The fourth in the series introducing the five new members of the Friends of Holcomb Farm Board of Directors.
Paula Saaf grew up on a beef ranch in Corinne, a town in northern Utah. She raised a calf for 4-H every year and was a Future Farmers of America member during her high school years. Her grandmother and mother had large vegetable gardens from which a winter’s supply of fruits and vegetables was processed each year. She was certain she would be taking over the ranch when she grew up, but her father and grandfather both lost their lives in farming accidents and her grandmother was set against letting her be in a position where that might happen to her. Off she went to the University of Utah and came out with a degree in engineering. Her career is developing energy efficiency for large commercial and industrial buildings.
A resident of East Granby, Saaf discovered Holcomb Farm where she hiked the trails, paddled the Salmon Brook, and took classes from The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition that was offered at the farm for a time. She became a farm crew volunteer seven summers ago. Recognizing her relationship with the crew, Jenny Emery invited her to become a FOHF board member to represent the farmers.
Before Saaf came on the board, Farmer Joe O’Grady was the only board member representing the farm, but he is an employee, not a voting member, so she feels that with her vote, “It is my responsibility to keep all the farmers happy so they keep coming back.” When asked what qualities she brings to the board, she replied, “A different perspective than Farmer Joe’s, positive energy and lots of support.”
In her spare time, Saaf and her husband enjoy the whitewater experience in Tariffville.