King Farm| Volunteer Day 7/7 Installing Drip!|Farm Archive

What better manner to spend a report setting warm day then putting in a drip irrigation gadget!

VOLUNTEER DAY

10am to 2pm

YOUTH FARM, six hundred Kingston Ave, btwn Rutland and Winthrop

On Saturday we can be installing a drip irrigation gadget on the farm. Please join us and learn how. The machine within reason reasonably-priced and a incredible choice for gardens interested by saving water and time. The machine is easy to place on a timer, and virtually takes a turn of a spigot to water a large section right on the roots of your plant life.

Please be part of us on the farm. We can also be ingesting cucumbers and jogging within the sprinkler!

King Farm| VOLUNTEER DAY & SEED SAVING WORKSHOP!|Farm Archive

Be a part of us this Saturday for a

VOLUNTEER DAY & SEED SAVING WORKSHOP

Have you ever grown that perfect tomato and then not been able to find the seeds the next year? Want to develop pepper plants that grow perfectly in your yard?

  Saturday 9/15

Volunteer Work 10am - 2:pm

Free Workshop 2pm- 3:30 pm

600 Kingston ave, btw Winthrop and Rutland

Please join us for a volunteer day at the Youth Farm. We will be getting the farm in tip top shape for the new school year. We need your help in reining in the weeds and planting some fall crops.

Please bring a healthy lunch, a water bottle, and a hat. just show up and bring a friend!

King Farm| Summer Youth & Food|Farm Archive

King Farm| Making News Headlines!|Farm Archive

We realize what we do, and the difference it makes in the lives of our students, trainees, marketplace customers and volunteers. But its continually exceptional to be recognized too!

NY POST- The Next Big Things- BEST NYC HIGH SCHOOLS!

"High School for Public Service 600 Kingston Ave., Brooklyn

Founded after 9-11, this 420-student school in the old Wingate HS constructing pairs hard teachers with civic-mindedness. Students until a one-acre farm, growing heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, sorrel, strawberries, herbs, and greater. Some 800 kilos of pesticide-unfastened produce is bought at the school?S Farmers Market -- which accepts food stamps. The Go Green class covers biology and health. Students dedicate up to 1,000 hours in homeless shelters, soup kitchens, tutoring facilities. Pupils enter a legal or medical academy. Ninety percentage of closing yr?S grades enrolled in university ? Which include Ivy League."

CLEAN PLATES - Brooklyn’s Youth Farm: Sowing the Seeds of a New $1 Menu

"The Youth Farm applications instill college students with extra awareness and admire for the environment and their very own our bodies: Students study that water is healthier than Red Bull ? And thanks to water jugs on cafeteria tables, they?Re ingesting extra water than earlier than ? Which ingredients are filled with corn syrup and how eating regimen relates to diabetes, how orange peels come to be compost and the significance of recycling. One student, Sean, reduce rapid food from his weight loss plan and then satisfied his mom to shop for a juicer. Another Go Green player, Shineka Williams, reviews students have additionally located: ?Organic food doesn?T flavor nasty.?"

King Farm| DO YOU LOVE SCHOOL FARMS & GARDENS?|Farm Archive

Please give your financial support to help us continue running our educational programs

The Youth Farm thanks you for your incredible support of the Youth Farm at HSPS! Because the Youth Farm has been so successful growing food for the community, the Department of Education is working closely with our team to set standards for NYC school farms & gardens. This is an amazing moment in school garden history as we are piloting standards for all of NYC!

Because of their support for the Youth Farm, the DOE has very graciously allowed us to continue selling flowers and host educational programs on site, but we are still eagerly awaiting the finalized standards to go into effect for us to be allowed to sell the hundreds of pounds of food we grow every week on site. We rely on the income from our produce sales to run our educational programs, so we are asking for your support in this historic moment that will pave the way for all future NYC school farms and gardens.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

& REMEMBER TO DEDICATE YOUR GIFT TO THE YOUTH FARM IN THE BLUE BOX!

Currently we are the only school farm or garden that the DOE has requested to stop sales of produce, and we're hoping that our work will ensure others do not have to stop their work as well. WHEN YOU SUPPORT US TODAY, YOU ARE SUPPORTING ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE SCHOOL FARMS AND GARDENS WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THESE NEW STANDARDS. Let's get more Brooklyn kids hands in the dirt!

King Farm| HSPS & Youth Farmer Praised in "City Limits"|Farm Archive

Photo by means of Taleen Dersdepanian

examine the complete article HERE

King Farm| Free Workshop this Saturday October 6th|Farm Archive

Growing lots of tasty veggies is predicated on sustainable practices 12 months-spherical. Farmer Molly will lead this palms-on workshop, and could assessment the way to put together your beds within the fall the use of minimum cultivation and compost, as well as cover vegetation. These techniques will assist improve your soil and defend it over the iciness months.

Saturday October sixth, 2:00 - three:30 pm

Join us at 10am to volunteer at the Farm, and then stay for a free fingers on workshop.

600 Kingston Ave, between Winthrop and Rultand. Take the 2/5 to Winthrop and walk 3 blocks east.

King Farm| FARM UPDATES: Fall and paving the way for more school garden...|Farm Archive

Here is an excerpt from our weekly publication,

The cold weather is moving in and the farm is transitioning into a new phase. Farming is a cycle process with constants that change in their actions but not in spirit; we are constantly focused on caring for the short term and long term health of our soil and our community and do so with many different successions of plants and farm work. Though we are still harvesting tomatoes and can feel the suns rays on our skin and remember the intense heat of the summer, we are thinking forward to our harvest next season and nurturing our soil by planting cover crops and careful cultivation.

