Meet the Farmers

Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin are the founders of Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, New York. The pair have been farming together on the east end of Long Island since 2008 when they met during a  season-long farming apprenticeship at Quail Hill Farm, also in Amagansett. They are part of the national movement of young people committed to revitalizing America’s food system by helping people become empowered and excited to make thoughtful food choices through a deeper connection to their food and the people who grow it. Katie and Amanda have been featured on the Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and many local publications for their work at Amber Waves Farm. They frequently speak at regional workshops and conferences geared towards organic growers and consumers.

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Katie Baldwin was born in Pasadena, CA and grew up in Boerne, TX. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in International Relations and then worked at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.  She was inspired to become a farmer after reading Scott Chaskey’s book This Common Ground. She currently lives and farms in East Hampton, NY.

Amanda Merrow was raised in Vermont where she developed a deep appreciation for open spaces and the natural world. After earning a BA in Economics from Hamilton College in upstate New York in 2007 Amanda moved to Long Island’s east end and began a farming apprenticeship at Quail Hill Farm with her mentor, Scott Chaskey. In 2009 Amanda co-founded Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, NY with fellow Quail Hill Farm apprentice Katie Baldwin. Amanda currently lives and farms on Long Island’s east end.

 

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Emma Leavens grew up in a college town in Missouri until moving to Washington where she earned her B.A. from The Evergreen State College.  She moved to the east end of Long Island a year ago to apprentice at Amber Waves Farm for the 2012 farming season.  She is staying on for another season as Crew Leader.

 

 

Our 2013 Crew

 

Veronica grew up in Philly, graduating with a degree in Urban studies and Spanish at Temple University. She managed a low income CSA program in Philadelphia and spent last year working as an intern on an organic farm in Humboldt County. Veronica likes taking art classes, exploring the outdoors, and pretending to be a farm ninja out in the fields. Her current favorite vegetables are beets, kale, cauliflower and radishes. She hopes to farm around different locations throughout the US.

Nick grew up in New York City where he attended the Dalton School. His passion for math and science led him to Vanderbilt University where he studied Engineering Science with a focus on energy and environmental systems. After graduation, Nick spent two years working with an energy and sustainability consulting firm in New York City where he performed energy audits and developed analysis models for commercial and residential building owners. His love of the outdoors and fresh local food eventually overcame him and he has since moved to East Hampton to pursue a career in organic farming. Nick likes all sports and outdoor activities, his dog mars, and tomatoes.

Abby was raised in Scarsdale, NY and graduated from Cornell University in 2013 with a BS in International Agriculture and Rural Development. Through her fieldwork in the rural regions of developing nations, she discovered her passion for working with agricultural smallholders to improve on-farm practices, participating in a community- and local-based approach to food systems, and educating others. Her love for nature, backpacking, ultimate Frisbee, and exploration has her incredibly excited to get dirty working on Amber Waves Farm this season. She is looking forward to meeting the Amagansett community and growing and eating some delicious fresh veggies, including some of her favorites: Brussels sprouts, broccolini, and peppers!