits in their own right. Their cheerful personalities and unwavering work ethic bodes well for their future farming aspirations as hope and hard work are the secret sauces in making it to the next year. Knowing Jenny would slow considerably this summer and fall, we hired our friend and past apprentice Miranda to work every week day morning. Miranda’s experience, patient demeanor and love of weeding make her invaluable. Melissa, who like Miranda is part-time, is the relaxed yet incredibly hard working matriarchal anchor of this very solid, adaptable crew. So these are the hardworking folks that Farm Baby joins in July. This is the year where normal becomes unrooted, but during this brief calm before the storm, I am fiercely confident that this team possesses the flexibility required to improvise, to absorb the uncomfortable unknown with some sort of intrepid grace. Ready or not.