We are slowly casting off plants which might be beyond their top, so we can get good boom on our area peas, vetch, oats, rye and clover earlier than its too cold. These are special vegetation we grow for the soil, not to eat. We plant these vegetation inside the fall so that they maintain the soil within the beds, stopping it from washing away. Cover plants additionally upload nutrients to the soil through taking nitrogen from the surroundings and storing it in the soil, legumes do it themselves with the help of rhizobial bacteria, and the relaxation add nitrogen while we till them into the soil to break down within the spring. Cover crops also help to interrupt up hard soils, their roots grow deep into the soil and create space for oxygen and drainage.

We will keep growing plant life and convey into the bloodless months each in our hoop residence and outside. Take a glance in our bloodless frames, mini greenhouses, to see the style of greens and root plants sprout up. You may also see increasingly more white blankets, referred to as row covers, overlaying beds. Both the row covers and cold frames provide a bit extra refuge to the vegetation, maintaining them warmer, and shielding them from mild frosts. Check out Harriet the Hoop House too, she has some new beds prepped and planted. Last year we were harvesting proper as much as new yr, and wish to this year as well.

We are still in negotiations with the DOE on our contract, and unfortunately are still not able to distribute our produce. We are very happy to be establishing standards for soil quality and non-profit partnerships that will benefit many school gardens in the future. The lack of sales however has greatly hurt the financial health of the farm. We depend on the sale of produce and flowers to run our programs. We are now forced to start cutting back programs and staff. We hope to be able to distribute again soon, but know that even then we will not be able to make up for the loss.

Bk farmyards is holding an amazing fundraiser on October 25^th, which we hope will provide some fund to allow us to continue operating. The event Meet your Maker: Crops& Hops, will be a celebration of local foods with sample pairings of food prepared by some of Brooklyn's best chefs and beer from NY’s best breweries. Tickets are available for a 6:30 & a 8:30 seating HERE. Hope to see you there!

King Farm| BRING US YOUR LEAVES|Farm Archive

Drop off your bags of leaves at our weekly

Farmers Market

Wednesdays 2:30-6:30

October 17th, 24th & 31st

600 Kingston Ave between Rutland and Winthrop

We will turn your leaves into rich compost and seedling mix to keep our farm growing and our communities bellies full. Leaves work as a great carbon source for our compost bins: Mixed with some weeds and veggie scraps, water and a little compost we can make black gold. Leaves broken down themselves makes a great alternative to peat for seedling mix. WE LOVE THEM!

King Farm| New York Times|Farm Archive

Take a look at out the Youth Farm in the Recent New York Times article

In the Book Bag, More Garden Tools

ByLISA W. FODERARO Published: November 23, 2012

Excerpt:

Green roofs and gardens aren't for simplest elementary faculties, but. In Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the High School for Public Service has a one-acre farm, that is now in its 1/3 season. The farm takes middle level in a route about the country?S food machine. Students also oversee a farmers? Market and offer cooking demonstrations.

King Farm| Setting Standards with the DOE|Farm Archive

Historic Moment for NYC School Gardens and Farms: The Youth Farm Requests Your Support

Since early September the Youth Farm has been unable to distribute, sell, or consume the nutritious produce we grow on our one-acre site. The Department of Education (DOE) decided to work closely with our team to set soil safety standards for NYC school farms & gardens. Together with Cornell Extensions, Cornell Soil Department of Crop & Soil Science, the NY Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture & Markets, Grow to Learn (Grow NYC & Green Thumb) and ATC Lab, we have set the standards! Though our soil has been deemed safe, we continue to eagerly await the finalized standards to go into effect for us to re-open our farmers market and distribute our amazing produce to our committed CSA members.

While this is an amazing moment in school garden history as we are piloting standards for all of NYC, we rely on the income from our farmers market to run our educational programs. So, we are asking for your support in this historic moment that will pave the way for all future NYC school farms and gardens. Our Farm Club is currently frustrated that their cooking programs have ended; our Go Green class has not been allowed to taste anything from the farm during the peak season for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and more; and our community is frustrated when they see so much fresh food going to waste when there is so little fresh, organic, affordable food available in the neighborhood.

Currently we are the only school farm or garden that the DOE has requested to stop sales of produce, and we're hoping that our work will ensure others do not have to stop their work as well. WHEN YOU SUPPORT US TODAY, YOU ARE SUPPORTING ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE SCHOOL FARMS AND GARDENS WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THESE NEW STANDARDS.

 Let's get more Brooklyn kids hands in the dirt! DONATE NOW!

The Youth Farm is a production oriented educational farm in central Brooklyn that offers the NYC community of all ages with opportunities to increase their knowledge of the food system and to build high level organic growing skills to share with their communities. The Youth Farm grows organic food and flowers on one acre and sells them to the community and beyond, and provides advanced farm training and leadership opportunities for youth and adults.

The Youth farm is designed for experiential educational programs and career training in sustainable agriculture: we have a range of youth programs for students at the High School for Public Service, and also host classes from around the city for hands-on tours and specialized workshops to help teachers teach various units. We provide a space for our community members to get their hands in the dirt and bring their rich agricultural knowledge. Our Adult Farm Training program is an intensive part-time program for individuals who are looking to immerse themselves in farming.

King Farm| WINTERSHIPS|Farm Archive

We at the moment are accepting programs for our 2012 Winterships!

Wintership participants will learn about sustainable horticulture, urban farm management and youth education though helping farm staff with on farm fall and winter tasks, some data entry and outreach. Interns will assist with daily farm work which can include, composting, seed sowing and transplanting, season extension, hoop house maintenance, sign painting, carpentry, harvesting, irrigation, data entry & assessment, community outreach and more!

• Hours: minimum of 4 hours per week
• Time: Tuesdays 11am – 2pm, Wednesdays 10-2 pm or Thursdays 9am-1pm
•  Commitment:  November 2012 through March 2012.
• Shorter internship available for special circumstances, but must be able to commit for at least 10 weeks.

The program is designed to be educational and fun, and provide a solid mentorship to those interested in working in urban or rural sustainable agriculture, as well as those who want to volunteer and get their hands dirty helping our community.

