This summer I took to the road on my 125 Vespa Veronica, and spent an incredible 6 weeks travelling around the UK visiting independent farms and small producers. Inspired by many of the farmers and food artisans I met, on returning to London in September I decided to give up my place in Hackney and return to work on the family farm in East Sussex with my parents.
It didn’t take long to realise that occasional weekends helping on the farm and annual holidays spent lambing hadn’t really prepared me for the realities of becoming a full time farmer. Luckily though I have two rather experienced farmers to learn from. That’s not to say I don’t have my own ideas but now almost 2 months down the line I’m beginning to get to grips with most of the day-to-day farm chores.
…So with the mad rush of autumn nearly over and most of the cattle tucked up in the cowsheds for winter, I’m looking forward to blogging more regularly about my experience of learning to farm.
Road Trip Campaign Rewards Update
I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who followed and supported my Indie Farmer Road Trip campaign back in the summer and hope that my blog updates from the road proved interesting.
Indie Farmer Print Journal
Whilst farming during the day, by night I have been editing photos, transcribing interviews and working closely with a talented graphic designer to bring the first special edition journal to life. Being a photographer there is nothing quite like seeing your work in print, which is why I am really excited about this project and can’t wait to share more details with you soon!
Hampers
Also to those of you who ordered Indie Farmer Food Hampers – these are a work in progress and I am aiming to have them out to you before Christmas!
In other news..
Roll up Roll up – Fat Lambs
The last few years my parents have made a reasonable return on our fat lambs by selling them at Hailsham Market. This year prices have been well back and having met a number of farmers on my road trip who successfully market their meat direct to the local community, I’ve decided to build this side of the business up myself. The good news is you won’t have to wait long – we will have whole and half lambs ready for sale in early December so if you’re interested in buying some lamb then drop me an e-mail on nigel@indiefarmer.com