From Greenhouse to Grit: My Farming Story EP 1

In this episode, Dawn dives into her no-BS journey from a scrappy kid with mud on her boots to a powerhouse farmer and entrepreneur. She pulls no punches as she talks about the grind of running a greenhouse, fighting through layers of red tape, and wrestling with anxiety and grief along the way. Dawn's got strong feelings about food sovereignty and isn’t shy about telling it like it is when it comes to local food systems.
This episode is full of her trademark humor, grit, and unapologetic take on the ups and downs of farm life. She reflects on the heartbreak of selling her own farm, the reality of dealing with bureaucratic headaches, and her passion for teaching others how to grow their own food. At the core, Dawn's message is clear: it’s time to take back control of our food, support local farmers, and build deeper connections with the people who put food on our tables.

Episode Highlights: farming, agriculture, personal story, mental health, food sovereignty, farmers markets, greenhouse, bureaucracy, family dynamics, resilience, farming, food system, community, relationships, agriculture, local food, pandemic, bureaucracy, gardening, food security

Takeaways:
- Dawn’s roots in her family’s greenhouse business set the stage for her journey in agriculture.
- Farming brought unforeseen challenges, from bureaucracy to mental health battles.
- The importance of resilience in a high-stress, unpredictable industry like farming.
- Why farmers markets are crucial alternatives to wholesale channels for local farmers.
- Building strong, personal relationships with customers became key to her success.
- Dawn’s fierce advocacy for food sovereignty and taking control of our food sources.

Links Mentioned

Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/