She quickly learned that the people in Mali knew far more about how to grow food than folks back home, and they did so without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Fast-forward a couple years and Sorrenson is living in Oregon, where she tried a short stint in activism before deciding to give organic farming a try. She found a farm outside Eugene called Horton Road Organics, and quickly bonded with the farmers, mentors and teachers she met there. She started as an intern the first year, when she met Matt Hall, who lived just down the road and was on the farm's staff. Sorrenson and Hall worked markets together and soon became friends; Hall had been interested in plants most of his adult life, and was particularly fascinated with soil science.
The story of Nebraska's Rhizosphere Farms began when Terra Sorrenson was in the Peace Corps in Mali, volunteering as an "agriculture agent"
40 farmers under 40: Readers' choice (21-30)
You nominated your favorite young farmers, and here they are: Forty of the nation's brightest green thumbs, quietly nurturing a food revolution from their own back yards.
By Matt Hickman
Thu, Sep 24 2009 at 10:22 AM EST
[Excerpt]
The story of Nebraska's Rhizosphere Farms began when Terra Sorrenson was in the Peace Corps in Mali, volunteering as an "agriculture agent." She quickly learned that the people in Mali knew far more about how to grow food than folks back home, and they did so without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.
Fast-forward a couple years and Sorrenson is living in Oregon, where she tried a short stint in activism before deciding to give organic farming a try. She found a farm outside Eugene called Horton Road Organics, and quickly bonded with the farmers, mentors and teachers she met there. She started as an intern the first year, when she met Matt Hall, who lived just down the road and was on the farm's staff. Sorrenson and Hall worked markets together and soon became friends; Hall had been interested in plants most of his adult life, and was particularly fascinated with soil science.
After Sorrenson's first year she was asked to return as a staff member and spent the next two years soaking up as much information and experience as she could. Due to the cost of living in Oregon and to be closer to their families (Hall is from Omaha, Neb., and Sorrenson is from Council Bluffs), they decided to try farming in the Midwest.
Sorrenson and Hall now lease a little acreage in Waterloo, in the nutrient-rich Elkhorn River Valley, and say they're having a blast being part of the local food community. Their first year has been successful, and they hope to continue growing as farmers in seasons to come. The farm is certified naturally grown, and the owners strive to bring the best food they can to markets, restaurants and CSA members. Their focus is on heirloom varieties - nearly every crop they grow is the product of a long lineage. They also hope to move toward a permaculture model of living and farming and eventually include chickens, ducks, sheep and pigs.
It's important for Sorrenson and Hall to create more local community around good food while treading as lightly as possible on the land that provides them. They are members of Slow Food (and are helping to start a chapter in Omaha), Buy Fresh Buy Local and Seed Savers Exchange.
