Raising Organic Entrepreneurs
Stephen and Cindy Cousins
Stephen and Cindy Cousins, along with growing organic crops, are also raising organic entrepreneurs. Their three children, ages 10, 14 and 16 all started their own farming ventures during their summer months. The youngest of the three, Daniel, is now in Grade 5 and farming aside, enjoys biking, playing sports and spending time with friends.
When asked what he would like to be when he grows up he responded, he would like to be a dairy farmer. Last summer, Daniel had the opportunity to try his hand as a farmer by planting and harvesting 500 raspberry plants. He also had a chance to work with livestock by raising 200 meat chickens. Pretty impressive for a ten-year-old. But why would a young man like Daniel choose to pursue farming over the summer when others are playing soccer or gallivanting around town on their bikes?
I raise chickens because Dad used to but he gave me the responsibility of taking the job from him, says Daniel. As for raspberries, while helping Dad plants his in 2008, I thought I like to try growing some of my own and so I am. He sold the raspberries to the PEI Preserve Company, which is a retailer of preserves, tea and other complementary products. His chickens were sold to customers Daniel's father helped him find. His father, Stephen, said both of Daniel's ventures were successful and he is looking forward to trying it again next year.
Fourteen-year-old Hannah is another young anomaly, preferring to spend her time outdoors either dirt biking, playing soccer, and jumping on the trampoline. Last summer, she was in charge of growing strawberries, not to mention raising fifty turkeys, selling them for the Thanksgiving and Christmas markets. Customers who purchase Hannah's turkeys have them delivered right to their front door.
The Grade nine students sold the strawberries to local restaurants and the P.E.I. Preserve Company. When asked about her motivation to cultivate strawberries and raise turkeys she says, I knew I would make money. I also thought it would lead to good opportunities in future years.Hannah eventually hopes to join the RCMP.
Her older sister, Naomi, spent the summer growing and delivering 30 community supported agriculture boxes each week. The Grade 11 student set up a booth at the Charlottetown farmers Market, where her customers picked up their boxes. She hopes to expand the number of customers next year.
When not working on their own ventures or in school, the siblings help out on their parent's organic farmer- Shepherd's Farm in Mount Stewart-- planting, weeding and maintaining produce. Evidently these three young people are ambitious, hard working and mature beyond their years. Growing up around farming on PEI has acted as a positive influence and has taught them a lot about farming.