Minimum Qualifications

Willingness to work in all weather conditions

Self-motivated, independent and able to work within a fluid environment

Bring positive energy to the work

Highly dependable and punctual

Basic computer skills

Experience with horticulture, youth education, community organizing a plus

To apply, or to find out more information please email Tanzania (at) bkfarmyards (dot) com

King Farm| Storm Update|Farm Archive

However due to Sandy, tomorrow's farmers market is cancelled. You can still support the farm this Saturday from 12-3pm as we clean up and repair storm damage.We definitely have some damage, but not to bad if we have a few hands to help out!

Also we were featured in the New York Observer,

New York’s Urban Farms Weather Hurricane Sandy’s Winds But Not Her Waters. By Kim Velsey

?Food security is a genuinely large issue everyday for many New Yorkers who don?T have access to clean end result and greens,? Said Ms. Ayer, who supports developing extra nearby, organic foods to supplement the deliveries from principal agricultural operations Upstate and on Long Island. ?And now the climate is converting and it?S causing larger challenges.?

King Farm| Games, Food, Pumpkin Painting, Farm Tours...|Farm Archive

Join us for our annual FARMIVAL! WEDNESDAY 3-6PM

Our Go Green students are placing on a party now not to miss, along with farm tours, our farmers marketplace, face painting, games, pumpkin portray, farm fresh meals and more! Farmival is the yearly harvest competition on the Youth Farm, an urban farm at public excessive college in significant Brooklyn.

DID WE MENTION FREE VEGETABLES?

King Farm| 2014 Free Community Workshops |Farm Archive

Our FREE community workshops cover everything from common sustainable gardening and farming techniques to food justice. Every workshop takes place on a volunteer day - come work on the farm in the morning, then stick around for the free workshop!

Saturday May 3:

· VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

· WORKSHOP, 2-3:30pm:STARTING YOUR OWN SEEDS  with Assistant Manager Liz Dowd. In this hands-on workshop at the beautiful 1-acre Youth farm, learn how to start your own vegetables or flowers at home using basic supplies. Assistant Manager Liz will walk you through the basics of seed propagation and what's required for healthy seedlings: soil mediums, planting depth, watering, and environment/protection. Rain or shine - we have a giant hoophouse ideal for sowing seeds in spring!

Saturday June 7:

· VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

· WORKSHOP, 2-3:30pm:BED PREPARATION AND IRRIGATION FOR HEALTHY SOIL  with Farm Manager Molly Culver. Growing healthy plants starts with growing healthy soil. In this workshop we'll discuss the basic components of soil and how we can nurture the soil community to work to our garden's advantage. Ever wonder whether your watering techniques have an effect on your soil health? We'll also discuss and practice best watering practices for maintaining healthy soil and happy crops.

Saturday June 21: VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

Saturday July 5: NO VOLUNTEER DAY / NO WORKSHOP

Saturday August 2:

· VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

· WORKSHOP, 2-3:30pm:WHAT IS FOOD JUSTICE?  with our Farm to School Liaison Patricia Noto and Youth Farm Summer Youth. Description TBD.

Saturday September 6:

· VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

· WORKSHOP, 2-3:30pm:COMPOSTING BASICS  with Liz Dowd. Turn your waste into black gold! Learn about the different composting techniques and compost systems to suite your lifestyle and boost the fertility of your garden. We'll also review basic concepts for healthy and sustainable soil management in urban environments, to ensure happy and productive crops!

Saturday October 4:

· VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

· WORKSHOP, 2-3:30pm:FALL SOIL AMENDING WITH COVER CROPS  with Molly Culver. Growing tons of tasty veggies relies on using sustainable soil fertility practices, and one of the keys to soil healthy in an organic system is cover cropping. In this interactive workshop, we'll discuss the different varieties, optimal sowing times, and practice sowing cover crop seed. This workshop is great for a garden any size - from a 4'x8' bed to a small farm!

Saturday November 1:

· VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

· WORKSHOP, 2-3:30pm:PLANTING GARLI C. Add some spice and fire to your garden palette! In this hands-on workshop you will learn everything-garlic, including how and when to plant garlic for a successful spring harvest, how to dry garlic for year-round enjoyment, and all the medicinal properties of garlic.

Saturday November 8:

· FINAL VOLUNTEER DAY, 10-2pm

King Farm| Seeking 2013 Summer Nutrition Intern|Farm Archive

We are searching for applicants with revel in in both nutrients and training to sign up for the Youth Farm body of workers because the Summer Nutrition Intern for our Summer Youth Farmer Program. Program runs from July 3 ? August 24 with an orientation week based for your availability and planning hours interspersed from May 15 ? July three. The applicant ought to be an enthusiastic self-starter with enjoy in public nutrients, lesson planning, team management, and motivating and inspiring teenagers. The best candidate should be similarly cushty taking initiative and working collaboratively in a near-knit group environment. While farm understanding is appreciated, it's miles very critical that applicants have enjoy and/or are interested by mentoring children in management roles. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that respects and values diversity ? We strongly welcome candidates from all backgrounds as we are committed to hiring workforce that reflect the cultural and ethnic range of our college network.

Roles and obligations include:

Managing 10-15 adolescents farmers all through cooking and meals coaching classes

Motivating and developing management capabilities in children with the aim of having young adults lead cooking demos and create their own recipes towards the stop of the season.

Supporting teenagers in the introduction of a supportive group surroundings

Working with farm group to evaluate how kids development targets are being met

Motivating kids to have interaction in farm sports starting from irrigation and weeding to advertising and selling on the farm stand

Qualifications:

• Nutrition or public health background: ideal position for a college intern wanting hands on experience

• At least one season of farm/garden experience is desirable

• Manage work hours effectively with experience supervising others

• Outgoing and engaging personality

• Experience with non-profits, urban farming, food preparation, and/or nutrition a plus

Availability:

• MUST be available Wednesdays (10-6) and Saturdays (10-4) from July 3 through August 24^th as cooking program takes place Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Additionally, it is preferable that you can also join us Fridays (10-6) to continue team building with the group.

