Week Two with Extension by Daniel Gustitis

Image: Black Butterfly sits on seven acres in what used to be a park. They are only in their second year at this location and as you can see, they are producing a huge amount of fresh produce to be sold in local markets and to local restaurants.

Now that we are in our second week, I have been able to gain more of an understanding about what I can gain and give with this internship. I have worked on several farms this week, lending a hand with whatever they needed. Some people may be a little anxious of being thrown into their second week without their mentor (Neith is out of the office this week), but I have had plenty of life experience to be able to be successful in navigating these new experiences on my own (but will certainly be glad to have Neith back to be able to lean on).

Tuesday, I helped Salomey at the Hope Farm getting her high tunnel ready for crops, leveling out ground and installing some tiles for a walking path, and repotting vegetables, so they can continue to grow while we prepare the ground. It was only her and I for the majority of the day, so it was nice to be able to talk with her about her past, what brought her to farming, and what her plans are as the Hope Farm grows. She does a great job building community around the farm, and is helping educate people to keep the farm growing and managed by community members as she entertains the thought of retirement.

Wednesday I helped out at Black Butterfly Farm with Myeasha, mostly doing some upkeep on the crops, mainly focused on weeding. I also helped with some clean up from a fire they were dealing with. While both days were labor intensive, it felt good to be of service to people and places that are doing positive things for the community. Later in the evening I was afforded the opportunity to sit in on a Baltimore County meeting where farmers were voicing their opinions on a new program to help small farmers create a business plan, which gave me an idea of what the political side of agriculture looked like.

Thursday was a bit different. I shadowed Geoff at Horizon Farm Credit to gain more insight on the financial aspect of agriculture. We talked about what he looks for when analyzing data and preparing loans, what programs there are to help farms, and his role as a member of the agricultural community. He offered a lot of knowledge on an aspect of agriculture that I was least familiar with.

I really enjoyed working with Salomey at the Hope Farm  on this project. The high tunnel is new, so we are getting it prepared for its first run. To quote Salomey, “When you don’t have a tool you need, you improvise. No wheelbarrow, no problem.”

Thursday evening I was also able to sit in on a meeting in regards to rainwater harvesting research that we will be a part of this summer. I am excited to lend a hand and perspective throughout the research, and be able to apply any knowledge gained in my personal life or future endeavors.

I have also been doing some research on aquaponics, what deficiencies we may run into and how to correct those and maintain adequate nutrition and healthy environments for both the fish and the plants. Both the rainwater research and aquaponics research are two areas I am really excited to build more knowledge in. I am very excited to visit the aquaponics lab during our campus tour in the coming weeks. I am also excited to continue to see what this experience brings, and in what ways I am able to be of service to the community.