Eric Robichaud served his secret-recipe pancakes at Codman’s Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on January 11, where staff and board members honored long-term volunteers who help with animal care and egg collecting each week. (Photo courtesy Codman Community Farms)
This is an edited version of an article appeared in the January issue of the Codman Community Farms member newsletter.
Codman Community Farms recently welcomed a new head farmer, Eric Robichaud, who grew up on a farm—Codman Farm, to be exact.
Robichaud actually lived in Wayland but started volunteering with his father at Codman as a Saturday egg collector when he was 10 years old. He got his first summer job at CCF at age 13. In 2010, he was hired as assistant farmer and moved into the Codman Farmhouse apartment. This month Eric was promoted to head farmer.
“We are fortunate to have Eric. He brings new energy to the role of head farmer and at the same time a deep familiarity with the farm’s history and activities,” says Marshall Clemens, president of the CCF board.
Eric’s dedication to Codman is self-evident. He recalls his own personal evolution: “I came here as a shy kid and through the work experience and the mentoring I received along the way, I learned valuable animal husbandry skills and the business of farm management.”
Eric says his favorite animals to work with are the cattle. “I appreciate the contrast of their size and strength with their docile personalities. They are also easier to manage than 18 piglets running in different directions.”
Eric’s favorite season on the farm is the summer and the physical challenge of haying. He is excited about the new partnership with The Food Project, where fields will be in three-year rotations so the Codman cattle can eat grass and fertilize the land, which will then go into vegetable production for The Food Project.
Andy Mattox
Stop by and say hello to Farmer Eric. If you don’t see him, listen for the sound of a cow bell. The bell is worn by Eric’s loyal dog, Lou, who never lets Eric out of his sight.
Previous head farmer Andy Mattox, who left in December for family reasons, worked at Codman since May 2011 and instituted new programs such as the meat CSA (community-supported agriculture) for Codman Farm’s own beef and pork. He brought high energy, dedication, experience, and easy Midwestern friendliness to all that he did, and he’ll be missed.