MUST be to be had for one week in May or June for farm orientation Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am-3pm every day.

Please ship a cover letter and resume to Anita Singh at anita@bkfarmyards.Com. The letter need to consist of details of your availability, as well as information about your applicable revel in. There is a monetary stipend available for this role, and also fresh harvested greens and herbs.

King Farm| 2013 Summer Youth Farmer Director Needed!|Farm Archive

We are seeking applicants with experience in both education and farming to join the Youth Farm staff as the Summer Youth Farmer Director from May 15 – August 31 with an orientation week the last week of April and planning hours interspersed from May 1 - May 15. The applicant should be an enthusiastic self-starter with experience in gardening or farming, lesson planning, team management, and motivating and inspiring teens. The ideal candidate should be equally comfortable taking initiative and working collaboratively in a close-knit team environment. While farm knowledge is appreciated, it is very important that applicants have experience mentoring youth in leadership roles. We are committed to creating a workplace that respects and values diversity – we strongly welcome candidates from all backgrounds as we are committed to hiring staff that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of our school community.

Roles and obligations include:

• Managing 10-15 youth farmers and several farm interns
• Motivating and developing leadership skills in youth
• Motivating youth to engage in farm activities ranging from irrigation and weeding to Marketing and selling at the farm stand
• Supporting teens in the creation of a supportive team environment
• Cultivating partnerships that support the goal of enhancing youth engagement
• Working with farm team to evaluate how youth development objectives are being met
• Collecting timesheets and budget for fiscal reporting
• Documenting work through teen created videos and writings
• Working with farmers to develop and integrate farm-based curriculum
• Working with nutrition intern to develop lessons around cooking in nutrition twice/week
• Managing farm school apprentice to lead youth and work on farm
• Researching latest farm-based and food systems curriculum

Qualifications:

• Licensed teacher or equivalent experience
• At least one season of farm/garden experience required
• Manage work hours effectively with experience supervising others
• Outgoing and engaging personality
• Experience with non-profits, urban farming, food preparation, and/or nutrition a plus

Availability:

• MUST be available Wednesdays (10-6), Fridays (10-6), and Saturdays (10-4) from July 3 through August 21^st.
• MUST be available for one week at the end of April or beginning of May for farm orientation Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am-3pm each day.
• Flexible hours are available in the planning stages May – June.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Anita Singh at anita@bkfarmyards.Com. The letter have to consist of info of your availability, as well as information about your applicable experience. This position is a paid element-time function (20 hours / week), and additionally includes fresh harvested greens and herbs.

King Farm| URBAN FARM TRAINING PROGRAM|Farm Archive

Apply Now for 2013 ! (Deadline extended - apply by March 30th!)

APPLY HERE

Hand-on work, formal instruction, field trips and independent projects will all form part of your learning environment. You can expect to walk away with an array of technical, organizational and critical thinking skills needed to produce nutritious food, and a clearer picture of how you see yourself pursuing a career related to sustainable agriculture. Our Certificate in Urban Farming provides an excellent foundation for any future food systems development work.

Download an Information Packet HERE

King Farm| Dear friends and neighbors, |Farm Archive

Please support our groundbreaking efforts. GIVE NOW.

(To ensure we get your gift, please choose Youth Farm from the drop down menu!)

As Mother Nature goes into hibernation for the winter, we would like to thank all of you for your generosity, time, and support this year. We are deeply grateful that so many of you believe in the work that we are doing.

Thanks to you, in 2012 over 500 kids cooked and ate delicious treats from the farm; teens and teachers spent over 6500 hours discovering new ways of thinking about food; 612 elementary students have discovered earthworms onsite and tasted our greens, and we grew TONS of food and flowers to boot.Check out the new video the Summer Youth Farmers made to share their experiences working on the farm.

As we plan our programs for 2013, we hope that you will consider supporting the Youth Farm in your holiday giving this year. Your contributions will allow us to expand our vision of being a hub for agricultural training and education.

With much gratitude and warm holiday wishes,

The Youth Farm Staff

King Farm| Free Compost Workshop Saturday May 4th|Farm Archive

Ever wanted to compost your food scraps? Not sure why your compost smells bad? Want to learn how to convince all your friends that composting will save the world?Then we have the workshop for you!

FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

May 4th 2-3:30pm

Composting and Soil Health

Turn your waste into black gold! Learn approximately the distinct composting techniques and compost structures to suite your life-style and boost the fertility of your garden. We'll additionally overview simple principles for healthful and sustainable soil control in city environments, to ensure glad and efficient vegetation!

come at 10 am for our Volunteer Day and then stay to get your learning on!

King Farm| EAT FOR FOOD JUSTICE!|Farm Archive

How about a CSA share from the Youth Farm! Not only will you get amazing organic produce and flowers, your money will help pay for on farm educational programs in urban agriculture and food justice for people of all ages in NYC. Whats better then that?

Sign Up NOW for your share! You can pick up your delicious produce and/or gorgeous bouquet at the Youth Farm in East Flatbush or at Shambalah Yoga in Prospect Heights.

Whats that saying, put your money where your mouth is? What about put your mouth where your heart is.... eat what you carry on your sleeve... might need some help on this one.  hmmm. You can literally eat your values!

King Farm| First Volunteer Day!|Farm Archive

Come and assist us get the farm equipped to grow plenty of beautiful produce and plants and provide heaps of fun educational stories. We could be getting our beds ready, setting woodchips in our paths, planting seeds, painting and more.

First of the 2013 season

VOLUNTEER DAY!

APRIL 20th, 9:30-3:30

Please deliver properly working garments and sturdy footwear, masses of water and a healthful lunch and snacks.

 You do not need to inform us your coming, just display up! (except you're bringing a big institution with you)

King Farm| Info Sessions on the Urban Farm Training Program: May 10th and 11th 2013|Farm Archive

Farmer Molly and Farmer Bee will hold two Info Sessions on our Urban Farming Training Program: If you have a network you already communicate with regularly, please spread the word about these 2 sessions, especially to anyone interested in a farming immersion program!

