Amber and her family came to visit Skeeter Farm last year in November. She is an avid blogger and wrote a nice little story about us.
http://www.strocel.com/talking-to-a-small-farmer/
Thanks Amber!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The farm - our other, needier, life partner.
A couple of years ago...before we really knew what it was all about, we probably would have answered "access to land or equipment" or "how to actually grow things" as the answer to what our biggest challenge is (a question we find we are asked frequently).
These are challenges that are certainly present for new farmers, but in our case, have been relatively easily overcome. They are challenges that you can do something about....like take the steps to gain the knowledge you need to confidently plant a seed in the ground and take it all the way to market. Accessing land and equipment, well, yes it is a challenge if you don't know where to go to find it, but in our experience there is no lack of people willing to help a new farmer out. So if those aren't the biggest challenges...than what is it?
For us, it is time. Hands down.
Time is what limits our ability to do the things we do, restricts how much we can take on as farmers as we dream of bigger and better things, meddles with our ability to have a normal social life, be spontaneous, and spend time with the people we want to spend time with.
When we started out farming, we made the decision to do so on a "part-time" basis. By this I mean that we decided to not quit our day jobs (part-time in quotations as 50 hrs/week on the farm has not been uncommon). In a lot of ways, this was the right thing for us to do. For one, starting a farm while continuing to work another job has allowed us to alleviate the risk involved with taking the plunge into farming by continuing to receive a steady income while we learn how to farm and be profitable. We have relied on our own incomes (i.e. no loans or outside sources of funding) to get our farm going, and it feels good knowing that we don't owe any money.
On the other hand, not fully taking the plunge has resulted in a crazy last few years and some frustrations with not having the time to do things carefully, and in the way we want to. We feel like we are always playing catch up....and it's pretty clear to me that this means of farming will not be something we will be able to continue into the future. At some point there will need to be a decision made: grow vegetables full time and really make a go at it OR settle for farming as part of a lifestyle and not a means of income.
Reading back through this post (which I started to write back in March and never really got to it)...this is sounding complain-y, which is not what my intent was at all. The intent was to shed light on an important decision that all new farmers face - start slow and build up the business while supporting yourself elsewhere, or jump in feet first, take on the risk but have time to make your farming dreams come true. This is a decision that we have struggled with, and still do. Finding the balance between achieving our business goals and maintaining our other life commitments seems to be a perpetually moving target.
These are challenges that are certainly present for new farmers, but in our case, have been relatively easily overcome. They are challenges that you can do something about....like take the steps to gain the knowledge you need to confidently plant a seed in the ground and take it all the way to market. Accessing land and equipment, well, yes it is a challenge if you don't know where to go to find it, but in our experience there is no lack of people willing to help a new farmer out. So if those aren't the biggest challenges...than what is it?
For us, it is time. Hands down.
Time is what limits our ability to do the things we do, restricts how much we can take on as farmers as we dream of bigger and better things, meddles with our ability to have a normal social life, be spontaneous, and spend time with the people we want to spend time with.
When we started out farming, we made the decision to do so on a "part-time" basis. By this I mean that we decided to not quit our day jobs (part-time in quotations as 50 hrs/week on the farm has not been uncommon). In a lot of ways, this was the right thing for us to do. For one, starting a farm while continuing to work another job has allowed us to alleviate the risk involved with taking the plunge into farming by continuing to receive a steady income while we learn how to farm and be profitable. We have relied on our own incomes (i.e. no loans or outside sources of funding) to get our farm going, and it feels good knowing that we don't owe any money.
On the other hand, not fully taking the plunge has resulted in a crazy last few years and some frustrations with not having the time to do things carefully, and in the way we want to. We feel like we are always playing catch up....and it's pretty clear to me that this means of farming will not be something we will be able to continue into the future. At some point there will need to be a decision made: grow vegetables full time and really make a go at it OR settle for farming as part of a lifestyle and not a means of income.
Reading back through this post (which I started to write back in March and never really got to it)...this is sounding complain-y, which is not what my intent was at all. The intent was to shed light on an important decision that all new farmers face - start slow and build up the business while supporting yourself elsewhere, or jump in feet first, take on the risk but have time to make your farming dreams come true. This is a decision that we have struggled with, and still do. Finding the balance between achieving our business goals and maintaining our other life commitments seems to be a perpetually moving target.
this photo has no relevancy to this post other than it a pic of the Vedder River by the farm. What I wish I had was a photo of us driving our little tractor to the repair shop (multiple times) last year at 7 am all dressed up in my office work clothes with overalls overtop with Hannah following me in the VW bus. That would have been perfectly relevant, and amazing.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Farm Art
A nice Emily Carr student, Daisy, put together this awesome CSA graphic depicting Skeeter Farm's CSA as well as Abundant Acres (Abby) and Glorious Organics (Aldergrove) CSA programs.
