Janell Vera is a first-generation farmer and the owner of Oconomowoc’s First Roots Farm. “Our adventure began with a dream of a simple garden and has since blossomed into something truly special. In addition to our stunning flowers and registered Kunekunes, our flock of free-range hens, honeybees, and pasture-raised pork, our commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that everything we grow and raise is of the highest quality, providing you with fresh, wholesome products.” Learn about Janell Vera…
Follow at: @first.roots
Hometown: I was born in Oconomowoc, WI, and raised in Minocqua, WI. After moving several times following careers, my husband and I decided we needed a place to settle, raise our family, and finally put down roots in a community, hence our farm name–First Roots Farm. The charming community of Oconomowoc and Lake Country has provided the perfect setting for us to establish a community rooted in knowing your farmer, where your food is grown, and where your flowers bloom.
First job: My first job was as a trail guide at Holiday Acres in Minocqua, WI. This role not only deepened my appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and working with livestock but also honed my skills in leadership and communication. This experience was foundational, blending my passion for nature with a newfound purpose in guiding and educating others—a perfect starting point for my journey in environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: My favorite way to spend my free time is deeply rooted in my love for family, nature, and community. Whether I’m enjoying the great outdoors with my family, working on the farm, or participating in community events, I find that these activities enrich my life and strengthen my connections with those around me. I cherish the moments spent with friends and family, and I am passionate about contributing positively to my community. Each experience, whether on the farm or in the community, is an opportunity to learn, share, and grow together.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment, without a doubt, is my family of four children, alongside the successful establishment of our farm. As first-generation farmers, my spouse and I have embarked on this journey from the ground up, learning every aspect of farming from scratch and transforming our passion for sustainable agriculture into a thriving enterprise. Balancing the demands of farming with family life has been both challenging and rewarding. Seeing our children grow up with a deep appreciation for nature and witnessing our farm flourish reaffirms the hard work and dedication we’ve invested. It’s profoundly gratifying to know we’re laying down a legacy of hard work and connection to the land that will benefit not only our family but our community for generations to come.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle I’ve overcome isn’t tied to a single event but rather the ongoing challenge and learning curve associated with raising Kunekune pigs for our pastured pork program and cultivating flowers for our community. As first-generation farmers, every day presents a new learning opportunity and a chance to adapt. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of soil health, the specific care requirements of our Kunekunes, or the best practices for growing a variety of flowers, each aspect requires dedication and continual education. Embracing these challenges head-on has not only been essential for our farm’s success but has also significantly enriched my personal growth and our family’s commitment to providing sustainably and ethically produced goods. This journey of constant growth and adaptation has been both the most challenging and the most rewarding aspect of my life.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Show up every day, even when it’s hard. Be consistent in your efforts because every step forward counts. Measure your progress, no matter how small, and take pride in how far you’ve come. Celebrate your wins, even the tiniest ones, because they are the building blocks of your success. Start small, but never dream small. Remember, great things take time, and every small step brings you closer to your grand vision. Keep pushing forward, stay dedicated, and believe in your journey. Your dreams are worth every effort.
Favorite quote: “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” –Oprah Winfrey
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: A surprising fact about me is that I have a passion for beekeeping. It started as a small hobby to support our flower farm’s ecosystem, but it quickly grew into a significant interest. I find the complexity of bee societies fascinating and have come to appreciate the critical role bees play in our environment. This hobby has not only enriched my understanding of nature but also given me a unique perspective on the interconnections within ecosystems.
What makes someone fabulous: What makes someone fabulous, in my view, is their authenticity and kindness. A fabulous person shines not just through their achievements or external attributes, but through their genuine interactions and the respect they show to others. They inspire and uplift those around them by being true to themselves and by fostering an environment where others feel valued and appreciated. This combination of authenticity and kindness impacts lives and makes someone truly fabulous.