For the aspiring farmer

Every season, we receive emails full of kind words, requests for advice, and well wishes from aspiring farmers. We’ve decided to publish some of the questions — and our answers — here for all to read. We hope this set of Q&A’s reaches more curious farmers-to-be and provides valuable insights to the general community.

Please keep in mind — we’re at the very beginning of of our farming adventure with only two full seasons under our belt. We’re flattered to even be considered as folks with advice to give.

Did you sit down to make a plan first or did you start small and plan/expand in tandem? How long did it take you and your husband to plan before launching your farm?

We didn't plan and, honestly, and I'd discourage over-planning in the beginning. All we knew is that we love being outdoors and I love cooking and growing plants - everything else grew naturally from that passion. If farming's taught me anything, it's that plans change... dramatically and that's okay!

It's important to adapt your farm to the whims of the natural world, the pros and cons of your chosen plot, as well as your skills and shortfalls (many of which you can only figure out by doing). For example, we thought we'd have goats for the long haul but ended up butchering them after the first year. I had little interest in chickens initially and now I've got around 100 layers and I'm obsessed! I always loved the taste of beets but had no idea how well they would grow on our land and how much I'd enjoy washing dirt-covered root veggies months on end.

My advice would be to try everything once (maybe twice), to find what fits you, your lifestyle, and your situation. Stay open to the many paths of farming. You'll look back fondly on the trials and tribulations and be so grateful once you've hit your stride.

Is growing in northern Michigan's climate challenge? I'd imagine it must be tough with harsh winters…

Yes and no  - our growing season is short, so everything happens all at once! The intense, busy growing season will test your limits, both physically and mentally, but it's a heck of a fun, wild ride we eagerly anticipate each year. Our winters are harsh and long, you will want to have a good tractor-mounted snowblower and a can-do attitude with the shovel. The winters do provide a lovely period out of the garden and into the kitchen. If you enjoy winter sports, this is the place to be. Make sure to still get out and move during the down season - snow is so fun!

Were there any challenges you experienced when you were starting your farm? How did you mitigate these?

I spoke a little about this, but I'd also like to add that starting a farm is very expensive. The initial investments like a tractor, fencing, and a greenhouse are not for the faint of heart.

If I could go back in time, I'd have started saving up many years in advance. Turning a profit can take years. It's helped us financially both working while farming, but it can be tiresome. This being said, it is entirely possible to start small and expand slowly by winning grants along the way.

What software do you recommend using for website design/e-commerce?

I made my own website! That's actually my side gig alongside engineering, so thank you for your kind words. I also made my friend's website: Align Movement and Massage. Squarespace hosts both websites, but I've made them with lots of custom code. For e-commerce, I use GrownBy as it has advanced pickup and subscription operability.

Is it hard to compete with other local businesses? Was it hard to get your products sold in local retailers?

I don't view it as competition, but coexistence and collaboration. I firmly believe there is space for all of us small farmers, and, really, we need to work together to thrive. In our small community, many other small farm owners hold this same view. I am so grateful for a non-toxic, collaborative community. To best understand this sentiment, I highly recommend reading “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

As for big box stores that are getting produce and foods shipped in, our small farm is selling an entirely different product under the same crop name. We harvest our produce day-of each market. Our heads of lettuce harvested mere hours before sale have a much longer shelf life, vibrant color, retain much more of their nutritional value, and create a smaller carbon footprint. Many folks insist on seasonal eating for these reasons, especially after discovering the world of difference in quality, taste, appearance, and nutritional benefits. There’s hardly any comparison to be made between fresh, local produce and produce at big box stores that’s been shipped-in.

Were there any books/podcasts/videos you recommend reading or listening to for prospective farmers and small business owners?

Books — “The Mountains of California”, John Muir; “Mad Farmer Poems”, Wendell Barry; “The New Organic Grower”, Eliot Coleman; “The Regenerative Agriculture Solution”, Ronnie Cummins, André Leu; “The Lean Micro Farm” Ben Hartman; “The Living Soil Handbook” Jesse Frost

Podcast — My Digital Farmer, Corinna Bench; Song and Plants, Carmen Porter

Instagram — Taste the Local Difference

Did your farm get financial assistance from grants during your start-up stage?

Unfortunately, no - not yet - the timing never worked out for us to even submit a proposal. But I know many folks in our area who have won grants. It is a very feasible option to grow slowly, winning grants as you go.

Any other advice for a couple looking to start a small farm?

Farming is hard but absolutely worth it! Your relationship will need to endure through hardships and stress. Also, find a community you care deeply about and serve them. Farming has slim profitability, and, at the end of the day, it will feel so worthwhile if you can see the difference your farm makes in people's lives. Customers can feel your passion, and will invest in you following your passion. You don't have to be perfect in the beginning! We use exceptionally high-quality ingredients, use labor-intensive processes, and grow to regenerative - not just organic - standards. Starting off this way will be very expensive and tiring and requires lots of research - we would know, we did it.

Other notes?

Folks are always welcome to come visit the farm :) If you'd like to camp on the property over the summer and oversee our operations - we can absolutely set something up.

Best of luck on your future farming endeavors,

Claire and Matthew Troemner