Finding Community and Culture Around Farming

Finding Community and Culture Around Farming

Being half Korean greatly impacted Julia’s decision to farm and her motivations. Growing up in Atlanta, she experienced her mom’s strong Korean immigrant community as a support system and cultural conduit. The community would come together for fellowship around food. Julia and her brother were immersed in this experience as children, families coming together around a transplanted culture and its cuisine. She visited a couple of regenerative farms in California and felt a deep draw towards them. These experiences brought her to the CAFF Farm School.

Immigrant Enjoys Freedoms and Farming

Immigrant Enjoys Freedoms and Farming

“We always had to self-censor and be careful what we say publicly. I’m happy to have speech and spiritual freedom here in the United States.” In her birth country, she was an English teacher. She married a colleague, an English teacher, and a United States citizen. They returned stateside about 16 years ago. She cites the pandemic as her final motivation to farm.

A Poet in the CAFF Farm School

A Poet in the CAFF Farm School

Twenty years ago, when she was studying International Business, Erin couldn’t have imagined that she’d eventually become a poet farmer in Arkansas. Life can be twisty that way. With two young children, her MFA coursework, and the CAFF Farm School all simultaneously, it’s surprising that Erin has time to think. She was happy to find other artists and even a fellow poet in her cohort at the CAFF Farm School. She’s also learned about many different farms run by artists and writers who farm in the mornings and create in the afternoon.

Navy Veteran Drawn to the Empowerment  of Farming

Navy Veteran Drawn to the Empowerment of Farming

Tamie 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.

Marshallese Farmer Educates Community About Diabetes and Provides Food

Marshallese Farmer Educates Community About Diabetes and Provides Food

Lucy, a Springdale resident, is on a mission to combat these alarming statistics through nutrition and farming. Rather than selling her harvest, Lucy donates it to her local Marshallese community. She also shares pre-diabetic information, cooking tips, and farming knowledge. The farming tips are helpful since the RMI growing environment is very different from Arkansas. This presents a challenge for those trying to grow their native crops here and prepare familiar dishes after relocating. The Marshallese community in Arkansas has the disease at a shockingly higher rate of 40% compared to only 15% in the state’s general population.

Exploring Farming Options at CAFF Farm School

Exploring Farming Options at CAFF Farm School

Basia loves being outdoors and cooking healthy food. “I was never one of those people who knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I’m still figuring that out, but farming brings together many things I love doing.” The program has given her an opportunity to explore options for building a business around her various interests.