Daisy Fair grew up working on her mother’s organic golden and red delicious apple farm in northern New Mexico, so green-growing practices and organic alchemy are practically in her DNA.
Daisy studied botany and environmental science before moving to Park City, where she worked for Ranui Gardens and volunteered at the Colby School. She helped start a greenhouse and garden program for the school, and there, Daisy says, “Th e owners of Copper Moose Farm learned of my efforts through their children.”
Owners John and Kristi Cumming approached her about building an organic farm on their acreage off Old Ranch Road. Fast forward eleven years, and Copper Moose Farm boasts a passive solar greenhouse, two hoop houses, three large fields, and a e-feathered flock of chickens on a lovely, three-acre slice of productive basin land.
Daisy describes Copper Moose as a “small-scale” organic farm. While they grow organically, they’re no longer ‘certified’ as such. Some conventional growers use the “certified organic” designation to charge more for their produce while completing only its minimum requirements. Copper Moose operates at the opposite end of the spectrum, maintaining the soil’s fertility with organic practices including crop rotation, compost teas and microbial inoculations.
Locals are both employees and purveyors of produce including tomatoes, greens and root vegetables. Cut flowers and herbs from the Farm Stand are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer months.
Copper Moose will host its Harvest Dinner August 6th in a “farm elegant” setting featuring five Park City chefs’ creations paired with five wines. Tickets are available online or at the Farm Stand. A maximum of 105 seats will be available. 1285 Old Ranch Road, Park City, UT 84098.
ppermoosefarm.com lists recipes, events, and photos.
