Last night, I had a very international dinner. This wasn't due to the flavors, but due to the source of the ingredients. The risotto we ate was Italian. The salmon was Norwegian. The tomatoes in the salad were from Holland. All of these products were from Trader Joe's. I wish supermarkets would make a more concerted effort to only sell domestic products, and emphasize local products. The problem is that consumers don't realize that there are seasons, and that they (should) affect the availability of certain foods. If we can't grow items locally, then don't stock them. It seems fairly simple to me.
The only thing produced locally last night was my sarcasm.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Feeling Stuck
I am waiting to hear from colleges, and I feel frustrated.
I have many possibilities for the summer and beyond, but I currently feel stuck. Urban life is taking its toll on me. I am tired of the rushing. City life feels so pressured. I am getting tired of being in an educational setting which I don't find fulfilling. I would much rather be in an environment where I can pursue my interests. Here, in LA, I feel that farming opportunities are few, and far between. I think that a majority of the small-scale farming opportunities are on the East coast. Having agricultural aspirations while living in Los Angeles is a test of my patience.
Only a few more months left.
I have many possibilities for the summer and beyond, but I currently feel stuck. Urban life is taking its toll on me. I am tired of the rushing. City life feels so pressured. I am getting tired of being in an educational setting which I don't find fulfilling. I would much rather be in an environment where I can pursue my interests. Here, in LA, I feel that farming opportunities are few, and far between. I think that a majority of the small-scale farming opportunities are on the East coast. Having agricultural aspirations while living in Los Angeles is a test of my patience.
Only a few more months left.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Post on Greenhorns
I have had a piece published on the Greenhorns Blog.
http://thegreenhorns.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/a-high-schooler-chooses-agriculture/
This is quite exciting for me, because it will hopefully put me in touch with some farmers. I am greatly looking forward to the summer, because I will hopefully be doing an internship. An internship would provide me with hands on experience in farming, which is important for my education.
Not only will I get experience with production of food, but I will hopefully get experience with selling the products at farmers markets.
http://thegreenhorns.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/a-high-schooler-chooses-agriculture/
This is quite exciting for me, because it will hopefully put me in touch with some farmers. I am greatly looking forward to the summer, because I will hopefully be doing an internship. An internship would provide me with hands on experience in farming, which is important for my education.
Not only will I get experience with production of food, but I will hopefully get experience with selling the products at farmers markets.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Farmers Markets
Here, farmers markets are status symbols, and nothing more. I see the shoppers leaving the market, and they've only bought one item or two. In my mind, the purpose of a farmers market is to procure high quality, local groceries. These people buy one or two items just to make themselves feel better, and feel as if they are doing something good. If someone is committed to buying local, they would buy all of their groceries at the farmers markets.
At our local farmers market, here in LA, I was shocked to see a cheese company based in Petauma, California. Petaluma is four hundred miles from here, so I found this to be hypocrisy. The purpose of a farmers market is to provide a setting for consumers to discover local producers.
At our local farmers market, here in LA, I was shocked to see a cheese company based in Petauma, California. Petaluma is four hundred miles from here, so I found this to be hypocrisy. The purpose of a farmers market is to provide a setting for consumers to discover local producers.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Raison D'etre/Manifesto
We have a problem in America. It's not a genocide, or an epidemic. However, it is quite serious. This problem is our food system. We are eating food that is bad for us.
A few multinational corporations control a majority of our food system. They focus on producing food faster and cheaper. As a result of this, the quality of the food, and the quality of life for the animal is low. The chickens never see the light of day. The cows are standing waist deep in their own waste. All of these animals are living in crowded conditions.
I am going to become a farmer, so that I can provide good, high quality food to people. I plan on studying sustainable agriculture. After completing my course of study, I will purchase a farm. I have already started to plan my farm. I intend to have a small-scale dairy operation.
