Weldon is a real, live example of a trend you may have heard about: a 20-something with a college education who decides, of his own free will and desire, to become a farmer. Call him idealistic - I don't think he'll mind - his story is honest and compelling. Dorothy has the distinct pleasure of having grown up with Weldon in small-town Kentucky, where it wasn't uncommon for local teenagers to drive their tractor to school on the last day of classes. In case you're wondering, Weldon was not one of those people (for the record, neither was Dorothy), but growing up with agriculture has obviously made an impact. If you're not already on board with the movement for real food, Weldon is the man to convince you.

What attracted you to a good food job?

After learning more and more what is in our food at the grocery store (specifically meats), I decided I would have to produce my own or become a vegetarian.  Being extremely partial to delicious beef, pork, lamb, chicken, duck, rabbit, octopus - you name it - a vegetarian diet was not a likely solution.

This education occurred about the same time as I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS).  After struggling for years with this disease, I decided the best way to heal myself was with high quality, nutritionally dense, clean food.  As my health improved, I then realized I wanted to prevent others from going down the same path.  The lifestyle of a farmer (hard, meaningful work, simple pleasures, working with my hands) also had great appeal to me, as I do not agree with the path society (generally) is heading.

I quit my job as an environmental consultant and have been farming full-time for 3 years now.  Joel Salatin has been my hero and really showed me a person can make a living as a farmer, so I have been trying to follow his example and heal the planet with gourmet quality food.  To be honest, it is really working out very well.  We have a strong following in Nashville, TN and sell to many families and several restaurants there.  Our local patrons are starting to pick up and there are doors opening in Louisville, KY for our products as well.  We are truly blessed by the many opportunities out there.  It all starts with a commitment to produce an outstanding product and passionate customers who appreciate it.

How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?

I grew up on a working farm and in a farming community.  I first drove a tractor at 5 years old and have been involved ever since.  We often hired out to our neighbors to put up hay or work in tobacco before migrant labor became so popular.  I know what hard work is and am not afraid to get it done.  My previous experience as a research hydrologist has heightened my already environmentally sensitive nature.  My work as an environmental consultant proves invaluable in farming, as it prepared me for a typical scenario on the farm: the plan for the day is trumped by whatever crisis/problem emerges first thing in the morning.  There are days we start with a project in mind and don't get to it because so many other things pop up.  Consulting was often the exact same experience.   Overall it has been a trying experience; due to my illness I cannot get as much done in a day as I would like to, and the logistics of frozen product in large volumes has been a learning process.

What advice do you have for others in search of a good food job?

You better have a passion for it.  While there are many with "good food jobs" who make a decent living, there are few who get wealthy and you know what?  No one cares, because they have passion for what they are doing.  It's not a job, its a vocation.  I am a beyond-organic, beyond-sustainable farmer because I want to help folks find clean, healthy food for themselves, their family, their friends, all the while regenerating and improving the little section of the world over which I am a steward.  It's one of a handful of truly noble vocations.   If you have passion, you can overcome the obstacles that might be in the way.  As for myself, I knew I just had to bite the bullet and do it.  If I had waited much longer, then my opportunity would have likely been gone.  Many people work in jobs they don't like so they can pay the bills.  I decided I would rather have fewer bills to pay and be fulfilled with my vocation than just make money.  If you want a good food job you may face the same scenario.  Jump; at least then you can say you gave it your best shot.

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?

If I could farm well and hard, all my family's needs were met, and I could do a little traveling, I would be perfectly happy.  We don't need a lot, and we take great joy in fabulous meals, meaningful work, time with family and friends.  Unfortunately we have a vast array of expenses, so we do have to charge for our products. My wife and I greatly enjoy bartering at farmers markets', so at least I get a glimpse into a world without currency.  I really like it.  Do you think airlines would take payment in pastured chickens?  Wouldn't that be something?