Amalia Staggs & Casey Frank

Amalia didn’t know “volunteer farmhand” was a thing until a 2020 Google search for volunteer opportunities brought it up. Signing up was her introduction to the depth and richness of the Central Texas farming and ranching community, and she was hooked. Volunteer farmhand led to accelerated education opportunities (thank you Farmshare!); led to a position as Harvest and Pack Manager for a season at Middle Ground Farm near Utley, Texas; led back to her dream job as Farm Manager at Farmshare Austin. Amalia is grateful to all the farmers who have shared their experience, knowledge, and friendship, and fostered an abiding devotion to regenerative land stewardship and participation in building a more just and equitable local food system.

Born and raised in Austin, TX, Casey feels a deep sense of commitment to the community. After graduating from The University of Texas, he volunteered internationally for three years, often on farms where he was able to nurture his passion for nature and feeding his loved ones. Casey’s travel aspirations were cut short when, at 27, he received a cancer diagnosis that set him on a path of learning how to use food as medicine. This experience instilled in him a determination to work toward a future in which access to quality food is a human right, rather than a privilege. As the Education & Operations Coordinator at Farmshare, he feels honored to help empower aspiring farmers to reshape our food system. When not working, Casey enjoys spending time in the kitchen pretending to be a reality T.V. chef with his dog Kuma.

Where to find Farmshare:

At the SFC Sunset Valley Farmer’s Market the first Saturday of every month!