Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s time to:

 

Get out the canner to stock up on preserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plug in the chest freezer to fill with cheese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harvest abundant bok choy from the garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stack 460 bales of alfalfa from Kansas in the barn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stack wood to heat my cabin in the winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eat, read, rest, sleep,

done.                               until tomorrow.

While sitting in their pasture the other day, I took the goats’ pictures as they ate grass, chewed on my camera bag, fought with each other, slept with their kids by their side, and chased after their Moms. 

He is adorable, I know. Sometimes I think it is more of a blessing to be sitting next to this animal than if I were to have dinner with a hot celebrity. 

All of the goats have freshened, or given birth. All 46 are milking. Pavo, the one in the front with the blue collar is a first-year who has recently freshened. She has such beautiful coloring! The photo doesn’t do her justice. 

 

Andi is one of my favorites. She’s smiling at you! There was always one goat following me closely that day. They would take turns. I guess it was Andi’s turn to keep me in check.

 

Every goat has her own personality. Mimosa, AKA “Mimotional,” is always whining when I’m around. Gilly just stares at me as if she knows she is so much smarter than I am. Wyona is always picking a fight. Cyan doesn’t listen or respond when a broom taps her butt to cross the road because she’s too busy eating grass. 

The girls love to fight. Blackberry (on the left) is one of the oldest goats in the herd. I like to think the old timers are keeping the newbies in check to show them who has more control. They fluff their back hair out and really hit each other hard. Makes for hard heads and entertainment. 

Laureley was one of the last to freshen a girl. A couple of times I watched her yell and run around looking for her kid if she was misplaced or sleeping elsewhere. The reunion was always very endearing as she found the little one finally. 

What are you lookin’ at? 

  Sadly, all the kids moved to a new location down the road where they will be raised by a young woman who milks at the farm. They drink a lot of milk from their moms which we are now using to make cheese. Without the kids nursing, our milk production has increased. 

They will be missed at the farm, but that’s just the way it goes running a business. Besides, at the rate they are growing, soon they would be as big as their moms. Like the 3 month old kids- they are huge and push me around when I try to clean their pens out. They grow up so fast!

 

 There has been a lot of coverage in the news lately about how hard it is to find a job, especially as a college graduate with less professional skills than someone who has been laid off with ten-years of experience. I have been thinking about this issue since I recently finished my undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts. Unlike the discouraging new stories and conversations with friends who have also graduated and are unable to find work, I am overwhelmed with how many exciting opportunities are available out there.

 Why is my situation different from other young adults? We all receive the same degree when we leave college, just from different areas of study. So, why do I have more options than my peers? I think it is because of what my interests are, the kinds of skills I have, and how I plan to approach life after college. My focus is unique because I designed my own major and labeled it Sustainability and Environmental Justice.

   Four years ago when I told a family member that I planned to study the environment in college, he laughed and promised me there was no money to make with my interest. I took his suggestion with less than a grain of salt and steadily pushed forward onto a path driven by idealism, passion, hope, and a supportive community.  I had a feeling deep down that my decision to learn how people can live in harmony with the Earth was not only crucial in order to turn around a culture addicted to consumerism, but also fundamental for staying true to myself in an academic environment.

As the economy is collapsing and President Obama is pushing to rebuild it with green jobs, I am giving myself a pat on the back and feeling proud of the direction my life is moving in. It is becoming more obvious that if a person’s line of work does not have an environmental motive, it may not be very successful in the long run. Having a vision for the future is how I landed my career.

I never thought I’d say, “I am going to be a farmer when I grow up,” but this profession fulfills me. I started working for a small goat dairy in Monterey, MA called Rawson Brook Farm the day after classes ended. Growing up in the Pioneer Valley, I was surrounded by exciting potential jobs on CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), orchards, trail crews, community gardens, and green landscaping crews. If I didn’t want to physically exert myself or I needed a job for the winter months, there were always vegetarian cafés, writing for newspapers, taking photos for magazines, or working for a non-profit that was in some way related to sustainability (there are countless). I am confident that my skills, time, and ideas will always be valued in the workplace regardless of the national economic situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday May 23 The New York Times published an article titled, “Many Summer Internships Are Going Organic.” The article highlights the increase of students working on organic farms in the summer who are “armed with little more than soft hands and dog-eared copies of Michael Pollan’s ‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma.’” I am one of those young farmers who plans to start my own farm someday so I can eat fresh food, live closely connected to nature, and create social change through my actions. Sustainable agriculture unites many of my passions and allows me to live a holistic lifestyle without relying as much on exploitative systems wrapped up in greed for profit. 

I can relate to many of the young farmers interviewed for the article, although we all have different reasons for farming. We are part of a movement that demands healthy, fresh, affordable, sustainably raised food. Many social movements have been rooted in food and this one has potential to make massive social change. I have found something I feel connected to and I know I am a strong leader in this movement. It is very empowering to finish college and be somewhere I am valued.