May Info Sessions on the Youth Farm's Urban Farm Training Program:

Friday May 10th, 7-eight:30 pm at sixty one Local, sixty one Bergen St. BK, NY

Saturday May eleventh, 11 - 12:30pm at The Youth Farm, 600 Kingston Ave. BK, NY

Brief Description of the Urban Farm Training Program:

This is an intensive, 20-hr. per week training program  designed to immerse working/urban participants in farming as much as possible given life constraints.

The UFTP is taught through Co-Farm Managers Molly Culver and Bee Ayer, Farm School NYC founders/teachers, every with 10 years' enjoy farming organically. The program blends palms-on farm work in addition to formalized instruction to cover the range of essential seasonal skill sets, from soil science to direct advertising. Open to adults 19 and up. Sliding scale.

Apprenticeship Components:

* Hands-on farm work on a 1 acre different, in-ground farm

* Technical Workshops on Seasonal topics

* Instructional farm walks

* Training Rotations in Propagation, Irrigation, Farm Management and greater

* Direct advertising and marketing thru CSA, Farmers Market, and Restaurants

* Working with adolescents

* NYC C.R.A.F.T. Membership

* Round desk dialogue with food structures experts

Join Farmer Molly on Friday, May tenth or Farmer Bee on Saturday May 11th to find out about the history of the Youth Farm, our growing practices, instructional programming and direct marketing, and to pay attention greater specifics on our Apprenticeship.

For extra facts on our Apprenticeship visit:http://hspsfarm.Blogspot.Com/p/urban-farm-training-application.Html.

Accepting on-line packages through May 15!

King Farm| 70 Degrees and Sunny!|Farm Archive

SPRING IS HERE!

With 70 degree climate, clear skies and masses of plants to get into the ground!

Bring your buddies, family and pals as well as a water bottle, work footwear and garments and healthful lunch

SATURDAY MAY 18th

10am-three:30 pm

six hundred Kingston Ave, BK NY 11216

Children below the age of 15 have to be followed by using an grownup.

Check out greater records approximately the Youth Farm on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

King Farm| June 15th 2-3pm On-Farm Yoga! Ommmmmmmmm|Farm Archive

Please join us for a completely unique event

our first On-Farm Yoga!

We are partnering with Shamabhala Yoga & Dance Center to offer sliding scale Yoga classes on the farm. The classes will take place overlooking the beautiful organic flowers and vegetables. The classes will be beginner level and will be a great way to finish a volunteer day! You can stay after the volunteer day, or come just for some yoga.

Bring a mat if you want (we will mostly be standing) and a water bottle.

Now in their 11th year, Shambhala is an intimate, non-competitive, community- and family-oriented yoga & dance center that reflects the depth and diversity of our neighborhood. In a truly heartfelt celebration of life, they welcome people of all backgrounds to come together and, side by side, enjoy the deep benefits of aligning the body, the mind and the breath — whether it’s through yoga, dance, meditation, massage, Reiki, acupuncture, buying locally-made wellness products or just chatting over a cup of tea!

They are delighted to be a community-supported studio. Fellow neighbors and yogis volunteer their time to sit at the front desk, greet and sign in classes, maintain our studio, and cultivate their garden. They are so grateful for all who share their energies and talents and fill our space with such love.

Next On-Farm Yoga:

August 3rd 3:30-4:30pm with Tara

September 7th 3:30-4:30pm with Deidra

The Youth Farm, 600 Kingston Ave BK NY. Between Rutland & Winthrop Ave, by the Winthrop 2/5 subway stop.

King Farm| Newsletter #1!|Farm Archive

Want to find out whats happening at The Youth Farm? Check out our weekly Newsletter.

We put this little e-newsletter together for our CSA shares, but its tremendous for non-csa participants too. We usually have amazing statistics approximately whats occurring at The Youth Farm, and thoughts on city farming and the meals device from certainly one of our farmers. We additionally highlight a unique flower or vegetable of the week, and feature an interview with one in every of our software Participants.

Highlights from this week consist of:

• Updates on the farm and programs
• Meet our New Assistant Farm Manager
• Veggie Highlight: Sorrel, a great spring green
• Whats Happening at the Farm this Season

King Farm| Newsletter #2|Farm Archive

Check out our 2ndNewsletter of the Season!

Highlights:

• Watch out the Symphylans are Here!
• Garlic Scapes & Pesto
• Meet one of our Urban Farm Training Program Participants
• Upcoming Events

King Farm| FARM SUPER SATURDAY! Plant Sale, Volunteer Day & Free Workshop: Pests & Diseases|Farm Archive

Please be a part of us this Saturday for a a laugh crammed day at the farm!

Organic Plant Sale: 2-4pm,

Our Go Green! High School Class grew lots of flowers and desires to proportion them with you! The flowers have been all commenced from seed by means of the students and lovingly raised all spring. Tons of different greens and herbs available.

Volunteer Day: 10am-2pm,

You can come for the entire day or drop in. Please carry lunch, a water bottle and suitable apparel. Please note no sandals or open toed shoes. Youth beneath the age of 13 have to be followed by using an adult. If you would love to come with a group simply drop us a line and let us realize!

Free Workshop:  Management of Pests & Diseases 2-3:30pm,

Using organic preventative techniques can be essential to maintaining a thriving garden or farm. In this hands-on workshop we will discuss common garden pests, their life cycles, and how to manage them without using synthetic chemical that are hard on the natural ecosystem.

King Farm| Farm Happenings|Farm Archive

NewsletterJuly 1st 2013

King Farm| Now Hiring!|Farm Archive

We are actually hiring, in case you are inquisitive about working in a dynamic surroundings with an extraordinary team and feature horticulture and coaching talents please observe!

