The Problem is Capitalism: The Rise of the Small Farm Interview with Sara from Home Acres Farms

In my interview with Sara, she shared her inspiring journey from a burnout in veterinary medicine to starting a farm from scratch with no prior experience. Like many first-generation farmers, she and her partner Stephen were driven by a sense of urgency during the COVID pandemic, when empty grocery store shelves made them question the reliability of the food system. They began with just a little gardening experience and a desire for self-reliance, but within a few months, they had purchased a farm in New Brunswick and jumped in headfirst.Sara described how their approach was shaped by necessity and resourcefulness. Stephen eventually returned to full-time work to financially support the farm, while Sara took on most of the farming herself, with help from community members and family. Despite a steep learning curve and minimal initial investment—like a \$500 four-wheeler with no brakes—they’ve expanded their operation to include high tunnels, cold storage, and infrastructure improvements that help extend their growing season and improve crop quality. Sara emphasized the importance of adapting their investments based on practical needs—like the decision to invest in a walking cooler after losing too much produce without one.We also spoke about the broader issue of succession in farming. Sara noted that around 40% of Canadian farmers are expected to retire in the next nine years, and without younger generations stepping up, that could leave a massive gap in the food system. She acknowledged the high rates of burnout and mental health challenges in agriculture and stressed the importance of building a farm that’s physically and emotionally sustainable. Her own experience—dealing with exhaustion, storms, and the demands of being a one-woman show—highlighted how crucial it is to learn to work with your body, invest in efficiency, and pace yourself for the long haul.Through all of it, Sara remains passionate and hopeful. Her story reflects not only resilience and grit but a deepening understanding that farming is more than a profession—it’s a lifestyle. She spoke with honesty about the highs and lows, sharing lessons learned, mistakes made, and the importance of community and creativity in making small-scale farming viable.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/