Diane Dorfer (’03 CLAS) joined UConn Extension as our Farm Viability Service Coordinator in June. She’s from Mansfield Center and owns and operates Cobblestone Farm. Diane earned her bachelor of science degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from UConn.
What is your area of interest?
One of the goals of my new position is to steer new and expanding farmers toward resources that will help ensure their success. I run my own farm, and remember the stress and uncertainty of my beginning years as I built the farm business. I know now that there was assistance available, but I didn’t know how to access it, or that it was available for farms like mine. As my farm has developed, I’m always happy to help others in the farming community make connections, or to make their path forward a bit easier. I’m excited to now be able to play this role in a more professional manner.
What is your role with UConn Extension?
As the Farm Viability Service Coordinator, I will coordinate the delivery of whole farm planning support to small, diversified farm entrepreneurs who need assistance stabilizing their business models or scaling up their enterprises. I’ll be helping Connecticut farmers connect with CAHNR resources, as well as help build synergistic relationships between CAHNR research & programs and farmers’ needs.
What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?
I love learning new things! In my role as Farm Viability Service Coordinator, I’ll be meeting new people, learning about new farms and research programs, and working to understand new problems. Exciting!
What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?
I hope I will help farmers learn how to start or expand their farms with confidence and ease. And I hope I will help UConn faculty and staff make meaningful connections with farmers in pursuit of a more collaborative and resilient agricultural community in our state.
What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?
Simply being outside is my favorite thing to do in Connecticut. I love walking along icy rivers in the winter, watching a thunderstorm approach on a hot afternoon, and being in the field at the end of a day when the low sun illuminates the sea of insects and swallows flying over the farm.
What is the most unusual job you’ve had?
It’s not unusual, but a past job that is least related to what I’m doing now was working in a wood-manufacturing facility making display shelves for Levi jeans.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests?
Honestly, this stage of life is quite full, so if I have the opportunity for a completely self-determined activity, it’s most likely just hanging out with a friend and actively doing not much. Preferably somewhere beautiful, probably with coffee. Beyond friends, coffee, and farming, my interests include reading good books, swimming in lakes, independent film, and finding the best donut shops in New England.