Youth Coordinator / School Liaison Position

The Youth Farm is a unique partnership between the High School for Public Service and Green Guerillas. It is a one acre diversified production farm enticing the college community and surrounding neighborhood in farm-based totally experiential mastering and farm education. Farm merchandise are sold at a weekly farmers marketplace increasing network get entry to to sparkling affordable meals.

We are in search of applicants with experience in both education and farming to enroll in the Youth Farm personnel because the Youth Coordinator / School Liaison for this specific project. The aim of this role is to share horticulture and food justice know-how with Wingate instructors and the community thru farm-based totally training and workshops. The applicant need to be an enthusiastic self-starter with experience in curriculum development, lesson making plans, and motivating and provoking young adults. The perfect candidate ought to be equally comfortable taking initiative and operating collaboratively in a near-knit crew surroundings.

Gardening and horticulture expertise is a ought to for this role. You ought to have the abilities and knowledge to develop and lead on-farm instructions with students of every age. This Youth Coordinator/School Liaison will work with the college and teachers to assist contain agriculture and food justice problems into their curricula, hosting trainer-led instructions at the farm, and main farm workshops with students and community contributors throughout on-farm discipline trips and tours.

We are devoted to developing a administrative center that respects and values variety ? We strongly welcome candidates from all backgrounds as we're devoted to hiring personnel that replicate the cultural and ethnic diversity of our community.

Roles and responsibilities encompass:

• Maintain and cultivate partnerships with Wingate Campus Schools that support the goal of enhancing youth engagement and learning on the Farm
• Work with teacher of “Go Green” elective class to plan and co-facilitate on-farm lessons
• Facilitate on-farm teacher-led classes once a week with a class from Wingate Campus
• Work with teachers to develop and integrate agriculture and food justice themed curriculum into their classes
• Motivate youth to participate in farm programs such as farm club, summer youth program, special events, etc.
• Organize and run seasonal special events with teens, such as fall harvest festival, juicing and nutrition demonstrations and potluck meals
• Working with administration to evaluate how the school’s and farm’s objectives are being met

Qualifications:

• Farm/gardening experience required
• Teaching experience is a must. Candidates who poses a DOE-license, CTE certification in agriculture (or candidates pursuing this certification) may be given priority
• Training in popular and alternative education, group facilitation and collective decision making a plus
• Manage work hours and duties efficiently with experience supervising others
• Experience with non-profits, urban farming, food preparation, and/or nutrition a plus
• Computer and communication skills

This position runs from September 2^nd to December 9^th, with the hope of extension to complete the school year and summer programming. Applicants must be available on weekdays during the day, and occasional evenings and weekends. This position is a paid part-time position (20 hours / week), and also includes fresh harvested vegetables, flowers and herbs. The Youth Farm is interested in helping all staff develop their professional skills and to network within this exciting, dynamic field.

Please send a cowl letter and resume to Bee Ayer at Bee(at) bkfarmyards (dot) com. The letter should encompass details of your weekly availability, in addition to information about your relevant revel in, schooling and educational philosophy.

Rolling applications, with interviews starting on August 12^th, and the position starting on September 2^nd.

King Farm| seed seed seed, plant plant plant|Farm Archive

Saturday August 3rd

VOLUNTEER DAY!

Come out and help us sow seeds and transplant seedlings for our fall vegetation

10am-three:30pm

Its time to plant beets and radish and turnips and onions oh my.

Also be part of us for a fall themed workshop:

WORKSHOP: Planting Fall Gardens: NYC Season Extension, 2-3:30pm

In order to have a bountiful fall harvest of veggies, radish, turnips, and other delicious greens, planning and planting desires to start in August! Before you head out on excursion, come to this workshop in which we'll exercise growing a fall planting calendar and discuss methods to maintain your fall crops protected, cushty and effective.

atThe YOUTH FARM at the High School for Public Service

six hundred Kingston Ave, between Winthrop and Rutland

King Farm| Looking for Late Summer & Fall Farm Interns|Farm Archive

Want to learn about urban farming & get involved in the local food justice movement?

Join our team for the amazing bountiful season. Interns will be involved in harvest, preparing produce and flowers for sale, general farm work (including propagation, fall planting, compost etc.) and more. We are looking for someone who can commit to at least 10 hours a week, including Wednesdays. Applicants must be team players, punctual and have a passion for food justice.

Please send a letter of interest, and you availability to Bee (@) bkfarmyards (dot) com

King Farm| Volunteer & Newsletter 9|Farm Archive

THIS SATURDAY, 10-2 pm.

Join us in planting fall plants!

Check out Newsletter #9, proposing:

• Red Amaranth
• Radicchio
• Connecting homophobic language and food justice
• Cold Noodles with Cucumber sauce
• and more...

King Farm| Meet Two of Our Youth Leaders |Farm Archive

Rohanna Barry and Shakem Correnthi

Rohanna Barry is about to start her senior year, and Shakem Correnthi, his sophomore, at the High School for Public Service.  Both shared that learning how to actually cook has been a core part of the Summer Youth Leaders Program.

“Following the directions of a recipe and not over seasoning the food really make a difference in the kitchen,” says Shakem.  “And we are encouraged to experiment a little with our ingredients and avoid undercooking anything,” added Rohanna.  “We have learned several knife cutting techniques like Bear Claws so we never injure ourselves on the cutting board.

Overall safety is key in the kitchen and obviously you never want to start a fire!” urged both Rohanna and Shakem.

Rohanna has grown to really love kale and points out that it is high in iron.  Shakem loves the lemony taste of sorrel and says it’s also high in iron and fiber.  “Beans, squash, and corn contain essential proteins that our bodies need,” states Shakem.

When asked what the downside of cooking can be: “Sometimes it is really hard to wait for the food to be done,” states Rohanna. “I tend to work independently and find crowds confusing in the kitchen.” “I like knowing how my food has been prepared with no overcooking that can cause vegetables to lose their nutrients,” added Shakem, “but I hate cleaning the dishes afterwards!”

