We chat with Whitney Terrill at Big River Farms

whitney

Will you share a favorite farming memory? 

One of my favorite memories was jumping into a huge hole at Big River Farms to see the importance of soil. It was amazing to stand in a huge pit and marvel at the layers of soil. I started farming focused on being a vegetable grower, but the more I farm the more I end up focusing on soil health to grow produce that I hope you and your family enjoy.

How has the Big River Farms program impacted you?

Big River Farms has a really rich array of cultures all farming together. This makes the collective impact enriching.

Any surprises along the way?

The centrality of math and strong estimates in the farming process.

Share a success with us!

So far, success has been persistence through the full process of being a first year farmer. I am trusting the process.

What challenges have you faced as an ‘emerging’ farmer? 

I have faced challenges related to knowledge or experience and to capital and land access. Big River Farms has definitely made land access more affordable to me.

What do you enjoy about being a small business owner?

Being a small business owner of a farm business offers the opportunity to build confidence for any type of business. This has definitely been a confidence booster for me.

What are your hopes for the future of the food system? 

I hope to offer my community, family and self the opportunity to grow food that is regenerative to the land and in right relationship with native people and with the needs of people who lack access to organic foods.

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The Food Group believes in food equity. They believe in culturally specific foods. They believe in meeting people where they are at. And most of all, they believe in dignity.

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We’re a nonprofit working at the intersection of equity and access to fresh, sustainable foods. From farming to distribution, we provide fresh food across MN and WI.

The Food Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN 41-1246504 Contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount provided by the law.

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