Volunteer
We welcome and appreciate our volunteers. Contact us to find out how we can use your help.
Woofing
Come for an extended stay while offering your skills as a helping hand. A work exchange type experience that is both safe and secure. Background checks required. Contact us to find out how we can arrange your work exchange accommodations.
Farm to k12 Connection
As a self-taught farmer, lifelong learner and one who understands the value in education, Ole Mack Ronald has established the Farm to K12 Connection. The Farm to K12 Connection is an all-inclusive farm to classroom learning experience that can be facilitated as an on-site/hands on experience, a virtual experience or hybrid…whatever best suits your needs or location. Here at Farm Dat we offer teachers and schools the autonomy of creating their own day on the farm that can easily align with cross curricular Common Core State Standards and benefit all types of learners. Give your students the unique opportunity to learn and apply in a nontraditional way.
To plan and book your field trip inclusive of nutritious, locally sourced foods for a farm to table lunch experience or to schedule your virtual day at the farm with customizable planting and homestead kit delivery, email us at olemackronald@gmail.com
Farm Hands International
Farm Hands International is a youth program geared toward those considered at risk or who come from environments where opportunity is lacking. Farm Dat intends to serve as a mentoring organization in which youth, who have the common goal of being good stewards of nature and mankind, are afforded the opportunity to participate in learning that is focused on a plethora of areas such as: etiquette, engineering, grant writing, entrepreneurship & business management, communication skills, community service, homesteading & farming, nutrition, mental wellness, physical fitness, fishing, hunting, gardening, etc. The approach is one taken from both a global and holistic perspective and is sure to inspire young people and effect permanent, positive change.
For more information on Farm Hands International, email us at olemackronald@gmail.com
Community Supported Agriculture(CSA)…Coming Soon
What is it?
While each CSA is unique to itself, the general concept of a CSA is that members of the local community purchase a “membership” or “subscription”, in return they receive their share of farm fresh produce, eggs other dairy and meat. CSA’s ensure anyone, particularly members of communities who are often times marginalized or denied access to quality foods, can become knowledgeable in farming practices while investing in and enjoying nutritional and fresh food from a trusted local farm. Offering CSA membership is our way of serving as a direct food source for the community as well as creating a local food system that is honest and beneficial for both the consumer and producer.
The History of CSA:
Alabama born horticulturist, published author and agricultural professor at Tuskegee University, Booker T. Whatley was intent on finding ways the small farmer could make the most of his/her farmland and more importantly, make a viable income. The answers to what he sought can be found in his “Ten Commandments” of farming. These “Commandments” aid the farmer in various areas, like reducing unnecessary costs to a minimum, limiting waste, and maximizing income and farm space with intentional crop selection. Whatley also continued the use of soil regeneration techniques supported by George Washington Carver, a faculty member of the previous generation. We here at Farm Dat are inspired to continue the legacy and work of Booker T. Whatley through the implementation of these “Ten Commandments”.
One of Booker T. Whatley’s “Ten Commandments” we are especially committed to implementing is that which he called a “Clientele Membership Club”; an organization in which members paid an initial membership fee that contributed to the success of the farm as a whole. In return, they received fresh, nutrient rich produce that they would pick themselves and enjoy. Now, a constant cash flow was coming into the farm and expenses were saved on time and labor thus enabling the farmer to retain more of his profits…earning a viable income. Today, you will usually hear this practice referred to as community supported agriculture, or CSA and you will note that it is one that continues to grow in popularity.
Benefits of CSA:
According to other successful CSA’s Consumers experience many benefits such as:
· High quality, fresh, nutritious food: CSA produce is often harvested within days or hours of delivery or pick-up, meaning produce retains more nutritional value and stays fresher longer.
· A direct connection to producers: You as the consumer can directly ask us, the producers about our growing practices, take part in the growing and harvesting and make choices to purchase from a source that align with their values.
· Introduction to new varieties: As a CSA, we offer what is plentiful and in season, which is a great way to get introduced to new crops you might not have tasted otherwise.
· Join our community: Becoming a part of a CSA connects you to likeminded consumers and allows you to participate in a more localized food system. This includes the opportunity to participate in our on-farm events for our farm “community” members.
