GFP069: Farm Education Programs, What You Need To Know

Information, like matter, cannot be created or destroyed, just changed. Even the most creative works are just the imaginative reworkings of some artists mind. All of our thoughts are distillations of our life experiences. Knowing that, how would you feel if you knew you had the chance to influence the thought patterns of others with your work in sustainable agriculture. I know how I'd feel, pretty darn cool! Today's podcast guest is a farm educator who has accomplished some pretty amazing things in his area of the world. In this podcast episode he and I talk about motivations for bringing kids on farm, opening your farm up to the public, and weaving an educational element into farm life. Farm life in and of itself is an education. I know that I learn something new every day.  I am now excited that I can share those experiences with others. Right click here to download the MP3 In this farm podcast you will learn: How an educational background and a love of farming can bloom into a successful farm education program How bringing kids back for repeat visits keeps them engaged What the most popular activities are on farm for kids How you can work with schools to bring farming to the kids Interview with John Belber of Holly Hill Farm It was great talking to John for the interview. He has done some amazing things as part of the crew over at Holly Hill Farm. Holly Hill Farm is an organic farm located 25 miles southeast of Boston in the beautiful coastal town of Cohasset MA and has been in the White family for 5 generations. The Farm consists of 140 acres of land which includes 10 acres of open fields of which 3 acres are growing fields, historic buildings, greenhouses and diversified natural areas for educational purposes. We grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers that are sold at our Farm Stand, at the Cohasset Farmers Market, and to select restaurants. Seedlings are sold at our annual plant sales. Friends of Holly Hill Farm, is a non-profit educational organization that uses the Farm as its outdoor classroom. Hands-on education programs for children and adults teach the importance of food grown organically – to us and to the environment. We also design curriculum, partner with area schools, and conduct programs for local community organizations. Items mentioned in this farm podcast include: Holly Hill Farm Holly Hill Farm on Facebook GFP029 Farm Education with Diane Swanson Farm Finance Challenge Berube Farm Take aways: When you think to how your actions today are going to effect the future, are you inspired to start educating others? In what way would you farm benefit from trying out some sort of educational programs? Farm quote of the episode: "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin -- Thanks for taking the time to listen in, and let me know what you think. You can leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, reach me on Facebook , or leave a 5 star rating in iTunes if you liked the show. Click to subscrible to iTunes Support the podcast with $1 a month Past Episodes