Abby Kellner-Rode was born on the East Coast, went to college in Colorado, moved to California where she met her late husband, then up to Alaska, where they lived for 32 years. She retired after 27 years teaching kindergarten and being a children’s librarian. They moved to Bend in 2010. At the end of 2016, they bought a farm, and Boundless Farmstead was born. She now lives on a beautiful 20 acres where son and daughter-in-law, David and Megan Kellner-Rode, raise a myriad variety of vegetables and fruits, using organic methods, selling them throughout Central Oregon. Her entire family lives in Central Oregon. Her daughter Maija, is an artist, and has starting a nonprofit , called The Open Arts Center. Son Matt and wife, Brenda Rode have a family medical practice and physical therapy clinic in NW Crossing. Abby’s roots are firmly planted in Central Oregon.

Abby works to be a good steward of the land, respecting wildlife and appreciates high desert living. Abby has volunteered to improve food systems and food insecurity issues with Central Oregon Locavore, Bend Food Project, The Giving Plate and HDFFA for many years. Her passion is to find more and better ways to ensure that HDFFA’s mission statement, “Everyone Deserves Good Food” continues and grows sustainably and equitably. HDFFA’s goals to support and encourage farmers here is equally important, as growing in the High Desert has unique challenges and difficulties for farmers to acquire and farm land.

In her free time she is an avid reader, gardener, dog lover, and enjoys the peace and quiet. She loves cooking and canning and enjoys sharing it with others.