David Hambleton - Head Farmer

Sisters Hill Farm wouldn't be the special place it is today without David Hambleton. He has, with the aid of many great apprentices and volunteers, created a beautiful farm that everyone can be proud to be a part of. David was hired in January of 1999 by the Sisters of Charity to develop a CSA from scratch. David brought an extensive ecological and educational background to Sisters Hill Farm. This includes a degree in environmental studies from Binghamton University as well as talents as a carpenter and cabinet maker. His former job skills come in handy on the farm and have allowed him to build a greenhouse, walk-in cooler, root washer and harvest cart, among other ongoing projects.

Have a question or an idea for Farmer Dave? Click here to send him an e-mail.

 

Sister Mary Ann Garisto - Farm Director, Director of Ecological Concerns

Sister Mary Ann Garisto, now retired from teaching biology, has long had an eye towards organic and healthful food growth. In her own words, "We have an obligation to take care of the land entrusted to us. We belive in a reverence for creation and interdependence. As I became increasingly aware of the harmful effects of 'agribusiness' in our country, it became a dream of mine to revive the [old Hill Crest Farm] land." As the Farm Director, Mary Ann has been instrumental in shaping the direction and purpose of the farm.

 

Erin Bullock - Apprentice

Erin grew up in the suburbs of Rochester, where she didn't know a single farmer or even think about the possibility of agriculture as a career. After getting a degree from Cornell in Landscape Architecture, she moved to San Francisco, and eventually created a small business designing and installing native plant gardens for urban backyards. The lure of growing food eventually led her to volunteering on farms through the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program, and last year completing a one-year apprenticeship at Full Belly Farm, near Sacramento, California. She is excited to return to her home state of NY, and looks forward to having a farm of her own someday. She is interested in all things sustainable, including permaculture, biodynamics, pasture-based animal management, and sauerkraut.

Erin's blog can be found at http://www.farmererin.blogspot.com/.

 

Nate Walker - Apprentice

Nate's background has covered a broad spectrum of disciplines and interests that has now led to sustainable agriculture/farming. Living the last six years in New York City, he has worn many hats: Executive Assistant; Event Coordinator; Pickle Vendor; Video Producer; Tour Manager; Ad/Mktg Lackey; Musician; Pet Day Care Manager and Blue Man (for about 3 weeks). An avocation in substainable living and locally grown food has become a vocation, and his excitement for organic farming is contagious. In the future, he hopes to start his own farm, modeled on the amazing operation at Sisters Hill.

Nate's blog can be found at: http://www.fromthegroundupblog.blogspot.com/.