Ryan DeCoite - Dayswalk Farm

Who are you ?

My name is Ryan DeCoite live in Melbourne and am 27 years old. 

Where and what do you farm ?

I am an employee at Dayswalk farm in Keilor on the banks of the Maribynong river Melbourne. Its 16 acre Market Garden run by farmer Paul Miragliotta. We grow diverse vegetable crops for the local  Melbourne restaurants and Farmers Markets. 

How did you start your farming journey / what led you to it? 

I have progressively come to farming from environmental awareness, passionate backyard growing and more recently, education roles at CERES Environment Park. 

Is it what you expected ?

I love working outdoors doing something a believe in. It's Physically demanding and mentally stimulating. Since taking to this work i have a greater appreciation for farming and food more generally. Producing food sustainably is a-lot of work and i am inspired by the work ethic and passion any farmer that takes on organic/sustainable farming.

Biggest learning curve so far ?

So far its been adjusting to the difference in approaches, once you are out of the backyard and work on a commercial scale, on 16 acres sometimes you cant pick everything on the plant because we would spend all day picking just one crop when there is so many other jobs that need doing.  Also managing your body to be able to sustain such physical work..  regular yoga is now a must. 

Who / what / why inspired you to get farming?

Going towards an increasing uncertain climatic future, i've been looking for meaningful work that can make positive change. The regenerative agriculture movement is an inspiring narrative that i have connected with.

What is your biggest milestone so far ? 

Im still very new to farming, however so far i think a milestone would be getting through my first summer season of working on an organic market garden, there was some very hot days!

What is the dream ?

I would love to see the re localisation of our food systems. Where a culture of farming bio regionally, provides young people with meaningful work that regenerates ecosystems and our communities more broadly.