Sinying grew flowers and vegetables at home, but she had never “farmed” – growing food on a larger plot of land and for people beyond her family and friends. Like most of the farmers at Big River, Sinying and her husband, Tou, work full time jobs, are parents to school-aged children, AND are learning to farm.
“A lot can be grown in a small space. Last year we grew on 1/8 of an acre and I thought that was small. It’s actually big. This year we are growing on ¼ acre. I planted a lot, which was fun, but now I’m producing a lot.
“Our farm is mostly for sharing things we like to eat. We give away a lot to family, friends, and neighbors. It’s also been a chance to grow things we’ve never grown before.”
And in the end, farming is a form of therapy for Sinying. “It’s peaceful to be in nature. I love the outdoors. It’s a joy to be there in the quiet moments, working the soil. It grounds me. I find peace and purpose in growing food. That’s very healing.”
