The Enormous Potential of a Small Farm | Assawaga Farm

In continuation of our Summer Farm Tour series we are stopping off for a few videos at one of our all-time favorite farms, Assawaga Farm in Connecticut.

In this video they discuss how to manage farm employees, how giving themselves size restraints has made their business better, why they dropped their CSA and more!

and here

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[lambsquartersfarm]

Enough income for 5 people, plus land plus living on the farm (mortgage?). Rural farm stand for 3 hours a week, one trip to a big city farmers market. I don't know how you make that work, but congratulations!

[karensnow]

I think one of the most important things you hit on is not to get too big. We need small sustainable farms like yours. But to keep farming, the farmers need good quality of life and that means time off to enjoy other things as well as working hard on the farm. That’s a fabulous lesson. Gorgeous farm! Thank you for what you do!

[aileensmith]

You folks continue to share awesome videos of REAL people telling their REAL story. We never want to get that big or hire an employee and more. Although it is fun and interesting and hearing the ups and downs and them being self supportive on their one acre farm. Geesh we get tired and just thinking of maintaining a place that big!

[myurbangarden]

Thank you for bringing this farm to our attention. We have learned So much.

[zgoat]

We need more "Role Models" within Gardening for self sufficiency that are true to the land not the clicks and these two are great, thank you kindly for your efforts, , You have created a living poem,

[C.Hawkshaw]

Thanks for being diplomatic and forthright at the same time!

[ajb.]

I love these interviews, thanks ! On growing outside (vrs. adding lots of tunnels), it's nice to see growers who like to avoid tunnels unless needed, as there's research indicating that nutrition can be less, certain phytonutrient type things lacking in ( in the case I heard about: tomatoes) ones grown under any cover, glass or poly, vrs. direct sunlight. So, obviously food vrs. no-food, or keeping your farm afloat, is still a priority but that's just one example of a reason for us all not to get overly away from outdoor, close to natural as possible, ways of growing :).
On the extreme seasons lately, yeah ! It was predicted by folks sharing news about the new-ish solar cycle we're in now, the Grand Solar Minimum, so I was more expecting it but still been tough, as I've moved and started new but also temporary (so, hard to know how much to invest in them, with limited resources and not being an expert grower even on good soil and "just" growing for ourselves primarily). On the historic drought - I'm not saying this is the case in the place you're at/were referencing -, it's interesting, what soil scientist Elaine Ingram has shared about historical records. That what most of us in the US have been experiencing as drought this past summer or 2, wouldn't have been considered an official drought back in like the 1800s records she's reading. That apparently our soil life, health, humus etc. has degraded ( or eroded) so badly that now we're suffering a lot more crop effects than they recorded, from same rainfall, or something like that. Just interesting (and motivating !), no offense or argument meant or anything !

[margerybedford]

Great content/filming...thank you : )

I love Yoko's focus on managable simplicity. It inspires me to consider how my family can access our local market with our organic/of-grid produce.

Also, we are finishing off a VERY SLOW growing season in Ontario, Canada, too.

[farmervic]

I live in Connecticut, love those two. I often look at what they do to see what is possible in my own garden.

[KPVFarmer]

Beautiful farm, great content! Thank You!

[lisamcdonald]

Great videos, love the farm. Honestly can’t wait for Jesse videos again in the office season

[timbushell]

An excellent farm, and with so little compost.

Excellent series too. Thank you all.

[Erena]

Hello from Litchfield County CT. Road trip!

[manolopapas]

Very interesting, thank you farmer Jesse, you are awesome

[gregdabney]

Great story, it can be simple, stick to your plan and enjoy your blessings. Those who continue to use your bounty are the best critics. Let's be happy and wish Yoko and Alex a great bounty of health and sustainable wealth. Remember, this beautiful farm is on 1 acre!! They are doing a lot right on their farm. Be Well Yoko and Alex!! Best wishes from Colorado.

[douggibson]

Thanks Yoko and Alex, very mythological thinking. Thanks Guys.👍👍

[hhwippedcream]

Totally agree with keeping it small and manageable, especially when getting to know rhe land and its pressures/needs. Great vid and awesome expert interviewer and interviewees! Thanks for putting this out!

[theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

This was brilliant, and really, the scale of farm we are starting to build towards now. At least this is the goal!

[christituck]

I would cherish the opportunity to get to work side by side with these 2 individuals, or other farmers like them, just to be able to absorb their knowledge. There is nothing like hands on training to hone ones skills. This channel as a whole, has been very beneficial and key for me, to build my knowledge for my personal garden. Thank you to all who take the time to share!!!

[carlcecil]

Love the produce at Assawaga! CPC, the Quiet Corner of Connecticut