Few jobs are as humbling and daunting as elementary teaching or raising a hundred acres of vegetables!!  For the last three decades, Mark's passion had been directed to both those jobs.  Being newly retired from teaching, Mark misses the connection with kids.  But the time to focus on one job allows him time to direct all energy to growing nutritionally dense food.  Mark's goal is to transfer that knowledge to interns and stewards and to tell our story toward sustainable farming through the writing of books.  Mark gladly shares the story of their journey toward sustainability to any group who asks.

Diane has been a part of Bluebird Gardens since the very beginning.  She is in charge of summer bookkeeping and is our main seller at the Fergus KMart.  Last year was our first year doing cut flowers.  She took that under her wing.  Customers have seen her as the face of Bluebird Gardens for over three decades.

Dillon has been a part of almost half of the Bluebird Garden's journey.  That makes him darn lucky, right??  Actually, his lifetime experience with the farm gives him much wisdom and experience for the young age of sixteen.  He is a major part of all decisions we make and his suggestions are highly valued and considered.  Though his interests are high in football and computers, he is still a vibrant part of the workings of Bluebird Gardens.

Ernest arrives from the country of Ghana!  He likes to socialize and work.  We have lots of fun with Ernest around!!   He grew up with agriculture in his family and he studied agricultural science.  But he wants to learn the skill of growing vegetables and share it with young farmers in Ghana, thereby increasing their incomes.  Welcome to Bluebird Gardens, Ernest!!

Jackson is from Ecuador!!  He is 22 years old and wants to learn about agriculture.  He wants to do research and luckily we have two projects going on.  Jackson wants to bring what he learns back to his farming community.  He is outgoing, funny and a hard worker!  We are very happy to welcome Jackson!!

Ramon brings teriffic agricultural explerience with him as well.  Ramon is from Peru!  Ramon lives in the cold region of Peru and he wants to learn more diversity of crops to grow in a cool climate.  Welcome to cool Minnesota!!  He is a hard-working person dedicated to farm work.  We are very excited to welcome Ramon!!  Ramon is 24 years old.

Michael began emailing me way last November!!  He brings with him a wealth of experience.  He has worked two seasons on organic farms, one of which was a 400 member CSA farm.  He is looking forward to the strong communities of Minnesota (North Dakota, too!!) and wants to have more practical experience with farming.  He is arriving in mid-April.  We welcome his experience and passion in sustainable farming!

Alison is just finishing college this spring and wants to learn everything she can about farming from weeding and planting management to marketing and accounting.  She is passionate about sustainable local food and wants to start her own farm.  She also comes to us with a background in farming experiences!  She believes strongly in the necessity of providing real, tasty and healthy food for every community.  We welcome Alison to Bluebird Gardens!!

Mike, too, has background experience.  He has worked as an intern and has a passion for farming.  He is itching to work outside again.  We are very excited to welcome Mike to Bluebird Gardens!

Jenny has experience with the food movement in the Cities.  She is planning on starting a sustainable homestead on her Grandfather's Illinois farm with her boyfriend.  So she wants to go to "farm school!  Jenny wants to experience everything from the beginning to end.  She loves an excuse to be outdoors each day, work hard and see results!  Welcome to Bluebird Gardens, Jenny!!

Stuart, 23, joins us from the great state of Michigan!  He is looking for an alternative future for himself, one in which he can be connected to the earth and retain the helathy relationships with those around him.  He believes working on our farm will give him the skills and insight to make a similar path of his own.  He looks forward to working hard each day and know it is something he believes in.  He works hard as a student, employee and runner and he doesn't do things half way.  Welcome, Stuart, to Bluebird Gardens!!!

Samantha's interest in Bluebird Gardens began months ago.  Though she is a star performer at Starbucks, her passion for food and sustainable farming is strong enough to lure her into the country life.  Her excitement about food began in college and has continued to grow.    As she says, "Being outside, getting my hands dirty and watching a physical representation of her efforts come to bloom is what it's all about.  She is energetic, happy and runs four miles a day.  We welcome your energy, Samantha, to Bluebird Gardens!