Farmers Share Their Stories
#23 – Capella Ranch: The Petersons
Every small-scale farm is completely unique: farming is part science and part art, with a heavy dose of chance (thanks to Mother Nature), and farms reflect the interests and capabilities of their owners as perhaps no other business venture does. It’s the opposite of...
#22 – Harmon Farms: Amii and Tom Harmon
In 1985, Amii and Tom Harmon wrote a list titled “Some Day.” On that list was a nearly identical description of the farm they now own, where they offer farm stays, event hosting, baby goat cuddling, and farm goods and crafts from eggs to honey. “Sometimes guests will...
#21 – Dog Day Acres: Robin Greubel
Robin Greubel has been a farm girl from the start, growing up on her dad’s farm in Iowa, and her love of the land and animals has never waned. She worked in agriculture as a young adult (“Being in nowhere Iowa,' she explained, “you mostly work in agriculture. I’ve...
#20 – Happen Films: Antoinette Wilson
Photo Credit: Wild Feet ProductionsAntoinette Wilson is a passionate filmmaker, dedicated to living out her beliefs and role modeling a healthy relationship with the natural environment. Since 2015, she has been working with Happen Films as a researcher, writer, and...
#19 – The Farmstead at Lake Breeze Vineyards: Jessica Young
Lake Breeze Vineyards is more than a beautiful winery situated in the majestic Okanagan Valley, BC. It’s also home to a farmstead where vegetables, herbs, an orchard, chickens, and pigs are grown. The MacIntyres, who own the 16-acre vineyard and winery overlooking...
#18 – A Shepherd’s Retreat: Lynne Green
Lynne Green was out in the field with her flock of sheep and working sheep dog Chief when I caught up with her for an interview. In true farmer fashion, she opened the conversation talking about the weather and how the grass was growing.She grew up in Kentucky, the...
#17 – Frisky Girl Farm: Ellen Scheffer and Ashley Wilson
Ashley Wilson and Ellen Scheffer are the owners of Frisky Girl Farm, an 8-acre parcel in North Bend, Washington, in the valley just below beautiful Mount Si. They took a quick break from their work to share their story, with all the frankness, vigor, and charm that...
#16 – ABC Acres: Tim Southwell
Tim and Sarah Southwell are the owners of ABC Acres, an 80-acre farm based on the principles of permaculture, nestled between the majestic Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains in the heart of Montana. Tim shared their story of transitioning from successful white-collar...
#15 – Plot Twist Farms, BC: Karla Cox
Karla Cox is a paramedic turned farmer who uses permaculture and biodynamic practices to grow her market garden in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. She took a break from her work on a rainy spring day to chat with me about her path into farming and why...
#14 – Rooted Northwest: Dave Boehnlein
A new community for folks who are passionate about supporting sustainable agriculture is being created, and I had the opportunity to speak with its project manager Dave Boehnlein. He shared how his love of permaculture has shaped his life and ultimately led to...
#13 – Brunner Family Farm: Sarah & Matt Brunner
Sarah Brunner recognized her calling as a farmer while majoring in wildlife at university. She realized as she progressed through her studies that her love of nature wasn’t in observation, but in cultivation. “I really love producing things that come from the land,”...
#12 – Plot Twist Farm, PA: Stella & Jason Ruggiero
The inspiration to begin a farm struck while Jason was working a computer job in a building with no windows.Stella and Jason Ruggiero grew up in the farm country of Pennsylvania. They pursued careers in journalism and project management, bought a house, and had a...
#11 – Dogwood Hills Guest Farm: Ruth Pepler
What began as a simple homestead and pastor’s retreat in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, run by Ruth Pepler and her daughter Grace and supported by her husband Thomas, has grown into a unique farm stay business. Ruth’s deep dedication to her family and passion for...
#10 – PermaDynamics: Klaus Lotz
Living in close relationship with plants has been characteristic of Klaus Lotz’ life from the beginning. Alongside his family of three generations, he has created PermaDynamics, a farm in New Zealand that practices and teaches syntropic agroforestry, biodynamics, and...
#9 – Abel Tasman Estate: Beth Matheson & Mike Reed
Beth Matheson and Mike Reed grew up on either side of the Ruahine Range on the North Island of New Zealand. They found each other 14 years ago and, united by a love for helicopters and nature, have been life and business partners ever since. In addition to running an...
#8 – High Hope Ranch: Brandi Graves & Robert Young
Brandi Graves and Robert Young are a vibrant Texan couple responsible for the biodynamic agriculture at High Hope Ranch in Glen Rose, Texas. I enjoyed following their path into farming, learning about biodynamic farming, and how starting farming during the pandemic...
#7 – Lakewood Lodge: Jeff Lyons
Jeff Lyons took a break from overseeing a fencing project and training new staff one spring morning to chat with me about his adventure farm camp: Lakewood Lodge. Lakewood Lodge was founded 26 years ago on the north island of New Zealand by Jeff’s mother, Christine....
#6 – Jean Marie’s Garden: Talia Hammond
Talia and Dave Hammond are the owners of Jean Marie’s Garden, a serene 12.5 acres on top of a mountain in the northern hills of the Columbia River Gorge. Talia shared with me the ups and downs of her experience over seven years of farming.Talia was born and raised in...
#5 – Oostema Farmstead: Lisa Oostema
Lisa Oostema lives with her husband Glen on a tranquil 117-acre farm in Lynden, Washington. Most of their 35+ years of marriage has been spent living and working a farm together, and I jumped at the chance to visit their land and sit down with Lisa to hear her...
#4 – Pocahontas County Sheep Farm: Daniel Daley
Daniel Daley is the owner of Pocahontas County Sheep Farm, a 100-acre farm in the magnificent Appalachian Mountains. I had the pleasure of learning a bit about his life story, the philosophy that underlies his decision to live in the country, and his advice for those...
#3 – Blooming Joy Farm: Julie Conrad
Julie and Gene Conrad grew up in rural Oregon and always knew they wanted to raise their own family in the country. Twenty years ago they purchased a nine-acre piece of land and beneath the majestic Rocky Mountains in Montana they built their home and farm. When...
#2 – Linden Lane Permaculture: David Kibbe
Linden Lane Permaculture is a tiny oasis of native abundance in the suburbs of Camden, Maine. Owner David Kibbe took the time to tell me his story and share his passion for educating and moving people toward a more harmonious relationship with nature and a sustainable...
#1 – Leaping Lamb Farm and Farm Stay: Scottie Jones
Scottie Jones is co-owner with her husband Greg of Leaping Lamb Farm and Farm Stay and the founder and executive director of Farm Stay USA. Even though she is currently in transition with hiring new farm managers, she made the time to meet with me and tell me a bit...