Anja Sajovic and Tavish Russell with produce from their farm.Supplied
Fresh food has always been important to Tavish Russell and Anja Sajovic. The St. John’s couple loves to cook, feed friends and eat local. But until recently, growing their own food was just a hobby.
For a decade, Mr. Russell worked in construction management for a small engineering firm, and Ms. Sajovic worked her way up the ladder in the service industry, managing a boutique hotel and running a busy photography side business. Then came the pandemic in 2020 and the chance to reimagine their future. What if they became full-time farmers?
In this series, Reimagining Wealth, we explore the evolving definition of wealth in today’s world. Here, we talk to Mr. Russell and Ms. Sajovic about the career and lifestyle change that is feeding their bodies and souls – and the community around them:
You have been backyard gardeners for years. Why did you decide it was time to turn your hobby into your career?
Tavish Russell collecting cabbages.Supplied
Russell: The big moment for us came during the COVID-19 shutdown, when Anja and I were laid off for a couple of months. It was the first time ever that I was able to really slow down and reflect on what’s important to me and what’s important in life. What do I want to do? During those two months we spent a lot of time practising yoga and watching YouTube videos about farming and gardening and at the end of it we were like, ‘Is this something we could do?’
For me, it comes down to health: my own health, the health of our community and of our planet. Agriculture has the ability to fix a lot of the world’s environmental problems. But also, we love food.
How did your friends and family react?
Sajovic: For a while we were nervous about telling people that we wanted to become farmers. It was daunting! And we figured people would think we’re crazy.
But as soon as we started saying out loud what we were trying to do, our world responded. Almost immediately we were connected with a farmer who was open to renting land to other farmers. We took it as a sign.
Tell me a little about your current operation.
Russell: We have four caterpillar tunnels – 17 feet wide by 100 feet long – which are sort of primitive greenhouses, and two more to install for next year. With the amount of land we have now, we have to be intentional about what we grow: crops that are high-value and quick turnover. We try to flip each bed at least twice, if not three times in a season.
We’re trying to grow interesting and unique vegetables that otherwise aren’t available here. Mostly we sell to restaurants and a little bit of retail.
Sajovic: We also sell cut flowers. The florists we approached were over the moon! As with fresh food, by the time many flowers are shipped and arrive here, the quality just isn’t there. Both chefs and florists are excited and supportive to have local growers delivering quality, fresh products – still now, in December.
Russell: We practise regenerative agriculture. We try to build healthy soil, full of life, full of diversity. If we can achieve that, and I think we have, we don’t have to use any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. We don’t use any of that.
Anja Sajovic with the cut flowers she and her husband sell to local florists.Supplied
Now that you’ve had one entire year as full-time farmers, how do you feel?
Sajovic: Inspired! We are still geeking out and learning every day. We have so much to learn. You have to be good at everything. Not just as a farmer but a businessperson and salesperson. You have to be able to adapt to each and every situation that comes your way.
Russell: We looked at this year as proof of concept – and we know that yes, this makes sense for us. We’re ready to double down. We’re looking for a piece of land to make long-term plans. Ideally, we’d have a few acres for a market garden and then plant out a polyculture orchard with tree fruits, berry bushes, maybe some nuts if we can make it work.
Do you ever miss your previous day-job lifestyle?
Russell: I spent so many years through school and work hunched over a computer. I developed issues with my shoulders and upper back. I feel so good not sitting down, being active every day. It doesn’t matter the weather, I’m always happy to be outside, working in nature with soil and with plants. And we can see the fruits of our labour, literally. It’s so fulfilling.
Sajovic: There are definitely days that are hard, or cold, or hot – but even on those days, I stop and ask: Would I go back to a desk, or work for something I don’t truly believe in? Never.