Farmer Danielle Hutchison will give a welcome address as part of the 2025 Business of Farming Conference on February 22 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC. Danielle began farming in 2008 and is the co-owner and operator of TendWell Farm in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Can you share a little about yourself and TendWell Farm?
My name is Danielle Hutchison and I am a first-generation organic farmer based in Western North Carolina. Graduating from Warren Wilson College in 2007 with a degree in Environmental Education and Agriculture, I have dedicated my career to organic vegetable production. I co-own and operate TendWell Farm, an organic farm growing seasonal produce in the mountains of Western North Carolina and Southern Florida. TendWell Farm grows and distributes our produce, year round, throughout the South East and beyond.
Was your farm impacted by Helene? What keeps you farming and dreaming about the growing season ahead?
Yes, my farm in WNC was greatly impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Despite the challenges, willpower, resilience, stubbornness, and passion keep me farming year after year. Looking ahead, I’m dreaming of a disaster-free year in 2025, focused on rebuilding and growing stronger in the face of climate change and adversity.
What have been some of your biggest challenges as a farmer?
As an organic farmer, I’ve faced several significant challenges, including the unpredictable impacts of climate change, which affect crop yields and weather patterns. As a first-generation farmer, access to capital has been a constant struggle, making it difficult to invest in necessary equipment and infrastructure. Additionally, finding a reliable, hardworking labor force is a persistent challenge, compounded by the increasing cost of production, which further strains the financial viability of maintaining an organic farm. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to sustainable farming practices and overcoming these barriers
What gets you excited about the Business of Farming Conference this year?
I’m excited about the Business of Farming Conference this year because it offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow colleagues, growers, and others within the industry. I look forward to sharing stories of resilience, learning from others’ experiences, and building meaningful connections that can help us all navigate the challenges of farming together
Any tips you would offer beginning farmers to get the most out of the conference?
My tip for beginning farmers attending the conference is to prioritize connecting with other farmers—listening to their experiences and sharing your own is incredibly valuable. Also, don’t overlook the business management classes, even if topics like taxes, record-keeping, and lending seem tedious. These areas play a crucial role in growing your farm business successfully, and gaining that knowledge early on will set you up for long-term success.