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.
Who lives on the Kroka farm?
Throughout the year the farm is home to a mix of young heifers and steers, a couple of milking goats, a small flock of chickens, and a few pigs.
Goal of the Biodynamic Farm:
Natural Productivity
The goal of our farm is to preserve and grow fertility. We steward the present and future capacity of the land to provide what we, our community, and all beings need from this land. We do this by rotationally grazing our animals to prevent damage and promote soil building. The use of cover crops and well made compost seeks the same goal in greenhouses and gardens. Combined with the continued planting of nuts and fruit trees, we raise the protein and fats in the system which, like hiking switchbacks up a mountain, increases the overall productivity of the land over time. This is our challenge in the 21st century but essential for future generations.
