Summer mornings start peacefully at 21 Roots Farm. When the youth farmers arrive, it’s possible to hear their footsteps as they crunch their way up the gravel road. The broiler chickens are quietly cackling to themselves, and a gentle breeze rustles through the tops of the trees. It’s already warm, and the farmers gather under a maple tree. Each one gets a mini clipboard, a pen and a laminated checklist of the day’s activities, which start with a welcoming exercise.
“What’s your favorite artist?” Farmer Jenny asks the group. “I’ll go last, you start us off.” She points to Farmer Heather, who has pulled her whole body into her plastic chair and wrapped her arms around her knees. She shakes her head and hides under her mini clipboard. (Note: Youth names have been changed to protect their identity.)
The question continues around the circle: Farmer Robby says George Strait, Farmer Steve says Bear Hunt, and so it goes until we get back to Jenny, who says Pink, Lady Gaga and Led Zeppelin.
Youth farmers move one of the farm’s chicken tractors, a daily task that ensures the chickens have fresh grass and bugs. Photo courtesy of 21 Roots Farm.
Next up, farm rounds: The farmers head up to the apple orchard to visit the laying hens in their chicken tractors, or moveable coops. There are lots of chores to be done: With a mighty cry of, “Ready, set, push!”, they move the chicken tractors, giving the ground they’re been on time to recover — and the chickens fresh grass and insects to forage. They gather and count eggs. They mix up a bucket of water and vinegar for the chickens to drink — and learn how it will help their digestive systems. Farmer Sarah volunteers to feed the chickens and steps into the doorway of the coop with a cupcake tin full of farmer-made treats. But the chickens are rowdy, and Sarah teeters there, looking back at her fellows as if for support.
Farm leader Molly steps up and says, “Let’s work together to take them out.” She gamely tosses a treat at the hens, and then Sarah laughs and does the same.
“Oh cute,” says Robby. “Oh, my heart.”
[Appeared in Finding Nature News. Photo credit: 21 Roots Farm.]
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