Our Farm
The Kroka farm is the homeplace for our programs. People who come to Kroka develop a lasting relationship with the land that contributes to feeling at home in nature. Participation in meaningful work is the core of our curriculum. Students of all ages are handed real responsibility and experience the authentic sense that they have something to contribute. Each day begins with morning chores where staff and students work together to care for the land. Daily animal care and gardening are the foundation of this work, which also includes splitting firewood, cooking breakfast, cleaning the buildings, and routine campus maintenance.
Our vision is for every student to have a “farm-to-table” experience that begins with contributing to the work of the farm and includes harvesting and eating food that was grown here. Farm programming takes the form of half-day lessons for a group of 10-20 students with small groups rotating through the farm operations in a balance of learning and working. This includes food processing such as yogurt and cheese-making, food dehydration, and simple canning.
Labor on the farm comes from student participation in farm work, seasonal staff who take turns working on the farm, and apprentices who come in the summer to learn about our food systems. The Farmer-Educator coordinates and manages the work that needs to be done and the people who are available to work.
Our Farming Practices
Here at Kroka we use sustainable practices with our foremost intention being caring for the long term fertility of the land. Through our practices we aim to grow food of the highest quality nourishment.
Key Tenets of Kroka’s Farm
BEAUTY – Our farm and the whole of the Kroka campus is intentionally beautiful, to create a welcoming environment for the students and families who come to our campus. It will be clear to anyone passing or visiting our campus that we take the highest possible care for our buildings and grounds, and our livestock and gardens. We are proud stewards of the land and the history of those that came before us.
EDUCATION – The Kroka farm welcomes students of all ages who are ready to experience a direct connection with the land. The land and the beings that dwell within it are our classroom and our teachers.
PRODUCTION – Food is the natural byproduct of our education and cultural practices. We also have an eye for food security in our area and to provide food for those in need.
SUSTAINABILITY – We care for our soil and water resources, working to build the resilience of the landscape and the ecosystem it supports. We do this by feeding it rich compost; guarding it from invasive species; and doing our best to “leave positive trace.” We see the Kroka farm as a living project towards sustainable local food production and availability. We strive to conserve soil, water, and all resources at every step for future generations. We actively create a positive and resilient relationship with animals to demonstrate our collaborative role in a sustainable future.
The Entire Village Helps
Kroka is a community farm and all who work at Kroka, including our office staff, have their hands in supporting the farm work. In this way, everyone involved at Kroka has a connection to the land and the food we produce.
Farm Education
The farm creates a daily rhythm where all students support daily chores; collecting eggs, feeding and watering all of the animals, working in the gardens, and making compost. Students participate in food processing, often preserving food for their own expeditions or for other groups a part of the Kroka community to enjoy.
