SEGMENT: FARM WORK, SPECIALTY CROPS, & ORGANIC FARMING
Parris Brewer>ISM Interviews A-L>ISM Interviews A-L, Segment 5
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- Names, Dates, & Places
- FARM WORK
- Wasn't determined to be a farmer, but was going to accept whatever job he got. When he first got to the farm in Marseille, IL, he did not want to do it, but said that God told him to give it a try and he ended up liking it. Enjoyed the solitude, God talked to him in the field. Connected with the earth. First started learning how to plant and germinate the different types of vegetables, how to weed, how to pick off the bugs. He was familiar with bugs from prison. Compares growing vegetables to having a child, a labor of love. Learned agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, job readiness and job training, resumes, computer skills, marketing skills. Learned how to make things out of weeds and herbs. Knowing he was older than most other workers on the farm, he felt he had to work hard and prove himself.
- HIRED HELP
- Felt a parental role to the younger workers. The workers became close; they would call each other in the mornings to wake each other up, help out with money problems, help with relationships and family problems. Said it felt good when the younger people would come to him for advice and he could help them.
- SPECIALTY CROPS
- Arugula, spinach, sage, watermelons, raspberries, strawberries, different types of kale, spinach, mustard greens, turnips, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and more. Mustard greens and turnips are his favorite to eat. He boils them for about five minutes and puts some seasoning in it and it's done. He also has some secret recipes he is not ready to share yet.
- ORGANIC FARMING
- Claims that the organic food they grow has a richer and healthier taste. If you eat healthier, you think and act healthier. They do not use any sprays. Picking the bugs off the plants so they don't destroy the crop.
