A Conversation with Regenerative Farmer Suzannah Schneider
Throughout the summer of 2022, I swapped one day a week at the Manhattan office where I was working for hands-on experience in the dirt—quite literally. I asked my employer to let me shift to a four-day workweek so I could spend Thursdays volunteering with the Vegetable Team at Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming in Cold Spring, NY. (Imagine taking off a day in the middle of the week!) It raised some eyebrows, but they agreed, and just like that, I was guaranteed one day a week in the field instead of being behind a computer.
Each week, I worked alongside a small, incredibly talented, and hardworking group of farmers. While I was only there for a handful of hours at a time, they were putting in long days—tending to the land with a level of skill and endurance I deeply admired. I was slow and awkward compared to them, but I learned so much about growing and handling vegetables. I came home from every session completely exhausted—and deeply fulfilled.
At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what was pulling me toward the farm, beyond a deep interest in growing food and a desire to learn from the best. Looking back, I realize that experience sparked the idea that would eventually grow into Sproutwell. It showed me firsthand the value of sustainable food systems, the importance of reconnecting people with the process of growing their own food, and the power of learning directly from those who have mastered their craft.
One of the farmers I had the privilege of working with was Suzannah (Suz) Schneider. She welcomed me with patience, answered my many questions, and embraced my beginner status with kindness. Their passion for farming was undeniable, and I was inspired by the depth of her experience working in agriculture, both in the Hudson Valley and in New York City.
Knowing she would have thoughtful and meaningful insights, I asked Suz to share her perspectives on farming—why she does it, the joys and challenges she encounters, and their advice for home food growers.
Beyond learning from her experiences, I hope this conversation not only highlights the work she and her fellow farmers do but also inspires you to try growing some of your own food, too.
Meet Suzannah (Suz) Schneider
Suz was first introduced to farming on her grandparents’ corn and soy farm in Indiana, and has been growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the New York area for the last nine years. They currently serve as the Assistant Vegetable Manager at Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming in Cold Spring, NY. In their role, Suz works closely with the Director of Vegetable Production and Farm Operations to grow an abundance of organic produce for Glynwood’s CSA, Farm Store, and food access partners. She also teaches and coaches the vegetable team’s apprentices and volunteers.
Suz previously served as the Assistant Farm Manager and Food Justice Director at Phillies Bridge Farm Project in New Paltz, New York. Before moving their work to the Hudson Valley, Suz lived in New York City for a decade where they grew, taught, and wrote with GrowNYC, Certified Naturally Grown, The Queens County Farm Museum, and Great Performances/Katchkie Farm. She holds a Masters in Food Studies from NYU, and a Bachelors in Environmental Studies from Tulane University.
When Suz isn’t farming, you can find them in Newburgh with their partner and dog enjoying cooking, reading, and strength training.
Q: What inspired you to pursue regenerative farming, and what keeps you motivated?
Suz: I was a passionate environmentalist in college, bright-eyed and optimistic as could be. I knew that I wanted my work to make a positive impact on the world, and the food system seemed like a fascinating and effective way to make that change - especially to slow the effects of climate change.
>>>>> To read the full interview, find it on the Sproutwell Substack here.