Hello my name is Tom Deacon.

I’m 32 years old. I have been farming for one year.

I grow herbs and leafy greens at my farm in Westchester County, New York.

Sustainable farming practices are important to me because everybody needs a clean, safe, healthy environment.

My favorite thing about being a farmer is being outdoors and enjoying the beautiful landscape.

My farmer idol or superhero is Ben Franklin because he promoted the spreading of agricultural knowledge and its importance in forming a strong and healthy society.

When I’m not farming I like to hike the Catskills.

My favorite thing to grow is the Rocky Top Lettuce Mix from Baker Creek.

My favorite things to eat are apples.

If I could change one thing about the food system it would be food waste.

If I could tell the world one thing about what being a farmer is like it would be how rewarding it feels to grow something from a seed.

I am reducing post-harvest losses by composting.

I conserve water on my farm by recirculating water.

Climate change is affecting my farm through high humidity, which fosters a growing environment for diseases.

I think we need more young people involved in farming because it will help younger generations become more interested in the Earth.

One thing I’m doing to create healthy soil on my farm is composting.

I did not always know I would be a farmer. I chose the agricultural life because I am concerned about the availability of food.

The following resources, programs, or organizations are most valuable to my farm: Farm Service Agency.

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