            Listening to Colombia University graduate Emma Jacobs’ tell her story on NPR about not being able to find a job and feeling exhausted is hard to hear when I know there is so much work that needs to be done. I am not urging everyone to pick up a pitchfork, grab a wheelbarrow and start a garden, but I do have some ideas for my peers who are discouraged with the job market. I know I don’t want an office job where I sit at a desk from 9-5 Monday through Friday. I want to work outside and use my body to accomplish tasks with visible results.

Echoing President Obama’s words during a speech at a graduation ceremony this spring, we’re going to have to take our attention off salaries and focus more on what really matters. I urge people to ponder what is meaningful to them after college so they can figure out how to follow their hearts, rather than money. I hope someday the jobs I seek in agriculture and sustainability will be equally valued as doctor, lawyer, and CEO positions. All jobs are important, but it is time to re-evaluate how each one can contribute to a sustainable future where people are paid livable wages doing what they love.

My advice to young people is to think outside the box and just do what you are passionate about. If there isn’t a job that fits your interest, then create one. As young people, we are able to see the big picture and hold onto our idealism to lead future generations. We can work with adults and elders to build an economy that is socially just and ecologically minded. The world depends on our bold thinking, new ideas, and brilliant minds. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

I dug my hands into the soil for the first time this season.

 

We transplanted broccoli, bok choy, parsley, onions, cut celery, and cabbage this week. There are potatoes, peas, and greens in the ground, too. The brassicas are under hooped remay until they grow a little bigger and can handle the cold and pests. The white cloth does wonders for organic growers!

Today the goats managed to get out of the barn. I was biking down to work and I wondered why there were in the road and eating the leaves off of trees. We quickly corraled them back into their home and had to put the door back on its latch. One goat was eating a big bright yellow dandelion as she trotted back into the barn as if she were late for a date. They are so funny, these animals!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every day is different here. I like the diversity of tasks. I’m never doing one thing repetitively for hours. I woke up at 5 this morning to milk. There is never a dull moment with goats…

Here’s the “routine:”

1. open gates to let the goats across to the milking parlor

2. yell my head off as they try to stop and eat the fresh green grass

3. carrying the straggling babies

4. close the gates

5. sweep poop off road

6. prepare parlor for milking (this takes longer than you’d think, I won’t bore you with details but there’s a lot of pumping water into hoses, turning machines on, filling grain, putting together bucket…)

7. open the door and let one heavy mama come though, check her name off

8. dip cup (squirt once on each teat)

9. attach pump and bring another girl in!  

This goes on for about 3 hours. They let you know when their grain is empty, when the pump is annoying, when they are done, when they don’t want to leave, when they don’t want to come in, when they want to be scratched or spoken to. 

 

 

They get the full treatment.

 

 

 

It’s amazing how many steps there are to the process. Much of the time is spent cleaning everything carefully to prevent unwanted bacteria. I am learning a lot of physics while using hoses and pumps. I like practical application rather than sitting in lectures looking at slides about formulas. Using my body to accomplish so much in one day is really empowering. I feel strong, capable, satisfied, and proud while working hard. 

 

 

Eating well contributes to feeling good! So, eat your greens and play in the garden!

 

 

 

 

violets

tot soi

endive

agrugula

mizuna

 

true wealth.

At 11 a.m. I hopped on my bike after my last college class ever on Tuesday and rode home to pack for the big move. Boxes piled in my living room as the space I had filled with my belongings emptied out. At 4 p.m. my Mom and I went to the Dakin Animal Shelter to pick up a cat to keep me company in my cabin. By 6:30 p.m. we were loading up the cars as Oliver shoved plants off the tables, which shattered on the floor. More mess to clean up. “Let the fun begin,” I thought. College is over and I am starting a new adventure, let’s celebrate!

 

My going away/ Mother’s Day/ end of college Party was more than I could have asked for. It was such a pleasure to have the people I love dearly all in one house together for the first time. I do a lot of visiting different people separately, so it was very special having them together all at once! I love my community and I appreciate all of the people who support me in different ways. 

Let me be blunt: I am in heaven. The cabin is cozy, quiet, spacious, and full of cat toys. Oliver has killed two mice so far and I have almost taken care of the ant infestation. The wood stove is keeping it nice and toasty in here – We even had a frost one night! Good thing the garden only has greens, garlic, chives, and spinach. Asparagus galore! I just put some in the freezer I picked this morning since it’s going to get cold tonight. Salad and asparagus every day, doesn’t get much better than this. 

