Meet Jane Lively

We were lucky to catch up with Jane Lively recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jane, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a deep desire to do my part. I have always been a “doer” and find satisfaction and feel valuable when I work hard and offer myself to get something done. This is something that feels innate to me, somewhere deep inside I care so deeply. However I also think this ethic was instilled in me by my parents who I always witnessed working so hard and working from their morals. My parents model showing up for work, their family, their kids, and their neighbors and friends — very community minded, very caring; exhibiting love and care.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a farmer! I’m a young, queer/femme who is learning how to farm all the time. I worked on farms starting in high school and continued after leaving college. At some point decided I could do this myself and was encouraged to revive my family’s land which had been farmed by my mother when I was a kid. In starting my own farm I sought to find my purpose in a world that seemed to me to be failing — plagued by climate change and societal uncertainty. I was motivated to take action in my local community via farming: combating the industrial food system, contributing to the local economy, and feeding my neighbors and family healthy food.
The farm’s motto is “We Root For You” which says a lot in a few words. Firstly, we care about YOU… our community, our customers, our environment, etc. YOU is not just our white neighbors… you is our LGBTQ+, BIPOC, immigrant/migrant, poor and other marginalized neighbors. Because as we literally root in the earth for your vegetables we are thinking about, talking about, and caring about everyone in our community.
Farming is not an easy business… it’s a hard way to make a living… but it is a revolutionary act. As we grow roots in the ground to feed our community we are gratified in our hard work feeding and fueling people.
You can look forward to seeing our produce at the Lively NeighborFood Market on M72 year round, at local restaurants including The Mill/Supper, La Becasse, and The Good Harbor Grill, in meals made by local caterers Mel and Fell, at local farmers markets May-September, and in CSA shares spanning the summer season.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Creativity, determination, and (surprisingly to me) a belief in myself that I could do it!
This journey has been hard and I cannot say that any two people who get into farming have anything close to the same story. Somehow that is a beautiful part of farming…. anyone can do it. However you have to be creative, passionate, and willing to hold on despite the never-ending challenges that face you. I was lucky to have access to land (thanks to family), the ability to grow slowly, and supportive mentors who coached me with tips and tricks for how to better succeed.
I think three things that I keep learning are most important for this journey: accepting the challenges, asking questions isn’t weak, be grateful for support and stay humble.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am hoping to expand the farm by bringing on a parter/collaborator! My vision for this farm is ultimate sustainability and care for community. I want the farm to succeed thanks to a web of determined, talented, and passionate farmers. I have been developing this farm *alone* for now about 7 years. While my dreams and hopes are big, I don’t want to and don’t believe I can see them through on my own. For years I’ve hired seasonal help but I haven’t found anyone who is wanting to invest further in the community/the farm by stepping in as a collaborator of the operation. If there is someone out there who lives in the region (or would like to) and would like to be a part of a community focused farm growing vegetables and flowers please reach out!
Ideally a candidate would have farming experience, be a good communicator, willing to understand the systems currently in place/working together to improve them, and wanting to work together for at least a few seasons.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelivelyfarm.com
• Instagram: @thelivelyfarm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLivelyFarm

Image Credits

Jane Lively