When you think of farming and homesteading, you may think about tractors, overalls, or small, quaint country towns. What we rarely think about is the hard work, the moments of defeat, the dedication, and the people who humbly work around the clock, year-round, to make sure we have nutrition available at our fingertips.

According to United States’ Environmental Protection Agency, “There are over 313,000,000 people living in the United States. Of that population, less than 1% claim farming as an occupation (and about 2% actually live on farms).”

When we take a step back and really think about this fact, we begin to see the importance (and under-appreciation) of farmers and homesteaders.

Last week I shared inspiring thoughts from six individuals who are farmers and homesteaders. They shared what they wish we all knew about farming, and this week I’m here to share their thoughts on how to best support farmers and homesteaders.

Once again, a big thank you to the lovely contributors for this post: Nicole of Double N Urban Farm, Megan of Linn Acres Farm, Jesse + Hannah of Rough Draft Farmstead, Kate U. of Fox’s Lane, Kate of Farmhouse38, and Mel of Faulk Farmstead.

As a farmer or homesteader, how do you best feel supported by family, friends, community members, or consumers?

“We receive so much support from our community! Our favorite form of support comes through the weeding days we have. Just having people to hang out with while the tedious jobs get done is amazing. Some people come and help weed, and some come just to hang out; both are appreciated and loved. Having people take interest and be willing to share in the experience is the best!” - Nicole, urban farmer

“I feel the most supported when people show an interest in what we are doing and ask us questions. Having a dialogue there helps people to understand the reasons and motivations behind what we’re doing and why it’s important. Also, it helps folks understand why our eggs or veggies are more expensive than the grocery store, why it’s worth it to pay more for quality food, and why they should support local farms. People shouldn’t feel intimidated to ask why we do something a certain way or why we don’t just shop at the grocery store. Many people are very removed from where their food comes from and it just isn’t something that crosses their mind. We like to help people to start thinking about these things.” – Megan, farmer

“We are lucky to get a lot of support from all sides, but we couldn’t have got to this point without supportive parents who have stood behind us while we chose to quit well-paying jobs and become farmers. We’ve got support from a community who helped us raise money for a cabin. And we’ve got great customers who are willing to pay for an entire season of vegetables upfront.” - Jesse + Hannah, off-grid farmers

“I love it when people support us by buying our produce, trusting that the price we charge is a fair one and respecting it. We spend so much time and effort growing gorgeous food, we love it when people appreciate it, treat it respectfully and when they come back to us and let us know what they did with it.” - Kate U., organic farmer

“I don’t sell any of my homesteading bounty, but I definitely share the wealth. I feel best-supported seeing the excitement in my friends’, family’s, and neighbors’ eyes when I gift them fresh eggs or just-picked citrus. Everyone seems to love it, and that makes me smile. Makes all the poop worth it.” - Kate, homesteader

“Be excited with us! We are excited to be able to provide food for ourselves and others – and want them to feel that way too! The more that others purchase from us or barter with us, the more we can continue to do this. Support us so that we may support you!” - Mel, homesteader/farmer

The next time you head to the locally grown section of your grocery store, or stop by a roadside farm stand, I hope you’ll find a new spark of excitement and interest in your heart!

Do you support local farms?
What questions do you have for farmers or homesteaders?