Did you know - we have 17 farmers in our education program this season at Big River Farms, 13 of whom we source weekly veggies from to fill your CSA share? Meet BRF farmer Whitney of Asfora Farm!
Tell us about your farm!
Asfora Farm was founded as an opportunity to farm organic vegetables that are meaningful to communities and businesses. As a founder, it was important for me to explore farming as an opportunity to offer my own family and community access to organic food.
What's your favorite farming memory?
One of my favorite memories was jumping into a huge hole at Big River Farm to see the importance of soil. It was amazing to stand in a huge pit and marvel at the layers of soil. I started farming focused on being a vegetable grower, but the more I farm the more I end up focusing on soil health to grow produce that I hope you and your family enjoy.
How has being a part of the Big River Farms education program impacted you?
Big River Farms has a really rich array of cultures all farming together. This makes the collective impact enriching.
Have you experienced any surprises along the way?
The centrality of math and strong estimates in the farming process have been a surprise.
Share a success with us!
So far, success has been persistence through the full process of being a first year farmer. I am trusting the process.
What challenges have you faced as an ‘emerging’ farmer?
I have faced challenges related to knowledge or experience and to accessing capital and land. Big River Farms has definitely made land access more affordable to me.
What do you enjoy about being a small business owner?
Being a small business owner of a farm business offers the opportunity to build confidence for any type of business. This has definitely been a confidence booster for me.
What are your hopes for the future of the food system?
I hope to offer my community, family, and self the opportunity to grow food that is regenerative to the land and in right relationship with native people and with the needs of people who may lack access to organic foods.
