"I wanted to join Candace on her farm because I am interested in supporting and learning about farming. I had no idea the abundance this experience would provide me in my life, and in so many ways! I learned about sustainable farming, organic produce, community building, quality vs. quantity, not judging veggies by their look, and most importantly I learned how much fun it is to immerse my fingers and toes in the earth!

Farming with Candace meant working hard, but she reminded me often to laugh, play and have fun in the process. We shared many moments of laughter together. She was always willing to answer my questions, we had many teachable moments throughout the season.  The thing I love and admire most about Candace is her ability to admit that she is a beginner, that she will make mistakes, that there are things she simply does not know yet, and how she accepts it all, with such grace.
The best part of my experience was being in the quiet fields early in the morning and seeing the dew on all of the precious veggies and herbs. Seeing them grow from week to week was truly amazing. I also loved going to the market, and witnessing the sheer joy on the CSA members faces, as they picked their share up. By interacting with them and other customers, I was able to share my knowledge, learn more myself and we shared recipes with one another every week. "

Shannon Knutson

Working Share Volunteer 2010

"I found out about Candace and Transpire Organic after attending a local food system talk, in which the question of providing organic local food to people on limited budgets was put forward.  After  meeting Candace, I could tell we were going to have a fun season  together, and I was not disappointed.  I got the opportunity to learn about the organic food process and watch the farm transform from dirt to an oasis of veggies.  This was an opportunity to experience cheering on the chinese cabbage and cucumbers that they could make it; the heart ache of watching the tomatoes surrender their fight to blight and feeling the joys of success with each harvest delivered to CSA members.

Working with Candace as a working share member provided so much more than the farm aspect of learning.  It was the joy of laughing till it hurt, eating a pepper like an apple in the middle of the field, lunch time conversations about the delicious food prepared over the past week with farm fresh food, listening to country music blaring from the car as we travelled back and forth with our matching pink cowboy hats, continually being mistaken for sisters, and interacting with the CSA members.  The experience of being a working share member is not only a chance to learn, but a chance to experience the food system – to be connected, to food, to the community and to the land, and to always have fresh veggies in my fridge throughout the season." 

Kathleen Little

Working Share Volunteer 2010