This article originally appeared in The Local Voice #207. To download a PDF of this issue, click here.
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Name: Charlie Dawson, a.k.a. “Stork”
Hometown: Batesville
What brought you to the area? I came to Oxford for college. I ran track and got a biology degree.
Do you have any other jobs? Yes, many. I work full time for Window King and I clean chimneys in the Fall. Plus catering and recording music.
How did you get started in agriculture? I’ve always loved to garden since I grew jalapeños successfully when I was twelve.
What is a typical work day like? Wake up when it’s still dark, feed all the chickens and animals, go to work all day, come home and work in the garden till dark.
What do you do on a rainy day? Put on a raincoat.
What’s the best thing about working on your farm? My kids are always around!
What are you most proud of this year so far? Well, I guess I’m proud that I got a couple of good crops of carrots this year. Previous attempts were hardly successful.
What are you most looking forward to this season? I’m most looking forward to the harvest of melons!
What’s your favorite vegetable? Napa cabbage.
What’s your favorite insect? Honeybee—awesome pollinator & honey provider.
What’s your favorite music to listen to while digging in the ground? The beats in my head with the “Weird Al”-ish parodies, I can’t stop!
Ever dug up (or found) anything strange / interesting / valuable? I got really creeped out by this old doll head I found two feet underground.
Name an uncommon vegetable that people should try: Bittermelon—It’s an acquired taste.
Is there anything you’d like to see change about the way food is consumed in our community? Definitely. I would love for everyone to be more aware of what goes into sustainable agriculture and why it is important.
Name one piece of equipment you could not live without: Hoe
