ALICIA ROBINSON-WELSH
DAMASCUS, PA
Alicia has been farming on farms not their own for five years. They are heading to work on a former coworker’s farm this season on the NY/PA border in Damascus, PA.
Alicia designed Not Our Farm’s worker zine: Guide to Working on Farms and Consumer Resource: Labor and Your Local Produce and has made numerous flyers for our events.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN FARMING?
Five years. I took a couple of seasons off. I started farming in college, did a couple of internships, went on a farm in NY state for a year, went hiking then came back to work another year.
After the Pacific Crest trail I started working on a farm in New Mexico and now I’m heading to the NY/PA border to help my previous co-worker who is starting a farm.
WHAT INITIALLY BROUGHT YOU TO THE FIELDS?
I did a program in college called Food and Farming and there was a field work component. I worked for a small no-till farmer in NY state and really liked it. Then a close friend went to work on a farm.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO FARM FOR SOMEONE ELSE (NOW OR IN THE PAST?)
I don’t feel the need to have my own farm necessarily. I want a really good long term situation. I would like to have the freedom to take a vacation! I’m a long distance hiker - that’s why I like working for other people. It’s a trade off to be able to take time off and pursue other interests.
I’ve always felt like I had a lot to learn. I have been in that mentality that I want to work for as many people and operations as possible. I am scared of the financial risk and commitment of starting my own farm.
WHAT ARE SOME ISSUES FOR FARMERS WORKING ON SOMEONE ELSE'S FARM - ISSUES THAT YOU'VE WITNESSED OR EXPERIENCED?
On one farm I worked at in upstate NY, the women were never in positions of power. It felt like a really sexist environment even though my boss made an effort to give equal treatment to women. Women never learned the tractor work, and weren’t in positions of power. I felt a lot of frustration – not seeing an avenue or path upward from there.
I usually assume that the boss is always right. I’m always in the supporting role, and I’m good at it, but I find myself making suggestions instead of saying what needs to happen. Had I done that more, it would have been better for me and everyone else. I’m constantly second guessing myself: Am I overstepping my boundaries? Do I have the power to send someone home for being sick or having other needs without checking in with the owner when they aren’t around?
“I don’t feel the need to have my own farm necessarily. I want a really good long-term situation. I would like to have the freedom to take a vacation! I am a long distance hiker – that’s why I like working for other people – it’s a trade off to be able to take time off to pursue other interests.”
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I think farming is way more satisfying than it is hard. I don’t think I could ever work inside for more than a few months at a time. I really like physical work but also physical work that takes a lot of thinking and planning, brings you into contact with other people. I love working alongside other people, it’s my favorite way of hanging out.
