Andy and Amanda (and Azula)
About the Farm
We moved to the farm in early 2023, when the land was little more than a large lawn. However, we saw the potential for what the land could be. Today, that land is feeding local folks and has a greater soil biodiversity than it did before!
We farm on around 3/4 acre of somewhat rocky, loamy clay soil near Latrobe, PA. We might use words and phrases like regenerative, organic, and no-till to describe the way we farm, but the best way to say it is that we care first and foremost about the physical health and microbiology of our soil.
“Good Dirt” is more than just a fun name! We use 0 herbicides/pesticides, ever. Instead, we plant cover crops to protect and enhance the soil, provide habitat and food for beneficial insects/birds, and more, all in the name of keeping our soil healthy and diverse. We’re proud of the way we grow, and we’d love to talk more with you about it!
Andy Christman (co-owner)
Andy started Good Dirt Farm in 2023 after persuing a career in Industrial Engineering for nearly a decade. As an Engineer, he brings an eye for simplicity, efficiency, and waste reduction to the market farm. As a farmer, Andy cares most about growing healthy, delicious food in a way that works side by side with his local ecosystem. Farmers don’t grow things, they create the perfect environment for things to grow in.
In his free time, Andy loves to be outdoors. He’s an avid backpacker (ask him more about his backpacking adventures if you see him!). He also loves disc golf, biking, and cooking (not so much baking).
Amanda Kay Oaks-Christman (co-owner)
Amanda is the social media manager and content writer for Good Dirt Farm, and also its resident baker (but not so much the cook). As a writer, Amanda enjoys the way that stories can bring people together, and she hopes to bring that same energy to her work with the farm. As a farmer, Amanda mostly just observes what Andy is doing and sometimes takes pictures.
In her free time, Amanda reads tarot, does yoga, and reads a lot of books. If you’d like to know more about what she writes when she isn’t farm blogging, you can visit her website.
Azula Oaks-Christman (Pest Control)
Azula is a Blue Heeler/Australian Shepherd mix who was born to run around a farm. She loves crunching on farm carrots, but not so much broccoli. In her free time, Azula enjoys chasing tennis balls and taking long walks with her pawrents.