Farmer-to-Farmer Connections: Building Networks for Learning

“I feel really passionate about providing an experience for children and young adults to have a connection to nature and learn about growing their food, but also empowering them so that they can have a toolset to be sustainable and have a different way of thinking and being in the world.”  –Ariana Wild, Wild Farm

We just wrapped up our Agricultural Educators Cohort, a peer-to-peer learning opportunity for farmers interested in connecting with schools and inviting youth to their farms for hands-on agricultural education.

Along with gatherings throughout the year, we matched all eight participating farmers with a coach farmer in their region to share best practices, offer advice, and help them realize their goals. Hear from one such pair, Ariana Wild of Wild Farm and coach Misse Axelrod of Vermont Farm and Forest School:

Farmer & Farm-Based Educator Resources

Are you a farmer looking for ways to engage the community with on-farm learning, or want to connect with our state and regional efforts? Check out the networks, campaigns, and programs below to take your next step:

• The Farm-Based Education Network 
  This free member network works to strengthen and support the work of educators, farmers, and community leaders who provide access and experiences on working farms.
   
• Climate Farm School for Farm-Based Educators, September 2–27, 2024. Applications due July 5, 2024.
  Join Shelburne Farms, the Farm-Based Education Network, and Climate Farm School for a new professional learning experience focused on climate change education. This is a unique, hybrid learning experience with an online component and a residential stay at Shelburne Farms (September 15–20).
   
• The ABCs of Farm-Based Education, offered twice a year, spring and fall, at Shelburne Farms.
  This popular three-day workshop helps farmers engage and inspire visitors, shares kid-tested activities, and cultivates a community of peers to learn from. The program is designed for farmers, farm-based educators, and non-formal educators with any level of teaching experience who are building or looking to re-inspire farm-based programming. Co-presented by Shelburne Farms and the Farm-Based Education Network.
   
• This Farm Feeds Vermont Kids Campaign
  The Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network invites farmers selling to school and early childhood programs to post a lawn sign on your farm or market booth to tell your community that you’re helping to create a sustainable school food system.
   
• Local Food Procurement Toolkit
  School Nutrition Professionals throughout the state are incorporating more and more local foods into their meal programs. This toolkit gives you a broad look at how this works from the school cafeteria perspective, as well as some additional resources for farmers (check out the “Tips, Tools & Frequently Asked Questions” box).