The farm experience is multifaceted in its attraction – a healthy work and food environment, connecting to natural cycles and a fundamental sense of security. The attraction is real. Mary Rohlfing, with a Ph.D. in communications research, left a career as a communications professor at an established university to become a small farmer and raise food in a responsible manner.

Rohlfing lives on eight acres in the foothills near Boise, Idaho. She has a good friend and mentor, Diane Green, co-owner of Greentree Naturals. One day, while visiting, Diane looked out Rohlfing's kitchen window and exclaimed, "You’ve got a great spot here for a market garden." At the time, Rohlfing didn't give it much thought. Then one day in late September 2001, after the trauma of 911, Mary was working in her garden while contemplating many things. "I realized while working in my garden that I was at peace. It was right then that I had that moment of clarity. This is where I wanted to be. I wanted to be connected to the soil and touch the soil," Rohlfing said.

With help and encouragement from her friend Diane Green, Rohlfing started Morning Owl Farm and began offering a box of fresh produce each week during the growing season to local subscribers under a CSA arrangement. As the CSA enterprise grew, she decided to diversify to include raising ducks for their eggs. "Our food system lacks diversity, and duck eggs are a way I can offer a greater diversity of food to my customers." Rohlfing said. "Duck eggs are an efficient and high-quality source of protein."

To learn more about how Morning Owl Farm is raising community food consciousness, buy the May/June edition of Touch the Soil magazine at a retail outlet or subscribe online.