Meet the Team: Amanda Mills

Welcome to our monthly blog series: Meet the Team. Each month, we will share an interview of one of team members! We hope you will enjoy these!

This month we’re interviewing Amanda Mills!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up as the oldest of 4 in a small town in northeast Ohio.

What did you do before you came to farming/Good Soil Farm?

Before my stint at Good Soil Farm I have been (and still am!) a wife and homeschooling mom as well as an online math teacher/tutor.

What inspired you to become a farmer?

Growing up I always wanted to be like Laura Ingalls and raise homegrown plants, animals, and children.  Since my own 0.3 acre property doesn’t lend itself to the farming aspect of this, I live vicariously through the McGinleys’ property.

What are some things you didn’t expect to learn that farming has taught you?

One thing that I didn’t expect to learn is how much work goes into growing food! There are a lot of cheap foods at the grocery store – for example tomatoes and potatoes.  After experiencing the effort that goes into cultivating and harvesting these “cheap staples” I have a new appreciation for farmers!  I’ve also learned to be more flexible in my cooking based on what is available and in season. It’s a fun kitchen challenge to look at what you have and envision how that can come together into a meal that the whole family will enjoy!

How has farming benefited you?

Farming has benefitted me by giving me a chance to get an intimate look at where food comes from and how it gets from the farm to the table.  It’s also been an opportunity to try many new foods and discover some favorites that I never would have expected!

What do you hope to accomplish through farming?

I hope to contribute to healing the land through regenerative agriculture and help others to enjoy locally grown foods.

How has your role at Good Soil Farm evolved in your time here?

I witnessed the first day of breaking ground at GSF!  In the early days I mostly lent my husband for chicken slaughtering. A couple years ago I spent a summer harvesting and this summer I’ll be washing veggies – as well as helping out with the bookkeeping.

Most memorable Good Soil Farm experience?

This is a tough one! During the summer & fall that the McGinleys lived in a camper on the farm there was a day that Stephen couldn’t get home from teaching at the Mount because a big storm had come through and the creek had flooded Keysville Road! Since Stephen wasn’t up for swimming home he came to our dry house for the evening. Luckily Casey-Mae & the kids were with her parents and did not float away.

What’s your favorite animal on the farm? And why?

Aragorn the rooster is my favorite.  He is a beautiful bird who takes care of his hens so well.

Favorite hobby?  Or favorite things you like to do when not working? 

I love to read, cook, and organize things!

Favorite food?

I love Mexican food!  It’s hard to narrow it down further than that.  Fajitas and guacamole are both high on the list as is anything wrapped in a homemade tortilla.

Favorite dish you like to make with a Good Soil Farm item?

Garlic scapes are my most favorite Good Soil Farm item!  I love to cut them into bite size pieces and saute them like they’re asparagus.  They’re great in pasta or on their own as a side dish!

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