Kspitz’s Weblog

In conjunction with the Pollinating Our Future Conference in Milwaukee, I attended a full day workshop on SPIN Farming. SPIN stands for Small Plot Intensive. The main idea behind this method is that small scale farms can be as productive as larger farms and can also be highly profitable.

The workshop was held in the lower pavilion of the Mitchell Park Conservatory in downtown Milwaukee and included approximately 100 attendees. Mitchell Park staff members were on hand to welcome our group and they informed us that the 2008 vision for the park includes establishing an aesthetically pleasing, yet productive urban farm on the property. They were enthusiastic about this new endeavor and planned to incorporate some of the SPIN techniques into the new growing space.

SPIN Farming was developed by a Canadian couple, Wally Satzewich and Gail Vandersteen, who, after years of trying to farm in the country decided to sell their land and focus on growing organic vegetables in their own urban backyard. A chance meeting with a woman from Philadelphia, Roxanne Christensen, led to the establishment of a model SPIN farm on public land in Philadelphia and to further refinement of the SPIN Farming business model.

            After a few more introductions and schedule clarifications, we proceeded to dig in to SPIN farming. Roxanne introduced us to some of the key terms used in the method. Soon, we were all well versed in the meaning of a standard size bed – a 2’ x 25’ area for growing crops; a high value crop – one that produces $100 per harvest per standard bed; relay cropping – the sequential growing of crops; intensive relay cropping – growing 3 crops per bed per season; and the 1-2-3 rule – dividing the growing space into different areas of crop intensity.

We also talked about land allocations, revenue targeting and marketing weeks. It soon became clear that SPIN farming was not just about growing some vegetables in the back yard, it was specifically designed to provide income as well as nutritious food. By following the calculations and using small, timely plantings of crops, the farmer is fairly well assured of a making a profit.

Of course, profit does not come automatically. A SPIN farmer is still out there in the dirt; hoeing, weeding, watering, etc, but by following this method a great deal of the guesswork can be minimized. By using standard sized beds the farmer has a good idea of how much each bed will produce, and by using relay cropping the harvest is extended for many weeks. SPIN farming also eliminates some of the biggest obstacles to establishing a farm. You don’t need a lot of land – it is based on total acreage of less than one acre. In fact many SPIN farms are ½ or even ¼ acre and can provide gross annual sales of up to $50,000.

SPIN is based on organic techniques, so you don’t spend money on unnecessary chemicals (and you don’t eat them either). You don’t need a tractor or other heavy farm equipment – the largest piece of equipment needed is a garden rototiller. You don’t need a lot of money to get started, either. Depending on the size of your operation, SPIN farms can be established for less than $10,000, often less than $5,000.  

We spent the rest of the day talking vegetables – which ones to plant for maximum profit, which ones to avoid due to space reasons, and which ones are easiest to transport to market. We also discussed the possibility of adding flowers to the mix – both for reasons of attracting beneficial insects to the garden and as another avenue for potential sales. Wally and Gail provided many pictures of their backyard gardens in various stages of the planting, growing and harvesting stages. They currently farm not only their own back yard plot, but approximately 20 other plots around their neighborhood! All of the plots are within walking distance or a short drive in their pickup truck. Some of the plots are rented for the season at a very low rate (not more than $100), while other plots are used in exchange for a supply of vegetables. Some plots are simply given to them to use so that the owner does not have to maintain the yard.

The SPIN method also includes marketing your crops via a local farmer’s market or through subscription arrangements in which neighbors and local restaurants pay a fee to receive weekly deliveries of fresh produce. This is a win-win situation. The SPIN farmer has a local, limited delivery area and the customers receive fresh food, often on the same day it is harvested. When selling at a farmer’s market, SPIN recommends offering pre-washed, pre-measured produce at a set price. For example, salad greens for $3.00 a bag or 2 bags for $5.00. This makes for fast and easy transactions – no weighing, no waiting. Customers appreciate the convenience and are more likely to make repeat visits.

The SPIN workshop attendees consisted of current farmers with many years of experience as well as home gardeners and novices who were looking for a way to earn a little extra income as well as provide fresh food for their families. The group was clearly enthusiastic and intent on learning as much as they could. There were frequent questions that Wally, Gail and Roxanne were able to quickly answer, and a few garden mishap stories that provided shared smiles and laughter. By the end of the day the room was a-buzz with conversation and discussions regarding seed orders, organic fertilizer, marketing techniques and vegetable varieties.

In some respects, SPIN farming could be regarded as old-fashioned, a return to the days of the Victory Gardens of World War II. But, in other ways, it is a leap into the future, a testament to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of people who are dedicated to finding a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way of producing food.