“Welcome to the world of women farming, when visions multiply like zucchini,” writes Lisa Kivirist. In Soil Sisters, Kivirist explores the issues facing people who are starting a life in farming. Most of the farm enterprises discussed are relatively small-scale organic market gardens, small mixed farms, or farm B&Bs. Kivirist’s income comes from a farm B&B and writing.
New book explores the world of female farmers.
Despite Soil Sisters’ focus on women farmers, much of the advice applies to all new farmers, particularly people moving from the city. Kivirist deals with the challenges that women farmers face—the stereotypes, prejudice — but these are often faced by male urbanite farmers as well. Even some of the physical constraints (such was less upper body strength) would apply to men leaving desk jobs for the farm life.
Kivirist covers the basics of how to find a farm enterprise that fits with your individual strengths, how to finance it and run it as a business. Some of the financial tips refer to specific American programs but much of the information would apply to Canadian farmers. Kivirist also has tips on how to best choose and use tools for small-bodied and aging farmers.
Farmers of all backgrounds and body types can benefit from the advice of Morris Carpenter, self-described as a “queer, rustic, butch, playful womyn” with short buzzed hair and twelve tattoos. Her tips “on fitting in by not selling out” include basic points like “don’t assume anything about anyone” and “be a good neighbour” by maintaining fences, sharing potato seed and inviting everyone to parties.
“Develop your own country wave,” she suggests. “And use it often when driving by other cars and folks in the field.” She also recommends giving country music a chance, being a good networker and making your own community. And that is sound advice for all — male or female, gay or straight, new or experienced farmer.
Farming advice:
- Weed long rows backwards so you can see what you’ve accomplished rather than what’s left to do.
- Wear a fanny pack in the field to hold items like phones, tissues, knives, zip ties and snacks.
- To avoid a lot of redtape with on-farm meals, have pizza nights. Pizzas can feature the ingredients in season but are considered take-out. People can bring their picnic set or eat it off a napkin or paper plate while sitting under a tree.
- “When you find yourself yelling, ‘You sheep are so stupid,’ stop. It’s not them. You are the one doing something wrong. You’re not thinking about how sheep move or what they need. Instead, you’re expecting them to read your mind. Hopefully your sheep will be too polite to point out that this is just stupid.” A quote from Catherine Friend; advice from female farmers are in the margins throughout the book.
- Move to an area where the local food movement is just getting started and you can ride the wave.
- Ask many people the same question and remember there is no one right path.
- Janet Wallace