When I embarked Friday on the journey to The Farm at Okefenokee last month for intern orientation, uncertainty clouded my mind. This was mixed with a deep curiosity to learn more about The Farm’s commitment to regenerative agriculture that ultimately fueled my anticipation for the weekend ahead. When Sunday arrived and our departure loomed, I found myself with feelings of joy, purpose and a longing for more.
Among the many memories of that weekend, it was the interactions with the people that stand out the most. The team at The Farm emanated genuine kindness and unwavering passion for their work while embodying the vision set forth by co-founders Jeff Meyer and Doug Davis. They eagerly shared their experiences and took a keen interest in our backgrounds, recognizing that most of us are students. Dan, Derrick and Bob humored us with their stories and anecdotes while Will provided insight into the future plans for The Farm, instilling in us a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. Nikki and Karyn helped us pick heirloom vegetables from the garden and guided us through the process of feeding the Meishan pigs. They shared that the pigs are a heritage breed, like all of the animals that roam The Farm, many of which are in danger of extinction.
Learning about the history of the nearby Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge and hearing about the current issues facing the environment provided us with a glimpse into the conservation efforts in the community. The sustainability mission of The Farm is a microcosm of the Okefenokee region as a whole, serving as a blueprint for the future of not just agriculture, but a way of living. I feel proud to be a part of a significant sustainable effort as unique as The Farm. It’s my hope to urge readers to come experience The Farm for yourself.
The above post was written by one of The Farm’s new interns, Arjun Joshi. A senior at the University of Florida studying economics and sustainability, Arjun is part of our inaugural five-month Farm Internship Program.
