By David Leder
Wildcat Farm Manager Kaitlyn Flesher would have been happy with 7,500 pounds of produce during the 2025 growing season. What she got instead was beyond her wildest dreams.
Once the final growing tally was revealed in mid-November, Flesher and her team learned that they had surpassed even the high-end goal of 10,000 pounds.
“We ended up topping out at 12,172 pounds, which is more than double the 5,900 pounds we produced last year,” she said. “It’s pretty incredible.”
One of the reasons for The Farm’s exponential growth in output this season was the introduction of a fourth field. Flesher explained that milder weather in the spring and early fall created optimal growing conditions, extending the harvest season into late October.
“We had a couple more weeks without frost, so that really helped,” she said. “We also had more growing space with the new field, so we were able to plant more of our summer crops. We grew a lot of heavier crops like zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash this year, which added to the total weight.”
There were other contributing factors, but above all, Flesher credited her team: Production Lead Nora Jacobs and student employees Caydence Hesch, Deanté Barry, Edyn Totten, Nic Morris, Weslee Kriete, and Lexie McCoy.
“The student team this year was absolutely amazing,” Flesher said, adding that she hopes they return in the spring. “They put their heart and soul into their work, and they are probably the biggest reason why we accomplished what we did this year.”
Student volunteer Aneira Capon also spent a lot of time at The Farm this summer, helping the team surpass even its most optimistic goals.
“Aneira was a superstar,” Flesher said. “She really wanted to get involved, and she would come out for six or eight hours a day. We really appreciate everything she did.”
The Farm delivers a large portion of its crops to CWU Dining Services, but when demand is lower during the summer months, the team passes along its excess inventory to the Wildcat Pantry, APOYO, FISH Food Bank, and other local food distribution organizations.
The Farm aims to donate to community groups throughout the year, but FISH is typically the biggest recipient because it operates year-round.
“Our goal is to always find a home for everything,” Flesher said.
Some of the hardier crops (i.e., potatoes, carrots, garlic) are stored for future use, while the unwanted varieties like misshapen peppers and tomatoes are sorted into the free Community Box, which is available in the shelter at the Community Garden throughout the growing season.
Source : cwu.edu