Cornell Small Farms Program/Farm Ops Project
Nina Saeli grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains before joining the Army. After retiring out of Fort Benning, GA, she and her husband, Jeffrey, started Centurion Farm, LLC in the Finger Lakes of New York. Nina first became enticed by the concept of growing herbs as she watched her husband grow basil in pots and cut and use the herb during meal preparation. The love of her husband’s cooking and new found love for growing food inspired her to grow and preserve all of family’s herbs. The couple have not purchased herbs, fresh or dried, from a store in over 10 years. As part of Nina’s efforts to ‘slow down’ after two spine surgeries, she began to study and explore how to grow and use medicinal herbs. She and her husband now grow and incorporate over 30 culinary and medicinal herbs and spices into their life as food, drink, and medicine. They also share their knowledge on growing and using culinary and medicinal herbs with their community by offering on farm tours and in person and virtual classes. In addition to being a farmer, Nina works for the Cornell Small Farm Program and oversees the veteran project, Farm Ops, which supports NYS veterans, who desire to explore and/or pursue agricultural vocations.
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