My fascination with seeds started at an early age. I took over a corner of my family’s vegetable garden at age six to grow sunflowers. I was mystified about how giant plants could spring from such tiny seeds. Our ranch in Western Colorado was the beginning of my love for the land. We raised grass-finished beef and practiced holistic management.
I received a degree in Biology at Colorado College, working on several farms throughout that time and becoming involved in the local food movement. After college, I managed the Colorado Farm and Art Market while farming. Over that winter I traveled in India, working with activist and fellow seed saver Vandana Shiva. Seeing and participating in the struggles of Indian farmers to maintain independence and self-sustainability inspired me to continue that fight back in the United States. I returned determined to contribute in a positive way to the issues we face in maintaining seed sovereignty and genetic diversity.
After my time in India, I moved back to Montrose, Colorado, taking a position as executive director of the Organic Seed Growers And Trade Association (OSGATA), while also helping out on the family farm. I built on this experience with non-profits, working as a consultant in the Colorado Springs and Southwest Colorado areas to foster collaboration between farmers and community institutions. I got my hands back in the dirt with farming, working at Buckhorn Gardens in Montrose. Now, I have realized my dream of starting my own seed farm.