This transition has been really good so far. Even though there are still boxes everywhere and I couldn’t find a clean pair of socks for a few days, that’s OK. I am learning to accept that things don’t always have to be perfect. Accepting my messes instead of obsessively cleaning, allowing myself to rest instead of organize things, and napping in my hammock instead of unpacking is just fine. I am being very good to myself and taking the time to notice that I am a hard worker and I deserve breaks. Susan (my boss) has been playing a major role in this change of thinking. She appreciates my work and is very relaxed around me. Although she works like 15 hours a day and is extremely dedicated to the goats, she is calm, down to Earth, and tells me how good I am. Susan inspires me. She is an incredible teacher. I am so lucky to be here working for Rawson Brook Farm. 

Another fabulous teacher is Glynnis, who has trained me to hang and pack the cheese. There are so many steps involved in each process, I thought I’d never remember them all. But, with a patient teacher who gives detailed explanations for every task, I am catching on quickly. 

“First Time” experiences are a theme this week. I watched Darby freshen two kids yesterday. Her boy is all black and her girl is black with a little white on her head. These were her first kids ever and she did very well. The kids will stay with their mom until they are sold since we already have ten ‘keepers’ for the year. They are the kids we keep to replenish the herd every year. At about 8 weeks old, they have grown to be mischievous teenagers strong enough to knock over their feeding container. 

My life has drastically changed in the past week. Working outside with animals and plants is what I love to do. This kind of lifestyle is for me. It is a different pace from being a student. I feel productive, valued, appreciated, and  grounded while farming.

Personal sustainability is a key aspect of the sustainability revolution.

Yesterday morning I took a break from writing my thesis and went for a bike ride and walk in the woods. The forest floor was damp and new life spread everywhere. With so much chaos and intense paper writing inside libraries, it can be hard to remember to enjoy the renewed hope of spring.

My mind is set free when I am surrounded by natural beauty.

I am always amazed in the spring when so many perennials push themselves out of the Earth. They remind me that warm weather will too push me out of hibernation and into the wonderful world. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop everything you are doing, go outside, and smell the flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I transition from college to a farm, there are many commitments I have for myself. 

1. Sit still outside and appreciate all I have

2. Identify plants and learn their characteristics

3. Read books that I want to read

4.  Practice Yoga everyday

5. Write letters to the community I will miss

 

 

Women…grow…food…lots of it…everywhere…

                   

For my final semester of classes at UMass, I have been working on a project about women and farming. It originated from a conversation a young woman and I had while working at the Food Bank Farm last summer. She was curious about a statistic she heard that the number of women who are pursuing careers in farming has increased 30% in the last five years. 

I was shocked and had to investigate. Why are more women farming? I decided to ask 9 women of all ages in W. Mass what they love about farming and why they think the numbers are increasing. 

If you want to know what I have found, come to my oral defense of this project at UMass on Friday May 8 at 9 a.m. in Herter Hall Room # 601!

And what about the photos? 

This June, they will be on display at the River Valley Market in Northampton.

Friday June 12 from 5-8 p.m. is the opening with tasty food provided by the Co-op.

Hope to see you at one or both of these special events.

Springtime is here, finally.

As I wrap up college, all I can think about is moving to the Berkshires where I’ll be working this summer and fall. I’m blessed with a warm welcome from the baby goats, Susan and her employees, and a cozy cabin.

I had my first training at Rawson Brook Farm this weekend. I showed up with no expectations or prior experience and before I knew it I was herding goats to the barn, hanging cheese, milking 40 mamas, and feeding 20 kids.

That’s one way to learn a new skill! I think I took in more information in one day than I have in a semester of college. 

Every goat has a name. Susan tells me the stories behind each one as she places the milking machine on their udders. I was able to learn the technique very quick, as it takes a few days for some people. 

There is quite the rhythm to the whole process.

 

 

 

 

This time of year when the goats start milking after kidding, the cheese is really rich. I tried a dab before it gets put into the refrigerator and it was phenomenal. The cheese hangs overnight to release the whey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next morning we mix it with salt and herbs. The flavors: thyme and olive oil, chives, and plain. It goes right into the fridge where customers buy it directly. We  also ship it to restaurants and stores in Great Barrington, Boston, Hadley, and New York.

 

 

The nearest place to Northampton is Hadley Whole Foods. Or come visit the farm. 

Farming for justice is what I plan to do post-college. For me, farming is the solution to so many of the problems in the world. Farming is my way of acting in response to the exploitative industrial food complex. In response to global warming we can grow diverse vegetables and fruit together. In response to hunger we can cultivate healthy calories to nourish our bodies. In response to poverty we can sell or trade excess produce for other materials we need. In response to obesity we can strengthen our bodies physically by digging in the dirt. In response to boredom in our jobs, school, homes, relationships, we can get outside and participate in this revolutionary act of cultivating plants. 

Who is the “we?” 

We means all and any of us who want to join this movement to create another world where People and the Earth take care of each other. It is all inclusive assuming we all want to live on this land and have seven generations from now living on this land.

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