Who Are Your Farmers? — Pat
Pat Smith — Harvest and Packing Manager in Granby
Pat’s job is to coordinate the daily harvest in Granby, while simultaneously managing the washing and packing of everything that comes in from the fields. Certain early crops are harvested only in Granby this year, such as Greenhouse tomatoes, so Pat is responsible for all of those early season veggies. His projects also include harvesting bulk items, such as garlic. All of the garlic this year was harvested in Granby.
Pat says he tries to “keep his hand in everything around the farm.” You can find him in the Packing Shed at the Granby Farmstand, in a field harvesting, around the greenhouses, or on a tractor.
Pat, born and raised in Springfield, MA is 38 years old and in his 3rd year at RFF.
How did you get into farming? Kohlrabi brought me to RFF. I had originally tried it in the Berkshires, and loved it. My girlfriend, Sheena is a big fan of supporting farmers’ markets and eating vegetables. We saw kohlrabi at Red Fire’s farmstand at the Springfield Farmers’ Market, and I knew then that I had to get involved. I wanted to learn how to grow kohlrabi and other plants professionally. Since working here, I’m eating and feeling much healthier than before. In the process of learning about farming, I’ve learned why eating healthy is important. My father died of a heart attack, so I knew that something had to change for me. I’ve learned how consuming healthy food can prevent illness and disease. Working outdoors at this farm has not only taught me how to eat better, but also how to live better. The working environment I was in before farming was much stuffier. I worked in customer service prior to this, and I find the spirit of working here to be much freer. I’m much healthier and happier than I was at my old job.
How do you see farming in your future? I take it day by day, but as of now, I see myself here in the future. I want to fulfill whatever need the farm has, and I will try to adapt myself to whatever need that is. This year, for example, I’m needed as the manager of both harvest and packing in Granby. This is a new position for me, and I learn something new everyday. Some days it’s a challenge, as everything new is, but I work through it and continue to learn. I’d like to see the Granby farm continue to sustain itself and whatever that means for me, I will do my best to fulfill what’s asked.
What’s your favorite vegetable? How do you cook with it? While I do love kohlrabi, I can’t say it’s my favorite vegetable. I have to go with broccoli. I love it simple — steamed.
