In the picturesque Wasatch Back region of Utah, a dedicated farmer is taking her extensive experience in agriculture to a new level. Lynsey Gammon, the director of Gracie’s Farm, has recently launched Mountain Song Farms Consulting, a venture aimed at mentoring aspiring farmers and helping them navigate the challenges of the agricultural sector. With over a decade of farming experience under her belt, Gammon hopes to provide essential guidance to those looking to thrive in a field often fraught with obstacles, particularly for women entering the industry. Gammon’s journey into farming began with a blend of childhood lessons from her grandmother, extensive research, and a good deal of trial and error. This unique combination of experiences has equipped her with insights that she is now eager to share. "I see that there’s a gap for young farmers, especially women, to start accessing the same success that I’ve had," Gammon stated. "Even getting your foot in the door to figure out how to progress in this field is really hard; there’s no real clear footprint or pathway." The inception of Mountain Song Farms Consulting, named after Gammon’s first farm in Silver Creek, signals her commitment to empowering others in the agricultural community. This consulting service is designed to be fully customizable, catering to the specific needs of each farmer. Gammon emphasizes that planning for the growing season begins early, with the current months being an ideal time for farmers to set their goals and strategies. "The planning part really starts like the minute that the last season started," she explained. "The meat of what I do is more about helping them define their goals and mission and vision and where they want to go with the farm. That’s often missed; people jump in and farm without really being intentional about their strategic planning." Farming in high-elevation desert regions like Utah presents unique challenges. The short growing season means that farmers have less time to recover from mistakes, making careful planning and execution crucial. Gammon points out that farming is not just a physical endeavor; it's a complex business that requires attention to various details, including soil profiles, pest management, budgeting, and marketing. Over the years, Gammon has recognized the importance of building community connections through farming. Her farms have been known for hosting community events, such as Farm Fridays, which transform food purchasing into a social activity. "Part of my shtick is that I provide consulting on how to bring people to farms, not just to be the faceless farmer behind the food, but to connect with people on a different level," she said. This community focus is something that drew Gammon to farming later in life. She noted that women have historically played a significant role in agriculture, from ancient hunter-gatherer societies to the modern era. However, it wasn’t until World War II that women returned to farming in significant numbers, tending to Victory Gardens while men served in the military. Today, the market-garden movement has made farming more accessible, particularly for women, which is a cause Gammon passionately supports. In her efforts to foster a supportive environment for women in agriculture, Gammon recently completed a leadership course with renowned educator JM Fortier. This experience further solidified her desire to teach other women how to succeed in a field that often sidelines them. "Women just aren’t looked upon as having real relevance or leadership in that field," she remarked, underscoring the importance of changing perceptions in agriculture. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and rising costs, Gammon believes there is still a growing interest in small-scale farming, even in difficult growing areas like Utah. The United Nations has declared 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer, aligning with Gammon’s vision to lead a grassroots movement in agriculture. She aims to create a network of small farms that can support one another, emphasizing the necessity of small farms in providing local food and fostering community ties. "With the state of the world and the state of the climate, last year was our hottest and driest summer, which was really tough," she stated. "But we focused on what we could accomplish. People need each other; they need small farms and local food. That’s how we keep each other standing, as a team." In conclusion, Gammon’s initiative with Mountain Song Farms Consulting represents not only a personal milestone but also a broader mission to uplift the agricultural community in Utah. By sharing her knowledge and fostering connections, she hopes to inspire a new generation of farmers who can thrive in both the art and business of farming. For those interested in learning more or seeking guidance, additional information can be found at mountainsongfarms.com or by contacting Gammon directly at lynsey@mountainsongfarms.com.