Suzanne Schmidt saw an opportunity. Four years later, the burgeoning organic farm she manages in Hastings has taken seed and is yielding bountiful harvests.
Ripe Radish Farm is located at 12414 191st St E, just south of the City of Hastings in Marshan Township.
Schmidt has learned a lot “since becoming a farmer.” Originally from Connecticut, Schmidt worked in advertising in the Twin Cities before moving to the farm.
“Four years ago, I had never planted a single seed into the actual ground. So, it was a bit of a surprise that the next opportunity to be presented in my life’s journey would be to run a 27-acre organic farm in picturesque Hastings. But I’ve learned over the years that when God opens a door, you walk through it, and there, you find yourself embarking on the next great adventure! So, I packed up my life, and moved to the farm. Little did I realize how much my life would be flipped on its head,” she said. “I used to be afraid of chickens, then one had to live in the laundry room for three months while she was healing from an illness. I now love her like she is my own child. I am a grand fan of fashion, but now find myself daily donning clothing embellished by manure. The list of differences of my life pre and post farm goes on and on, and if I had to list all the things I’ve learned about planting, growing, pests, irrigation, harvests, etc., it would take up an entire book.”
Here's the most important lesson Schmidt has learned: Slow down.
“Hurry must be eradicated from life,” she said. “That’s the counter-cultural quote that has been my daily challenge and goal since the words jumped off the page and straight into my heart. We’re so busy trying to quickly get everything done that nothing is noticed or enjoyed. But beautiful nature in its very essence invites us to relish and enter the realm of ‘awe.’ In jamming our schedules full, we’ve left no space for basking in the wondrous present moment. And for what? Where must we get to so quickly that we’re willing to miss every valuable thing along the way?”
She urges everyone to learn that lesson.
“I’ve made war with ‘hurry.’ Are you with me? It’s time we sit down with a mitt of teeny seeds, and slowly and mindfully place them into their beds. In doing so, they’ll teach us that growth takes time, fruitfulness will not be hurried, and the sweet rewards of the journey are for those who are attentive along the way,” she said.
Suzanne wants Ripe Radish Farm to be an experience for anyone who stops by. She hopes the next generation can get excited about farming and about where food comes from.
“We’re trying to embrace this lifestyle here at Ripe Radish Farm, and we invite you to join us for the joy of the harvest. Our members experience weekly tastes of not only the most fresh, ripe, organic fruits/veg/flowers, but also the peace, joy, laughter, bonding, beauty, and wonder that accompanies this u-pick experience,” she said.
Ripe Radish Farms offers several different membership options. Check out the details at www.RipeRadishFarm.com\.
