Tracy Potter-Fins, a farmer from Montana, discusses her farm and the various crops she grows, including tulips, tomatoes, and garlic. She also talks about her flower business and the different outlets she sells through, such as farmers markets, CSA programs, wholesale accounts, and a farm stand. Tracy also shares her approach to land reparations and her commitment to supporting Indigenous tribes and communities. She discusses the challenges of balancing farming and the administrative side of the business, as well as the dynamics of working with a partner who has a different approach to farming. Tracy also talks about her experience raising her two and a half-year-old daughter on the farm and the flexibility required to manage both farming and parenting. Tracy Potter-Fins discusses the challenges and joys of parenting while running a flower and vegetable farm. She shares how she and her partner celebrate special occasions with flowers and plants, and how flower farming has changed their perspective on holidays. Tracy also talks about their decision-making process for choosing a known donor and the importance of having a donor who already has children. She discusses the distribution of parenting responsibilities and the emotional challenges of parenting a two-year-old. Tracy highlights the benefits of raising a child on the farm, including the opportunity for her daughter to witness their work and experience the wonder of nature. She also shares her frustrations with grant administration and the difficulties of navigating the paperwork and reporting requirements.

Connect with Tracy

• https://instagram.com/countyrailfarm/
• https://www.instagram.com/fieldfiveflowers/

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Takeaways

• Tracy Potter-Fins grows a variety of crops on her farm in Montana, including tulips, tomatoes, and garlic.
• She sells her products through farmers markets, CSA programs, wholesale accounts, and a farm stand.
• Tracy is committed to land reparations and supports Indigenous tribes and communities through a monetary donation program.
• Balancing farming and the administrative side of the business can be challenging, but Tracy is working on refining her processes.
• Raising a child on the farm requires flexibility and a balance between farming and parenting responsibilities. Celebrating special occasions with flowers and plants can be a meaningful and sustainable alternative to traditional gifts.
• Choosing a known donor who already has children can provide a unique and positive relationship for the child.
• Raising a child on a farm allows them to witness and participate in the work, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to nature.
• Grant administration can be challenging and time-consuming, but it's worth pursuing opportunities for funding and support.
• Emotional regulation is a common struggle in parenting, and taking time for self-care and finding healthy outlets for emotions is important.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Tracy is Growing
• 02:26 Location and Growing Season in Montana
• 03:39 Size of Farm and Space Occupied by Tulips
• 06:12 Land Reparations and Supporting Indigenous Tribes
• 10:24 Business Model and Selling Channels
• 13:31 Balancing Farming and Administration
• 23:48 Spending Time with Family and Parenting on the Farm
• 31:25 Garlic Braids and Dusting
• 34:09 Gifts for Partner When You Grow Flowers
• 37:57 Celebrating Special Occasions
• 41:45 Choosing a Known Donor
• 49:32 Distribution of Parenting Responsibilities
• 55:51 Raising a Child on the Farm
• 59:30 Emotional Regulation in Parenting
• 01:03:40 Garlic Braids: A County Fair Category
• 01:06:01 Child Labor Laws and Grant Administration