We had the best time visiting Zach and Mary at Bidii Baby Foods, a family farm and agricultural cooperative located on the Navajo Nation in Shiprock. What started as subsistence farming on a four-acre plot during the pandemic has now blossomed into a thriving business producing traditional Indigenous baby food. In our 20-minute conversation with Mary, she shared the challenges they faced in acquiring funding and resources. To overcome these hurdles, they created a hybrid model: an LLC for revenue from their crops and products, and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support the next generation of Navajo farmers. Bidii Baby Foods offers two pathways for young farmers: join their established brand through the LLC or receive nonprofit fiscal sponsorship to kickstart their own agricultural venture. Each year, through their “Farmers In Rezidence” program, they train 3-5 young farmers, providing them with technical skills, land, and the opportunity to experience the real challenges of farming on the Navajo Nation. A huge thank you to Zach, Mary, and their Farmers In Rezidence for showing us around, cooking for us, and making us feel so welcome. We truly appreciate the time you took to share your operation with us! Mary shared so much valuable information, so be sure to watch the full video. This is especially important for the next generation of Navajo farmers and ranchers.

Don’t forget, we offer our own scholarship and grant opportunities too: https://www.greensteininsurance.com/about 🎥 Watch now and share with your community!