Today was the first day of my first ever farm conference. Yes, ever. The event, hosted by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is being held in Newark, Ohio, close to the state capital.

I have spent most of my career working in a corporate environment. Most of the people I have worked with have been fairly intelligent and interesting. The farmers I have been meeting over the past year and today are much more so, hands down.

When I was growing up, the older people in my community had unfortunately developed what I believe was the notion that farming is “inferior” work. Beneath them..

Today, that mindset is shifting and more and more my people are coming back to the land. And rightfully so because of our long connection with it, pre- and post-Maafa.

During my time at the conference I have been asking questions and learning from instructors, OEFFA employees and other participants about their journeys from whatever they were doing before to where they are now. I prefer not to learn things the hard way so I am willing to put in time listening to others. I call that being preemptive, and my enemy is failure.

I am optimistic about realizing all the 2024 ColorBlindWork business goals. I recognize the need for a strong and mutually supportive community to make this work. I look forward to the rest of the conference and meeting others who have made farming their life (not just career) choice.

Let’s grow something!