Greenhorns Radio

Episode 132: Nancy Grove of Old Path Farm

Episode Summary

Nancy Grove is frequently asked why her farm is named Old Path Farm. I chose that name because I am excited to remember the wisdom of old traditions—both in farming and in community life. Now entering her 9th season, Nancy and her two LLC partners attribute the success of their 80-member veggie CSA to the many helping hands who have given abundantly to the farm over the years. This is the Old Path— the path where needs are met, not by purchasing the latest technologies or innovative products, but through the interdependence and generosity of local people. Nancys Land-Father has charged her with keeping alive the lineage of farmer-stewards on this quiet hillside in upstate NY. To this end, she is furthering her commitment to the long-term health and well-being of her place by broadening the mission of the farm to include permaculture principles, gardening workshops, a Land Trust, anti-hydrofracking efforts and nature immersion for children. She feels that traveling this path, in this place, is her destiny. $100,000 worth of college education almost landed her instead in a career as a clinical psychologist—Phew! That was a close call. This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch. When I was born in the 1980s, there was an active, successful, and thriving dairy farm every quarter mile on every road... Now, theres one. [5:40] -- Nancy Grove on Greenhorn Radio

Episode Notes

Nancy Grove is frequently asked why her farm is named Old Path Farm. “I chose that name because I am excited to remember the wisdom of old traditions—both in farming and in community life.” Now entering her 9th season, Nancy and her two LLC partners attribute the success of their 80-member veggie CSA to the many helping hands who have given abundantly to the farm over the years. This is the Old Path— the path where needs are met, not by purchasing the latest technologies or innovative products, but through the interdependence and generosity of local people. Nancy’s “Land-Father” has charged her with keeping alive the lineage of farmer-stewards on this quiet hillside in upstate NY. To this end, she is furthering her commitment to the long-term health and well-being of her place by broadening the mission of the farm to include permaculture principles, gardening workshops, a Land Trust, anti-hydrofracking efforts and nature immersion for children. She feels that traveling this path, in this place, is her destiny. $100,000 worth of college education almost landed her instead in a career as a clinical psychologist—Phew! That was a close call. This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

“When I was born in the 1980s, there was an active, successful, and thriving dairy farm every quarter mile on every road… Now, there’s one.” [5:40]

Nancy Grove on Greenhorn Radio