Recapping Our 2024 Season

Photo: D.L. Anderson

We just published our 2024 impact report, which shares the details of our year of experimentation, education, and deepened community impact. With a record-breaking harvest, expanded partnerships, and a growing role as an educational hub, we’re doubling down on our commitment to sustainable food systems and regenerative agriculture. Here are some of the highlights:

A Farm That Teaches as It Grows

Burkett Farm is more than a place that grows food—it’s a living classroom. In 2024, our first full year with a venue, more than 500 visitors participated in farm tours, and educational programming expanded to include workshops on climate-smart crops, food preservation, and soil health. The Container Barn played a key role, transforming the farm into an immersive, multi-sensory learning environment where guests could experience everything from hands-on gardening to cooking demonstrations using farm-grown ingredients.

Resilience in the Face of Climate Challenges

2024 brought extreme weather, from record-breaking heat to above average levels of precipitation. Through adaptive crop strategies, increased use of cover crops, and a commitment to no-till farming, our farm team not only maintained but increased production, surpassing 10,000 pounds of harvested produce for the first time.

Sustainability in Action

This year also marked major strides in resource conservation. The solar roof on our Container Barn generated nearly 44,000 kWh of solar power, we completed a 31,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system, and conducted advanced soil health testing to measure carbon sequestration and long-term soil vitality. These efforts reinforce Burkett Farm’s role as a demonstration site for climate-conscious farming.

Strengthening Food Access and Community Partnerships

With a 22% increase in pounds of produce harvested, the farm strengthened its commitment to fighting food insecurity. Partnerships with organizations like Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Haven House Services ensured that fresh, locally grown food reached those in need. The farm’s wholesale program with local restaurants and florists also doubled as a fundraising tool, directing more than $16,000 to community programs.

Looking Ahead

With momentum from a groundbreaking year, we’re setting our sights on expanding educational programs, strengthening food access partnerships, and amplifying sustainable agriculture initiatives.