When Government Steps Back, Entrepreneurs Step Up
Monica Mori’s story is the kind that reminds us why America works best when people are free to chase their dreams without Uncle Sam breathing down their necks. This young woman from Fallon, Nevada, is building not just one business, but potentially several, all rooted in the simple act of growing things in the desert.
Mori spent the past year in the Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. She learned everything from running tractors to managing irrigation systems. Now she’s launching “Pumped Up Porches,” a fall decorating business using farm-fresh pumpkins, corn stalks, and other homegrown goodies. Think of it as turning your front porch into a Pinterest board, but with vegetables you can actually eat later.
The Conservative Connection
Here’s why this matters to those of us who believe in limited government and personal responsibility. Mori’s path shows what happens when you combine individual initiative with targeted, temporary support that actually ends. She’s not looking for a handout. She’s using resources wisely to build something sustainable.
The program she joined receives USDA funding, yes. But it’s not a permanent welfare scheme. It’s a one-year learning program that teaches people skills they’ll use for life. That’s the kind of government involvement conservatives can stomach: limited in scope, focused on education, and designed with a clear exit strategy. After her apprenticeship ends this month, Mori is on her own, leasing an acre at Lattin Farms to grow her business.
Mori said:
“Farming is not easy. It’s really hard. You really have to want to do it, or you’re not going to last,”
That’s the truth that separates dreamers from doers.
Building Multiple Income Streams
Mori already runs Tumbleweeds Boba, selling coffee and tea at local events. She’s planning to grow raspberries for syrup for that business. She dreams of opening a restaurant supplied by her own farm. This is diversification at its finest. She’s not putting all her eggs in one basket. She’s creating multiple revenue streams, spreading risk, and building resilience into her business model.
This woman learned to farm dragon fruit in Hawaii through a work-exchange program. She worked in the service industry. She did visual merchandising for Tommy Bahama. Now she’s using all those skills together. That’s the beauty of free enterprise. Every experience adds value. Every skill transfers.
Real Support That Actually Helps
The program connected Mori with mentors like Todd Rissone, a veteran farmer who showed her how to run large-scale irrigation systems.
Mori said:
“He just brightened my world. He’s an angel.”
This is people helping people learn to help themselves.
With guidance from the Small Business Development Center, Mori created a business plan. She’s already signed customers, including the Fallon Chamber of Commerce. She’s sourcing products from local producers this fall. Next year, she’ll grow most of what she needs herself.
What Comes Next
Nevada’s agricultural future needs young farmers who understand the challenges of growing food in the desert. Mori plans to donate 25% of her produce to local food banks. That’s voluntary charity, not mandated redistribution. She’s already thinking about community impact while building her business.
For conservatives watching this story, the action items are clear. Support local farmers markets. Buy from businesses like Mori’s that grow food locally. Encourage programs that teach skills rather than hand out checks. Mentor young entrepreneurs in your community.
When government stays limited and focused, when communities step up to teach and mentor, and when individuals work hard and take risks, good things happen. Monica Mori proves that every day she’s out in the field, tractor running, sun shining down, building something real with her own two hands.
That’s not just farming. That’s freedom.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
