What Does It Take To Become A Successful Urban Farmer?
I have been interviewed several times over the last few months, and one of the questions that I am often asked is – what does it take to be a successful grower? Now that I have stopped planting, and am releasing my scheduling, and dismantling the systems I have created, there is another level of perspective on what is required.
The Stereotype
When I speak with those not familiar with commercial organic growing, I am finding that there are several stereotypes out there, which do little justice to the skilled art and craft of organic artisan farming.
One of the main ones I encounter is that we are all relaxed hippies as organic farmers.
Our farms and land are indeed peace-full, and relaxing…it is indeed the reason why I, and my colleagues choose to farm.
The Reality
However, I assure you if you are in any type of farming, there is a high degree of responsibility, attention to detail, planning, deep observation, critical analysis, and ability to manage an enormous amount of tasks consistently despite of any climatic conditions….it’s quite a learning curve and juggling act.
As commercial growers we are often needing to manage extremely variable situations
I was once told by an experienced farmer that as an organic grower you will have a list of 100 tasks to complete each day, and your job is to choose which 3 you are going to complete. I did not at first realise the significance of what this man was communicating to me, yet it has become clear over time.
Your ability to prioritise tasks is key in managing the farm, and business.
Farms like factory’s, are production systems, however, the one main difference is that they are living systems.
So, being able to prioritise, be observant, be decisive, and adapt quickly to changing variables is a must. And being able to address the crops individually on the farm, as well as take into account the overall health of the entire farm system is critical for maintaining a healthy living production system.
Creating highly efficient systems that adapt to variable climatic and human conditions, that are high yielding and profitable, is the art and skill of farming, and my particular interest
As scientists, we are taught to observe, formulate hypothesis, test the hypothesis through practical and repeatable experiments, then collate results, before we can draw conclusions. I apply all of my scientific training specifically to organic farming, and many of the best commercial growers that I know, come from backgrounds of IT, engineering, science etc. or some industry where they have had to have a high degree of organisation, and business acumen.
The Farmpreneur
Farmers must also be good at wearing a multitude of hats, depending on the requirements of the day. Often going from planting, to harvesting, to customer orders, managing post harvest production, researching new crops, accounting, managing website and social media, human resources, customer service, as well as any audit requirements from certifications and food licenses held, to name a few…
However, one of the most important characteristics of being a farmer is having a high degree of resilience, and problem solving (solution seeking) abilities.
Working with the natural world to create sustainable, high yielding, cost effective food production systems has been my focus for the past three years, due to the many challenges created by large scale, industrialised agriculture.
In my course, and with my consulting clients, I coach growers how to ‘think’, and analyse opportunities, and approach their farming enterprises, so that they will have a greater chance of being successful within this industry. I also teach my students, and clients, to keep their ideologies in their ‘back pockets’ when it comes to commercial organic growing, and to vigorously test any theory, or advice practically before taking it onboard, and applying it across their farm.
Copyright 2019 Sheia Kalima Kironn
Farm Consultant, Farm Marketer, Urban Farmer
