Adventure

By Kim Malakowsky

Images by Golden Veil Photography

Standing in the middle of a field 9,000 miles from home, Hannah Sargent wondered, “What did I get myself into?” Though raised in a small town in central North Dakota, Sargent admittedly had no experience farming or even gardening.

It was in college Sargent began thinking about where her food was coming from. The locavore movement was coming up across the nation, chefs were bringing a focus to the concept of “from farm to table” and food and health were on everyone’s minds.

Her boyfriend, Jonathon Moser, had recently ventured to Australia. His background in organic gardening had taken him to Captains Creek Organic Farm, an hour northwest of Melbourne. Here Moser was exposed to the concept of work share, an arrangement where workers trade hours worked for room and board.

In 2011 Moser and Sargent began planning. In 2012 they began to save and in January 2013 the two headed for Australia, excited about six months of hands-on learning. They had arranged to do more than “work share.” The couple would essentially run the farm, giving owner Rod May some time to step back and try out semi-retirement.

Each day Sargent and Moser would tend the fields, harvest the crops, pack the boxes and deliver the goods to members of the CSA. Each day they added valuable experience to their growing knowledge base.

It was in this rugged land fi lled with magical surroundings that the idea of owning their own farm began to take shape. Among the eucalyptus trees and free-range chickens, over meals made from freshly harvested ingredients at the farm's own restaurant and winery, The Cellar Door, more ideas flowed. By the time Moser and Sargent headed for home, they knew what they were meant to do.

The idea for Forager Farm was born shortly after their return, and Moser and Sargent have not looked back. Spring of 2014 will bring fruition to those well-laid plans.

“We want to put real food back on the table” stated Sargent. Their mission states “We are in the business of growing a culture of appreciation. We believe people should have a relationship with their food, one that gives back to both you and the land. We are on a mission to revive our food culture by providing fresh, local produce directly to our members.”

Moser and Sargent did more than replicate other CSA programs. They brought innovation and originality into the picture. At Forager Farm you’ll fi nd the traditional full- and half-share boxes , but in addition single shares were added. The idea came after hearing from CSA members that some of the boxes simply contain more fresh produce each week than a single person could use.

Forager Farm will be fi lling member boxes with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, watermelon, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, onions, lettuce, spinach, kohlrabi, radish, dill, zucchini, corn, beets and more. Members will enjoy both mainstream varieties and some unusual ones too. Each week will vary based on availability of vegetables.

Limited memberships are available. To become a member or learn more about Forager Farm Shares, visit foragerfarm.com/food-box.

Along with delicious vegetables, members will receive weekly newsletters packed with recipes (like their yummy Pumpkin Chili) to match the ingredients of the box.

It’s not surprising this new farm has already caught the attention of nationally known Outstanding In The Field, a company focused on reconnecting diners to the land and the origins of their food. They honor local farmers with their roving culinary adventure, setting up long tables at the site and serving a farm fresh meal with the help of a celebrated chef.

Forager Farm has been selected for the 2014 season. Watch for more information as they prepare to host a July 27th dinner.

Adventure appears to be a way of life for these busy co-farmers. Summer brings not only the first season of Forager Farm’s CSA and a dinner with a national company, but Hannah and Jonathon will end the summer with a wedding of their own. [AWM]

For up-to-date information on Forager Farm check out their blog at foragerfarm.com/blog or like them on Facebook.