Randy Warren believes that the heart of farming is truth. Truth to the land, truth in conservation and truth in any product you provide to a customer. Mr. Warren grew up on Warren Farm on Warren Road in Ithaca, New York. Mr. Warren now lives at Warren Farm on Warren Road in Barrington, New Hampshire. Farming is a family trade, and as we walk his fields, Mr. Warren retells his family history urgently, as if his truths will disappear among his fields of pines. A sturdy man, Randy is dressed today in support of the Red Sox: he tells a sweet story about how he's worn a Red Sox hat ever since his son gave him one as a gift. "I support the team, but this is something from my son." Warren relates the history of his land over several hours - every tree, every field, even the old house evoke powerful memories of family, food and failed crop yields. His knowledge is clearly sourced from years walking and working the land. When listening to him talk, you almost expect him to share the location of every piece of grass.
Randy started to farm the land himself when his father had trouble staying on the tractor as his Alzheimer's advanced. One day after a long rest his dad asked him "Do you want to farm?" Randy said and his dad gave him the condition that Randy had to keep him on the farm as long as possible. Randy Warren has been working the land ever since.
Spending time with Randy got me thinking about my relationship with the land. As an educator, we hope to build a sense of place for our students, and Randy's connection to the land around him was how he informed his farming practices. I hope to build these connections with my students, building a strong base in scientific content before moving on to investigation.
Firewood sales help the Warren Farm.
Thistles on the property.
Flowers and plants dot the conservation areas making excellent habitats.
Randy Warren's knowledge of the land's history is extensive. So are his storytelling skills.
Christmas trees are one of many products available, Warren trims each by hand.
Corn: knee high by the fourth of July.
Daisies on the property. The farm's beloved dog gets her name from these flowers.
A hint of Daisy's tail as she explores.
Land cleared to make way for new animal habitat. A excellent source of firewood.
Conservation on all levels: bark mulch from a state road project has lasted Randy years.
Randy speaks on the necessity for people to be aware of and support local habitat creation work.
Daisy rests after darting through the fields.
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