I also intend to raise chickens for meat, and laying hens for eggs. I plan on raising 20 or so pigs for meat. A problem that we have in our society is that agriculture is looked down upon as a career choice. If a high-achieving student decides that they want to be a farmer, they would likely receive a less-than-positive reaction. Because farming isn't considered an intellectual job by the elitists, farming isn't encouraged as a career choice.
If a student does decide to become a farmer, it is difficult for High School students to get farming internships, because they can't stay for the entire growing season. I am looking for a farming internship, but I can only stay for two months.
I am not choosing to go into a career that will include sitting behind a desk. My cubicle will be measured in terms of acres. I am firm in my belief that I am going to become a farmer. I am going to be part of an agricultural revolution. There's a whole movement of youth and young adults who are becoming farmers.
This is a positive step, because the age of the average farmer was 57, in 2007, and this figure is rising steadily.
If more youth don't get involved in farming,
we will have a severe shortage of small-scale farms. We will only be able to buy mass-produced food from multinational corporations in the grocery stores.
I don't want to continue to live in a society where I eat poorly treated livestock, and call it dinner.
A few multinational corporations control a majority of our food system. They focus on producing food faster and cheaper. As a result of this, the quality of the food, and the quality of life for the animal is low. The chickens never see the light of day. The cows are standing waist deep in their own waste. All of these animals are living in crowded conditions.
I am going to become a farmer, so that I can provide good, high quality food to people. I plan on studying sustainable agriculture. After completing my course of study, I will purchase a farm. I have already started to plan my farm. I intend to have a small-scale dairy operation.
I also intend to raise chickens for meat, and laying hens for eggs. I plan on raising 20 or so pigs for meat. A problem that we have in our society is that agriculture is looked down upon as a career choice. If a high-achieving student decides that they want to be a farmer, they would likely receive a less-than-positive reaction. Because farming isn't considered an intellectual job by the elitists, farming isn't encouraged as a career choice.
If a student does decide to become a farmer, it is difficult for High School students to get farming internships, because they can't stay for the entire growing season. I am looking for a farming internship, but I can only stay for two months.
I am not choosing to go into a career that will include sitting behind a desk. My cubicle will be measured in terms of acres. I am firm in my belief that I am going to become a farmer. I am going to be part of an agricultural revolution. There's a whole movement of youth and young adults who are becoming farmers.
This is a positive step, because the age of the average farmer was 57, in 2007, and this figure is rising steadily.
If more youth don't get involved in farming,
we will have a severe shortage of small-scale farms. We will only be able to buy mass-produced food from multinational corporations in the grocery stores.
I don't want to continue to live in a society where I eat poorly treated livestock, and call it dinner.
Barnheart
I read a wonderful piece on the Cold Antler Farm Blog.
I actually read it in the fall, when I was starting to consider a career in farming.
Here's the piece.
"There’s a condition that inflicts some of us and I can only describe as Barnheart. Barnheart is a sharp, targeted, depression that inflicts certain people (myself being one of them) as harsh and ugly as a steak knife being shoved into an uncooked turkey. It’s not recognized by professionals or psychoanalysts (yet), but it’s only a matter of time before it’s a household diagnose. Hear me out. It goes like this:
Barnheart is that sudden overcast feeling that hits you while at work or in the middle of the grocery store checkout line. It’s unequivocally knowing you want to be a farmer—and for whatever personal circumstances—cannot be one just yet. So there you are, heartsick and confused in the passing lane, wondering why you cannot stop thinking about heritage livestock and electric fences. Do not be afraid. You have what I have. You are not alone.
You are suffering from Barnheart.
It’s a dreamer’s disease: a mix of hope, determination, and grit. Specifically targeted at those of us who wish to god we were outside with our flocks, feed bags, or harnesses and instead are sitting in front of a computer screens. When a severe attack hits, it’s all you can do to sit still. The room gets smaller, your mind wanders, and you are overcome with the desire to be tagging cattle ears or feeding pigs instead of taking conference calls. People at the water cooler will stare if you say these things aloud. If this happens, just segue into sports and you’ll be fine.