Both Rohanna and Shakem have enjoyed learning new recipes on the Youth Farm.  “Brother Khepera’s Curry Coconut Collard Greens recipe was a huge hit with us,” says Rohanna. “He even used fresh coconut.”  “And we saw him hammer it open!” added Shakem.

When asked how cooking on the farm compares to cooking at home, both Rohanna and Shakem feel that farm cooking is more nutritious and appreciate that all of the ingredients are organic and actually come from the farm or a health food store.  “We are eating healthy, but not losing flavor,” says Shakem, “and it’s less work to make farm food than homemade dishes.”  “I’ve learned how to manipulate food with acids, not just fire,” says Rohanna, “and we focus more on vegetables here on the farm.”

“I want to help my family fight Diabetes and I plan to bring my new conscientiousness home.”

“I have loved interacting with people at the market and listening to their difference of opinions about what’s for sale that day,” states Rohanna, who plans to study Interior Design in the future.  “I am a quiet person at times, but I am a very good listener.”

Shakem aspires to become a Pediatrician and also loves experiencing Wednesdays at the market.

“I hope to improve my people skills and teach others about good nutrition.”

King Farm| Green Guerillas Film Festival|Farm Archive

Thursday, August twenty second. 4pm-9pm

@ The Museum of the Moving Image, Queens

Join us as we enjoy award-winning documentary movies that celebrate the soil we cultivate, the air we breathe, the food we consume ? And the people who fight for Mother Earth.

Film screenings will run from 6-9, culminating with a Skype Q&A session with Symphony of the Soil director/producer Deborah Koons Garcia.

Doors open at 4pm. Come early for the GG Eco-Fest from 4-6, featuring presentations from leaders and innovators in the NYC urban agriculture and nonprofit worlds, as well as free snacks and refreshments!

Clickhere for the film lineup and to purchase tickets, and visit us onFacebook for film trailers and interviews with the filmmakers.

Seating is limited, please purchase tickets in  advance.

King Farm| Meet more Youth Farmers!|Farm Archive

MEET KADIATA & AMIRAH!

Although our 2013 summer Youth Farm has officially come to an end, there are several more youth leaders we haven’t had a chance to introduce you to yetAmirah Davis and Kadiata Kaba are two of our youngest program participants who happen to be best friends and are about to start their sophomore year at the High School for Public Service.

“I am really going to Miss Dhira’s daily cooking demonstrations.  My cooking skills have improved a lot since working on the farm this summer,” shares Kadiata.

“I never fully appreciated what I’ve been putting into my body until this summer; I have learned a lot in our nutrition classes,” adds Amirah.

“Our youth advisors and teachers this summer have shown a lot of patience with all of us.  We definitely have a lot to learn as teenagers, but I was impressed by how open to criticism our teachers were.  They wanted to know what they might be doing wrong and could possibly do better in the future,” says Amirah as Kadiata nods in agreement.

“Working on the farm this summer has inspired me to have a garden in my 1^st home if at all possible.  I would like to grow mostly flowers and fruit.  And I would definitely like to come back to the farm next year.  My skills should be higher and I would enjoy passing them onto others.  I have loved working the market and getting the chance to track money and spending with the customers,” shares Kadiata.

“I plan to be in a leadership role next summer if I am invited back. I want to share my knowledge with others and help them to succeed here, too.  I had applied for the Summer Youth Lottery, but I didn’t get chosen.  I would have been able to work with various companies in the city.  I can honestly say that I am glad I ended up working on the farm because I was physically active all summer and I learned a lot of great information and skills,” Amirah states with conviction.

Both Kadiata and Amirah can’t say that they love composting but they recognize how important it is for the environment.  “It’s just a smart way to create healthy soil,” says Kadiata.  “I agree,” shares Amirah, “Compost has more moisture than regular soil and is so healthy for the plants.  But I could do without the bugs sometimes!  I probably hate trellising tomatoes even more than composting because we’re always playing catch up with the plant, but maybe my experience will be different next summer.”  “We’re here to do a job and you just learn to deal with some uncomfortable feelings on the farm,” adds Kadiata.

Amirah has enjoyed working with the hand fork because she likes to weed shallow plants.  And Kadiata actually loves irrigation – especially with a wand.  “I really like the rhythm of going back and forth when I’m watering a bed of plants.  The sprinkler can be too broad, but the wand is just right.”

Amirah plans to attend Howard University in the future and wants to possibly become a gynecologist.  “I really care about women,” she states. “I love kids,” adds Kadiata, who is seriously considering becoming a pediatrician. “It would be great to teach kids how to recognize plants. First you smell them and if edible, taste them.”

“ Oh I’m really going to miss being on the farm, but hopefully we’ll be back!” exclaims Amirah who gives Kadiata a hug as they are walking back to the group.

King Farm| Meet Our Youth Farmers|Farm Archive

ALTHEA BOURNE & SHANE THOMPSON

It is a pleasure to introduce you to Althea Bourne, who is about to start her junior year at the High School for Public Service and plans to apply for the Summer Youth Leaders Program again in 2014.  “My greatest success in the kitchen recently is having made a pizza from scratch – sauce and all!  I was on Cloud Nine,” says Althea.  “But I’ve also burnt rice badly if we’re going to be honest here.”

“I’ve burned an egg!” chimes in Shane Thompson, a 2^nd-year program participant who’s about to start his freshman year at SUNY Buffalo in the fall.  “It’s so embarrassing to admit that.  In general, I try to stay out of the kitchen as much as possible.  My mom is my favorite cook.  I’ve tried other people’s food, but I always come back to my mom’s.  She makes a great Jamaican-style curry chicken and white rice.”

“My favorite cook is my Great Aunt.  She has a variety of skills and she can prepare a full meal: meat, starches, and vegetables,” shares Althea.  “She actually encouraged my love of carrots and I thank her for that.  One of my favorite dishes is also curry chicken Guyanese-style, but I like it with roti instead of white rice.  Roti is a Caribbean-style tortilla dish; it’s delicious.”

