When Farming Is Hard: Burnout, Doubt, and Why Our Farms Matter
with JM Fortier
About this episode
In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the emotional and ethical dimensions of small-scale farming, especially in the quieter months after a demanding season. He shares why the growing season often requires farmers to simply push through challenges, and why the off-season is the right time to revisit what was hard, both practically and emotionally. Drawing from personal experience, he explores burnout, resilience, and the importance of rest, reflection, and continuous improvement. The episode then turns toward the ethics of local agriculture and the role of human-scale, decentralized food systems in shaping a more resilient future. Jean-Martin closes by revisiting the original vision behind The Market Gardener and why farming remains a meaningful act of commitment to ecology, community, and lifestyle.
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Mentioned Links & Resources
[5:12] A personal encounter that reveals burnout behind meaningful food system work.
[9:05] Finishing the season exhausted, uncertain, and emotionally spent.
[12:10] Why the off-season is the right moment to revisit what was hard.
[17:50] Learning to live with hardship, money stress, and long-term resilience.
[26:20] Shifting into winter mode and reflecting on the ethics of local agriculture.
[32:05] Books and thinkers that shaped Jean-Martin’s views on local and human-scale farming.
[44:55] Revisiting the conclusion of The Market Gardener and closing reflections.
JM Fortier
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