There are a few words and phrases that were exchanged on our NPR program that make me cringe. In particular, the terms, “farm chores” and “work for free” I never associate with Crop Mob.

Chores are, menial, routine tasks that must be done. They remind me of rules and responsibilities. This can be a bit of a drag. Even people who are not actively farming have chores to do.

At a Crop Mob, we do what we want. We tackle projects, which are on-going and unpredictable and unique to farming. Like the American Heritage Dictionary defines a project as “an undertaking requiring concerted effort,” is how I feel about the type of work accomplished at a Crop Mob. And to see the outcome of one or several more projects get well underway or completed in one day is incredibly uplifting.

After spending a day with the Crop Mob I feel enlightened. This is my church. Sunday is my day off. I have faith in a new generation of farmers.

Let’s get this straight. We do not work for free. It is reciprocal.

These things are what make the Crop Mob a success. This how we make a statement. We do it ourselves without any exchange of money or formal documents. This is how we make it fun. There is next to no pressure at a Crop Mob; no pressure for time, and not for profit. We have goals and objects but, we have also many skilled or able hands, eager minds, and passionate hearts that lead us through them. We bring power in numbers and one farm of like-mindedness receives all the benefit.

And then each Crop Mobber may benefit, too. Either on land of their own, or leave with an increased desire for something, a new idea, and most definitely, in all hopes, a full belly.

“Food should be celebrated.”

Thank you to all who participate.