Welcome to SeedSimple.com, reflections from a 7-acre mixed vegetable farm in Fairfield, Idaho. Read Lynea’s bio below the contact form.
Lynea Newcomer will be posting about:
- Growing for Farmers Market and other local food outlets
- Sustainable agriculture and economics
- Organic Gardening
- Seasonal Cooking
- & Much More.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
A bit about me: Assembling my thoughts for the writing of a introductory biography here reminds me of the awareness gained from tending one’s land; such a summary represents an awareness of interconnected parts, memories of experience having grown into methods for living, all is part and parcel.
Jumping between younger years spent in rural Ohio woods to young adult moments of international cultural adventure, my life’s garden has grown to accommodate a variety of knowledge. I cannot say with clear conscience that I was always keen on farming; playing amongst the cricks and trees was far more inviting than the weeding of a string bean row. But the essence of my youth was nurtured by a forest’s intricate web, and this founding environment formed a basis for my comprehension of life’s interdependent ecological cycles. Similarly, studies at Carleton College centered on foreign languages and cultures stimulated my comprehension of how humans communicate and perceive this world.
There is a physicality to farming that one must endure, but can also enjoy. A tomboy from the start, my passion for sports training and playing helped found my ability to welcome a good day’s work on the land. I have certainly enjoyed the respite of several desk jobs along the way, particularly my work with a local newspaper, but such employment has always been a time-out from more physically demanding work experiences in landscaping and outdoor crew positions. Such variety in work experience exposed me to many a task that seemed futile (removing invasive plants, for one), but also broadened my perspectives on issues of human impact to our environments.
Moving through my late 20s, part-time work as manager of the Ketchum Farmer Market in Idaho brought increasing focus to my growing concerns about modern agriculture and food. The vendors shared innumerable tidbits regarding their trials and triumphs, and most importantly shared their passion for such a way of life. I found myself digging my hands into the dirt in order to grow my own food, and most evenings saw me splattering yet another cookbook page with enthusiastic cooking experiments. The from-scratch meals made by my parents years before finally circled back into memory, and exceptional dishes eaten with host families abroad appeared in my dreams. Sifting ever more reflectively through my experiences, clear visions of fulfilling life paths began shaping my days.
My journey to Fair Mountain Farm was reminiscent of the prodigal ‘daughter,’ in that I left Idaho for eastern climates and dreams of longer growing seasons. The grass is always greener . . . And I got plenty dirty during my year or so in Pennsylvania, setting up a small farm and tending multiple animals. When it was time to leave, my friendship with the Stilwills from earlier Idaho days blossomed into an exceptional gift: the opportunity to return to the land I love and share the life of their farm. Clarence and Tona began farming about 12 years ago, following substantial, beautiful collages of life experiences with a move to the Fairfield environs. The pages of this web site will reflect our experiences working and living with this land, and I anticipate bountiful food and soul harvests.
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