From Project Manager to vegetabe distributer — My Saturdays on the Farm

Ever wondered what I look like when I’m not managing IT or ERP projects? You might be surprised to hear that I do, in fact, wear clothes other than white shirts, neat trousers, and the ever-present vest or pullover. On Saturdays, you'll find me in muddy boots, dirty polo and jeans — working hands-on at our community farm.

Together with a great team of fellow volunteers, I help set up our market stalls — sometimes up to four of them — where we proudly present the week’s fresh harvest. These stalls are the heart of our Saturday routine. Members of the farm stop by to collect their share of vegetables, all grown just a few meters away.

Of course, a little structure is needed: we have a distribution system that ensures everyone gets their fair portion. There's always a bit of light-hearted fun (and a hint of supervision 😉) to make sure people only take what they’re entitled to. Depending on the season, we also stock storage crops like onions, potatoes, and garlic in cubic boxes. Members can pick up between 10:00 and 11:30 AM — a window that’s become a social and cheerful part of many people's weekends.

But it all starts earlier: our amazing harvest team kicks off at 8:00 AM, making sure everything is freshly picked and neatly prepared by the time the market opens. It’s an impressive feat every week, and being part of that rhythm brings a lot of satisfaction (and a bit of healthy muscle soreness).

And let's not forget the unsung heroes: the members who take care of coffee, tea, and biscuits. It’s this small but thoughtful touch that brings everyone together — for a chat, a laugh, and the sense of community that makes this project so much more than just vegetables.

It’s a joyful way to start the weekend — reconnecting with the soil, the seasons, and each other. It gives me energy, perspective, and (yes) a break from screens and spreadsheets.

So if you ever picture me only in boardrooms and Teams meetings — now you know the full story. #herenboerendegrooteheide #eatvegan #saveenvironment #localfarming