Kara Mauer - "Growing a Farmer" Blog #1

     Growing a Farmer, written by Kurt Timmermeister is an incredible exposé about living off the land, and the process that it takes to go from being incompetent when it comes to farming, to thriving as an established farmer. Kurt begins his story by explaining his time as a Seattle chef, where he was in charge of cooking food for his own restaurant. He talks about how unaware he was in terms of where the chicken breasts, vegetables, among other produce came from in his restaurant. All he focused on was cooking and providing for his customers. He was extremely accustomed to the city life, and what it entailed. It wasn't until he found an abandoned farm that he began his journey on beginning his farming life. It was difficult for him at first, because he didn't understand half of the tasks that go into farming. He met a man named Matt who knew a decent amount about farming, and Matt aided Kurt in his creation of a vegetable farm. Matt helped Kurt install irrigation systems, and they began to sell vegetables at the local market. All of a sudden, "Kurtwood Farms" was born.

     There is something so unique about this book and about this story. When I first decided on this book, I was already interested in where my food comes from. I think about it every time I get something to eat at a restaurant, or buy something at a grocery store. I think about how many steps it takes to get the food on the shelf, ready for purchase. Because I was already aware of food and the impact that it has on my life, I was intrigued to read about Kurt's journey. The fact that he was a chef at a restaurant in the city, and spontaneously changed his life to accommodate his passion inspires me. I believe it's important to appreciate the process of growing, picking and preparing food (literally) from the ground up. Reading the details that go into farming and how complicated but rewarding it is, I'm really developing a new found respect for farmers and the life they live. I'm enjoying the book thus far, and I'm excited to continue.