Our People
Rhonda and David’s arrival at Asgaard represented a return to their rural ‘roots’ – Rhonda growing up in the East Tennessee foothills of the Smokey Mountains and David from Lake Erie’s shore in Northeast Ohio. Following years of work restoring this historic place, it was only a matter of time before Asgaard would reemerge as a diversified family farm. Joanna joined in 1991.
Who would have bet that the two kid goats Joanna brought home from Donna and Glen Pearce’s Welbian Farm a few years ago would so define Asgaard’s future. Kelly and Oreo were so cute - just like the 56 kids born at Asgaard this spring!
Rhonda has assumed full-time responsibility for the farm’s anchor activity – Asgaard Dairy. The goats were inspired by Joanna’s early interest, and award-winning goat’s milk cheeses have followed. David directs efforts across the activities of the farm: the field crops, the livestock and the forest bringing to bear the experiences of his childhood.
A true North Country native, Billy is entering his fifth season at Asgaard Farm. To think he started out mowing the lawns during the summer and, this year, he'll be taking on the role of livestock manager. He also heads up all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the farm, bringing his expertise in tractor maintenance and equipment usage to the table. Like everyone here, he'll spring into action wherever he's needed - most likely with his dog, Kobe, in tow. Not that he's one to boast, but ask Billy to demonstrate his trailer-backing skills --believe us, you'll be impressed.
Everyone here wears many different hats and Shannon is no exception. For the 2011 season, she'll continue handling the sales and marketing for the farm, but she's acquired another exciting responsibility. This season, she'll share responsibility for the management of all the livestock with Billy. From goats, to chickens, to cows they'll have their hands full this season as they kick the rotational grazing intensity up a notch. There's a lot of fence moving in her future!
After a season as a cheese-making apprentice, Tali just couldn't stay away from the farming life. She's back in The Forks, this time as a legit full-time employee, with responsibilities ranging from assisting Rhonda in the creamery, managing the garden, going to farmer's markets, and developing new products for the farm -- like caramels and soap. Having been a pastry chef in her former life, Tali loves to cook and turns out a mean curry goat stew. She is always brainstorming new ways to use goat meat, milk, and cheese, so track her down at the farmer's market to get some great recipes. In addition, Tali is a certified yoga teacher, so look for some yoga classes possibly starting at the farm this summer!
Vicki joined the farm as a relief goat milker in the fall of 2007. Vicki came with no previous farm experience, but she quickly became hooked and has enjoyed all of the growth and changes that have taken place over the years. Although she is proud of her "speed milking" ability, she realizes that the goats will always go at their own pace. When Vicki isn't spending time with the does and kids at the farm, she is spending time with another type of kid at Lake Placid Elementary School where she is employed as a Speech Language Pathologist.
Caleb, an avid 4H participant, joined us this summer to help out around the farm. He does a variety of different things including collecting and cleaning farm fresh eggs, washing buckets of whey that are fed to the pigs, and replenishing the goats' hay and water. Though those are his primary responsibilities, Caleb is always helping out with other little jobs like recovering an escaped animal, and is constantly learning about the day-to-day activities of the farm. This is Caleb's first official job!
Technically he belongs to Billy Lincoln, but we tend to think of Kobe as Asgaard's official mascot and head of the welcoming committee. You will likely be greeted by this big, friendly half golden retriever, half hovawart dog when you come to the farm for a tour or to shop at the store. Although he can't really drive a tractor, Kobe does have many skills that are helpful around here - chief among them the ability to round up our wily pigs whenever they escape their enclosure.