Grace, Soliz & Darienne digging chervil from pasture edge
Three new talented individuals are joining our team as the Spring flurry approaches. What would an orientation week in Spring be if we didn’t do some team bonding by cherviling? (More on that in coming weeks!). Here is a bit on the new farmers we are excited to have on the team.
Soliz Mayer grew up in California and chased her farming dreams at Warren Wilson College where she gained experience with cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs, donkeys and horses, as well as organic gardens. There she also gained proficiency with tools and trades associated with farming, earned a writing degree and logged over 250 hours of tractor operating! She recently completed a six month internship in Italy at the Tenuta di Spannocchia, learning to make traditional Italian salumi. In her words “my heart is in working with animals and with machinery”.
Darienne Chouinard grew up in Barre and has a recent degree from Sterling College in sustainable agriculture. She is intent on contributing to growing high quality food, and overall improving Vermont’s working landscape. She started off in her youth at LePage farm and has rounded out in-depth academic agricultural inquiry with six plus years experience working on farms. She is keenly interested in sustainable horticultural practices in both annual and perennial production; grass based livestock management; and business. Her friends say she has “a steady, draft-pony-like work ethic”.
Grace Bailey grew up on a homestead in New Hampshire with large gardens and raising and racing sled dogs. In 2012 she was captain of the team representing the United States at the world championships in Alaska. She pursued her own start-up farm in Alaska and there managed a small hostel and cabin rental operation. She has also traveled to Scotland for a season’s adventure pursuing her heritage and learning hands-on farming and cooking methods while also enjoying her serious hobby of highland dancing. Grace noted, ” I am looking to put a lot of energy and love into something that will energize me.”
Liva Coe – This week we also said a new version of “see you later”..as “goodbye” is not really right, to Liva. And we are SO glad it is just a see you
Saint Liva marshalls the vegetables of Righteousness to Victory against the hosts of famine and pestilence: Art and caption by Anna Svagzdys
later, as she has played such a foundational role for this farm and these farmers, as captured by Anna’s sketch of Saint Liva. Two years ago, Liva left for maternity leave, then for the past year and half she has been back part-time, lending her seasoned eye, skilled hands & mind and deep care to the the burgeoning orchard, veggie fields and overall farm.
After an intense few days of downloading her knowledge to some of our new teammates, Liva is leaving us as a regular weekly farmer to focus on some of her own endeavors. Fortunately, she will still be Coach Liva, a key piece of the farm’s advisory team helping us strategize and continue learning. When she started working with us 5.5 years ago, she said,
The more farming experience I gain, the more I discover how much more I need to learn, which is both a humbling and inspiring experience.
We agree Liva. And it continues to be a joy to learn from you and with you and we continue to be humbled and inspired by both you and farming!
Many of you have enjoyed the fruits of Liva’s labor, her humor, artistry and care, below are a few vignettes that celebrate her gifts to all of us. Thank you Liva.
Appreciating Liva: The athletic biologist with empathy
Possible Farm Timminoggies (labor saving devices)
Poetry as an outlet: There once was a Vole named Louise….
Louise gobbling up peas – art by Liva Coe