Dotun has a degree in electrical engineering and previously worked as a software engineer. He owns a farm in his origin country of Nigeria that grows plantains and vegetables for the wholesale market. “I started growing plantains because they were my wife’s favorite,” Dotun says, laughing. The couple came to the U.S. for his wife to complete her doctorate and found that they love living in Arkansas. “It’s lovely,” he says, “very serene, and the people are so nice.”
Before starting his first farm four years ago, Dotun had minimal experience growing vegetables other than a garden in his parent’s backyard as a child. After coming to the States, he and his wife had difficulty finding fresh African vegetables for the traditional dishes they enjoyed eating. He conducted market research and found it a common issue among immigrants. His horticultural research supported the market potential of successfully growing things like African spinach in the NWA region. So, Dotun became interested in starting a farm in Arkansas to meet the demand. But first, he needed to learn about running a farm business here and growing crops in a new climate. He was excited to find the CAFF Farm School, which covered all aspects of farming entrepreneurship, including business, legal, and field production.
Dotun is excited about the potential of bringing a taste of home to the area and contributing to the local economy. He plans to start with 2 acres in the first year and hopes to expand to about 15 acres eventually. The instructors at the CAFF Farm School are helping him refine his business plan as he learns.
What he enjoys most about the program is that it starts from wherever you are in your skills. The instructors can help you as a novice without any experience or plan. But they can also help if you have some knowledge and need to expand it. He’s enjoyed getting to know his classmate too.
Dotun says farming provides a sense of fulfillment and the satisfaction of growing sustainable food while working outdoors in nature. He suggests that anyone interested in learning to farm consider the CAFF Farm School and take advantage of the program to learn solid skills and good practices from the beginning. “You’ll learn the nitty-gritty of farming from the business parts to production,” he says. “It truly encompasses all aspects. I can’t say enough about why a program like this is essential. It helps you figure out what you are trying to do and how. It’s been an all-around great experience.”
It will be exciting to follow Dotun’s progress as he brings the tastes of his former home to his new one. His unique life experiences and farming goals will diversify and enrich the selection of fresh food available in the regional food system.
Farm School students harvest vegetables at the CAFF Farm.
The CAFF Farm School is an 11-month intensive program combining hands-on field production skills, sustainable farming methods, and farm entrepreneurship classes. Courses range from soil health, crop planning, and weed management to food safety, marketing, and legal. Students completing the program exit with a personalized business plan for their farm goals and the skills to make it a reality. Class cohort sizes are kept small to ensure one-on-one time. So, space is limited. Applications are open from July through August for the following year. See program details and apply at LearnToFarm.org
CAFF is part of the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture.
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