My father started out as a farmer but had a degree in Vocational Agriculture. Which basically meant he was a Agri Teacher. He would farm in the early morning go teach and come home and work his farm. At the time he was raising cotton and soybeans. He also took a teaching job teaching veterans that return from the war the latest in farming techniques.
I'm entirely empathetic to the plight of the broke ass farmer. I'm one myself. I'm on food stamps (irony!) and Medicaid because, well, something as silly as growing and producing food just doesn't pay well. I'd encourage you to talk to your local ag extension and see what kind of grants or, less desirable, low interest loans might be out there for ya. Might not solve all the money problems, but it could open some space.
Another thing to consider is finding a commission based broker to move your produce/product from barn to customer. You really don't have time to broker your own output. You're a farmer, not a salesperson. Farmers markets are great, but also time intensive and take you away from core mission.
That said: I'm down here in Virginia absolutely cheerleading you, Sam. Don't give up and don't give in. If you have to go on SNAP and hit the food bank once a week to get by, DO IT. If you need to ask for help or mutual aid from your community (local or online), DO IT. if you truly have a sense of mission for this life we share, DO IT. Nature rewards action.
I’m a fellow Mainer and I work in outdoor and climate ed for a nonprofit (and have a farm!) so I also have this weird relationship with schools where I’m not in their “system” and the flaws reaaallyy get me but to me one of the most important parts of “the work” is being there and encouraging that incremental change because that’s the only kind these public school systems really can integrate and (hopefully) make sustainable past a performative few months. So anyway! I’ve been meaning to get in touch with you somehow to let you know I can help on the school front if you have questions. I also selfishly have farm questions, but know you have enough on your plate. Regardless, feeling you in the balance of full time work and trying to have a farm in Maine :)
"my work is becoming more about conservation than farming."
I hope you (or someone else) are exploring every opportunity to secure grants and donor contributions to bring in funds to support your conservation mission. Are you set up as a non-profit to enable that fundraising effort? Working a demanding job ON TOP OF running a farm just feels ... unsustainable. And I want your sweet pup to suffer less separation anxiety! 🙏🏻
Thank you, Baird! Currently, Runamuk is set up as a regular for-profit farm because that's what we were doing. We're in transition into a more conservation-centered farming, however it takes time and money to pursue grants. It's on the list....
When I was managing the organic flour mill - where we milled our wheat - the animal farming was terribly hard to keep up with. You sound like you are prioritizing and managing well - love the poster. Look after yourself too! It is important to feed yourself well and stay strong during these periods.
I admire your drive and determination. The way you've chosen to live your life isn't easy. It takes a lot of fortitude and smarts! I'm cheering you on as you try to adjust to your new schedule and your new way of having to prioritize your limited hours in a day to get everything done!
Some afternoons, I get home from school and crash on the couch for 30 minutes because my body refuses to take No for an answer, lol. Other days I am able to push through...🤷♀️
I was inspired to become a monthly member, Sam. Thanks for being out there in our community in all the ways that you are - I admire your commitment and energy. The kids are lucky to have you in school. I know there isn’t much you can do about the lunch quality in your role, but as a school board member, I hope you feel like if you ever have ideas for changes, people up the chain will listen! Even tiny swaps are progress. Stay positive and know that you’re making an impact - even just in those little interactions and sprucing up the salad bar.
Thank you for this, Mary! And than you for becoming a supporting member!!! I'm finding intrinsic reward in those interactions with the kiddos (for example, I have to ensure the kids have a balanced lunch on their plate and one asked why--so I explained what a balanced meal IS), and the salad bar is my favorite part. But I am also grateful for staff that support me. Thanks again, Mary! <3
My father started out as a farmer but had a degree in Vocational Agriculture. Which basically meant he was a Agri Teacher. He would farm in the early morning go teach and come home and work his farm. At the time he was raising cotton and soybeans. He also took a teaching job teaching veterans that return from the war the latest in farming techniques.
That sounds like a vocation to be really proud of. !