The symptoms are mild at first. You start glancing around the internet at homesteading forums and cheese making supply shops on your lunch break. You go home after work and instead of turning on the television—you bake a pie and read about chicken coop plans. Then some how, somewhere, along the way – you realize you are happiest when in your garden or collecting eggs. When this happens, man oh man, it’s all down hill from there. When you accept the only way to a fulfilling life requires tractor attachments and a septic system, it’s too late. You’ve already been infected. If you even suspect this, you may have early-onset Barnheart.
But do not panic, my dear friends. Our rural ennui has a cure! It’s a self-medication that that can only be administered by direct, tangible, and intentional actions. If you find yourself overcome with the longings of Barnheart, simply step outside; get some fresh air, and breathe. Go back to your desk and finish your tasks knowing that tonight you’ll take notes on spring garden plans and start perusing those seed catalogs. Usually, simple, small actions in direction of your own farm can be the remedy. In worst-case scenarios you might find yourself resorting to extreme measures. These situations call for things like a day called in sick to do nothing but garden, muck out chicken coops, collect fresh eggs and bake fresh bread. While that may seem drastic, understand this is a disease of inaction, darling. It hits us the hardest when we are farthest from our dreams. So to fight it we must simply have faith that some day 3:47 PM will mean grabbing a saddle instead of a spreadsheet. Believing this is even possible is halfway to healthy. I am a high-functioning sufferer of Barnheart. I can keep a day job, long as I know my night job involves livestock.
Barnheart is a condition that needs smells and touch and crisp air to heal. If you find yourself suffering from such things, make plans to visit an orchard, dairy farm, or pick up that beat guitar. Busy hands will get you on the mend. Small measures, strong convictions, good coffee, and kind dogs will see you through. I am certain of these things.
So when you find yourself sitting in your office, school, or café chair and your mind wanders to a life of personal freedom, know that feeling is our collective disease. If you can almost taste the bitter smells of manure and hay in the air and feel the sun on your bare arms, even on the subway, you are one of us and have hope for recovery. Like us, you try and straighten up in your ergonomic desk chair but really you want to be reclining in the bed of a pickup truck. We get that.
And hey, do not lose the faith or fret about the current circumstances. Everything changes. And if you need to stand in the light of an old barn to lift your spirits, perhaps some day you will. Every day. For some, surely this is the only cure.
We’ll get there. In the meantime, let us just take comfort in knowing we’re not alone. And maybe take turns standing up and admitting we have a problem.
Hello. My name is Jenna. And I have Barnheart."
I also have this serious affliction. I want to be a farmer.
Here's a link to the post, and the blog.
http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2010/01/barnheart.html
I actually read it in the fall, when I was starting to consider a career in farming.
Here's the piece.
"There’s a condition that inflicts some of us and I can only describe as Barnheart. Barnheart is a sharp, targeted, depression that inflicts certain people (myself being one of them) as harsh and ugly as a steak knife being shoved into an uncooked turkey. It’s not recognized by professionals or psychoanalysts (yet), but it’s only a matter of time before it’s a household diagnose. Hear me out. It goes like this:
Barnheart is that sudden overcast feeling that hits you while at work or in the middle of the grocery store checkout line. It’s unequivocally knowing you want to be a farmer—and for whatever personal circumstances—cannot be one just yet. So there you are, heartsick and confused in the passing lane, wondering why you cannot stop thinking about heritage livestock and electric fences. Do not be afraid. You have what I have. You are not alone.
You are suffering from Barnheart.
It’s a dreamer’s disease: a mix of hope, determination, and grit. Specifically targeted at those of us who wish to god we were outside with our flocks, feed bags, or harnesses and instead are sitting in front of a computer screens. When a severe attack hits, it’s all you can do to sit still. The room gets smaller, your mind wanders, and you are overcome with the desire to be tagging cattle ears or feeding pigs instead of taking conference calls. People at the water cooler will stare if you say these things aloud. If this happens, just segue into sports and you’ll be fine.
