"The overall experience of being a farmer has been such a teacher." - Jane Bush, AppleSchram Orchard, Charlotte, Michigan

Interview with Jane Bush

AppleSchram Orchard is located along Mt. Hope Highway near Charlotte. Jane Bush, owner and operator, bought the orchard from her uncle 18 years ago. Today her orchard is certified organic. Jane works full-time in the orchard, raises broiler chickens, and manages an egg cooperative. She enjoys seeing immediate results of her efforts on the farm every year and describes her experience as being "such a teacher."

Before buying the orchard, Jane worked in a print shop, repairing machines. She left this field because the company was built on oppressive structures that worked against women. Jane stressed that conventional farming culture is also traditionally male-dominated. She has found that there is a different culture in organic farming and finds independence in owning her own land.

Jane mentioned that women, as natural relationship builders, do very well in alternative agriculture. She offered some advice for women looking into farming for a living: have a definite business plan. She noted that one of the biggest barriers for anybody going into farming is obtaining land. In response to this, she stresses that there are many ways to get involved in agriculture without land. She sees a particular strength in connecting people who own land with people who want to grow their own food, CSAs, and farming cooperatives.