Melissa Lines

I’ve been raising Romney sheep using organic and sustainable methods since 1992, and I currently manage about 60 breeding ewes on my 65-acre farm outside of Moscow, Idaho. Using a farm website as my primary marketing tool I direct market my organically raised grassfed lamb meat to local and regional families and all of my premium wool fleeces to handspinners throughout the country. I’ve always held a deep belief in the rightness of sustainable agriculture and in the humane approach to livestock production. It’s a way of life for me on my farm outside of Moscow, and I love sharing it with others through my on-farm workshops and frequent presentations to farmer education programs in the region.

This is such a wonderful time for agriculture! Consumers are seeing the pressing need for change in our food system and they’re willing to support farmers who produce safe, healthful foods by sustainable methods. New and existing farmers are seeing exciting, profitable opportunities to meet this growing demand. Rural Roots has worked tirelessly to bring these two groups together and to form partnerships that help grow a vibrant, healthy, sustainable ag community in the northwest.

I welcome the opportunity to serve as a Board Member because I believe in Rural Roots’ vision and work and I’m honored to take my turn helping with its future direction. I commit to the task my organizational, communications, and marketing skills, my energy and enthusiasm for promoting sustainable agriculture, and my passion for helping farmers grow their dreams into viable sustainable farming enterprises. Visit my farm online at www.skylinesfarm.com.