I'm entirely empathetic to the plight of the broke ass farmer. I'm one myself. I'm on food stamps (irony!) and Medicaid because, well, something as silly as growing and producing food just doesn't pay well. I'd encourage you to talk to your local ag extension and see what kind of grants or, less desirable, low interest loans might be out there for ya. Might not solve all the money problems, but it could open some space.
Another thing to consider is finding a commission based broker to move your produce/product from barn to customer. You really don't have time to broker your own output. You're a farmer, not a salesperson. Farmers markets are great, but also time intensive and take you away from core mission.
That said: I'm down here in Virginia absolutely cheerleading you, Sam. Don't give up and don't give in. If you have to go on SNAP and hit the food bank once a week to get by, DO IT. If you need to ask for help or mutual aid from your community (local or online), DO IT. if you truly have a sense of mission for this life we share, DO IT. Nature rewards action.
FWIW, I believe in you!
There are times in which we do what we must to get by. I really admire your perseverance!
Thank you! I truly appreciate that!🙏
I’m a fellow Mainer and I work in outdoor and climate ed for a nonprofit (and have a farm!) so I also have this weird relationship with schools where I’m not in their “system” and the flaws reaaallyy get me but to me one of the most important parts of “the work” is being there and encouraging that incremental change because that’s the only kind these public school systems really can integrate and (hopefully) make sustainable past a performative few months. So anyway! I’ve been meaning to get in touch with you somehow to let you know I can help on the school front if you have questions. I also selfishly have farm questions, but know you have enough on your plate. Regardless, feeling you in the balance of full time work and trying to have a farm in Maine :)
Keep on embracing uncertainty Sam! Doing things you love will always give you big rewards! Also, give yourself grace, as you can't do it all💜
That's easier said than done, lol, but I'm working on it!😅
"my work is becoming more about conservation than farming."
I hope you (or someone else) are exploring every opportunity to secure grants and donor contributions to bring in funds to support your conservation mission. Are you set up as a non-profit to enable that fundraising effort? Working a demanding job ON TOP OF running a farm just feels ... unsustainable. And I want your sweet pup to suffer less separation anxiety! 🙏🏻
Thank you, Baird! Currently, Runamuk is set up as a regular for-profit farm because that's what we were doing. We're in transition into a more conservation-centered farming, however it takes time and money to pursue grants. It's on the list....
When I was managing the organic flour mill - where we milled our wheat - the animal farming was terribly hard to keep up with. You sound like you are prioritizing and managing well - love the poster. Look after yourself too! It is important to feed yourself well and stay strong during these periods.
Thank you, Cecilia! I will make sure to carve out some time for me, too.🙌
I admire your drive and determination. The way you've chosen to live your life isn't easy. It takes a lot of fortitude and smarts! I'm cheering you on as you try to adjust to your new schedule and your new way of having to prioritize your limited hours in a day to get everything done!
i hope you can re-prioritize your day to catch some daily nap time.
Some afternoons, I get home from school and crash on the couch for 30 minutes because my body refuses to take No for an answer, lol. Other days I am able to push through...🤷♀️
I was inspired to become a monthly member, Sam. Thanks for being out there in our community in all the ways that you are - I admire your commitment and energy. The kids are lucky to have you in school. I know there isn’t much you can do about the lunch quality in your role, but as a school board member, I hope you feel like if you ever have ideas for changes, people up the chain will listen! Even tiny swaps are progress. Stay positive and know that you’re making an impact - even just in those little interactions and sprucing up the salad bar.
Thank you for this, Mary! And than you for becoming a supporting member!!! I'm finding intrinsic reward in those interactions with the kiddos (for example, I have to ensure the kids have a balanced lunch on their plate and one asked why--so I explained what a balanced meal IS), and the salad bar is my favorite part. But I am also grateful for staff that support me. Thanks again, Mary! <3
Thank you for being my cheerleader!! It really makes a difference knowing there are folks out there who believe in me and my mission.🙏