Summer Lettuce Project at JGTF
Farmer Interview – Rubi Hernandez
Rubi Hernandez is just beginning her second-year in the New Roots training program. She is a farmer with a zest for life and a connection to the soil. She has deep family ties to working the land- her grandfathers on both sides were farmers in Mexico, but she didn’t initially follow that path. Rubi struggled for years at factory and office jobs, and decided to take a chance on the four-year farm training program because she felt deep down that it was what she was meant to do. She’s surrendered to the learning process and her patience has paid off with a bountiful first year of harvesting.
Recently, Courtney Hattaway, Cultivate KC Community Engagement Specialist, interviewed Rubi about her farming journey.
l: Rubi Hernandez at Juniper Gardens, r: Rubi setting up a pop-up market with Kristin Selby, New Roots Program Manager.
What made you decide to become a farmer?
When I was little at my grandfather’s farm in the mountains in Mexico, everything was so wonderful. He grew coffee and spices, and there were such colorful people working for them. I had such a connection there. My mother’s father was also a farmer but different from my father’s father- at her father’s farm in the south, they had cows, chickens, beans, corn, and sugar cane. My mother is from Oaxaca and her culture is very strong. My mom is my inspiration. But when I left Mexico, it all disappeared. I was so far from my dreams, but it was always in my mind- I imagined a farm and animals and I’m putting it all together now- I can do it here.
How long have you been a farmer?
Only since New Roots and this is my first year. I was having a dark day- no job, and no money. I saw something about the New Roots program on my phone while I was cooking. I called Kristin and got an interview. I really felt like I needed to do it! I felt pressure, nervousness, and excitement when I was accepted, but I felt if we don’t make mistakes, we don’t learn! Onions were my very first crop and Bok Choy was my last this year.
How do you decide which crops to grow?
I try to follow what is recommended since it’s my first year!
What is your favorite food to grow and eat?
My culture- we love tacos- onions, cilantro, cucumbers, radishes, melons! I love to make salsa with different styles of jalapenos, onions, and cilantro. Same with tomatoes- what do you want the feel of the flavors to be? I like to make what my family likes. I remember when I harvested my first tomatoes and onions and made salsa. My boyfriend couldn’t stop eating it! He ate the whole thing and asked me where I bought it from! When I harvest and my family approves of the flavors, it gives me the strength to continue.
What challenges have you faced since becoming a part of the New Roots program?
I had an accident at a chocolate company- we covered almonds with chocolate. I had to move a 350 lb. tray, but they stacked it too high and when I was moving the trays, they fell and hit my neck and shoulder. My shoulder has never healed, but when I left the company, I got a different job where it didn’t bother me. Going to the farm and working has been very hard on it. I remember going to my garden in pain and just saying “Tell me what to do!” and a voice told me “Just do it.” Now I go to physical therapy and wear a belt to help it. I come from a farming family, but I wasn’t a farmer like them. I came with nothing. I see the other farmer’s beautiful gardens and I think, I can’t do that. But then they come over to my plot and teach me and explain everything. They tell me “You’re doing it wrong. You’re hurting yourself. Do it like this.” And they come around and encourage me. It’s becoming easier and better for me, so I continue.
What’s your most recent accomplishment that you’re proud of?
When I worked different jobs at companies, I always had stress and pressure. But this job, when I come to the farm, is totally different. It’s heavy, but when I’m there, I don’t feel the heaviness, the time, all of that. I don’t feel anything but me and the land. When I’m planting, there’s something connecting me with that. I feel at peace and an emotional connection. Something I can’t explain with words.
What motivates you to keep going even when times are tough?
I have a daughter. She’s five years old. She was the first person to hear about the farm. I can see her face in my mind when she found out we got accepted into the program. I remember her eyes, how she reflected emotion when she found out we could grow flowers! She is so excited and when she comes to visit the farm with me, she makes me feel so much stronger. She goes around with a bucket, watering, seeding, happy and singing the whole time. Thankful for everything.
What is one thing that makes you truly happy?
Seeing my crops come up and getting them on my table!
What do you love most about farming?
It’s difficult to choose one thing, but if I had to choose- the peace and connection you feel when doing it. I never imagined how the experience would change me.
What are your goals for your future after the New Roots program and do those goals include farming?
It’s not just a dream- I want to complete it for my mom. I deserve to have- or, I want to have my own farm with a house. I want people to come visit and learn from my farm. I want children to come and learn how to plant crops and harvest.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new farmer, what would it be?
Don’t stress. Stress yourself and you’ll stress the soil, too. When you plant, you’re not just planting a seed. You’re planting something else in there. You have an image of what you’re going to get, but you must be patient.
What’s one quality you feel you’ve gained from farming that you hope to pass on to your own daughter?
Manage your time. I want to give her the gift of what the land can give to you. You can survive from what the land gives you. Sometimes we stressed before because we didn’t have enough food, but she must know that if you fail one hundred times, you have to get back up each time. Never shy away.
Rubi Hernandez and her daughter at Juniper Gardens Training Farm.
We thank Rubi for taking the time to sit down with us and letting us share her story. You can enjoy Rubi’s produce by joining the New Roots Farm Share CSA and by looking for her at pop-up markets around town next growing season!
