Calling All Coffee Hunters: Lessons from Coffee Country

By Michelle Shaw, aka MicheDos

In addition to serving as the Content Strategist for One BIGG Island in Space (OBIIS), I have the awesome job of leading BIGGBY NATION trips to our Farm Partners. The OBIIS Farm-Direct model of buying coffee is built on relationships. And, as a person who recently celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary? I understand that maintaining a healthy relationship, full of joys and challenges, takes commitment, nurturing, and attentive connection.  

Mike and Michelle Shaw, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary “up north.”

In terms of our Farm-Direct partnerships, this means Team OBIIS and our partners see each other several times a year. Sometimes, it’s at the BIGGBY NATION Summit (BNS). Or, at a Coffee Convention like the Producer Roaster Forum (PRF). Other times? Folks from OBIIS and BIGGBY get the opportunity to pack our bags and head to the farm. And let me tell you . . . the farm is one of my very most happy places! 

Out in the field, visiting our Farm-Direct Partners at the Gorongosa Project, Mozambique, Africa

I cannot wait for the upcoming BIGG adventures of 2026. OBIIS has seven planned trips to partner farms in the upcoming year: 

I have good news, and bad news . . . and guess what? 

It’s the same news. 

Several of the trips are already sold out.

On a BIGGBY NATION trip to our Farm-Direct Partner farm, El Recreo, in Jinotega, Nicaragua

If you’re considering becoming a Coffee Hunter any time soon? I suggest you apply today. Just click the link to our trip application to get started.

I’d love for YOU to see and experience everything firsthand. Because no matter how well we write about it, photograph it, or video it . . . there is no substitute for putting your own Boots on the Ground. 

Have questions? Concerns? Want to know more? 

Head over to our YouTube channel and watch some of the Field Notes series told by OBIIS Co-Founder and Farm-Direct Travel Phenom, Michelle Fish. Go ahead and binge. You’re welcome. ☺️

Something left unanswered?

You can reach out directly to me: michelleshaw@ymail.com

If I can’t be on the farm, at least I’ll be talking about the farm. 🌱

I hope to see you out there, because Farm-Direct IS a better way.