GFP060: Finding a Farming Model That Works

It takes a long time to figure out what your farm is and what it is going to be. Even if you think you have an idea of exactly what you want to do on your farm that vision is bound to change. Today's podcast talks to this theme with Forrest Prit. Just like Forrest I am trying, experimenting, documenting, and learning different ways to enjoy my farm while making it profitable. With such an unconventional start-up story it's a little hard to say when it actually started, but for me it really started just about a year ago. I took over management of Camps Road Farm and integrated my farm FoodCyclist Farm. With one business it was time to settle on one vision. But what exactly is that vision?chard, a guy who has tried just about everything to make his farm succeed and is still evolving his vision. With the help of Alan Savory's book Holistic Management I am making strides in finding out exactly what we're doing here at Camps Road Farm. Sure I know what we're doing now, and I have a good idea of where I want to be in 10 years, it is the getting there safely and securely that is the trick. It is a weird position to be in to know where you want to future to go, but not really knowing where it is going to take you. There is a lot of excitement, even more anxiety, and a whole lot of wishing for a crystal ball. I take solace in knowing that I am not alone. The smartest farmers that I know never stop experimenting and trying new things. Not every experiment is a success as your goals in life are evolving with your business. As you start your or continue you journey in agriculture always keep your eyes and ears open, never assume you know it all, and be modest. Right click here to download the MP3 In this farm podcast you will learn: How to better your customer retention Ways to find what farming operation is right for you The benefit of celebrating the little triumphs Remain connected to your customers Tell your story Interview with Forrest Pritchard of Smith Meadows Forrest Pritchard is a professional farmer and writer, holding degrees in English and Geology from the College of William and Mary. His farm Smith Meadows was one of the first "grass finished" farms in the country, and has sold at leading farmers' markets in Washington DC for more than fifteen years. His book Gaining Ground, A Story of Farmers' Markets, Local Food and Saving the Family Farm was named a Top Read by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post and NPR's The Splendid Table. Forrest's new book is slated for release Fall 2015, from the award-winning press The Experiment. Items mentioned in this farm podcast include: Smith Meadows Gaining Ground: A Story Of Farmers' Markets, Local Food, And Saving The Family Farm NY Times: Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Be Farmers Joel Slezak from Episode 58 The Start Up Podcast Take aways: What will be your biggest influences when choosing your farm business? 5 years ago did you think you would be where you are today? (Listening to the Growing Farm Podcast, haha!) Farm quote of the episode: "Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective." - Zoe Zantamata -- Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show. Click to subscrible to iTunes Support the podcast with $1 a month Past Episodes