Shannon Varleys article published on newfarm.org

In 2003 Shannon Varley came to work with Red Wiggler. Reciently she published an article on NewFarm.org

New Farm is published by the Rodale Institute and is an outstanding resource for farmers on the cutting edge of the sustainable agriculture movement. I am delighted that Shannon was able to find the time to tell her story with such passion. Thanks Shan.
Here is the link-
Farming Felt Deeply, and Without Limits
"Growing healthy food with people working at the top of their game provides special education for this young farmer seeking a career that is engaging, dynamic and thrilling."
By Shannon Varley

posted by WW

Excerpts of the day

Over the weekend we held a board meeting to discuss our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. It went well and a lot of thinking went into how to fully express our intentions here at Red Wiggler. In the coming months look for the changes on our website's mission page.

Lately, I've been working to secure some straw for mulching this season. It's been a little difficult with the prices that I've been quoted, but last Friday we got a virtual windfall when another local farmer said she had some used straw that would be perfect for our needs. Now, I just need to get some more stakes for stringing tomato plants.

It seems that Farm Manager duties also include masonry work. I've been filling in and laying brick in what was formally the feed trough of our lower dairy barn. On warm days I'm out fiddling with that. I'll try to insert a picture here.
Hope all is well!
-Adrienne

Exciting Developments

Well, things have begun to gather steam around these parts lately. Last weekend we went to the PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) conference at Penn State. We all (Beth, Woody, and Adrienne) walked away excited for the new season, loaded with lots of new knowledge and ideas.

Shouts of joy were let out this morning around 11am as, Mike, our UPS man delivered the bulk of our Johnny's Selected Seeds order. Now things can really begin! Though we'll wait to the end of the month to turn the office into a thriving greenhouse. Thanks Johnny's for the generous donation!!

On another front, Woody and Shannon have been working hard on a new BIG grant! Go team!!

To top things off, as I was sitting here at my desk, a chubby little groundhog wandered by the window and when I went out to investigate him I noticed the daffodils budding up. Whew, spring is on the way!