Crop Rotations: An Interview with Piney Woods School Farm Manager James Graham

In this video podcast, Farm Manager James Graham sits down the Up in Farms CEO to discuss the operations of The Piney Woods School Farm. The conversation focuses in great detail on Mr. Graham's strategies for managing crop rotations within their high tunnels.

TOPICS:
1. Introduction to James Graham and Piney Woods School: James Graham’s background and his role as the farm manager at Piney Woods School.
2. Farming Operations and Student Involvement: Overview of livestock management, crop production, and the role of students in hands-on learning.
3. Crop Rotation and Sustainable Practices: Discussion on the importance of crop rotation, soil health, and integrated pest management.
4. Companion Planting and Pollinators: The use of companion planting and the incorporation of bees and other pollinators into the farm's ecosystem.
5. Challenges and Innovations in Farming: Exploration of farming challenges, successes, and the ongoing learning process in managing a sustainable farm.

SUMMARY:
The interview with James Graham, Farm Manager at Piney Woods School, highlights his journey into farming and the operations of the school farm. He discusses how his passion for agriculture started during his childhood through his involvement in FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H programs. Now, at Piney Woods, he manages livestock, including cattle, goats, and chickens, alongside crop production. The farm emphasizes specialty crops such as tomatoes, squash, and other vegetables grown in high tunnels and greenhouses. Graham integrates the students into the farming process through workday programs, where they learn practical skills in caring for livestock and managing crops.

One of the core principles Graham follows is crop rotation, which helps maintain soil fertility and manage pest populations. By rotating legumes, leafy greens, fruits, and root vegetables, the farm minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making the farm more sustainable. He explains the science behind the process, noting how legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, leafy greens use the nitrogen, and root crops aerate the soil, contributing to long-term soil health. Additionally, companion planting is discussed as a technique to improve crop outcomes, and Graham highlights the importance of understanding the balance between different crops.

Pollinators, especially bees, play a crucial role in the farm's success. Graham describes their efforts to attract bees using swarm traps and lemongrass oil to aid in pollination, particularly for crops like squash, which require pollinators to produce. This addition of bees has reduced the labor-intensive process of hand-pollinating crops. The interview concludes with Graham's reflections on the importance of learning and innovation in farming, as he continuously adapts new practices and techniques to improve the farm’s productivity and sustainability. Through experimentation and community involvement, the farm serves as a living lab for both students and the surrounding community.