Marcela grew up with their mother’s shared stories of a childhood living on a farm. The anecdotes were told with tenderness and fondness, painting a mental image of a lifestyle filled with hard work and generosity. To Marcela, it always seemed like a fulfilling way to live. Working outside unplugged and seeing the fruits of your labor each season was appealing. Marcela was drawn to a vision of farming being central to the community and a harvest shared with loved ones and neighbors.
In the CAFF Farm School, Marcela feels they have found a piece of what they’ve hoped for from their mother’s stories. Each person in the Farm School cohort has a unique background and story that drives them to farm. However, they often share similar goals and ideals about farm life, its importance, and the sense of community it inspires. “It’s nice to be around people who feel the same way and have the same vision,” says Marcela, who enjoys working outside all day with the other students, getting to know them, and hearing their goals for farming.
Marcela is a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Their grandparents had a farm and ranch in Mexico that produced row crops, alfalfa, and livestock. They had no farm experience but worked in the food service industry at coffee houses and restaurants.
After enrolling in the horticulture program at the Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, Marcela wanted more hands-on field experience to apply what they learned in classes. While attending NWACC, Marcella heard about the CAFF Farm School from a friend and worked out a schedule allowing concurrent participation in both programs.
At first, Marcela was nervous and unsure about applying for CAFF Farm School, with no field experience. However, the CAFF program includes a “work day” during the application process to help potential students determine if the course is right for them. Marcela is glad they didn’t let a lack of experience stand in the way and advises others to “Go for it!”
After completing their education, Marcela would like to apprentice at different farms and sees working for others as a valuable way to stay grounded in the business realities of farming. “For me, farming needs to be success-based and profitable, so I want to observe the methods of other successful farmers firsthand.” They would love to grow flowers, herbs, and diversified vegetables.
Marcela is pragmatic about farming as a profession. “I’m going into this knowing it will be hard. When we started the course, our instructor Jonathan told us to remember our ‘why,’ which would keep us motivated. That was wise advice because it is challenging at times. Having mentors who will give you advice like that is key. My motivation, my ‘why’ is the inspiration of my mother’s stories and the lifestyle I want to create for myself.”
Others drawn to farm life can learn more about the CAFF Farm School and apply at LearnToFarm.org. The 10-month intensive farm entrepreneurship program teaches business skills and field production. It’s part of the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture.
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