A Poet in the CAFF Farm School

A Poet in the CAFF Farm School

Twenty years ago, when she was studying International Business, Erin couldn’t have imagined that she’d eventually become a poet farmer in Arkansas. Life can be twisty that way. With two young children, her MFA coursework, and the CAFF Farm School all simultaneously, it’s surprising that Erin has time to think. She was happy to find other artists and even a fellow poet in her cohort at the CAFF Farm School. She’s also learned about many different farms run by artists and writers who farm in the mornings and create in the afternoon.

A Focus on Farming to Feed More People

A Focus on Farming to Feed More People

The desire to farm first sparked for Carter while spending a summer in Guatemala working at a children’s home where he helped grow food. That feeling of being able to provide people with a harvest and nourishment felt terrific. He loved it. After returning to the States, Carter wanted to continue growing food. “We all learned a tough lesson about food systems and supply chains during the pandemic. We experienced how fragile they can be. A thriving regional food system is better for everyone and the environment. It’s best to grow our food near where we eat it.”

An Artist from New York Learns to Farm in Arkansas

An Artist from New York Learns to Farm in Arkansas

How does an artist in New York City end up as an apprentice on a farm in Arkansas? For Emilia, it began with inspiration from her grandfather’s backyard garden. Later, a friend who stayed at an intentional community inspired her to pursue a desire to get back to what she considered the “source’ of life and have a closer relationship with soil and food. She wanted to provide nourishment for herself and others.

Farming for Food Equity

Farming for Food Equity

When Andie Kate talks about farming, it’s evident that this is someone who passionately believes in helping people and improving lives through nutritious, fresh food. She comes to farming with her own spin on it and well-defined goals. She is also part of a growing number of females entering what was once a predominantly male profession.