We are excited to share the news that Jon McNair is the new Farm Manager at our partner farm, Root Cause Farm in Fairview. Jon has been growing and donating beautiful, high quality produce to Bounty & Soul for many years as the previous Farm Manager of Camp Rockmont. We are excited to continue to work with Jon in his new position at Root Cause Farm. Root Cause Farm is a non-profit organization growing community solutions to hunger and working towards a just, equitable, and resilient food system where all types of hunger are nourished. They use food as a tool for connection and action, growing organic produce on one acre and distributing it at their farm, a local food pantry in Fairview, and to Bounty & Soul. Bounty & Soul works closely with Root Cause Farm to host groups and individuals of all ages for service learning activities throughout the year.
What motivated you to become a farm manager, and what led you to this profession?
Back in 2001 I got a summer job working with a friend who was the manager of a small organic teaching farm. I was interested in learning more about gardening at the time and felt working on a farm would be a nice change from the work I did as a public school teacher. That summer and the next I worked there, and I found the work to be incredibly satisfying. There are so many aspects of farming that I enjoy: the many tasks that give immediate gratification like preparing a garden bed and then there are the more long term types of gratification that come weeks later when mature plants begin to produce food we can eat. There is something very appealing and inviting about a garden space. I really like the creative part of farming, making a beautiful space that is welcoming for people, a space where they can come and work or just walk around or sit, observe and enjoy. I enjoy the different challenges that come with farming along with getting to work with and learn from other farmers and gardeners. The most rewarding thing for me is getting to grow fresh food and share it with others.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a farm manager, and how did you overcome them?
Having to deal with different pests is always a challenge. Like all aspects of farming, dealing with pests is an ongoing process of asking questions and learning new things. Growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and flowers makes for a more attractive garden space, but it also helps create a healthier ecosystem that attracts all types of birds, pollinators and other wildlife that helps create balance that can help greatly with the impact of harmful pests. Companion planting and knowing what plants don’t do well together is part of this, as is having healthy soil. Understanding the soil ecosystem is something I am interested in but feel I still have a lot to learn. But I know that creating healthier soil will result in healthier plants which will mean they will be less vulnerable to bad pests that will also be around.
How do you foster a positive work culture on your farm, and what steps do you take to ensure that your employees and volunteers are happy, healthy, and productive?
The mission and entire history of Root Cause Farm has been focused on equity, community and growing healthy fresh food for others. It’s a place where all are welcome to come and be a part of. There are so many wonderful people who have been part of this community over the years, and I feel fortunate now as farm manager to be a part of Root Cause Farm and to help continue to foster the positive culture it has always had. There is something very gratifying about being part of a group doing hard work that will benefit others. When new volunteers come to the farm I get to share the story of Root Cause, and when they understand what our combined work will accomplish, there is a real sense of community and a positive work environment. There is always lots to be done at any farm. I try to plan a variety of tasks for those who come to volunteer so they are able to choose work that suits them but also will allow them to feel challenged and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s planting a bed of kale in or weeding out the thistle from a bed, those who come to work at the farm get to see in a short period of time the tangible results of their hard work and know that their work means more people can eat the fresh food that the farm produces.
Can you share a funny story about a time when you had to deal with an unexpected problem on the farm?
In my previous job as a farm manager, in addition to growing food we also had chickens, turkeys, goats, donkeys and for a brief time a steer. One late fall day I accidentally left a gate open that gave the steer access to a pond below. I received a call that evening letting me know that Charlie the steer was grazing on the bank of the pond, but when I got to the farm he was no longer on the bank. He was swimming in the pond. Instead of swimming back to the spot where he had gone in, he swam to a corner of the pond where the bank was too steep and the bottom too soft for him to walk out. I recruited some friends to help but all of our attempts to get him out failed, including the use of a lasso and a boat. I eventually ended up in the cold water. I was able to swim in front of him, and lead him back to the solid bank.
Do you have any advice for new farmers and gardeners?
Advice I would give to someone who is just starting out as a new gardener or farmer is to be patient. Farming is an ongoing learning process and many things you learn come only after many years of trial and error. But we live in a great community of farmers with an abundance of knowledge. Get to know other gardeners and farmers and ask them questions. People who care about growing food also love to talk about farming.