What Inspires Young Farmers?

Sharron, Jonathan and Ray Etheridge

Most of us would agree that the future of farming in Kitsap County lies in the hands of our younger generations.  It rests with the kids who initially experience the joy of planting something, tending it, watching it grow, and harvesting it.  And it’s hoped that some day these children will develop a passion for farming and pursue their interest in it.

But how do we plant that interest and keep it thriving?

The Carlson Family - Growing The Next Generation of Farmers

Many feel that one of the most effective ways is to introduce children as early as possible to farming, gardening, and animal raising with enjoyable hands-on experiences and make sure they have fun while learning.

And some of these opportunities can come through joining a Kitsap 4-H club says Kelly Fisk, Kitsap WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator.  She says there are more than 50 4-H clubs serving about 550 youths with more than 175 leaders in Kitsap County.  There are also more than 215 youths through programs at Naval Base Kitsap.

But how many children are involved with growing edible crops?

Warren and Morgan Carlson - Harvest Time

Roseanne and Jim Carlson own ten acres north of Kingston that they started farming just last year with their three boys, Forrest, 17; Warren, 15; and Morgan, 12.    They say their boys were the only ones entering 4-H vegetable projects in the Kitsap County Fair last year and they plan to enter their produce again this year through their 4-H club, the Renaissance Roosters.  Currently they are the only members and Roseanne is the leader.

Roseanne Carlson - Searching For Young Farmers

“The name of the club reflects how we feel about the art and science of raising our own food,” says Roseanne.  The property has no electricity but does use solar panels and a small wind mill that assist a generator.  They also have cisterns for rain collection in addition to a well.

The entire family plants, raises and harvests all of their many bountiful crops using only organic, microbial science methods.  Last year, they stored and canned enough of their produce and fruit to last through the winter and spring.   And they saved the seeds for planting many of this year’s crops. The boys all say they love farming.  Each points with pride to some of the flourishing crops (including berries and fruit from pear and apple trees) they’ve planted and are tending. The family also has a green house for tomatoes located on Bainbridge Island.

Forrest Carlson's Pumpkin Project - Feeding The Hungry

But perhaps the greatest source of family pride is Forrest’s pumpkin project.  For three years he has grown pumpkins, on a plot behind Bay Feed that are sold at the Bainbridge Farmers Market. The proceeds from the sales have gone to the Helpline food bank.

“Last year we took the $2300 pumpkin money we earned, went to Safeway and bought food totaling $1800 plus we gave them a check for $500,” says Forrest. “I’m hoping I can do even better this year and I’d like to see other farmers markets join us in doing something like this.”

So far the Carlsons have planted about 3/4ths of an acre and will be doing more.  And they are planning some experimental new crops such as wheat that will help feed their laying-hens and will be used for bread-making.  They’re also doing experimental work with the planting of different crops directly in manure and experimenting with water saving methods such as putting their potatoes in buckets where they say they require a half to a quarter less water.

Warren Carlson waters his crop of peppers

And there are other groups and individuals promoting youth farming. Establishing school programs is one of the Future Farmers of America goals, though currently only South and North Kitsap High Schools have FFA programs. But these two schools have a number of participants and both have had active programs for many years.

Denise Watson, a horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture teacher for ten years at South Kitsap, is also the FFA advisor. She says 120 – 140 kids are usually involved annually with the FFA which is designed to help kids hone their skills as well as teaching leadership. But she says the number interested in crop farming is down right now though she says it varies from year to year.

“A lot of students who enjoy working in the soil are seeing their niche as doing things like landscape design – where they can go out and get a job without having to invest a lot of money they don’t have,” said Watson.

Jon Houk will be a new teacher and FFA advisor at North Kitsap this coming year. He’s gained previous experience working with Watson and others while he taught at Cedar Heights Junior High.  He’ll take the place of John Waller who served in that capacity for many years and will now become an assistant principal.

“I’m really excited about stepping-up the FFA program and I’m particularly interested in teaching correct methods of aquaculture with fish and even lobster – seafood is another “crop” of our county,” said Houk.

Other members of the farm and garden community say they hope to see children and youth get involved with more farm and garden projects again.  Alice Hamm has been a 4-H leader for 23 years, first with her own children and now with her grandchildren.

“I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in 4-H membership over the years and  I think the current economy may have something to do with kids doing fewer farm projects right now, especially raising animals where the expense factor is greater,” says Hamm.

Carol Henning, Open Class Horticulture Supervisor at the Kitsap County Fair, agrees but says there are also 17 – 20 children and youths involved in the “open class” categories of vegetables and fruit rather than with an FFA or 4-H project.

“A lot of younger kids like to grow fun little things like animal-shaped carrots and there are some who do unusual things – like the one who went out behind the Fairgrounds and picked Himalayan blackberries to enter,” she says with a laugh.

But she also pointed out that there are some serious young gardeners who are growing crops in places like the childrens’ garden at Anna Smith Park in Tracyton. Here children’s garden supervisor Judith Martin says there were about 30 children out recently tending their little gardens.  Each child may have a two-foot square plot to plant – all edible harvests go to the local food bank.

Jonathan and Ray Etheridge - Working Together

Ten-year Master Gardeners Ray and Sharron Etheredge of Seabeck have planted a gardening interest in their grandson, ten-year-old Jonathan Etheredge, who stays with them during the summer. He carefully tends his square at Anna Smith this year and is looking forward to his harvest.

“I really like seeing them (his crops) grow and I think gardening is fun,” says Jonathan.

Jomathan Etheridge - Young Farmer

The KCAA will have young farmers as feature speakers at their meeting next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Norm Dicks Center in downtown Bremerton.  Anyone interested in youth farming in Kitsap should attend…or just go out and support these enterprising kids who may well be providing our food in the future.