The days are finally getting longer. I can go out for a walk at 5:30 p.m. and count on just enough sunlight to get me back to my door before dark. As I make my way through my neighborhood, I have to dodge puddles from the most recent rainstorm as I notice new green leaves and tender blossoms.
As the daughter of two farm kids, early spring is the season that makes me feel most hopeful. Every green shoot feels like a promise that something good could happen. It’s too early in the season to know what the summer will bring, though there’s always the specter of a devastating late frost. Despite these climate-related dramas in waiting, there’s also the thrill of anticipation and the joy of finding something new, something growing, each day.
Although I’ve lived in places where spring may mean snow through April and places where spring could show up in late February, there’s one constant I look forward to, no matter how long it takes: the return of my local farmers’ market.
As the daughter of two farm kids, early spring is the season that makes me feel most hopeful. Every green shoot feels like a promise that something good could happen. It’s too early in the season to know what the summer will bring, though there’s always the specter of a devastating late frost. Despite these climate-related dramas in waiting, there’s also the thrill of anticipation and the joy of finding something new, something growing, each day.
Although I’ve lived in places where spring may mean snow through April and places where spring could show up in late February, there’s one constant I look forward to, no matter how long it takes: the return of my local farmers’ market.
On my grandmother’s porch, I learned from an early age where my food came from and the hard work it took to get from seed packets to successful plants. As an adult, I’ve made friends with farmers at our local markets no matter where we’ve been stationed. When I visit with them each week and make a purchase, I’m aware that I’m not just investing in what I’m going to eat. I’m also making an impact on their livelihood, on the dreams that these farmers have for themselves and their families.
At MSCCN, we know that offices and suits aren’t for everyone. While some of our candidates may want to work toward that corner office, others would be happiest if they never had to step foot in an office again.
At MSCCN, we know that offices and suits aren’t for everyone. While some of our candidates may want to work toward that corner office, others would be happiest if they never had to step foot in an office again.
If you’re thinking about making a transition to a farm-related occupation, consider the following resources:
-The Farmer Veteran Coalition
-Growing Veterans
If the time has come for you to get your hands in the dirt and grow your own business, we’re cheering you on! If you’ve already made your farm dreams a reality, we’d love to feature you in the next MSEJ. Contact Jamie Boyle to tell your story.
May Your Fields (or Garden Beds) Be Full!
Story by Emilie Duck
- The USDA: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a mentoring network for women in farming, as well as resources for Veterans who want to get their hands in the dirt. If either of these options suit your needs, check them out and let us know how it goes!
- Get Your Spouse Involved: If your military spouse is interested in partnering with you to make some farm dreams a reality, make sure they take advantage of these resources so you can both reap the rewards.
-The Farmer Veteran Coalition
-Growing Veterans
- Get Involved at Your Local Market: While you’re grabbing greens for dinner, find out how these farms got started. See if they have a need for volunteers, if they would be willing to answer a few questions, if they need someone to pitch in… many hands make light work, and you could learn valuable, practical information in the meantime.
- Get in the Classroom: Agriculture isn’t just a matter for the fields… it’s a field that also has roots in the classroom, in the lab, in sales, and in the boardroom. If you’re interested in an agriculture-related field, see what requirements you’d need to meet to realize your dreams, and make a plan. Go shadow someone who has the job you think you might want, and see if it’s a reality you’re willing to invest in.
If the time has come for you to get your hands in the dirt and grow your own business, we’re cheering you on! If you’ve already made your farm dreams a reality, we’d love to feature you in the next MSEJ. Contact Jamie Boyle to tell your story.
May Your Fields (or Garden Beds) Be Full!
Story by Emilie Duck
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