FarmHer Profile: Silvia Abel-Caines, Garlic eScape Farm, Woodstock
Farm name and location: The Garlic Escape Farm in Woodstock
Years farming: I have been farming garlic for four years in Woodstock, and farming turmeric and honey in The Dominican Republic for six years. Prior to this, I grew in my backyard, community gardens and a friend’s farm in Wisconsin.
What are you growing/producing? Best-seller? I grow organic hard-neck garlic, about six varieties. I also make value-added products with the garlic I grow, including garlic scape salt, fire cider, kvass, pickled garlic and garlic salve. The garlic scape salt is the best-seller.
Why farming? Farming allows you to collaborate with nature to produce nourishing food for people and keep the cycle of giving and receiving as it was intended to in its original design.
My passion for organic gardening, nutrition, and keen interest in plants with high content of medicinal compounds led me to perennial medicinal herbs and plants, hence: garlic.
How do you feel about being a woman farmer?
I feel very proud of having the opportunity to be part of a cycle of giving, of nurturing and healing. I am so lucky I can put in practice the principles of regenerative agriculture and be able to show-and-tell, taste-and-see, how land can be brought back to life.
Biggest win/what makes you happiest?
I love to be able to PRESERVE the healing plants I grow, and fnding new ways to extend the season of enjoying the harvest.
Biggest challenge?
The physical labor involved in organic farming is high, and the limitation of not having farm labor available in the area makes it more challenging.
How are you thinking about your farm in the future?
I would like to have a farm manager with a contract-arrangement that will be financially beneficial for both parties.
What regenerative/ecological practices do you use on the farm?
- Ruminants on the land
- Intensive rotational grazing
- Cover cropping from fall to spring
- Companion planting and rotating garlic crops in different field
- My farm is CERTIFIED organic
Anything else you want to share?
My farm is open to women of any age dreaming about farming. This is a safe place where they can come and learn how to start from zero, acquire knowledge, and learn techniques rooted in sustainability and affordability.
