A True Exchange of Empowerment || Cerys ap Rees

Have you thought about welcoming future farmers into your operation? Empower the future generation by offering educational opportunities for them to live and learn through your guidance.

Cerys ap Rees

Many young future farmers don’t have access to land, to generations of learnings, observations, or perhaps even traumas. You could count this as a blessing, but also as a curse. I feel privileged to be entering the industry without the generational trauma of lasting through droughts, wildfires, floods and whatever else mother nature throws our way. However I did feel ill-prepared for life on the land, without access to the learnings of the generations that have come before me.

On completing my Horticulture studies, I knew the only way I would feel equipped for what my future holds was to put myself out there and find people that could offer me mentorship in the practical application of the theories I’d studied. In return, I felt I could offer my time, hands, skills and of course the odd belly laugh. A true exchange of empowerment.

For me, this exchange began when I reached out to two seperate family-owned first generation farms, Jade and Charlie of Black Barn Farm and Erika and Hayden of Epicurean Harvest. Both of whom I had long admired.

At Black Barn Farm, I spent most of my days shadowing Charlie (a hydro-geologist by trade), each day I was armed with a wealth of knowledge at my disposal. He was patient with me as my practical skills developed, offering me countless opportunities to further my learning. No matter how many times I asked “why?”, Charlie would answer me with a grin and a poignant response. Nearing the end of my 3 months at BBF, Charlie would delegate independent tasks to me in areas he knew I’d enjoy, we’d built a beautiful level of respect and trust. Afterall, I’d learnt from the best. Jade taught me about the importance of building a brand and marketing a business. She showed me the practicality of the principals of permaculture, from humanure to preserving produce for the seasons to come. Being on her local Co-op Board she reassured me of the importance of community, and building connection. I left with a fondness for farming that was the strongest I’d felt on my journey so far.

When I arrived at Epicurean Harvest, I thought I would solely be learning about market gardening. From crop successions, to harvest and the benefits of building soil to grow nutrient dense food. But after 3 months I’ve learnt so much more, there’s been rotational grazing of cattle, ecological verification testing, rainfall management and I’ve even learnt how they continue to farm whilst raising a toddler. Erika organised for us to do a farm tour to visit Aaron at Harvest Farms with Alice (Loop Growers and friend of theirs), where he showed us how he rotationally grazes goats through bassalt soils to enhance the ecology. Erika and Hayden also gave me the opportunity to attend the Farming Matters Conference in Albury in their stead, where I heard many of my idols speak about the importance of regenerative agriculture and holistic management in creating a financially viable business whilst focusing on improving ecology. I am so grateful for the kindness that these two have shown me, they have welcomed me into their lives, and we’ve developed a friendship that will last many lifetimes.

So from one future farmer to the next, I encourage you to get out there and seek opportunities to live and learn, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in your learning. Gone are the days of text books and criteria. If you want to radically change your perspective and improve your abilities you’ve got to get your hands dirty. It is truly uplifting to be surrounded by those who have taken the path before you. First, second or fifth generation, you’ll hear stories of hardship, transformation, joy and optimism - regardless you’ll walk away knowing that you’ve absorbed all you can from your time. You’ll build confidence and leave ready to begin your own journey of regenerating the land. And if you’re like me, you’ll be lucky to call them mentors for life.

To current farmers, I hope that by hearing of my experience you can feel empowered to create the space for those without access to land and without access to generations of learnings. Reflect on how you got to where you are, and think of all that knowledge you could share by offering internships or residencies in the future. Not only is it a great alternative to paid work, but I have no doubt that you have an enormous amount of passion and a strong ethos - why not share it with those that admire you and your work, and empower them to build courage of their own. My time at Black Barn Farm and Epicurean Harvest has given me the critical opportunity to discover the challenges of farming and build practical skills that will make me a better farmer in the future. As we all know farmers must wear every single type of hat.

From day one of entering the industry, I have been met with love and respect. Never have I been surrounded by so many humble, kind and courageous individuals. It’s an industry that I am proud to be joining, and one that I feel will make a difference for future generations. When I reflect on my last 6 months of living and learning, of the endless opportunities that I’ve been given my heart starts pumping. I feel hope for my future, and for the future of those to come. I have no doubt that one day I’ll be able to offer my mentorship to a future young farmer, and give back to the community that’s given me so much. I believe all likeminded farmers have to walk the journey together, every success and failure is an opportunity to collaborate and learn. So if you take the leap, we’ll all be better off for it!