Rachel Deffenbaugh
Rachel Deffenbaugh, Urban Farm Manager
What I Do at GGI: I am in charge of all things crop related for the Whitmire City Seeds Urban Farm: crop rotation, sowing and transplanting schedules, disease and pest monitoring, soil management and general crop maintenance. During the growing season, I also serve as one of the educators for the St. Patrick Center clients in our therapeutic horticulture and job training programs. Additionally, I work with Ryan Barker to manage Gateway Greening’s hoop house operations, including seedling propagation and distribution. During the winter months, I review the past year’s production successes and challenges and use this evaluation to inform farm planning for the following season.
Background: I received a BA in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Knox College. During this time, I studied abroad in Thailand through a program called the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute. I researched numerous forms of local and sustainable agriculture. This experience inspired my passion and interest in the connection between community and sustainable food systems. Upon graduation, I spent a year working as a community educator at an organic farm in California called Hidden Villa. In 2010, I became an AmeriCorps VISTA with Gateway Greening, and in 2011 I was fortunate enough to join the organization as a full-time employee.
Presently: I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, especially with curries and soups. Some of my culinary inspired hobbies include canning, bread baking and beer brewing. Additionally, I spend evenings and weekends practicing yoga and swimming. One of my preferred pastimes is dog-watching. I can also crochet a grand scarf.
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