Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1017125
Shelley Pasco-Verdi is featured as a local farmer who along with her husband Michael Verdi run Whistling Train Farm in Kent, Washington. Shelley had a childhood dream to grow up on a farm. At ten years old she started begging her parents to let her keep farm animals. Discouraged from pursuing a farm career by school counselors, and after deciding against veterinary school, she worked towards a degree in graphic arts. Shelley's passion for farming rose to the surface again in 1996 after touring a CSA farm, and she was hooked. In 2007 Shelley finally realized her life-long dream- owning her own milk cow. As one might expect there are many obstacles to overcome and lessons to be learned when starting down the path of farm life, from the purchasing or leasing the land, obtaining the necessary equipment, money management, and last but certainly not least - animal husbandry and soil sciences. For Whitney Johnson, soil is the foundation of farming and one that she is fascinated by and continues learning about the science behind it. "Soils! Such a dynamic system that it almost seems like magic to me. Also, plant biology specifically how/when nutrients move through different parts of the plant." Soil is also a key component of farming for Blair Prenoweau. "Yes, soil is a big one for me too, how to make really good compost. I want to learn more about holistic land management and biodynamic pasture management. Along with butchering, charcuterie, cheese-making, tanning hides, leather working, processing wool, weaving, hand carving utensils, bowls.. Essentially how to produce as much of what we consume as possible. The list is endless." As with any art form having a mentor or teacher can often lessen the learning curve. "I have been lucky to have some amazing older farmers as teachers, not sure I can say any were mentors in the traditional sense," Prenoweau noted. "Various farmers I lived with, worked for, met in passing, certainly imparted loads of wisdom and experience, but I quickly learned to never be surprised about anything I was taught or told in regard to farming." One story that did surprise Prenoweau was told to her by a 90 something year old farmer the year