Many thanks to Jackie for the opportunity to showcase my work and to Noel (who is set up with taste samples and her cookbook, Apron Free Cooking) for brainstorming on how to display my card designs. This is what I think friendship is all about: a circle. I introduced Noel to Jackie, which led to the open house which I helped to plan, which led to Noel and Jackie helping me figure out how to display my items.
SWEET!
Mendy is joining us, with taste samples of her naturally raised meats. She is a powerhouse in our parts for networking and promoting "shop local". I've written about her several times, already, but feel that I need to include her part of the Outstanding in Her Field story I wrote for Acres of North Central Ohio because she's a vital part of it.
Marcheta *running in a good circle :)
Mendy, Born to Farm
Mendy Crim
Sellman says that she was born to farm. She and her husband, Russ, are the
sixth generation to work the Crim family farm in Crawford County. Mendy explains that she has always loved the
farming lifestyle and never had a desire for any other occupation. The Sellmans
are grain farmers and also raise naturally fed meat.
Mendy has
been instrumental in bringing local farm products to her community. Her first
step was to offer part of her land for a community garden. To help sell the
bounty of the garden, Mendy then helped to establish two farmers markets. Those
successes led to selling their meat at the markets, which let people know that
locally, naturally raised meats were available. The meat became so popular that
Mendy was able to realize her dream of having an on-site farm store and in 2012
opened The Farmers Wife. The store quickly grew into a “general store” of
sorts, offering goods, such as eggs, raised by vendors that Mendy met at the
farmers markets, and fresh dairy products from Hartzler’s Dairy in Wooster.
All of those
accomplishments could fit into a “proudest moment” category, but Mendy says
what fills her most with pride is when she sees her children answering
customer’s questions and taking responsibility for the farm. Emely (and husband Dustan Tate), Jesse, and Elaina
are the seventh generation of the Crim family to have a heart for agriculture,
embracing the challenges that come with the uncertainties of farm life. Mendy
says that the scariest part of farming is when the family goes out during
storms to protect the animals. With a legacy like that, no wonder Mendy’s own
heart is full of joy and satisfaction that she is fulfilling her life’s purpose
by following her passion.
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