2024 End of Year Report

Dear Friends of the Farm,

Despite the snow on the ground and the chill temperatures as I write this, I want you to know that Plainsong Farm is healthy and growing.

Last year about this time, our founding Executive Director, Nurya Paris, resigned because she was ready for something new.  As it turns out, so was the Farm.

The most important “something new” is the effective transition from an ED-led organization to a three-person, collaborative co-director leadership model.  Katharine Broberg, Michael Edwardson, and Emily Ulmer have stepped up from staff positions to become co-directors after the board gave unanimous support to their proposal in December 2023.  We all considered that moving to this model was an experiment in 2024.  Now, to see their chemistry, how they work together with honesty and laughter (and sometimes tears), and how the Farm is thriving is a delight.  To see how their 3-way relationships spill over to all the Farm’s other relationships is a joy.  This past December, we gladly renewed  our unanimous support for them.

They have worked incredibly hard with consultants  and the board to arrive at both a challenging and realistic strategy for the next three years.  They have navigated some challenging circumstances and arrived at realistic decisions and grown stronger and wiser.  They have written grants that are helping to provide money for our 2025 programs (along with your generous donations).  This year’s programs and events have been laid out.

The Farm is healthy and growing.

This February I step off the board after six years.  It has been a significant, transformative, and joyful chapter of my life–a not uncommon experience for anyone getting involved with Plainsong.  I leave with a deep confidence that the co-directors and board will guide Plainsong into deeper connection, belonging and creativity and into the renewal of God’s creation in the years ahead.  

With Gratitude and Hope,

Mike McIntosh

Plainsong Farm Board Chair

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