Miranda,of Russell Orchards, feels farming has always felt like home. Growing up in Essex, she was surrounded by agriculture. Her great-grandfather raised cattle, pigs, and horses, and her grandfather served as president of the Essex Agricultural Society. Her own journey began with growing flowers, vegetables, making apple pies (hundreds of them!) and bouquets, eventually leading her to the farm she owns today. Along the way, she discovered that farming is about more than producing food but rather it’s about creating meaningful connections between people and the land.
She meets the challenges of farming with persistence, hard work, ingenuity, and creativity. As challenging as it can be with so many factors beyond her control (weather, labor disruptions, food trends, etc.), the work is also incredibly rewarding and meaningful. Her advice to aspiring women farmers is simple but powerful: ask for help, stand up for yourself, lead by example, and give credit where it’s due.
And above all, she reminds us: “We are stronger together and women especially need to extend a hand to help one another excel!”