I’m a relative newcomer to the farming industry, beginning just this year. Although I tell people all the time now that I’m a tulip farmer, it’s a lie — I’m the maintenance specialist. Previously I was a commercial fisherman in Alaska. Which is a lot like being a maintenance specialist because I spent most of my time fixing and making things between marathon...
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On the farm, we observe plants, interpreting what they need to help them thrive in their environment. If they require more water, we double water them. If they are more prone to pests, we cover them in remay (a light fabric that lets water and sunlight through) for a layer of protection. Then when I get home, I observe my cat, interpreting what she needs to help her...
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When you think of the stereotypical farmer, you might imagine someone who is quiet, peaceful, and spends a lot of time alone. They may be an introvert, or just antisocial, and prefer the company of plants to that of other people. But my experience working at Red Dog has been just the opposite. In fact, I came to the farm as a fairly quiet introvert, and have...
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One neat thing about spending time on a farm like Red Dog is being surrounded by a diversity of beautiful produce. I love the textures of green savoy cabbage, romanesco, and lacinato kale. I love the brilliant colors of lettuces, tulips, and chards. I love the varied shapes of winter squash and the surprising shininess of Walla Walla onions. And I enjoy trying to...
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Happy May, everyone! Here’s a story from the field. Last Friday, we were out harvesting some radishes. Now, this is a pretty enjoyable, pretty typical group activity to do around here. You look for the big ones and bunch them together, and someone runs them to the edge of the field to spray them off every dozen bunches or so. You get into a rhythm, finish your...
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The end of April marks the end of my first month as a member of the Red Dog Farm field crew, and my first month farming in Washington. As a recent transplant from western Montana, this spring has been a time of discovery and learning for me. I find myself in several new communities at once: the Red Dog community, the larger local community of Port Townsend and the...
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