Entries by Emilie Ritter

Faith and William Ellis, Sr.

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Faith and William Ellis, Sr. are generational farmers who are farming the land of their grandfathers in New Boston, Texas. William was born on the farm he now owns and operates, Long Walks Spring Farm, and grew up working alongside his father and grandfather. After graduating from college, he worked in the corporate world and […]

Eric Depradine

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Eric Depradine is a farmer in Kansas City, Kansas, and owner of Zydeco Meadery. His story of farming is one of identifying problems and challenges that get in the way, embracing victories, and developing a mindset of never giving up.  It underscores the boldness and persistence it takes as a Black farmer to grow a […]

Ed Hunt

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Ed Hunt is a recipient of the Excellence in Regional Collaboration Award, which acknowledges the work of a professional who has developed and implemented innovative collaborations across sectors and regions to secure a more vibrant future for all people in their communities.   Ed grew up on a farm in Robeson County, North Carolina, farmed all […]

Dolores Miller

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Located in Bandon, Oregon, Miller Ranch has been in the Miller family since 1886. They have 300 acres in production and raise sheep, wool, and timber. As Dolores Miller prepares to fully take over the day-to-day management, her journey has been full of learning about sustainable agriculture practices and connecting with nature to overcome barriers.   […]

Diann Woods

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Diann Woods has been farming for the past 22 years in Wharton County, Texas. She graduated from the Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition and then worked for the Texas Health Department. Through her work and studies, she realized that the only way at the time to learn […]

Brandi Wallace 

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From a young age, Brandi Wallace of Hephzibah, Georgia, knew that she would be a farmer someday. Her initial introduction to farming was through FFA, and she recalls the experience with no fondness. As the only Black kid in the group, she stood out and found the experience to be unwelcoming. Brandi got her first […]

Deydra King

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Deydra King decided to leave the city and pursue ranching at her family ranch, S3 Legacy Ranch, located outside Luling, Texas. She has been ranching full-time for almost five years, primarily raising cattle. Through her ranching journey, Deydra has learned to maximize profits while taking care of the environment and advocating for the local community.  […]

Brennan and Gwendolyn Washington

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Brennan and Gwendolyn Washington transformed their gardening hobby into a 20-year agricultural endeavor called Phoenix Gardens in Lawrenceville, Georgia. They say their farming journey has not been easy, but every time they are faced with adversity they persevere through networking and learning.  Gardening was a form of destressing for the Washingtons, and soon they started […]

Ayanna Hill

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From a young age, Ayanna Hill dreamed of living in the country and working as a veterinarian. Even though reality didn’t play out in the way that her dreams might have dictated, she is now a beginning farmer with 12 acres in Richmond, Texas, and lots of potential and community support. She still has an […]

Andrea Townsend

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Andrea Townsend is a small-scale farmer who operates her quarter-acre farm from her home in Hephzibah, GA. Although her family history is rich with people who dedicated themselves to farming, Andrea dedicated most of her professional adult life to helping people in other ways by working as a nurse. She began farming out of a […]