Wally Farms

Participants will learn from Nena Johnson, Managing Director at Wally Farms, backed by over twenty years of unwavering dedication to sustainable food production and land stewardship. Her journey, influenced by her upbringing in Washington, D.C., and her Ecuadorian heritage, has led her to a path of advocating for environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Before joining Wally Farms, Nena held pivotal roles in the sustainable agriculture sector, including leading the Texas Farmers' Markets through the COVID-19 pandemic, co-founding the women-owned and led granola company Sweet Deliverance, and managing the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival. Notably, her tenure at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture was a defining period where she spearheaded the Growing Farmers Initiative and the National Young Farmers Conference, both aimed at nurturing the next generation of farmers.

Nena's academic pursuits took her to the Royal Agricultural University in England, where she earned an MBA in Advanced Farm Management. Her dissertation delved into the business models for new entrants in small-scale vegetable production in the UK, showcasing her commitment to practical and sustainable farming solutions. Additionally, she manages her family's farm in the Andes of Ecuador, which includes a variety of livestock and demonstrates her hands-on approach to agriculture.

In her current role at Wally Farms, Nena is at the helm of strategic planning and program model development, setting the direction for the farm's future. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to transparency and unity, ensuring clear and op en communication within the farm's community as it grows. She is inspired by leaders  in the field of sustainable agriculture, such as Fred Kirschenmann and Karen Washington, whose philosophies and actions resonate with her own, as well as the writings of the late Tom Lyson.