I’m writing to you as the current Oz Farm Retreat Manager, a role I’ve evolved into after my years of being a farmer here at Oz. I do miss the field work (occasionally, haha) but mostly I feel an immense gratitude for the hands of the farmers here at Oz. Since they aren’t likely to brag about themselves I’m here to do it for them. Farming is hard work. Growing fruits and vegetables doesn’t fit neatly into an 8-5 schedule and there’s almost constant curveballs and lessons. Each day I see this crew come together in the field to accomplish the admirable task of growing mine and your sustenance. Through a thoughtfully planned weekly schedule they manage to plant, weed, observe, tend, harvest, and deliver an incredible amount of food and I kid you not, they do it with a smile on their face! I have watched this year's apprentices help each other investigate and solve problems- like making sure the sprinklers are working even though it’s almost bed time. I have watched them harvest and eat new foods they’ve never had the pleasure to enjoy- you can cook a radish and it actually tastes delicious?! And I have watched them bond over their time in the field and on the porch, sharing beers after work. When you support the farm through the purchase of produce you support the growth, health, and experience of everyone who gets to participate in the process of farming. So with that, I thank you, and them for making it all work.

Abby Stoner

**Apprentices Caroline and Katie hard at work tending their personal plots where they learn crop planning and help grow for donation**