This Year is Different
This spring I’ve had people visiting the farm, for many this is their first time walking around my field. As soon as they arrive I feel the need to quickly explain to them, that my field normally doesn’t look like…
Harvesting off the Farm
I think of myself as an outdoorsy person cause I like being outside but I’m not the type of person that goes on hikes or camps just to be outside. I like to spend time outdoors completing a task or…
Bugs with Benefits
In the cool of the morning I walk through the field checking in on all the plants, looking to see what needs my attention. Frequently I find myself in awe of the various insects inhabiting the farm. Pests or bad…
Getting the Taters in the Ground
This week I planted 80 pounds of potatoes, which is a lot less than I normally plant. This year because of the drought I’m doing things a little differently. I’m dry farming the potatoes, the only water they are receiving…
Land Access
This past weekend I was down in Berkeley at Our Land, a symposium on farmland access in the 21st century. The audience was full of young farmers, experienced agrarians, agricultural nonprofits, food policy, and social justice workers. It was a…
Bird in the House
Last week after a morning of starting watermelon and squash in the greenhouse I returned in the afternoon to find the soil tossed aside and each of the seeds cracked opened with only the shell left behind. At first glance…
Back at the Market
Today I returned to the Sonoma Valley Farmers’ Market for the season. This spring marks the 5th year I have been selling at this farmers’ market. Attending the first market of season is like a celebration. Customers and vendors,…
Seedlings and Storm Clouds
I have been spending lots of time in the greenhouse. Potting up seedlings getting them ready to leave the warmth of the greenhouse, for the loving hands of the home gardener. Next week I’ll have tomatoes, kale, and…
Farmers Organizing Together
Like most young farmers I’m in it for the long haul. I’m committed to growing safe healthy food for my community, as a career. To do that, I need a just quality of life. I don’t want to be just…
The Drought and Quarter Acre Farm
The drought this season has impacted many farms in California, including Quarter Acre. In order to preserve the farm’s well, I will be dry farming for the coming season and only growing crops that require little to no water. Normally…
Visiting Fellow Farmers
Yesterday I left the farm to do a little research. I headed up north to visit a fellow farmer, my friend Rebecca who is the farm manager at Preston Farm and Winery. It was wonderful touring around the property seeing…
Hot Time in the Greenhouse
The sun is out and the greenhouse is filled. The seedlings are still pretty small most are just wee sprouts. Here in Sonoma we have been experiencing temperatures in the 70’s, its feels summer. So I’ve been doing all my…