Wholesome Pickins is always looking for something new.
We chatted with owners David and Jenn VanDeVelde at their market.
They spoke about converting a tobacco greenhouse into strawberry production, as well as growing a few varieties of vegetables.
It’s important to them on the production side of things to try to get as much variety for their future customers at the market as possible.
A lot has changed over the many years they have been at the farm, from what they grow to the tech used to grow and pick it.
One example is using asparagus harvesting equipment to pick strawberries.
This speeds up production and makes life a little bit easier for those out in the field doing it, saving them walking up and down in the sun all day.
They also have a lot more workers to account for as well.
When David and Jenn started over 15 years ago, it was just them and David’s parents overseeing the farm.
Now, they bring in close to 20 workers from Jamaica, hire 6 to 8 locals, and bring on up to 12 students each year.
Many of these workers come back year after year as they try to cultivate a family atmosphere that everyone can buy into.
As they continue to grow and evolve, Ag Tourism is top of mind.
They are branching out this fall with a corn maze for people to enjoy and growing sunflowers so there will be a field available to snap photos in.
They have kids who are getting a bit older and throwing in ideas for what they would like to see at the family operation now as well.
When asked about any advice they’d give to anyone looking to jump into the agricultural field in Norfolk, they said to embrace the community.
Norfolk farmers support each other and there are so many avenues to connect with like-minded people.
You can hear the full interview below:
Written by Matt LeBlanc