The dual art forms of farming and blogging go hand in hand. We would think of this as a modern phenomenon, if only history didn't reflect the same in the writings of Wendell Berry, Henry David Thoreau, Laura Ingalls Wilder?choose your favorite. One modern addition we are thankful for is the presence of Stephanie's gorgeous photos, which you'll want to dive into (after reading her interview, of course).
When did you know that you wanted to work in food?
I started my college career in journalism - I wanted to write. I wanted to tell stories. I remember loving Susan Orlean for her ability to tap into every nook and cranny of a person's being, and I wanted to be a version of her in my most humble capacity. Everybody eats, and their food histories fascinate me. Food has this amazing ability to connect, disconnect, and sometimes even destroy. That's just so incredible. As for goat farming specifically, I kind of fell into it, and then fell in love with it.
We kept in touch with the first farmers we trained under. After traveling across the country and working on farms here and there, we took temporary jobs at the original farm where we interned when the couple left to start their own farm. Then they told us about a management opportunity at a farm ten miles from theirs. We couldn't say no! That just goes to show the power of always staying connected.
What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your Good Food Job dream?
It's common knowledge that farming is difficult work, both physically and emotionally. But farming alongside your partner is a lesson in infinite compromise, a lesson well headed. There have been a few times where the hours are just too long, and the work too cumbersome to remember to be kind to your partner. And a passion for farming can only take you so far if you've neglected your nearest and dearest. There are an amazing amount of farming resources out there, but few adequately address the stresses of working relationships. Just as farming teaches you to compromise with nature, you learn to become a better communicator, which means being honest with yourself too.
Agriculture. There are so many ways for people to learn how to farm and manage a farm business, and I'm talking about opportunities beyond the experiential WWOOFing. Young people have an incredible opportunity right now to learn the skills to not only be an effective farmer, but also an effective business manager.
Chocolate. Just kidding. I would love to be compensated in airline miles and the ability to speak any language fluently. I would visit all of the goat dairies in the world.