EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. – Washington State University alumna Kim Miller loves her job at Tiny's Organic in East Wenatchee, where cuddling baby chicks is just one of the perks.

Miller graduated from Washington State University with an English degree in 1994 and is the manager of the Community Supported Agriculture program at Tiny’s Organic in East Wenatchee.

It wasn’t until Miller and her husband bought 2.5 acres in Ephrata, Wash., and planted their first vegetable garden that she grew an interest in a sustainable, organic lifestyle.

Her degree from WSU helps her institute Tiny’s weekly newsletter, "Fresh from the Farm," a direct communication link between CSA members and the farm. The newsletter is included in produce bags delivered to CSA members in more than 70 locations across the state and to individual homes during the summer and early fall.

 
 "Honestly, my English degree didn’t help so much as the entire college experience as a whole,” she said. "What I feel I really learned was not only the academic information (in terms of gathering knowledge) but also the process of being responsible for my actions, learning how to deal with people and living on my own.”

The farm was established more than 40 years ago by the McPherson family and is still owned and operated by the family. Located near the Columbia River, the farm grows stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries) as well as mixed greens, summer squashes, tomatoes and eggplant.

Tiny’s has used organic growing methods for more than 20 years and is 100 percent certified organic; supplying produce to some 35 farmers markets. It also offers an internship to introduce people to farming and all aspects of its operation.

As Tiny’s CSA program manager, Miller said her favorite part of the job is being a part of something that is so important to our future as humans.

"The calm that comes from being able to look out my window at any moment and see our beautiful orchard while watching the chickens peck around outside doesn’t hurt either,” she said. "I absolutely love my job! I can’t see myself working anywhere else.”