The symptoms are mild at first. You start glancing around the internet at homesteading forums and cheese making supply shops on your lunch break. You go home after work and instead of turning on the television—you bake a pie and read about chicken coop plans. Then some how, somewhere, along the way – you realize you are happiest when in your garden or collecting eggs. When this happens, man oh man, it’s all down hill from there. When you accept the only way to a fulfilling life requires tractor attachments and a septic system, it’s too late. You’ve already been infected. If you even suspect this, you may have early-onset Barnheart.
But do not panic, my dear friends. Our rural ennui has a cure! It’s a self-medication that that can only be administered by direct, tangible, and intentional actions. If you find yourself overcome with the longings of Barnheart, simply step outside; get some fresh air, and breathe. Go back to your desk and finish your tasks knowing that tonight you’ll take notes on spring garden plans and start perusing those seed catalogs. Usually, simple, small actions in direction of your own farm can be the remedy. In worst-case scenarios you might find yourself resorting to extreme measures. These situations call for things like a day called in sick to do nothing but garden, muck out chicken coops, collect fresh eggs and bake fresh bread. While that may seem drastic, understand this is a disease of inaction, darling. It hits us the hardest when we are farthest from our dreams. So to fight it we must simply have faith that some day 3:47 PM will mean grabbing a saddle instead of a spreadsheet. Believing this is even possible is halfway to healthy. I am a high-functioning sufferer of Barnheart. I can keep a day job, long as I know my night job involves livestock.
Barnheart is a condition that needs smells and touch and crisp air to heal. If you find yourself suffering from such things, make plans to visit an orchard, dairy farm, or pick up that beat guitar. Busy hands will get you on the mend. Small measures, strong convictions, good coffee, and kind dogs will see you through. I am certain of these things.
So when you find yourself sitting in your office, school, or café chair and your mind wanders to a life of personal freedom, know that feeling is our collective disease. If you can almost taste the bitter smells of manure and hay in the air and feel the sun on your bare arms, even on the subway, you are one of us and have hope for recovery. Like us, you try and straighten up in your ergonomic desk chair but really you want to be reclining in the bed of a pickup truck. We get that.
And hey, do not lose the faith or fret about the current circumstances. Everything changes. And if you need to stand in the light of an old barn to lift your spirits, perhaps some day you will. Every day. For some, surely this is the only cure.
We’ll get there. In the meantime, let us just take comfort in knowing we’re not alone. And maybe take turns standing up and admitting we have a problem.
Hello. My name is Jenna. And I have Barnheart."
I also have this serious affliction. I want to be a farmer.
Here's a link to the post, and the blog.
http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2010/01/barnheart.html
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentines Day
Tomorrow is Valentines Day.
Many people will be giving gifts to the people who they are romantically involved with. Unfortunately, many of these gifts will have travelled great distances.
The chocolates that will be given have a large Carbon Footprint. The beans were picked, and then shipped to a roasting facility, and then shipped again. The traditional Valentines Day roses also travel a great distance.
Rather than give a gift that will hurt the earth, give a gift that will be beneficial. Gift a CSA membership to a local farm. This way, the recipient can receive good, clean food.
And besides, the imported roses will wilt in a few days.
Many people will be giving gifts to the people who they are romantically involved with. Unfortunately, many of these gifts will have travelled great distances.
The chocolates that will be given have a large Carbon Footprint. The beans were picked, and then shipped to a roasting facility, and then shipped again. The traditional Valentines Day roses also travel a great distance.
Rather than give a gift that will hurt the earth, give a gift that will be beneficial. Gift a CSA membership to a local farm. This way, the recipient can receive good, clean food.
And besides, the imported roses will wilt in a few days.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Where are the opportunities?
