My boys think
Chris Link is a cowboy. He does wear a big hat sometimes, but is more likely to
be found talking vegetables at the distribution barn or tinkering with a
tractor than riding the open range.
I think Chris is a natural entrepreneur. Rather than a corporate
business model, I mean this in the sense of a strong desire to create his own
work that uses his mechanical skill, interest in improving work processes, and
enjoyment of people.
Chris grew up in
Salisbury, Maryland, home of mega-chicken grower Purdue. Monotonic corn and
chickens dominated the farming landscape in this rural area. His family had a
large garden, though, and he especially loved helping harvest produce, peaches
and pecans on visits to his grandfather in South Carolina. He attended Clemson
University there, and earned a BLA in architecture.
After some time
working behind a computer for an architecture firm in Asheville, NC, he
realized that this was not a sustainable life for him. Chris loves tinkering
and fixing things and knew he felt better mentally and physically when he
worked outdoors. He began to develop a passion for community health and food
security, and was influenced by the writings of sustainable agriculture
thinkers such as Wendell Berry and Joel Salatin. When Salatin noted that
farming involves a large measure of mechanical skill and effort, Chris began to
wonder if agriculture might be a good career. He began volunteering at
community gardens and CSA farms.
A couple of
summers ago, he came to the annual NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association)
conference in Amherst, and was inspired by the farming models presented at the
conference. He also (like so many of us!) found the area really appealing. So,
when he decided to pursue a season-long apprenticeship, he looked to the
Pioneer Valley.
At Simple Gifts
Farm, he appreciates the diversity of the work in a day – from transplanting
vegetables to tractor work to staffing the CSA distribution. He particularly
enjoys interacting with the CSA members and others who come to the farm. He
loves introducing the CSA model to a potential member, or introducing a new
vegetable to a member. When I asked what his favorite vegetable is, he couldn’t
chose just one. The sungold cherry tomatoes! The peas and beans! The Easter egg
radishes were so beautiful! Onions and potatoes!
Chris also
enjoys CSA distribution because finds satisfaction in seeing people pick up the
great vegetables that took so much work and care to produce. For example, he
remembers his least favorite job of the season – staking and stringing the
tomatoes. The weather was hot, the rows seemingly endless. But – it did get
done and tomato season is sweet.
He was surprised
by how much he appreciates the animals of the farm. To him, they make the farm
feel alive, and his days are more enjoyable because he sees the animals out
there, enjoying life. The cows in particular are very calming.
After this
season, Chris would like to begin his own farming project. The shape of this is
yet to be determined, but he’d like to include elements of market gardening and
education. His enthusiasm for growing, tinkering and people will serve him well
as he creates a sustainable livelihood and community.
For all of us
sustaining Simple Gifts Farm,
Audrey
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