Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

This fork sure is heavy! Cain looks on as I attempt to plant cassava. Christopher Tufton would be proud! - ian allen photos

THE STAR's feature A DAY AS A ... returns today after a break for a few weeks. Our reporter Jonique Gaynor spent a day as a farmer on the Orange River Farm. It wasn't her typical day. Read and enjoy.

I was never a fan of dirt or manual labour, so when I learnt that I would have to spend a day working on a farm, I was far from eager. While I wouldn't describe myself as a typical 'girly - girl', I wasn't exactly a farmhand either. I knew the day would be very interesting.

Photographer Ian Allen and I arrived at the Orange River Farm in St Mary, shortly after 10 a.m. Keith Thomas, the field officer greeted us and informed me that I would be spending the day as a task worker, doing a bit of most of the activities done on the farm.

The farm sits on over 300 acres of land and is known for, cocoa production. However, other crops like cassava, breadfruit, mango, june plum and avocado, are cultivated there.

Much to Ian's delight, Thomas assured me that I would be getting a taste of every task.

Immediately, I began to worry. My first task was to spend some time in the nursery observing and participating in the budding and grafting of avocado trees. Marvin Andrews, the employee in the nursery, explained that grafting was a technique used to achieve the best-quality crop. I watched carefully as he cut a piece of avocado, made a similar cut in another plant, put them together and wrapped it with tape.

Already sweating

It was now my turn to try. I had been on the farm for about 10 minutes and I was already sweating. This was not good. I tried to recreate what Marvin did , but my shaking hands let me down. Afraid that I would slice my finger in half, I asked for help. With a half smile, Marvin said, "Ok, like how u a 'prentice, do it da way ya." He showed me an easier and less dangerous way of getting it done. After sweating through the new method, it was done and I was ready for the next task.

The heat on the farm was unbearable and the mosquitoes, bent on draining every ounce of blood from our bodies did not make it any easier. As we trudged through knee- high grass on our way to the next spot, I felt like I was about to collapse. We were on our way to 'bushwhacker land' and I was not very pleased. Ian and Thomas both thought it would be good for me to try the bushwhacker. I,on the other hand, thought the idea was ludicrous. How was I to manage this heavy thing? What did I know about cutting grass? They, however, insisted and I gave in.

Not a good idea

André, the young man who was using the machine, seemed amused at the idea that I would be giving it a try. He quickly hooked up the machine and stood at a safe distance waiting to see how I would do. Needless to say, I didn't do very well. Ian was almost blinded by stones and debris that were sent flying and though he had been eager for me to try it, he realised that it was not such a good idea after all.

After that embarrassment, I was told that we would be visiting the cassava plots. What I was not told, however, was that the plot was 'waaaaay' on the other side of the farm. I got an idea that it was a good distance when Thomas tried, with no luck, to get the tractor to take us, but nothing could have prepared me for the marathon I was about to undertake.

Chopping cocoa

On our way to the cassava plots, we passed two women cutting cocoa and removing the seeds. This, Thomas said, would be transported to a fermentary to be made into chocolate and cocoa powder. I was encouraged to try it. I noticed that the women were chopping the cocoa in their hands, but not willing to risk losing mine, I did my chopping on the ground. The slime that remained on my hands after removing the seed, was an annoyance and I was very happy to get rid of it when I got the chance.

The walk to the plot was mostly uphill and the sun was unrelenting. Less than halfway into the journey, I was out of breath. My companions forged ahead like soldiers, while I lagged behind. After the promise of a cold beverage when I got to the top, however, I pushed through.

Fuelled by the ice cold water, I eventually made it to the plot where I met Cain. After showing me how to dig holes and plant the cassava, he told me it was my turn. This was a struggle. The fork was heavier than I imagined and after planting the cassava, I had to cover the holes with dirt, with my bare hands. My fingernails were full of dirt and I couldn't wait to get to the nearest pipe. I was slowly beginning to realise that I was more of a 'girly-girl' than I had thought.

Most fun part

The ride down the hill was perhaps the most fun part of the day. The tractor had finally made it back and we rode down the hill in fine style. Thomas thought it would be fun if I travelled beside the driver and admittedly, it was. The only drawback was there was very little to hold on to during the bumpy ride.

After making it back down, I spent some time in another nursery working with carambola (star fruit) seeds. My job was to look for the plants that had not germinated and replace them with flourishing plants. It seemed simple enough, but soon became boring. I was ready for something new.

Dipping guava cuttings

I spent the last few hours of my day working with Patricia Taitham. We dipped guava cuttings in rooting hormone and then transferred them to some crate-like boxes lined with peat moss. This was my type of activity; simple and easy. When that was done, I decided to help two young women plant nutmeg. The sun made this task a bit treacherous and even though I had to get on my knees in my jeans, I got through it.

With that behind me, my day was done. I had had my fill of farm work and after giving my hands a thorough wash, I was off.

Though I was a bit apprehensive about working on a farm, I enjoyed the experience thoroughly and left Orange River with a new appreciation and respect for those who make their living that way.

Working hours at Orange River :

Staff workers: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Task workers : This depends on how many tasks there are and how long it takes to do each.

Pay: Most task workers earn up to $15,000 per fortnight. This varies, however, as they work to pay themselves.

Cutting grass is not as easy as it looks. If I never see a bushwhacker again, it will be too soon.