Michael farms at Sunflower Fields wih partner Solveig Hanson, the dogs - Rose and Tess - and the rest of the crew. Michael came to Iowa from Colorado in 1996 with the intention of growing fresh, naturally raised vegetables and marketing them locally. To find out more, please read on...

My love of farming started out on a dairy farm in upstate New York when I was young. The experiences on that farm contiunued into my late 20's - through high school days, undergrad work in music education, rock and roll bands, and all the early mornings and late evenings spent on the farm. I can still remember coming home from college to milk cows on weekends and school breaks.

The time on the dairy farm ended but my love of farming never did. It followed me through more universities, bands, teaching jobs, technical threatre jobs, design and computer graphics jobs, more universities - and more universities - until it finally overpowered all the other things I also loved about my life. At age 45, I realized that if I was ever to get back to farming, I needed to do it before I got too old to make a new start - read: now!

Sunflower Fields has been my farm for about 13 years now. Being on this farm gives a prespective that I have never had before. It seems like the "simplest" of things tend to untimately be the most important. It is a really great feeling to look at things like this.

My partner, Solveig, also gives me this type of perspective. She is the finest farmer I have met in my many years. It is an indescribable feeling to see her perspective from her 7 years here and to learn and grow in ability and confidence each day. This is a great thing for Sunflower Fields. The farm is going to be healthy for many years to come through her guidance.

Besides farming, I continue to keep my interest in graphic design and art. I am also very glad that my love of music is returning and it doesn't feel "like a job" anymore. I think I can thank Solveig and Sunflower Fields for that. In addition, I am continuing to rekindle another love this season - bicycle racing! It was a big part of my life before Iowa, but it also was a "burn-out" for me. But now, to be able to participate with Solveig - who is getting really good at it - has given me a new boost and I am training for some big events this year. And, yes, I'll put up some pictures at some point.