SACO — As the weather warms and snowfall becomes a thing of the past, many people think of relaxing at the beach, vacations and barbecues.

For vegetable farmers like Ben Grant, it means a seven-day work week with 12 or more hour days and no time for breaks or vacations.

Some might find that a bit daunting, but Grant, 31, knows the drill. He’s been doing this his whole life.

“It’s not for most people,” said Grant. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Grant is an eighth-generation farmer, his family starting out with a 25-acre land grant from King George III on Grant Road.

“It’s in my blood for sure,” said Grant. “If it was just a job, I’d get another job and do something else.”

Aside from the long work days, farming brings other challenges, such as the unpredictability of weather, and it’s not a job that people can just ease into.

As Grant begins the farming season in earnest, like he has for so many years, there will be someone missing from the picture.

Grant’s father Rick, who taught him the trade, passed away earlier this year. Grant and his father farmed side by side for many years on family property at Grant Road.

“It’s going to be tough,” Grant admitted, as he spent so much time with his father on the job for so many years, but his father instilled in him a strong work ethic.

This year, Grant will be farming on his grandparent’s land on McKenney Road, growing a variety of produce including sweet corn, green beans, tomatoes, pumpkins and squash. Grant will sell much of what he grows to local grocery stores, though locals will also be able to buy fresh items at his farm stand at 16 McKenney Road.

Grant said he’s received a lot of support from family members as well as the farming community.

His wife, Vanessa, a hair stylist, said she’ll help him with paperwork. His sister, Julie Hagerman who is a year older than Grant, grew up working in the fields like her brother, and owns Chaps Saloon in Buxton. She’ll be helping out Grant as well.

Hagerman, like her brother, remembers her father’s hard work ethic and high standards.

“He always said, ‘If your mother won’t buy it in the grocery store, you shouldn’t sell it,” she said.

Grant is looking for help this summer, those interested can apply at the farm stand at 16 McKenney Road.

Hagerman said Chaps Saloon is hosting a family-friendly barbecue from noon to 3 p.m on May 20 to lend moral support to Grant and help kick off the farming season.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.