21 Roots Farm was our gracious host for Care Farming Network’s first Midwest Care Farm Tour and Meet-Up, an opportunity for both aspiring and established care farmers to network, exchange ideas, and gather in person at a host farm. 21 Roots offers high-quality nature and agriculture-based programming that helps people with developmental disabilities cultivate a sense of purpose and community. By fostering inclusive connections that are rooted in real life, they provide opportunities, resources, and support that encourage all people to tend to their gifts and harvest their full potential.

Amy, Brittany, and Mariana provided a tour of their gardens, orchard, barn, and an incredibly friendly assortment of goats, sheep, Highland cows, a pig named Little Bean, donkeys, and vocal kitties. Amy and Brittany shared how shortly after college, they began dreaming of nature-based programming for adults with developmental disabilities. In 2017, they visited a farm in Ontario, Canada. That trip nurtured the seeds and ultimately blossomed into 21 Roots Farm.

We talked about how 21 Roots Farm has grown since 2018, and discussed the challenges of starting one’s own care farm. Some participants were in the early stages of developing their own farms and were curious to hear how 21 Roots Farm has developed into a 26-acre working care farm. We ate a delicious lunch, perused the goat milk soap for sale, and headed back out to the barn to hang out in the goat pasture.

We learned about the youth and adult programming offered at the farm. Farmers can choose the weekly frequency and number of sessions they spend at the farm, providing optimal scheduling flexibility. They participate in sustainable farming practices both in the garden and with the animals, maintaining the garden, harvesting, and helping with animal care. And while it was after harvest, we toured the gardens where vegetables are grown which provide 20 CSA shares to members.

We ended our day watching an apple cider press demonstration, saying a “slow, Minnesota goodbye.” We look forward to meeting again after the snow flies and a new season emerges, making connections, and continuing to build a caring farming community here in the Midwest.

Products of the Farm

21 Roots Farm is always working and experimenting with products produced, grown and developed at the farm. Some of our experimenting is done with different natural dyes that can be used on fabrics and in our soaps. They have been working hard to develop various soaps, balms, and other skin care products. They extract honey, tap maple trees, and grow veggies on a sustainable scale. Their products are available for purchase on a seasonal basis.

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Summer mornings start peacefully at 21 Roots Farm. When the youth farmers arrive, it’s possible to hear their footsteps as they crunch their way up the gravel road. The broiler chickens are quietly cackling to themselves, and a gentle breeze rustles through the tops of the trees. It’s already warm, and the farmers gather under a maple tree. Each one gets a mini clipboard, a pen and a laminated checklist of the day’s activities, which start with a welcoming exercise.

“What’s your favorite artist?” Farmer Jenny asks the group. “I’ll go last, you start us off.” She points to Farmer Heather, who has pulled her whole body into her plastic chair and wrapped her arms around her knees. She shakes her head and hides under her mini clipboard. (Note: Youth names have been changed to protect their identity.)

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Saturday, October 5th, 11:00am-2:00pm

You’re invited to visit and learn about care farming and how Reed’s Farm serves as “a living laboratory where people can learn about and participate in sustainable agriculture, fostering a deeper connection between people and the land.”

A Meaningful Purpose at Reed’s Farm was founded in 2020 to address the needs of food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic County, NJ. The farm operates year-round utilizing organic and regenerative practices, hosts a sanctuary for farm animals, and provides educational and vocational programming to local schools and organizations with a focus on individuals with cognitive disabilities.

This Care Farming Tour & Meetup is funded by a SARE Northeast grant, the goal of which is to increase employment and meaningful work opportunities for people with I/DD on farms. We hope that care farmers will feel more connected and supported as we build an infrastructure that includes mentoring, farm tours, and training opportunities for those involved in this work. 

Details:

Where: Reed’s Farm, 5075 Spruce Ave, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

Following the tour there will be an opportunity to eat lunch at Reed’s Farm Market!

Questions: Please contact Kasey at CFN: kasey@carefarmingnetwork.org 

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Pennsylvania Meetup in September

Homefields Care Farm is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to creating new life options for people who have disabilities.

• Tuesday, September 10th, 3:00-7:30pm
• Homefields Care Farm, 150 Letort Road Millersville, PA 17551
• Event Details Here

Minnesota Meetup in October

 21 Roots Farm is located in Minnesota and provides a place for children and adults with developmental disabilities to connect with nature, community, and dignity through farming.

• Saturday, October 5th from 11-2 pm
• We’ll enjoy a tour of the farm, which will include a demonstration of their apple cider press, and learn about the adaptive tools they’ve created to utilize on the farm. A light lunch will be provided.
• Event Details Here

New Jersey Meetup in October

A Meaningful Purpose at Reeds Farm was founded in 2020 to address the needs of food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic County, NJ. The farm operates year-round utilizing organic and regenerative practices, hosts a sanctuary for farm animals, and provides educational and vocational programming to local schools and organizations with a focus on individuals with cognitive disabilities.

• Saturday, October 5th from 11-2 pm
• We’ll enjoy a tour of the farm, Following the tour there will be an opportunity to eat lunch at Reed’s Farm Market!
• Event Details Here

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Saturday, October 5th, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

10361 110th St N, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082

Free to attend

Care Farming Network is co-hosting our first Midwest Meet-up and you’re invited! Join us to meet other care farmers and learn how 21 Roots Farm is providing a place for children and adults with developmental disabilities to connect with nature, community, and dignity through farming. All care farmers are invited to gather, socialize, and learn from each other at this beautiful farm located just north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

Details:

• Saturday, October 5th, 2024
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• We’ll tour 21 Roots farm, which will include a demonstration of their apple cider press, and learn about the adaptive tools they’ve created to utilize on the farm
• A light lunch will be provided
• Please register in advance

About 21 Roots Farm

21 Roots Farm offers high-quality nature and agriculture-based programming that helps people with developmental disabilities cultivate a sense of purpose and community. By fostering inclusive connections that are rooted in real life, we provide opportunities, resources, and support that encourage all people to tend to their gifts and harvest their full potential.

• “21 Roots Farm grows jobs — and hope — for people with developmental disabilities” (Pioneer Press Article, Read Here!)
• See drone footage of 21 Roots Farm

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