Raymond Hoy

Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship
Dickinson College Farm

Farm stat: 2.2 ears of sweet corn sampled per day, 45 gallons of tractor hydraulic fluid drained and changed in 2023
Favorite farm task: Early morning green harvest
Least favorite farm task: Sorting onions
Favorite beneficial creature: Composting worms or Aphidius colemani

Raymond joined the Dickinson College Farm as a Crew Leader, learning the technicalities of farming and the value of management and professionalism. He found himself humbled by the learning curves of vegetable growing–familiarizing himself with the vocabulary, attuning his senses to listen to the land, and understanding the ergonomics of using his body. He also completed training provided by his employer and took courses offered through Pasa. Raymond became interested in farming while completing his undergraduate education at Penn State’s College of Ag-Sci and interning with Penn State Extension.

After graduating from the apprenticeship, Raymond will be joining the team at Fireside Farms in Loudon County, VA. He is excited to be closer to his partner, support Fireside’s excellent vegetable production and markets, and continue to explore composting and farm mechanics.

“Don’t be too smart for your own good, and don’t let perfection get in the way. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutia especially as someone aspiring to be a professional, but I’ve found that practice and repetition are what builds competence and intuition. Rely on your mentors as your baseline and your bumpers, and count on yourself to get your jobs done and grow while doing so.”