There is incredible power in taking time to learn from others.
As you can see in the photo, people are leaning into conversations. If this photo had sound, you’d hear a vibrant buzz with sharing ideas, energy flowing, and relationships deepening. Looking back on this week’s ThreeWill Alliance Luncheon, I was reminded just how much I appreciate the magic of community and how an abundance mentality fuels both farming and business.
This event was a moment of clarity: this is what I love about the small-scale farming world, too.
There are many reasons I started Iron Mountain Organics (IMO). But one of the most important is community. When you step into the small-scale farming world, you’ll quickly discover something remarkable: a spirit of generosity. Growers openly share what’s working and what’s not. They’re quick to support one another. It’s a community that values contribution over competition. And it’s one of the best examples I’ve found of what an abundance mentality looks like in action.
Here are a few voices that have shaped my farming philosophy and filled my cup over the years:
- Farmer Jesse (No-Till Growers Podcast) – A champion of regenerative practices and community building. His podcast is a masterclass in humble expertise.
- Joe Lamp’l (Joe Gardener) – My first garden podcast back in 2017, when the seeds of IMO were just starting to sprout. He lives just 10 minutes from me, and I still remember being nervous meeting this gardening legend for the first time.
- Connor Crickmore (Neversink Farm) – A former software consultant like me, now a systems-driven farmer with a unique, compelling voice. His focus on operational excellence really resonates.
- Eliot Coleman – Often called the godfather of organic farming. His decades of work planted some of the earliest seeds for me on what’s possible with healthy soil.
- Charles Dowding – The voice of “No Dig” in the UK. I’ve spent countless hours watching his videos. His calm, methodical approach has deeply shaped how I grow today.
- Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier – A Canadian market gardener whose book The Market Gardener is a must-read. He deeply understands the soul of local food and community impact.
This might be more than you wanted to know about small-scale farming, but I often get asked where my inspiration comes from. So I thought I’d pull back the curtain.
Whether it’s a farming collective, a business luncheon, or a local network of professionals… surrounding yourself with a community that believes in lifting others up changes everything.
Are you part of a community with an abundance mindset? If not, I encourage you to find one, OR BETTER YET, be the person who creates it. Life is too short not to be part of a healthy, thriving community.
This post first appeared on August 8, 2025 in Sowing Success, my weekly LinkedIn newsletter on leadership and organic farming. Read the original on LinkedIn.