Both Althea and Shane want everyone to know that our farm food is tasty and fresh.  "Heirloom tomatoes are so unusual and pretty!” exclaims Althea.

“You just can’t go wrong when you eat organic,” adds Shane.

When asked how working on the farm might affect what they eat for lunch in the fall, Shane shared that he avoids school lunches after experiencing food poisoning when he was 11 or 12 years old.  “It was so painful.  I now regularly pack Subway sandwiches.  I have been very moved by the Food Inc. videos we’ve watched this summer and I have loved our nutritional discussions.  I am uncomfortable with the way we treat chicken and meat in general in the USA.  I am strongly considering becoming a vegetarian.”

“I love to pack callilloo soup for lunch,” states Althea.  “I plan to add more vegetables this year.  And I’d like to pack more sandwiches, too, and add some raw veggies.  I am always watching my budget and I am grateful to receive school lunches at no cost to me.  It is very hard to study when you have to skip lunch.”

Shane plans to study Engineering in the fall and run track. “Nutrition is key and vital to my success at SUNY Buffalo.  The farm has taught me what I need to eat to succeed.  I plan to focus on more greens and less meat.  In general I tend to avoid beef and pork and I prefer good carbohydrates.  My current favorite vegetable is broccoli.”

Althea plans to be a social worker in the future.  “I really enjoy seeing other points of view and putting my pride aside.  I strive to be a good listener.  There are a lot of strong personalities among the youth on the farm and I have learned to carry myself better and get what I need without being too forceful.  I love working with Shane and I often pick him on Wednesday’s shout out.  He has a great work ethic and he finishes tasks quickly.  He is known as Compost King after all!”

“I also enjoy working with Althea, but I have loved working with Kumar,” states Shane, “because we work well together.  He is so funny and makes time move faster.  I’m really going to miss him.”

“If I am invited back to work on the farm next summer,” says Althea, “I want to do a variety of work and be encouraged to do tasks that I may not be good at yet, like irrigating.  And I will make sure that the radio works so I can listen to it while I’m weeding!”

SHANE THE COMPOST KING! Watch the video about Shane and Compost

King Farm| CONTACT US!|Farm Archive

The Youth Farm is positioned at Wingate Campus, 600 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn NY 11203.

For greater statistics about the farm:

1. Use the search form at the pinnacle right aspect of the internet site to search for your records. Also test out our FAQ phase!

2. If that fails, you may touch*:

General Information:                        Info (at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Press Inquiries:                                Bee (at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Farmers Market:Bee (at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Field Trips: Patricia (at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Volunteering:                                      Bee(at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Purchasing produce: Bee(at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Purchasing flowers:                           Molly (at) bkFarmyards (dot) come

Adult education: Molly (at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

Youth programming:                        Patricia (at) bkFarmyards (dot) com

*Please be aware that during the developing season we're normally at the farm growing vegetables, strolling workshops and getting ready for our marketplace. It may also soak up to 2 weeks for us to get lower back to you. You are always welcome to prevent by using the farm to talk with us and discuss opportunities.

Be Our Friend & Follow us!

King Farm| Meet Two Youth Farmers!|Farm Archive

DAVINA PERSAUD & GAYENA ANDERSON

“I’ve really enjoyed working on the farm this summer because I learned so much.  Physical labor has been refreshing and something new for me.  I don’t really like getting dirty every day, but I got used to it.” Says Gayena of her love for outdoors and connection with nature.

“I have loved learning more about plants,” shares Davina.  “I hope I get the chance to return next summer and build on the knowledge I’ve acquired this summer.  I want to take this information to a deeper level and learn what’s really going on.”

“I have so much more respect for nature now,” Gayena exclaims.  “I have always loved getting away from the city, but because of the farm, I’ve been content staying local this summer.  Bee and team have really improved our neighborhood and I now respect how hard plants have to work to grow.”

“In the past, I didn’t enjoy being outside a lot, especially when it’s hot,” confides Davina.  “But after this summer, I’m not bothered by the weather so much and I no longer feel the need to complain.  I tend to focus on the beginning and end of a journey which is why I enjoy direct sowing. I like dirt!  And I like to feel it on my hands.  To see the start of a plant’s life is very exciting to me and then to witness how it grows is spectacular!”

Both Gayena and Davina feel organization is essential to run the farm well.  “Without a daily plan, we would not accomplish anything!  Scheduling time for everything is a challenge because there are so many tasks to do.  I am now more inspired to be calendar-oriented in class; I’ve grown to love daily planners,” states Gayena.  “On a farm, for example, you have to measure out a bed for planting, keep the tool shed in order, and know where your supplies are at all times.  Organization IS a farm,” adds Davina.

Gayena is considering becoming a pediatrician or a psychiatrist.  She recently took a class at Brooklyn College and feels highly motivated to attend college in a couple of years.

 “I believe working on a farm is good for your soul and truly builds character.  For example, when we harvested crops, I only chose the best and what I would prefer to buy myself.  I hope my experience here inspires others to apply next year!”

Davina is passionate about criminal justice and CSI investigations.  “I dream about possibly doing research in a lab; the surprise of the outcome is very exciting to me.  The farm has put me back in touch with all of my senses through cooking, reminded me to have more patience, and taught me to pay greater attention to small details.  Nature is magical!”

King Farm| Farmers Market & Volunteer Day|Farm Archive

TOMORROW! Come and celebrate the start of the faculty 12 months, and opportunity academic applications.

Collards, Kale, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Husk Cherries, Herbs, and so so a lot greater.

WEDNESDAY 2:30-6:30

600 Kingston Ave btwn Rutland & Winthrop

plus come get your hands dirty and help us prepare for fall.

The Youth Farm is an educational production farm in East Flatbush that offers New Yorkers opportunities to increase their knowledge of the food system and build high level organic growing skills to share with their communities. The Youth Farm grows organic food and flowers on one acre for the community and beyond, and offers advanced farm training and leadership opportunities for youth and adults.