ASHLEY BRISTER
Westport,MA
Summary
Farm director and educator with deep experience in organic and ecological agriculture, farm operations, and community-based food access. Leads a 5-acre nonprofit vegetable farm producing 50,000–60,000 pounds of produce annually, while supervising staff, volunteers, equipment, infrastructure, grants, and education programs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Supervisor
Bristol County Conservation District
Westport, MA
04.2026 - Current
- Member of the newly formed board of supervisors, with the goal of restoring the Bristol County Conservation District.
- Reviewed conservation district policies, bylaws, and governance documents.
- Working to identify soil and water conservation initiatives with input from local farmers and conservation organizations.
Commiunity Advisory Board member
Southcoast Food Policy Council
Marion, MA
01.2026 - Current
- Serve on the Capacity Building Committee for the Southcoast Food Policy, advocating for state and federal policy changes to support farmers and local food systems.
Farm Director
YMCA SOUTHCOAST — SHARING THE HARVEST COMMUNITY FARM
Dartmouth, MA
10.2018 - Current
- Led production strategy, staff, volunteers, equipment, infrastructure, fundraising, education, and community partnerships to enhance farm operations.
- Oversee crop planning and production across 5 acres, coordinating crop allocation, planting schedules, succession planning, labor, irrigation, cultivation, harvest, and distribution to meet annual production goals of approximately 50,000–60,000 pounds.
- Partner with the United Way of Greater New Bedford Hunger Commission to distribute the majority of the farm's harvest through Mobile Markets from May through October, with excess produce distributed through a network of 33 food pantries and emergency food providers.
- Managed farm-specific infrastructure and equipment, including irrigation systems, deer fencing, vehicles, tools, and production infrastructure; coordinated outside contractors for projects including well and deer-fence installation.
- Developed and managed $110,000 in grant applications annually while supporting additional fundraising through special events and individual giving.
- Led farm tours and site visits for prospective donors and community partners; welcomed and oriented volunteer and youth groups and represented the farm through presentations to civic, garden, senior, and community organizations.
- Served as primary educator for the farm's workforce development program and led agricultural workshops for Beyond House, providing hands-on instruction and mentoring.
Board Member
SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP (SEMAP)
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Served on the board of a regional organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture, assisting farmers, and enhancing local food systems.
Sole Proprietor
ASHLEY'S PRODUCE AT ROUND THE BEND FARM
Dartmouth, MA
01.2014 - 10.2018
- Cultivated a 1-acre organic market garden, contributing to local food accessibility within the Round the Bend Farm community.
- Planned and managed vegetable production for a 40-family CSA and restaurant customers.
- Supervised employee, apprentices, and volunteers, fostering skill development and community engagement through youth employment programs.
- Oversaw farm bookkeeping, CSA communications, and marketing, enhancing customer relationships and operational efficiency.
- Led workshops on plant propagation and season extension in organic gardening.
Production Manager
EVA'S GARDEN
Dartmouth, MA
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed production on a 2+ acre certified organic farm specializing in high-quality specialty greens and herbs.
- Coordinated seeding, planting, cultivation, watering, and harvesting to ensure optimal crop growth and quality.
- Supervised employees and volunteers, trained staff in farm safety and quality standards to enhance operational compliance.
- Maintained organic certification records to support compliance and uphold farm standards.
Assistant Farm Manager / Farm Manager
WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST — RUSHTON FARM
Newtown Square, PA
02.2008 - 11.2011
- Transformed a 6-acre field into a productive community farm serving 100-family CSA, local restaurants, and a Sunday farmers market, fostering local food connections.
- Managed vegetable production, production planning, staff recruitment and training, and farm recordkeeping.
- Established and operated a working vegetable farm within an 86-acre conservation preserve, enhancing community access to local produce.
- Coordinated communication and collaboration between staff and volunteers as main point of contact for the volunteer garden committee, enhancing volunteer engagement.
- Developed agricultural and nutrition education programming in partnership with The Achievement Project for underserved youth in neighboring Chester, PA.
Field Crew / Farm Café Server → Year-Round Management
COONAMESETT FARM
Falmouth, MA
09.2004 - 03.2007
- Managed year-round greenhouse production, including a hydroponic greenhouse.
- Managed winter livestock care, including feeding and stall maintenance, while delivering farm greens to local restaurants and grocery stores, fostering customer relationships.
- Authored USDA grant for construction of wind turbine on farm property, enhancing sustainability efforts.
- Transitioned from field crew to year-round management position and farm café service into a year-round management position after approximately one year.
Farm Apprentice
SEEDS OF SOLIDARITY
Orange, MA
01.2004 - 01.2004
- Assisted with farm operations at an off-grid educational facility, focusing on youth development.
- Learned intensive no-till growing practices, ecological agriculture, and off-grid homesteading skills.
Assistant Watch Officer, Environmental Expeditions
THOMPSON ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
Boston, MA
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Co-led environmental sailing expeditions exploring coastal habitats of the Boston Harbor Islands and Cape Ann.
Education
Certificate - Ecological Horticulture
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA10-2007
B.A. - English
College of Wooster
Wooster, OH05-2001
Skills
- Farm and crop management
- Soil health management
- Greenhouse and irrigation management
- Tractor and equipment operation
- Budgeting and fundraising
- Staff and contractor supervision
- Market partnerships
- Food access initiatives
- Agricultural education
- Agroecological practices
- Youth development
- Property stewardship
Timeline
Board Supervisor
Bristol County Conservation District
04.2026 - Current
Commiunity Advisory Board member
Southcoast Food Policy Council
01.2026 - Current
Farm Director
YMCA SOUTHCOAST — SHARING THE HARVEST COMMUNITY FARM
10.2018 - Current
Sole Proprietor
ASHLEY'S PRODUCE AT ROUND THE BEND FARM
01.2014 - 10.2018
Board Member
SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP (SEMAP)
01.2013 - 01.2019
Production Manager
EVA'S GARDEN
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Farm Manager / Farm Manager
WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST — RUSHTON FARM
02.2008 - 11.2011
Field Crew / Farm Café Server → Year-Round Management
COONAMESETT FARM
09.2004 - 03.2007
Farm Apprentice
SEEDS OF SOLIDARITY
01.2004 - 01.2004
Assistant Watch Officer, Environmental Expeditions
THOMPSON ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
01.2000 - 01.2003
Certificate - Ecological Horticulture
University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. - English
College of Wooster