Heather Toman

Heather Toman is a farmer at Full Circle Community Farm in Seymour, Wisconsin, providing the Fox Valley region with vegetables, eggs, and meat through the Appleton Farmer's Market. She grew up in New Mexico and came to the Midwest via Northern Michigan University. There she studied biology and met her partner. Together, they decided to run his fifth-generation Wisconsin family farm with a new focus on organic and sustainable agriculture. Heather strategizes and manages the farm's finances and operations. Since her job duties are less hands-on, Heather has started growing flowers to stay connected to the land. Her current favorites are the ranunculus and the anemone. While she adores her two dogs and her farm family, Heather enjoys long car rides listening to inspiring podcasts in her own company.

As a trained biologist, Heather looks at her surroundings through a scientific lens. She is fascinated by nature's genius way of creating harmony through symbiosis and seeks new practical applications of the concept. Under Heather's guidance, Full Circle Farm provides the community with nourishing food. Harnessing nature while respecting it, Heather achieves this balance. Besides, Heather creates symbiosis in her community. She collaborates with other area farmers benefiting everyone. Heather's overall focus is on community and not on competition. She believes that there are enough resources for everyone to coexist productively and peacefully.

Heather is soft spoken and thoughtful. She approaches every day with quiet strength and an open mind. Through her family, she experienced different religious traditions in her childhood. This taught her to engage and respect different perspectives. She has learned that life consists of moments, and she makes sure to enjoy as many as possible. Heather works on expanding the farm's beneficial reach. In the future, new educational programs will connect individuals with nature. She also has plans for the farm to be a research site for local universities. Instead of worrying too much about what may come next, Heather recommends learning leadership skills and building confidence.

- Written by Juliane Troicki of Illuminating Project