Photo Essay: Skinny Kitty Farms
Farmers David Mackie and Bonnie Briggs found their way to farming through an unexpected journey. No strangers to hard work, they both have backgrounds as stagehands and in lighting design, pursuing their love of theater in Seattle and Philadelphia. The pair used to daydream about opening a farm-to-table bed and breakfast where they could share their love of cooking and local food. The dream turned into a reality when they realized that they could start a farm first, then open the B&B in their retirement. Not a bad plan! Today David and Bonnie farm in Mt. Vernon, WA, where their son Jasper is raised on fresh air and homegrown food, with a few cats, pigs, goats, and chickens for company.
Last summer, our own Sarah Schu had the opportunity to visit Skinny Kitty Farms and photograph the family in action. Below are some of our favorite shots, paired with quotes from skinnykittyfarms.com
(Right to left) David, Bonnie, and Jasper can only be asked to hold a pose for so long…
“Our vegetables are grown in fields that move with the fertility of the land. After several years of being grazed, pasture is turned under, and the land goes into vegetable production. After several years of veggies, it is returned to pasture and grazed by animals.”
“David is the builder, visionary, and heavy-lifter for the farm. With a background that includes carpentry, rigging, electrical, and plumbing, there aren't too many problems David can't out-think on the farm!”
Jasper on the run!
“Bonnie keeps the animals of Skinny Kitty Farms happy and healthy. She also grows all the vegetables and is our primary salesman! She is quite the cook and knows how to incorporate the freshest of ingredients to make a fantastically delicious meal.”
“Our farming model keeps us portable and allows us to adapt to what the land can provide. We don't believe in fixed fencing or fancy fixed irrigation systems. The land will change, and we need to keep our farm on its toes to best utilize what we are given.”
“Cycling the land through pasture and vegetable production keeps the land healthy and the ecosystem resilient to stresses such as drought and pests.”
A huge thanks to David, Bonnie, and Jasper for welcoming us to the farm, and to Sarah Schu for capturing such beautiful moments in the fields!