When I first got in to farming, I was excited to transfer my love for manual labor to something that I feel is more substantial and important. I've since come to learn that manual labor is only a minor (although integral) aspect of running the farm and that there are many skill sets required to be successful. My favorite is customer relations.
In my previous business, a landscape company that i owned and operated by myself, I was required to sell a vision. Sometimes people would be on board and enthusiastic with my ideas, but often times I would have to haggle or push to get people to spend money on something that they couldn't fathom themselves. That was frustrating.
Farming is different. We work hard to bring the best produce we can to our members and customers. At the farmers market we put everything on display and hope for the best. There is no upselling or add-ons that require us to be sales people; just good looking fruits and veggies. If you're interested, great! If not, no worries! Conversations can drift and flow with no pressure or underlying intentions and that is when humanity is at its best.
So feel free to chat when you stop by the stand or the farmers market. It's one of the reasons I enjoy doing what we do so much!
Eat well and enjoy-
J&T
