Farmer Innovates to Feed Navajo Families
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- Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2023
- Just after the harvest, when all that remains of the vibrant fields of corn is the dried husks, we walk the dusty roads with Zach Ben--co-owner of Bidii Baby Foods in Gadii'ahi, New Mexico. We get into the grants available to tribal entities that enabled Zach and his wife to start their company, his work as a tribal liaison with UNM Rainforest, a collaborative center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
But we also dive into the controversy surrounding Dineh Benally's illegal hemp farms and the problems and dangerous situations their presence created starting in 2020. Out of that tumultuous year, the idea for Bidii Baby Foods emerged, inspired by the borders being shut down to slow down the spread of covid. Covid lockdowns on the Navajo Nation also created the perfect environment for love: Zach met his wife and future business partner after she'd arrived from Baltimore to volunteer at a farm and had to stay during lockdown.
Join us as we get to know the Bens' origin story, what they've accomplished with Bidii Baby Foods, and how they've given back to the community.
Check out their website and Instagram:
Bidii Baby Foods: www.bidiibabyfoods.org
/ bidiibabyfoods
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Check out Bidii Baby Foods IG and website for more additional information:
Bidii Baby Foods IG: instagram.com/bidiibabyfoods
BIdii Baby Foods: www.bidiibabyfoods.org
One big looming thought about growing crops in New Mexico is water rights, as Zach mentioned several times. I visited some friends who live near Tularosa a couple summers ago and the acequia irrigation system is governed by an agricultural water cooperative. Everything they grow is subject to following rules about which days they can water and how much water they can use. It seemed very restrictive and hardly ever enough water. They had to limit what they could grow based on how much water they could expect to be allotted by the "ditch rider" or the water association person monitoring their water use. Zach didn't go into those details much but I'm sure it is a clear and present issue when growing corn. I know it requires a good amount of water.
Also, I wonder how in the world they keep the deer out? They love corn! That has to be big problem, but I suppose you could convert some them to "protein", LOL, as local rules allow.
Excellent story mixed with tradition, spirituality, and agro-business savvy. I come from a family of failed farmers but I can only imagine how a success story like this might have changed my entire life. Thanks again for these stories, Nick. I am Bidii for more stories like this - probably messed up the translation, LOL. If so, school me.
Ahe' hee for your comment and yes we spoke very briefly on right waters but I believe it was off camera. Almost all interviews, we have personal conversations off camera that don't make it on screen and I think that was one of them.
As far as animal problems, the biggest problem is coyotes. Always mischievous and running amuck on the Rez, ha.
Their story is a great example of thinking outside the box and utilizing available grants to kick start a successful business. Ahe' hee for watching Mr. Ben's video!
I'm a tiny grower south of Albuquerque. Thank you for sharing this story.
Copy that, do you set up at any of the farmer's market during the warmer months? Ahe' hee for watching Zach's video 🤙🏾
@@Spagoshi yes
@@ttorres2586which one? We'll make sure to stop by when the season is right. That's one of our Saturday morning traditions is to visit the farmer's market
@@Spagoshithat's a fun way to spend a morning. I'm at the Bosque Farms Growers Market on Saturdays.
@@ttorres2586 good deal, we'll make an effort to stop by and check out the market during the summer 🤙🏾
So Beautiful
🤙🏾 ahe' hee for watching Zach & Bi'dii Baby Food's video
Way to go guys. I doff my hat to you all.
BTW I have shared this across multi platforms & pages
Ahe' hee sir for your comment and support! We much appreciate your support. Take care and have a great holiday season!
@@Spagoshi And you guys as well
Love this video and big thanks for the book recommendation. I got a copy from the library
Good deal brother, hope you enjoy the book. 🤙🏾
Unfortunately, the Homesite Office says you can only use your site for a home, not a business or for gardening and farming.
The general Navajo Nation homesite office or a specific one? What part of the Navajo Nation do you reside out of? Ahe' hee for watching Zachariah's video. 🤙🏾
Im navajo from i house area, i want to start a year round vegetable farm, and a self filtering water system from rain water, i see so mich water going to waste,, Who do i talk with? Where can i start plans I have a great idea, for my community, my mom had a green thumb and i want to keep going, thank u
Thanks for the comment and yes, there are ways to save water. Shoot us an email at info@spagoshi.com or PM via social media and we'll help you find the right sources. Ahe' hee #KeepFarmingAlive 🤙🏾