I hope everyone’s week is going well. For me, things have finally settled into a more controlled chaos, and I’m thankful for that. I was out at the farm yesterday while the Small Farms Experience class was there. Kennedy helped some of the students learn how to use the AZS Rinse Conveyor while others spent their time weeding and transplanting bok choi and napa cabbage. I was tasked with the job of tomato wrangling. Although, when I asked Chris about the extent of the job, I was surprised to hear that he was considering leaving the plants unpruned for the rest of the season. “Only 6 more weeks of tomato production…” I really can’t believe we’re that close to the end. For you all, many who might buy a share again next year, this might not seem that big of a deal. I mean, realistically we are just barely over halfway through with the CSA program and then will come the spring share. But for me, having worked three summers, and two springs, and winter maintenance in between, I’m nearing what will be a very real end to this season. I graduate in December so these last ten weeks will be my final ten weeks of packing boxes, last minute trips to Miegs for watermelon, and snacking on apples during pickup. Now, I can’t get sentimental yet. I’ve gotta save the good stuff for the week 22 email. 😉 For now, we will see you all at the usual spot for pickup tomorrow.
In other news, we have another student spotlight this week! Meet, Natalie.
Hello! My name is Natalie Nenneker, and I am a sophomore studying Sustainable Food and Farming Systems. I absolutely love watching the sun rise, getting my hands dirty, and being part of the teamwork it takes to run a farm. I first learned about the Purdue Student Farm through my classes and joined this semester to gain more hands-on experience. There’s never a dull moment at the farm, because there’s always something new to learn, grow, or do.
Outside of the classroom and farm, I enjoy painting watercolors—which I sell at my local farmers market—along with hunting, fishing, and cooking flavorful dishes from my harvest. While I never originally pictured myself pursuing farming, I soon realized it beautifully combines all my passions into one path. Farming allows me to connect deeply with the land, and I believe that by doing so, we can build stronger communities and a more resilient food system.