Farm-Based Education
KFH’s farm-based education programs take place on Sweet Beet Farm and are experiential, holistic, inclusive, and rooted in nature. On the farm, students have an opportunity to understand and explore, through hands-on learning, the interconnection between farm and forest ecosystems, and the life-affirming process of growing and eating fresh food within a local, regenerative food system.
We welcome visitors and students of all ages to experience the magic of Sweet Beet Farm through farm tours open to the community and various programs for school-aged students. We also work to foster an active farmer-to-farmer network for building relationships and sharing innovative solutions that strengthen the local food system.
Through our programs, we cultivate connections to nature, connections to food, and connections to ourselves and each other at a time when this is so deeply needed for the vitality and wellbeing of people and planet alike!
Our Programs
Homeschool student exploring the aquatic life at the pond on Sweet Beet Farm
Sweet Beet’s Farm + Forest Club
Farm + Forest Club is designed for homeschooled students but is open to all between the ages of 6 and 12. As a member of the Farm + Forest Club, children gather together with peers and our farm educators to grow and eat farm food, connect to nature, and grow their environmental science knowledge and skills. Experiences will vary with the seasons and are driven by students’ curiosity.
Farm Manager and Educator Pierre giving a tour to young leaders from throughout NH
Field Trips + Farm Tours
Visiting our regenerative, organic farm is a great way to learn about how food can be grown in a reciprocal relationship with nature, dive into our local food system, and get up close with the ecosystems that sustain us. Field trips and farm tours are open to schools, homeschool groups, and community members. We’d love to have you visit us on the farm!
ELO Anna works with Farm Education Coordinator Julie in the fields.
Extended Learning Opportunities
We offer Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) on Sweet Beet Farm in partnership with the Kearsarge Regional School district and Parker Academy, giving high school students school credit for the hands-on learning they do on the farm. This is an important educational opportunity for students looking to learn outside of the traditional classroom model!
This program also helps grow more farmers, providing a pathway to our Farmer Apprenticeship if students find they are interested in a career in food and agriculture.
2023 Farmer Apprentices Anna Cook and Anna Lick
Farmer Apprenticeship
The Farmer Apprenticeship program provides direct support to potential new farmers with access to land, education, markets, community, and mentorship on Sweet Beet Farm and with our crew of experienced farmers.
This program creates a foundation from which the apprentices can start their farming journey or work in any number of positions within the local food industry.
Bradford Elementary School 1st grader harvests carrots!
KRES Partnership
KFH is honored to have a long-standing relationship with the Bradford Elementary School of the Kearsarge School District and offer programs to 1st, 3rd, and 4th graders. We introduce the kids to plants and seeds on the farm in 1st grade, create and plant three sisters gardens in 3rd grade, and have the kids harvest and pass on their knowledge to incoming grades as 4th graders.
Beginner gardeners gather on Sweet Beet Farm to learn the basics of growing food.
green Thumb 101
This 6-week course for adult beginner-gardeners takes students through the basics and not-so-basics of growing vegetables and flowers. From seeds and soil to pests and disease, this course is designed to help students get the most out of their backyard gardens and increase our collective ability to grow food.
Meet our team of dedicated farm educators!
Julie Loosigian: Farm Education Coordinator
Pierre Hahn: Farm Manager & Educator
Rah Nelson: Farm Educator, farmer
Kathleen Bigford: Farm Educator, Volunteer
We believe in the Earth as the life-giving source for all we do. Farms and responsible food production, distribution and consumption are irreplaceable foundations for healthy and resilient communities. Our commitment is to facilitate and increase the knowledge, skills and understanding to grow and enjoy food in sustainable, regenerative, and joyful ways!