WEEK 1: Meet the Interns

Jocelyn did a combined arts and science degree at MacMaster and is exploring a possible career in the broad field of food and environment. She feels that some hands on farming experience will help her in her crusade to defend the keepers of the earth.

Andrea majored in Environmental Studies at the University of Ottawa. She is thrilled to get out of the ivory towers and into the fields, and finds farming an empowering and enjoyable solution to the systematic issues of social/environmental degradation and disconnect.

Meghan studied photography at Sheridan, and has come to the farm because she is excited to learn self-sufficiency and sustainability in preparation for the inevitable crash of the manic system.

David's background is in IT, but after years in that field he has come to the realization that the world won't be saved by sitting in front of a computer five days a week. He's optimistic that he can take the skills he learns here at Manorun back to urban Australia and spread the food revolution.

Irregular hours in all weather conditions: Better than you think!

After weeks of gorgeous spring sun, a cold snap hit just on time to greet the interns.

1st night at Manorun- risk of frost. We covered the strawberries just before dark, and sure enough the morning grass was etched with white. Monday night was frosty too, but the rest of the week the winds and rain kept the frost at bay (and the farm hands huddled in rain gear).

This week the planting rush was on. Onions, broccoli, cabbages, kohlrabi, bok choi, rapini, and lettuce seedlings went into the ground. We also sewed radish, turnip, and parsnip seeds, pricked lettuce seedlings, and cleaned up the hoop house.

But farming isn't all in the fields: we did some networking and workshops at the C.R.A.F.T. (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) day at Orchard Hill Farm on Wednesday, and Saturday we began to work on our own focus projects. Jocelyn baked up a storm in our clay oven; she has found her calling in the grinding, kneading, and baking of the bread for the week to come. Meghan is getting cultured in the dairy world, with yogourt and cheese on the agenda, David is working on some urban agriculture connections in Dundas, and Andrea will be taking on the Farmer's Market and communications (aka blogging), with most of the photo credits going to Meghan.

We look forward to sharing our lessons and adventures with you, the world wide web of farm food followers (or at least you, Mom!)