What does Ann Cromwell think is important?

Number of Practical Farmers members 2010-2014

In the spring newsletter you recently received in the mail, members Jeff Olson, Tom Wahl, Gary Guthrie and Alyssa Dunn all weighed in on what they think is most important Practical Farmers preserves during its growth (see chart at right). They also provided advice to new members to help them make the most out of their membership in the organization. Here are Ann Cromwell’s thoughts:

I joined in 1997. I was living out of state but came home to the farm and visit several times a year. My husband and I had two small children, and the children made me think of the future of my family farm. At that time my father spoke that 160 acres was no longer the size of farm that would support a family, and in parts of the state small towns were shriveling as the farms got bigger. I also could see that the sense of community in the farming neighborhood was less; we didn’t share birthdays or other family events, didn’t share equipment or help each other as much. PFI was the only organization around that offered a community that had the research structure and goals to sustain my interpretation of the family farm.

My first field day was at Eric and Ann Franzenburg’s farm. I was still living out-of-state, but had read many newsletters and had ideas about how, if I were given a chance, to change the family farm to provide a living wage. I spoke to as many people that day as possible. Since then, the primary way to meet people and get real, ground tested information is through field days and the annual conference. After I joined the board, my opportunities to meet people and get answers really increased!

Ann Cromwell

I recommend new members take every local PFI opportunity to meet people, tell them your farming interests, and listen to their interests. Not everyone will share your interest in farming, but they will have connections that may help you. Likewise you will have connections to support them. And the best way to connect with PFI members, for me, is to serve on a committee.

As Practical Farmers looks to the future, we must select our activities based on the vision printed on the back of the last newsletter, the three paragraphs “Diverse Farms…Healthy Food…Vibrant Communities..” and then provide learning coupled with social opportunities to get there.