Maysie's Messages - Fresh from the Field


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Vol. 2, No. 1 Maysie's Farm Conservation Center, Glenmoore, PA March 2001
Community Supported Agriculture

Interviews
Alex Gravesen, Farm Manager

Hello, Maysie's Farm CSA Community. I am Alex Gravesen, the new farm manager. Some of you may know me, as I have worked with the Sullivans at the Kimberton CSA and the Griffiths at Seven Stars Farm during the past few years. This year I am excited to be gardening with Sam and the crew here at Ludwig's Corner, striving to provide you with the best quality and quantity of organic produce possible.

"Agriculture is the mother of our culture. Growing food is the common thread throughout the whole world. It connects everyone, across all party lines, all ethnic and religious differences."

-- Robyn Van En, co-founder of CSA in North America

A native of Chester County, I am committed to keeping agriculture alive and well in this fertile, historic and beautiful area. The CSA model provides a situation whereby the pressures of the commodity markets and climatic vagaries are reduced for the farmer, while the consumers receive the benefits of a connection to the local source of their sustenance and to nature. I can think of no better way to farm at this point in history, when small farms are on the verge of extinction, and the general population is in danger of complete disconnection from the land.

I feel a sense of responsibility to show that organics, and more specifically biodynamics, is a viable alternative to chemical agriculture. Through proper management techniques and hard work, abundant healthy food can be produced while increasing the fertility of the land. I look forward to meeting you on the beautiful farm that Mrs. Henrotin is generous enough to share with all of us.

Think Spring and Thank You,

Alex

Jennifer Wood, Intern

Jennifer, age 20, has been working at Maysie's Farm since October on a co-op internship from Drexel University.

So, Jennifer, where did you grow up?
In Medford Lakes, NJ.

What is your favorite vegetable grown here at the farm?
Either carrots or broccoli; I like them both.

What things have you enjoyed most about working on the farm?
Harvesting time was pretty fun, and composting was interesting -- except when we were using chicken manure.

Least favorite?
Weeding -- it's probably one of my least favorite chores.

What's the coolest thing you learned while working here?
Learning to drive a stick shift.

What are your plans after you finish your internship here?
I will be going back to class at Drexel, where I am studying History of Politics.

Do you have any specific career ambition?
I plan to become a lawyer: either environmental or sports.

Jennifer left us this past March. We wish her good luck on her future endeavors.

by Matthew Glenn, Intern

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