This last week, we gathered out at Heathen Homestead for an organic field day with Grow Appalachia. A few site coordinators came together along with local farmers, neighbors, and Grow Appalachia staff for a day of learning, and my favorite part, connections.

Missy and Donnie hosted us on their farm while continuing the work of rebuilding after the 2022 flood. Farming after loss takes a different kind of strength, and it felt good to be able to show up on her land and put some work in together. I had been trying to get out to their farm for a while now.

We spent the day learning by doing, which is how I learn best. We installed electric deer fencing around the growing area using solar power and installed a low tunnel over her brassicas to help with pest pressure. We also talked through different organic sprays and treatments, what works for certain problems, what to avoid, and how important timing and application can be.  I love learning new things to be able to take back to our grow Appalachia meetings to share with other growers.

I was excited to help coordinate for one of our new farmers market vendors in Knott County to prepare some goodies for us! Grow Appalachia purchased goods from Kari’s Kreations.  Kari prepared fresh sourdough breads including jalapeño cheddar, cinnamon raisin, and Italian herb and cheese. It was delicious and I’m excited to welcome her to the Foodways community!  Missy shared her very own homemade jams, pawpaw bread, and pawpaw ice cream she had made just for us.  My favorite was the habanero tomato jam on the Italian herb and cheese sourdough. I complimented it so much she let me take the leftover jam home!

One conversation that stuck with me was between Missy and I, at the end of the day, talking about how easy it is to isolate yourself in this kind of work. We both admitted we tend to turn down opportunities to gather or connect, even though being around other growers and farmers is usually exactly what we need. Sometimes it’s hard to pull yourself away from the farm or daily life, but once you do, you remember how important it really is.

We spent four or five hours together working, eating, and just being together. I know we all had learned something new by the end of the day, but mostly it was a great reminder, to myself,  that farming is so much lighter when you’re around people willing to learn and work alongside you!