Currently, I am looking down at the floor of my office at hundreds of seed packets. They will be eventually be put in their newly labeled, enveloped homes before they end up tucked in the ground. This task I find arduous and fulfilling at the same time, but instead of completing the thing at the top of my to-do list, I am instead immersed in a world where the answers I seek are right at my screen. That is right friends, I am talking about YouTube.
This time of year I find I am scrambling around for a plan, grasping what memories I have of last season (see: last post about keeping a farm journal :/) and coming up with new ways to improve upon what I have already done. And that is where the old Tube comes in.
Honestly, how did anyone do anything before this? They just like, figured out how to do a fishtail braid, or to unclog a bathroom sink, or put up a caterpillar tunnel themselves?*
.
While I love to read and have (too) many books on my shelves that would probably answer many of my most urgent farm questions, most of the time I have my phone in my hand and I use Mr. Googlepants** to find the answer for me. Which most often leads to a selection of videos posted about the very specific thing I am looking for.
Before this farm, I had no previous experience growing anything (see:NONE). So I have utilized a lot of Google to help me figure out how to come up with ways to do things. Everything from planting dates to installing irrigation to the best ways to use mulch. I have found many ways to do things, and also what hasn't worked.
So I have narrowed my searching to a few key leaders in the field (no pun intended!) that I really respect and learn so much from. I am in awe of those who not only have figured out a formula for what works on their farm, but they also have the where-with-all to share it with the world in a professional format. Many of these guys just carry a GoPro around with them, and the result is nothing short of fun and easy to watch.
Here is my shortlist of people, in no particular order, where I look first for The Answers:
Justin Rhodes was the first I started watching, after a friend introduced his work to me. Some of the videos he posts are a little longer and tend to include his family, which makes for some very sweet camera moments. Last year they remodeled an old school bus and traveled across the country, visiting farms in every state. Check out The Great American Farm Tour on YouTube or the documentary.
The next one I found just recently and I was instantly a fan. This video was what introduced me, and then found his website and here it will stay in my tabs for what I am sure will be a long time. John Suscovich offers real-life advice on everything from how to get chores done efficiently to how to best market your farm to how to keep the farm's finances in order.
The next I found just recently as well, although I get the feeling this guy has been in the game for a long time. After watching this video, I bought the tools he developed with the great Eliot Coleman for Johnny's Seeds. Conor Clickmore is a pioneer in his field, and his neat, weed-free crops are the stuff of farmers' dreams.
Curtis Stone has a ton of educational content on his site Urban Farmer. He also has a book of the same name which is on my list to buy. His videos are also a treat to watch. He visits farms all over the country as well and shows different techniques they use.
I have decided to make this a multi-part post, because there are so many I want to share! I think it is so important to learn from what others have done , and then take that knowledge and do what works for you. Farming can be one overwhelming, frustrating, teeth-grinding, tool-throwing endeavor (the latter, so I have heard..). It can also be rather isolating at times. You feel like you are the only one out there trying to achieve a productive farm. I am fortunate I have pigs and also the neighbor's sheep to talk to out in the field, and while they make pretty good buddies they are not much for conversation. But for real, it is important to find a network and some camaraderie in farming. I suggest finding a group locally, such as a Meetup, but you can always find like-minded friends out there in the world in the palm of our dirty callused hands. :)
*Yes, I have searched and subsequently learned how to do all of these things, thanks for asking.
**Term credited to Justin Rhodes
No comments:
Post a Comment