About Allen Farm
FAMILY
Mitchell and Clarissa
Clarissa and Mitchell are committed to a philosophy of food production which stresses small, thoughtful, traditional methods of raising meat and growing produce. Mitchell happily engages visitors in thoughtful conversation about the far reaching ramifications of genetic seed modification, “feed lot farming” and agri-business, soil health, and compost tea brewing. Clarissa has continued her role connecting with the public, through her presence in the farm shop, and managing our wedding and summer tenants. She encourages visitors to walk around the farm with her to understand the history, and the future of the farm.
Nathaniel and Kaila
The 13th generation in the Allen family, Nathaniel manages the livestock on the Allen Farm – tending to the flock, caring for the pigs, cows and meat birds, and overseeing the systems of the farm in general. He is responsible for maintaining the fields throughout the seasons, and caring for the animals through the winter. He also works off the farm constructing agricultural fences across the island, and applying compost tea and organic fertilizer to fields and lawns. Kaila tends to the gardens, focusing on vegetable production for the family’s consumption as well as for the summer tenants, while also watching over the horses and the farm’s array of birds - the laying hens, ducks, and goose. She is an educator, and guides her children, along with ten other children in a year-round homeschool cooperative.
From left to right: Arlo, Nathaniel, Tavira, Kaila, Florence, Clarissa and Mitchell
Tavira, Arlo and Florence
Each of the children have found their place on the farm, participating in the daily chores while expanding into realms that speak to their personal passions. Tavira is a budding herbalist and equestrian, Arlo could drive the machinery by age 5, and Florence joyfully cares for all the tiny beings across the farm, from the lambs to the worms. They are guided by a multigenerational system that is grounded in reverence, and an openness to whatever the future will hold for the land.