In Eden, New York, a place where the fields stretch as far as the eye can see, Karyn Agle of Agle’s Farm Market shares a glimpse into her family’s remarkable five-generation farming operation.
“I like to solve problems,” Agle said. “I don’t care if it’s the irrigation just blew up or there’s some insect on my crop. Whatever it is, I like to say, ‘Okay, that’s the problem, and here’s how we’re gonna solve it.’”
This passion for troubleshooting extends to every aspect of farming life—from the intricate details of crop management to the logistics of running a multi-faceted agricultural enterprise. For her, it is about finding solutions that help her farm continue to thrive.
At its roots—as with many such agricultural operations—Agle’s family farm started small. Over the years, it has evolved into a fresh vegetable and greenhouse production facility, including a crop area of around 95 acres and 1.5 acres of greenhouses that produce fresh market vegetables.
“I am the fifth generation on my farm,” she said proudly. “Started back like most with just a few cows and some acreage.”
Growing up, Agle never considered any other career path or educational pursuit besides farming. She knew the family business was her calling, and she followed it with unwavering determination.
“I never looked in any other direction as far as education or profession,” she said. “Just farming was what I wanted to do.”
What makes her story particularly unique is her connection to the land’s history. She walks into barns her great-great-grandparents built, a tangible link to the past that adds depth to her daily work.
“Once you’ve got farming in your blood, you can’t walk away from it—even if it’s not your career—if it’s just a hobby or something you do on the side,” she said. “If I was in an office, I would be miserable.”
