I talk to Robyn Calvey, owner/operator of Park Ridge Organics, a certified organic vegetable farm in eastern Wisconsin. The farm has been growing since 2003 and provides a customized share experience for 370 CSA members during the standard season (June-October) as well as an extended season (Nov-Dec). The farm also sells via wholesale and at a large local farmers’ market. With a dedicated and skillful crew, Robyn is able to enjoy the farm life and a life outside of the farm as a mother and knitter.
In This Episode:
>> How Robyn focuses on the farm as a business
>> Why they don’t grow potatoes, winter squash, corn or fruit crops
>> How the Harvie software has been a game-changer for their farm and has allowed them to provide customized shares for CSA members
>> How using a transparent task board is the best method for managing their team tasks
>> Why Robyn believes that farmers should be paid a fair wage and how they’ve worked that into their business structure
>> How Robyn’s favorite farm tool is a red Victorinox knife
About the Guest
Robyn owns and operates Park Ridge Organics in eastern Wisconsin, a certified organic vegetable farm. The farm has been growing since 2003 and provides a customized share experience during the standard season (June-October) as well as an Extended Season (Nov-Dec). The farm also sells via wholesale and at a large local farmers market. With a dedicated and skillful crew, Robyn is able to enjoy the farm life AND a life outside of the farm as a mother and knitter.
Resources and mentions
Harvie CSA software discount: use the code ‘growingfarmers’ to get $200 off at https://www.harvie.farm/forfarmers/
And if you want to keep the conversation going, join us in our Facebook Group to connect with us and other farmers looking to grow their business!
We also have six free eguides to help you be more effective on your farm (Winter Growing, Pastured Poultry, Washing Shed Efficiency, Profitable Farmers Toolkit, what to look for in a farm property, etc), which you can download here.
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