Affinity Farm

Moscow, Idaho

Written by Co-op volunteer writer Terri Schmidt

Russell Poe and Kelly Kingsland moved onto their five-acre farm in the fall of 2000 and have been providing produce for the Palouse area ever since. They wanted to give their land a name that would reflect their relationship with each other, the community and the world, and so this special plot of land became Affinity Farm.

Both Russell and Kelly have environmentalist roots. Kelly grew up in Bonners Ferry with back-to-the-land hippie parents who practiced self-sufficiency and grew organic gardens. For a time, she managed the Moscow Food Co-op deli. Russell went to high school in Florida and moved west in the late 1990s. As an environmental activist, he said, “I wanted a job that had integrity and allowed me to give some goodness back to the world.” He worked at an organic farm outside of Coeur d’Alene prior to moving to Moscow. Kelly and Russell feel good about providing delicious healthy food locally and reducing the carbon created by shipping produce across long distances, and they love working outdoors, so the farm is a great fit. Their five acres include three greenhouses and an isolation house equipped with hoops and netting for growing seeds in a controlled environment.

Affinity Farm is certified USDA Organic. The couple has always practiced organic methods of farming, and the farm has long been certified Naturally Grown, but the organic certification process added a significant amount of record-keeping in order to come into compliance. Russell and Kelly embrace organic practices, that produce good soil, thereby helping the planet and providing better-tasting, nutrient-dense produce.

Kelly and Russell grow about 50 vegetable crops and blueberries for market sales, along with 30 crops for seed production. They grow seeds for the Snake River Seed Cooperative, a group of farmers who work together to produce a wide variety of regionally adapted seeds. The initials “AF” on the back of a seed packet indicates it’s from Affinity Farm. Kelly explained the importance of this work: “Seeds are a driving source of everything we do, and yet for many gardeners and farmers alike, seed production is mysterious.” Their seeds contribute to customers having successful gardens. About a third of the farm’s income comes from garlic (braids, bulk, and seeds), a third from various vegetable and flower seeds, and a third from selling market vegetables at the Moscow Farmers Market, to the Moscow Food Co-op, and to local restaurants.

Russell and Kelly work hard to keep the earth healthy on their farm. They test the soil yearly, adding organic matter and other amendments when needed, and they plant cover crops like vetch and rye to add nitrogen back into the soil. With moose coming into town on a regular basis now, they plant cover crops later in the fall so those crops will not be so attractive to moose. They also practice broad forking, which is a method of lifting the soil to aerate and loosen it without tilling. Through their years of farming, these farmers have learned a great deal about what grows best in this area. Over time, they have found varieties that thrive on the Palouse and appeal to customers. We all benefit from their extensive experience and knowledge.

In winter, when they have a break from farming, Kelly enjoys knitting, reading and visiting friends she is unable to see when working the farm. Russell enjoys time in the woods hunting. They both like to hike and snowshoe, and they have an adorable new puppy who keeps them busy going for walks.

To learn more about Affinity Farm, check out Instagram or their Facebook page.