My roots are in family farming. My father was raised on a family farm in South Dakota. But as is the way of the world, his family farm was swallowed up by what was believed to be a bigger and better farm.

Sustainability became important to me in 1972 when I became acquainted with the magazine "Organic Gardening and Farming" published by Robert Rodale. Robert realized that sustainable farming was being swept away in the tide of industrialization. He worked to foster the knowledge relevant to sustainable farming.

I tried renting land, but it became evident that in order to build a sustainable farm I needed to own a piece of ground. Landlords were not interested in land health and biodiversity. So I moved to Salt Lake City and set out to make some money. In 1994 I was able to make a down payment on the land in Caineville. In 1998 I was able to leave my job in the city and give farming my full attention.

Caineville is an incredibly beautiful place, but it is harsh. It has certain marketing elements that make it interesting, but it is harsh. This harshness caused the land to be moderatly priced. Did I mention that it is harsh?

I have learned so much living and working here. The fact that I can dedicate my time to something so incredible and dynamic makes me a lucky man.

And every day I try to remember who I am and work to live more peacefully with myself and with this land.