I have noticed an obstacle in my quest to find farming internships. Being in high school poses a problem, because my summer vacation doesn't incldue the entire growing season. This creates a problem, because many farms are reluctant to hire for only two months.
Another problem is age. WWOOF has an 18+ requirement. I will only be 16, so that creates another set of problems.
If anyone knows of any farms that would take a sixteen year old as an intern for two months, please let me know.
Another problem is age. WWOOF has an 18+ requirement. I will only be 16, so that creates another set of problems.
If anyone knows of any farms that would take a sixteen year old as an intern for two months, please let me know.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Greenhorns
Last weekend, I found out about a documentary called "The Greenhorns." This film explores the lives of young farmers in America.
The filmmaker hopes that this film will help convince more people to choose a career in agriculture. They focus on young farmers, because the average age of a farmer is 57.
I look forward to seeing this film, because I am going to be starting my own farm eventually. For now, I can just find resources such as this one, and connect with the organizers.
I feel that the apathy that is present among members of my generation will be harmful later in life. Unless there's a agricultural revolution among the members of my generation, the problems will continue to get worse.
My main concern is that the age of the average farmer will continue to rise, until we reach a point when we have no local, small farms.
The people won't have taken enough interest in food production, and therefore, the multinational corporations will become even more powerful.
That's my main concern. Luckily, we have movements like The Greenhorns, and as it says on The Greenhorns Website, "It is the filmmaker's hope that by broadcasting the stories and voices of these young farmers, we can build the case for those considering a career in agriculture - to embolden them, to entice them, and to recruit them into farming."
I hope that more and more youth choose a career in farming.
The filmmaker hopes that this film will help convince more people to choose a career in agriculture. They focus on young farmers, because the average age of a farmer is 57.
I look forward to seeing this film, because I am going to be starting my own farm eventually. For now, I can just find resources such as this one, and connect with the organizers.
I feel that the apathy that is present among members of my generation will be harmful later in life. Unless there's a agricultural revolution among the members of my generation, the problems will continue to get worse.
My main concern is that the age of the average farmer will continue to rise, until we reach a point when we have no local, small farms.
The people won't have taken enough interest in food production, and therefore, the multinational corporations will become even more powerful.
That's my main concern. Luckily, we have movements like The Greenhorns, and as it says on The Greenhorns Website, "It is the filmmaker's hope that by broadcasting the stories and voices of these young farmers, we can build the case for those considering a career in agriculture - to embolden them, to entice them, and to recruit them into farming."
I hope that more and more youth choose a career in farming.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Tediousness of daily life.
I am feeling frustrated. The frustration is coming from the tediousness of daily life. I have my goals set out, but I feel stuck, in high school. I know I want to farm, but I feel stuck in this area where we eat without thinking, and try to move faster and faster. I intend to get out of urban life, but I feel that I can't leave soon enough. I am seriously tired of urban life.
I feel different from everyone here. The reason that I am different is that I care about food, and its sources. My peers are so unaware of these issues, which matter to me. Interacting with them is a frustrating experience because they think I'm crazy for caring. The only agriculture that interests them is the growing of cannabis.
I am passionate about these issue, so I am alone. There's an entry on The Cold Antler Farm Blog that sums up the response that I get when talking about agriculture in my current surroundings, "People at the water cooler will stare if you say these things aloud." For now, I just sit here, waiting to be surrounded by like minded people.
I feel different from everyone here. The reason that I am different is that I care about food, and its sources. My peers are so unaware of these issues, which matter to me. Interacting with them is a frustrating experience because they think I'm crazy for caring. The only agriculture that interests them is the growing of cannabis.
I am passionate about these issue, so I am alone. There's an entry on The Cold Antler Farm Blog that sums up the response that I get when talking about agriculture in my current surroundings, "People at the water cooler will stare if you say these things aloud." For now, I just sit here, waiting to be surrounded by like minded people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)