We like very much. Thanks Daisy!
We like very much. Thanks Daisy!
Still looking for a CSA program?
Two great new programs to tell you folks about...
Earth Apple Farm Potato CSA
and
Simple Roots Farm
are two new farms who have started up at the Incubator Farm at the Bakerview EcoDairy in Abbotsford.
We love their websites (hmmm...perhaps we should make one?) and the fact that there are more and more new farmers starting up every year!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
CSA Shares Sold-Out
Thanks to all of our 2011 customers...shares are now sold out for our program this year. Please do still email us to be put on our waiting list for next year!
(cool photo by Betty Johnson)
Happy Spring from Skeeter Farm!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Spring is in the Air!
I know I am a few days early to be saying this, but today at the farm, it really did feel like it. The fresh smell from a recent night's rain, the bright sun and soft breeze was very welcome as I was standing on the soft soil.
Let's face it. Spring for a farmer is pretty exciting! While soil is not yet being worked, lots of things are on the go. Summer market dates are now set, CSA shares are selling out (we have just one left!), and seedlings are started. Onions, leeks, peppers, and herbs are growing in trays, our seed potatoes are sprouting, and our garlic, our precious garlic, is on its way.
Amy and I have got a few things to get done out in the field in the new few weeks, and this lovely weather will definitely help us. Between finishing hoophouse construction and prepping soil, Spring, we have been waiting for you.
Just look at that young Chesnok Red!
Friday, March 4, 2011
telling our story
We will be doing a little talk tomorrow at the Mission City Farmers market AGM. The event is open to the public and folks are welcome to come and learn about the Mission City Farmers Market as well as a bit about our farm!
Event Details
Event Details
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Our Deer Friend
Yes, there he is folks, the animal to complete our farm. Or, not. This week I have spent some intimate time out in the field, trying to ressurect our hoophouse. During the bitterly cold winds, and minus degree temperatures, I never saw our little friend. But when the weather is a little warmer, he struts out looking for food.
Amy and I are a little worried about our deer friend messing with or nibbling at our crops, but boy doesn't he look cute? Yes, cute enough... we are looking into the price of deer fencing.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Farm Job Opportunity in East Abbotsford
Our friends from the Arkeysteyn-Vogler Family Farm in Abbotsford are hiring...
Organic farm seeks: Assistant Field Manager
Arkesteyn-Vogler Family Farm
5115 Tolmie Road Abbotsford
Send resume to cfvogler@hotmail.com
Farm/Job description: Arkesteyn-Vogler Family Farm is an organic vegetable farm in east Abbotsford. We produce a wide array of vegetable products for sale at farmers markets and through a weekly harvest box program. The farm is in it’s second year of production therefore there are many building blocks still being put into place. This will give the applicant first hand experience in the creation of a new farm enterprise. The successful candidate will be the lead hand for the farm and will assist the owners in many aspects of the farm operation. The successful candidate will take part in the supervision and instruction of part time employees and volunteers working on the farm. Flexibility as to work hours and the ability to work Saturdays is important as farm tasks are often dictated by the weather.
Responsibilities:
- All manner of field work: planting, weeding, trellising, irrigating etc.
- Harvesting washing and packaging crops
- Supervising and working alongside part-time employees and volunteers
- Vending at a farmers market at least one day a week (possibly Saturdays)
- Constructing farm infrastructure such as greenhouses and tool sheds.
Qualifications/Assets:
- Drivers licence and a car to get to and from the farm
- A background in agronomy or a related biological science
- Experience working on a farm or in a similar physical outdoor environment
- Sales and marketing experience
- Experience in a supervisory or management role
- Excellent communication skills and conflict management
- General construction skills are a big asset.
Remuneration
Contract position: $12.50/hr; 40 hours a week averaged over a month. Plus lots of delicious veggies.
Contract Term April 15th to October 30th.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Andrew Arkesteyn-Vogler at cfvogler@hotmail.com by midnight of March 15th .
Saturday, February 19, 2011
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