Videos

Growing Community
1. Farmers Markets Don't Just Happen
In this video, join Emily Lysen and Jill Elmers from the Lawrence Farmers Market as they describe all that goes into running the oldest farmers market in Kansas. Learn about how they engage with the community as well as invite diverse vendors and customers to be part of the market. This video was produced in partnership with the Farmers Market Coalition to support and celebrate farmers markets during National Farmers Markets Week. Go visit your local market soon!
Emily Lysen
Emily Lysen Lawrence Farmers Market
Growing Community
2. Growing Community: Tips to Raise Pigs
Join April Jones to learn tips to raise pigs from Paige Jackson of Grass Grazed Farm. As part of a series bridging the Carolinas and their agriculture, April and Paige discuss homesteading, focusing on animal husbandry, particularly pigs. From what type of small pig is best for your homestead conditions to the flavor profiles of particular breeds, as well as tips on wire training for hog paneling and advice on mixing breeds, Paige offers tips for maintaining your pigs. Considering climate, soil, and pig type, Paige and April discuss the nose-to-tail approach to pigs, the gardening benefits of such animals, how to monitor their health, and the importance of locally sourced feed. Learn how everything from quality of soil to fencing can play a role in raising pigs on your homestead!
April Jones
April Jones Pinehurst Consulting, Pinehurst Community Action
Growing Community
3. Growing Community: Medicinal Garden Benefits
Discover the benefits of a medicinal garden from Phoebe Gooding of Hawk’s Nest Healing Garden as April Jones bridges the Carolinas’ shared agricultural journey! From healing people to the planet, Phoebe discusses firsthand experience with overwintering plant varieties, starting from seed versus plants, as well as the cultural significance and connection of various plants. Join April and Phoebe to learn about the uses and benefits of lemongrass, lavender, marsh mallow, and more!
April Jones
April Jones Pinehurst Consulting, Pinehurst Community Action
Growing Community
4. Growing Community: The Basics of Using Chicken Tractors
April Jones visits the Sealboys Farm in Little Mountain, South Carolina to learn the basics of using chicken tractors from Debbie Seal. From ways to modify your chicken tractor for various weather conditions to what chicken breeds suit what conditions, Debbie and April cover the fundamentals of chicken tractors.
April Jones
April Jones Pinehurst Consulting, Pinehurst Community Action
Growing Community
5. Community Engagement Through Food
Are you hoping to take steps to address food equity in your community? April Jones shares her tips on promoting your local, sustainable food system so you can create a stronger, more resilient community.
April Jones
April Jones Pinehurst Consulting, Pinehurst Community Action
Growing Community
6. How to Build Sustainable Communities with Seed Swaps & Seed Libraries
This energetic presentation from author Bevin Cohen highlights the importance of community seed-sharing programs. Learn why planting, saving, and sharing seeds is essential to the cultivation of sustainable neighborhoods and healthy communities. Discover how to organize a seed swap, establish a seed library, and cultivate healthy changes for your community, from the soil up.
Bevin Cohen
Bevin Cohen Small House Farm, MI Seed Library
Growing Community
7. Battleground to Breaking Ground
Battleground to Breaking Ground is a USDA-funded program that provides education and resources for veterans, active-duty military, and other beginning farmers and ranchers about starting or expanding an agriculture operation.
Erin Kimbrough
Erin Kimbrough Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Growing Community
8. Building Community Through Agricultural Livelihoods for Refugees
New Leaf Agriculture is a social enterprise of the Multicultural Refugee Coalition. The certified organic farm, located in Elgin, Texas, creates livelihood opportunities for refugees through a community-supported agriculture program as well as sales at farmers markets and to restaurants. Matt Simon and Nico Schuessler focus on the ways in which the farm supports its refugee employees, as well as its impact on the surrounding community. They also cover some of the exciting upcoming projects on the farm, and elaborate on our regenerative and organic methods. They can’t wait to share our community with you!
Matt Simon
Matt Simon New Leaf Agriculture, Multicultural Refugee Coalition
Growing Community
9. Big Team Farms
Starting from the conclusions of her debut book Farm (and Other F Words), Sarah K. Mock will explore what comes after the fall of the small family farm, and how communities can work strategically to grow farms differently for good food, good jobs, and good stewardship.
Sarah K. Mock
Sarah K. Mock Freelance Writer and Researcher
Growing Community
10. Nutrition Incentives and Local Food Systems
Nutrition incentive programs provide a unique opportunity to build a community around a more equitable food system. In this workshop, Simone Benz of Sustainable Food Center and Bethel Erickson-Bruce of Waco Downtown Farmers’ Market share about their efforts in building community through local food.
Simone Benz
Simone Benz Sustainable Food Center