Tamie thought everyone in the CAFF farm School would already be farming or at least knowledgeable about agriculture. She envisioned the students all being from farm families, plant experts, or hobby farmers. Meanwhile, she couldn’t keep houseplants alive!
This misconception almost prevented her from applying for the program. After entering farm school she was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone is from various backgrounds and experience levels. The one commonality they all share is a passion for growing food and learning to farm.
In the vast beauty of Wyoming, just outside of Yellowstone, Tamie grew up living the typical rural life. It included an appreciation of nature, horses, and family gardens. Mostly, it was a childhood full of freedom. The ingrained independence she developed there would eventually lead her to farming. But first, it carried her into the Navy where she traveled the world for five years.
There are several mottos in the Naval service, including; “Not Self, But Country”, and “Honor, Courage, and Commitment”. Tamie embraced those ideals. Her years in service at sea were a time when she accumulated wonderful experiences, developed discipline, and formed her values. After leaving the Navy, her desire to serve the greater good transitioned into a social services career which has continued for nineteen years. Her focus is on working with children’s homes and homeless shelters.
So, how did her path lead to the CAFF farm School in Arkansas? Sometimes the desire to farm is under the surface and one day it sprouts. For Tamie, it happened at a work retreat about 8 years ago. All attendees were assigned the creation of a vision board of where they wanted to be in 5-7 years. Magazines and scissors were provided to cut out images. Most people chose photos of diamonds, homes, or other symbols of achievement. Not Tamie. She was surprised to find her board filled with visions of vegetables, clean water, and farming. It was a revelation. After returning from the retreat she told her husband “I learned that when I grow up I want to be a farmer.” That vision board is still with her and she’s remained true to it.
Years before, Tamie had attended college at the University of Arkansas. She and her husband decided to move back to northwest Arkansas 2 years ago with their three children. While researching farm training programs she discovered the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food had a farm school that was just what she needed and right here in NWA. The program was comprehensive, but the part-time schedule fit her family’s lifestyle and allowed her to continue attending her children’s activities. Once she found the right place to learn, she faced overcoming the intimidation factor. “I’m glad I didn’t let it stop me from applying. If you’ve ever thought about farming, follow that passion, I don’t think it’s there by mistake. You are never too old or inexperienced. I’m glad I didn’t listen to that nonsense. It’s a great opportunity to have a program like this here. There aren’t very many around the country and this one is affordable and doable, even with other commitments.”
Tamie hopes to incorporate farming into her passion for aiding others. It makes her feel more connected to the earth and watching things grow is spiritual in a way she can’t fully describe yet. “Farming isn’t just practical, it’s so much more. It’s spiritual and therapeutic too.”
She finds many life applications and teachable moments in farming. It instills a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment. “Being a female veteran, I’m empowered by my experiences in the Navy. Farming provides that same feeling of accomplishment and empowerment. I’d love to share that with others in the future. Especially children in crisis. I’m not sure how yet, but it’s foundational and will shape my goals for what I do with these new skills I’m acquiring.”
She may not have the details sorted yet but an educational farm that empowers children in crisis with therapeutic and practical farm skills sounds like a great starting point. Her commitment to helping others through farming is inspiring. Tamie has other aspirations for farming that fall closer to home. “I’m excited to learn skills that I can teach to future generations in my family, not just my kids but my grandkids. More of us must rediscover the knowledge of growing our food and farming for our communities.”
If you share Tami’s philosophy and desire to farm, then the CAFF Farm School might be for you. The rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region needs more farmers to provide a secure and thriving food system. You can earn a living as a farmer, especially with the advantage of the entrepreneurial and production knowledge offered at the CAFF Farm School. The 10-month program is intensive and students exit with the skills and education to start a farm. There are opportunities for farms of all types, particularly small-scale specialty crop farms of one-quarter to 20 acres. See program costs and details at UAFarmSchool.org and apply now.
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