Copperhawk Farms

Meet Ryan, owner at Copperhawk Farms! 

Ryan’s eldest son did an aquaponics project in high school and his interest in growing drove his own curiosity. His business is a subversive way to delight their neighbors, and to build and foster goodwill, and they try to make a couple bucks slinging carrots while they do that work. They want the three minutes you spend under their canopy to be some of the most gracious minutes of your week.

Who farms with you? Is it a family business or solo labor of love? 

Currently, it is just us, and Karly is mostly a farmer in spirit. She works long hours at her real job. We do have a couple young local knuckleheads I pay to pick peas beans and ask me stupid questions. They are terrible workers, but they smile and laugh a lot. I figure that's how people learn to become good workers and maybe even good farmers. Eventually they'll graduate to a lettuce knife, at least that's my hope. 

What is something that surprised you about starting your business? 

I am difficult to surprise. Flea beetle? Voles? Their populations are miraculous.

What is something we may not know about you and you'd love to share? 

I've had watercolor paints for 20 years, and I used to fool around with them quarterly or monthly, sometimes weekly. Last fall I started painting every day. Even in the season, I still manage to steal a few minutes almost every day. I think about color and light and shadow and shapes all day long now. When time permits, I am going to start dragging a couple paintings to market. I do mostly abstract farmscapes. They're not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy them. I donate the paintings to Kids Weekend Meals, a program that serves the Crestwood School District. In return, they buy produce from me at market value. Karly is a cellist with an impressive voice and perfect pitch. 

A gardening tip, farming tip, how to make/use something you grow? 

How much space do I have? We make all our own inputs and they all meet the USDA standards for organic certification. (We hope to certify in the next year or two.) It's really fun but pretty stinky.

Is there anything we need to look forward to coming up from you at the market? 

Yeah. Fall is the best season. I just learned how to germinate fall stuff under shade cloth. Our future is looking bright. Hang on to your seats.