Cultivating Future Farmers: A Recap of the Vivian’s Door Ag Club Summer Internship
Cultivating Future Farmers: A Recap of the Vivian’s Door Ag Club Summer Internship
“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man.” – George Washington
Vivian’s Door has just concluded our first ever Ag Club training. This summer, we embarked on an exciting adventure with a group of high school and college interns, giving them a hands-on, in-depth experience in agriculture, right here in Alabama. The goal behind this initiative was to expose program participants to the rich and amazing world of agriculture, which would help them experience first-hand the opportunities in agriculture. The Vivian’s Door Ag Club program consisted of an amazing four-week journey with a fantastic training program all of which was made possible by sponsorship from USDA NRCS and The Allstate Foundation.
So, buckle up and join us as we revisit the highlights and unforgettable moments from this incredible program.
Week 1: Sowing Seeds of Knowledge
Our journey began on June 3rd, with twelve eager interns and three passionate staff members and a support team fired up and ready to dive into learning more about agriculture and its many careers. We kicked off with a warm welcome and a visit to Viking Farms, where our facilitator Emily Dent taught the importance of choosing the right fertilizer for optimal plant growth. During the second half of the day, we visited Fauda Garden where Master Gardener Bill Fink took the Ag Club on a tour of his vegetable garden and provided them with a hands-on opportunity to delve deeper into preparation and planting. Furthermore, the kids learned about the nutrients essential for healthier soil and better yields, all while exploring the greenhouses at Mary G. Montgomery High School.
Connecting with History and Nature
The interns experienced cultural immersion the next day as they visited the Dora Finley African American Heritage Trail Tour. It was an eye-opening and informative experience. Next, the interns explored Africatown, visiting historical landmarks and learning about the rich history of the last known slave ship in America, the Clotilda. It was a day of reflection and connection to our roots, blending history with agriculture.
The rest of the week was packed with garden upkeep, discussions on agricultural career pathways, and hands-on lessons in indoor seed starting. They got to plant their seeds in the newly built Vivian’s Door Garden beds—it was a fun-filled day in the sun. The interns ended the week brainstorming, working on individual presentation topics, and planning for the Summer Farm Expo.
Week 2: Digging Deeper into Sustainability
From Compost to Hydroponics
Week two was all about getting hands dirty and minds engaged. The interns dived into the how and why of composting, learning about its benefits in enriching the soil. Each got to start their own composting project—it was a lot of fun. In addition, a trip to a local park provided real-world observation of different plant ecosystems consisting of flowers and string beans.
Next, the interns delved into the innovative world of Hydroponics. The center stage was setting up two Vivian’s Door AeroGarden Farm 12 XL systems, planting various lettuce types, basil, chives, and dill. They discovered the magic of soilless farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture.
Farm Visits and Flower Power
Afterward, we took a road trip to Meadowlark Farms of Fairhope, Alabama, where the interns had a blueberry-picking adventure. They learned about sustainable farming practices and the journey of blueberries from farm to table, linking agricultural sustainability to social justice and community well-being, and the best part is that they got to take what they picked home.
Next was a visit to All A Bloom Florist shop, where the interns unleashed their creativity. Each person got to design their own flower arrangement complete with a floral design competition. It was an exciting and excellent exercise in teamwork and artistic expression, fostering collaboration and creativity.
Week 3: Community and Fitness
Our third week was a blend of community service and personal growth. On June 17th, our interns volunteered at the Central Presbyterian Food Pantry, assembling bags of fresh produce for distribution. It was a humbling experience, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
Fitness and Entrepreneurship
A visit to Dexter’s Fitness Center was another highlight, where interns learned about entrepreneurship and fitness techniques. Dexter shared his inspiring journey as a boxing instructor and business owner, motivating our interns to pursue their passions with dedication and hard work. They learned various exercises and fitness techniques, promoting the importance of physical health alongside agricultural knowledge.
Week 4: Harvesting Knowledge and Celebrating Achievements
The final week was all about bringing it all together. We continued our garden tending, visited Zimlich’s Garden and Patio Center, a local family-owned business that has been in existence for over a hundred years, and explored Auburn University’s Ornamental Horticulture Research Center. These visits provided a deeper understanding of the ornamental side of horticulture and the educational pathways available in agriculture.
At the Education and Career Pathways Day, hosted by USDA NRCS at the Jon Archer Agricultural Center, our interns were offered insights into various agricultural careers. The final week was all about finalizing their group presentations, reflecting on their journey, and sharing their learnings and experiences in their final class presentations, which were presented before a panel of judges.
Wrapping Up
As the program drew to a close, it was evident how much the interns had grown—their plants and understanding of agriculture. The Vivian’s Door Ag Club provided them with invaluable knowledge, hands-on experiences, and a sense of community and purpose. They left with not only a deeper appreciation for agriculture but also with the skills and inspiration to pursue careers in this vital sector.
This summer was just the beginning. The seeds of knowledge planted during these four weeks will continue to grow, shaping the intern’s future and the agricultural landscape in Alabama. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor in the years to come!
So, here’s to the next generation of agricultural leaders—let’s keep growing together!
“Teaching kids how to feed themselves and how to live in a community responsibly is the center of an education.” – Alice Waters
Vivian’s Door is here to help you grow with access to farm experts who guide you to achieving your business’s potential. Reach out to us at info@viviansdoor.com or call us at (251) 610-9880.
