Immigrant Farmers Put Down New Roots | Maryland Farm & Harvest

Summary

Niyi Balogun, a Nigerian-born farmer, shares his joy of harvesting at Dodo Farms in Montgomery County, even in November. He discusses the transition from farming in a tropical climate to adapting to cold weather crops like collard greens and kale in the US. Niyi and his wife, Tope Fajingbesi, overcame the challenge of accessing land through the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve's 'Land Link' program. They practice labor-intensive, chemical-free farming methods, and grow traditional Nigerian crops, which have become popular at local markets, reflecting the area's diverse population.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Niyi Balogun enjoys the process of farming, from planting seeds to harvesting and selling at the market.
• 🌬️ Dodo Farms in Montgomery County grows cold weather crops like collard greens, kale, and lettuce.
• 🌍 Niyi's farming experience began in Nigeria where the climate allowed for year-round planting.
• 🌱 Niyi had to adapt to the concept of seasonal crops after moving to the United States.
• 👩‍🌾 Niyi and his wife Tope Fajingbesi run Dodo Farms, a one-acre produce operation.
• 🏞️ Tope found the land for Dodo Farms through the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.
• 🤝 The Montgomery Countryside Alliance's 'Land Link' program helped connect Niyi and Tope with landowners.
• 📈 There has been an increase in applications from immigrant farmers to the Land Link program.
• 🌾 Niyi grows traditional Nigerian crops in addition to more common ones to stand out in the market.
• 💡 Niyi believes that growing unique crops is a strategy to succeed in the competitive farming market.
• 📊 Nigeria is the world's leading producer of cassava, a crop Niyi used to farm before moving to Maryland.

Q & A

What does Niyi Balogun love about harvesting?

Niyi Balogun loves the process of harvesting because it reminds him of the journey from clearing the ground, preparing the soil, planting the seeds, and finally seeing them grow and be ready for the market.

What type of crops is Niyi harvesting in November at Dodo Farms?

In November, Niyi is harvesting cold weather crops such as collard greens, different types of kale, and lettuce.

How did Niyi adapt to the concept of 'cold weather crops' after coming from Nigeria?

Niyi had to adapt to the idea of cold weather crops as Nigeria's tropical climate allowed for planting the same crops all year round. He learned about seasonal planting through an internship at a farm in Harford County.

What was the foundation for Niyi starting Dodo Farms?

The foundation for Niyi starting Dodo Farms was the knowledge and experience he gained from his internship at a farm in Harford County.

Who are the partners in running Dodo Farms?

Dodo Farms is run by Niyi Balogun along with his wife and business partner, Tope Fajingbesi.

What was the biggest challenge Tope faced when starting a farm in the U.S.?

The biggest challenge Tope faced was access to land, especially for someone of color.

How did Tope find the land for Dodo Farms?

Tope found the land for Dodo Farms through the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and a nonprofit called 'The Montgomery Countryside Alliance' which operates a program called 'Land Link'.

What is the purpose of the 'Land Link' program?

The 'Land Link' program matches landowners with hundreds of acres of land that they are not farming with farmers looking to lease or buy land.

What types of crops does Niyi grow during the warmer months?

During the warmer months, Niyi grows traditional Nigerian crops such as broccoli green (Calabrese) and Asian eggplants.

Why does Niyi choose to grow crops that other farmers are not growing?

Niyi grows crops that other farmers are not growing as a strategy to break even in the farming market in the United States.

How does Niyi feel when his customers enjoy the produce he grows?

Niyi feels joy when his customers are happy with the taste and quality of his produce, stating that it's more rewarding than the money he earns from it.

What was Niyi's farming background before moving to Maryland?

Before moving to Maryland, Niyi farmed about 250 acres in Nigeria, primarily growing corn and cassava.