Agricultora

Several people suggested that I start a blog year before last when I started apprenticing on my first farm, Apple Pond Farm, in February. I resisted because I had a feeling I wouldn’t have much time, especially online time, and I was right. This year, though, Matt came with me, I had two full days off a week, I’m generally feeling more comfortable with the world of farming and I would love to get back into writing more regularly, so I gave it a shot.

I worked at Apple Pond Farm during February and March and then Markristo Farm until the end of October. Apple Pond is almost all animals– horses, sheep, goats, chickens and a couple of turkeys– and Markristo Farm is all about greens and green beans, with a few other veggies for the market in Great Barrington. They sell to restaurants, wholesale and the GB market plus a small one there in Hillsdale. Apple Pond markets directly from the farm. For this year, then, I wanted something different from both. This year’s farm was small, manageable for two farmers, their daughter, their draft ponies, one apprentice and some occasional part-time help off-season, but very diverse, with lots of animals, some veggies, herbs, mushrooms, etc., and they market almost exclusively through the Ithaca farmers market. It was a great learning opportunity.

Other than farming, I’m into fiber– spinning, knitting and I’d love to try more weaving– and fiber beasties; food that’s good, clean and fair; renewable energy, alternative housing (especially underground!) and sustainable living generally; and various and sundry other things. I like to put on a dress and sandals and go dancing, drinking, eating, knitting, etc. somewhere that’s not the farm often enough to keep me sane.