Every January it's the same old story: Nearly half of American adults resolve to, well, change. With so many of us taking on the challenge you'd think it was easy, right? Well, no; actually, fewer than one in 10 keep their New Year's resolutions. But for those who do, the results can be profound. And there's no bigger change than to totally reinvent yourself and launch a brand-new career.

That's just what many farmers at the Carrboro Farmers' Market did -- they left other careers and took to tilling. It isn't a surprise in a world where the burgeoning trend to eat locally and support area farms drives more and more of us to fundamentally change something absolutely vital to us: How and what we eat, and why. In the world of small farming, transformation is definitely in.

Rob Bowers of Whitted Bowers Farm was a chief investment officer for a San Francisco foundation. His wife Cheri was in seminary. Rob says the decision to switch was easy.

"I realized that it was the only thing I could do if I wanted to greet each day with joy, wonder and curiosity," Rob Bowers said. Cheri Bowers agrees.

"I didn't really have a choice," she said. "I felt that I had to farm. On our first date we found that our mutual dream was to grow fruit biodynamically. We moved home to North Carolina a year-and-a-half later and our dream became a reality."

Bill Dow of Ayrshire Farm, one of the founders of the 30-plus-year-old Carrboro Farmers' Market, was a pediatrician. Also a medical, environmental and energy activist who grew up on a family farm, he's been helping set up farmers' markets for decades.

"I decided what people eat, what's sprayed on it and where it comes from is a key to good health," Dow said. "All the experts said organic agriculture couldn't be done; I wanted to prove them wrong. We're still here because it works."

John Soehner of Eco Farms was a commercial fisherman and, later, an occupational therapy assistant. He joined his wife, Cindy, an artist vendor at the Farmers' Market, a few years ago. Cindy Soehner said it was an easy choice for them.

"Farmers were making a living; there was a lot of opportunity. And it gave us what we wanted: Freedom," she said.

Michael Perry of Perry-winkle Farm was a renowned brick mason in Chapel Hill -- and still crafts the occasional pizza and bread oven. His wife, Cathy, built stone chimneys, did trim carpentry and was a collegiate volleyball and softball referee.

"We decided to figure out a way to pay the mortgage and make the land pay for itself," Michael Perry said. "We just didn't want to leave our beautiful land anymore for the 9-to-5 world. We wanted to use our wonderful space to make a living," Cathy Perry said.

Rose Lyon of Lyon Farms worked with her cousin Sara Foster at Foster's Market as a manager, cook and baker. She met farmer Mark Lyon when he delivered strawberries, tomatoes and cantaloupes to the restaurant, marrying him three years later.

"I was born in the country outside of Jackson, Tennessee, so going back to the farm is where I feel I'm supposed to be," she said.

While their journeys to this life varied, the farmers agreed on one thing: They all love farming.

"We like being outside, producing something people enjoy," Michael Perry said. "And we like the friendship, the people we've met. It's a good scene."

For Rose Lyon, it's all about the cycle of life.

"I love watching everything grow, being outside on really hot days and in the greenhouses on cold days," she said.

Cindy Soehner believes it's all about walking a lifestyle path.

"We like being free, independent, outside in the sunshine. It's great doing this as a family," she said.

"It is a life that allows our family to truly be together and constantly reminds us of the most important things. Farming is the only thing I know where the possibility of redemption is so stark and ingrained in every action for perpetuity," Rob Bowers said.

"I love the close sense of the divine we feel throughout the day -- seeds germinating, moon planting, bees dancing," Cheri Bowers mused. "It's the most difficult job we've done; our faith is tested daily with crazy weather patterns, extreme fatigue, crop failures and on and on. Farming serves as a constant renewal of the wonder and sanctity of this life."

Melanie Raskin is one of 35 volunteers at the Carrboro Farmers Market, which has been bringing local foods to the community for more than 30 years. Open year-round, 60 farmers and artisans sell vegetables, fruit, meats and fowl, canned and baked goods, dried flowers and greenery, cheese and crafts at the Carrboro Town Common on winter Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. For more information go to carrborofarmersmarket.com.