Stories and Essays: Flying Cloud Farm

Started by husband and wife team Annie Louise and Isaiah Perkinson, Flying Cloud Farm in Fairview is one of the growing number of Community Supported Agriculture providers in Western North Carolina.

Family roots run deep through Flying Cloud soil, but the farm lures a constant rotation of interns each season who are welcomed with open arms, unique accomodations and gratifyingly back-breaking work.

"I wanted to do something really tangible, something you can actually do with your hands," says intern Havely Carsky. "I think that's something the 'Facebook generation' is craving more and more."

Flying Cloud Farm interns Anna Long and Havely Carsky arrange flowers for market.
   
Isaiah Perkinson laughs as their farm puppy Rocket gives him a kiss. Perkinson takes care of the many mechanical issues on the farm that he runs with his wife, Annie Louise.
  
With Anna Long at the wheel, Hannah Stampe, Kelsey Marino and Sam Mendelbaum ride the back of Flying Cloud Farm's orange Suburban to the carrot field.
     
  
Kelsey Marino shows Anna Long, far right, a funny carrot at Flying Cloud Farm as Hannah Stampe works nearby. Long and Stampe are part of a four-member intern crew that works full time on the farm throughout the summer.
   
  
     
  
   
  
Flying Cloud Farm intern Hannah Stampe digs for fingerling potatoes in the field.