When thinking of urban centers in New York, the first that likely comes to mind is the Big Apple – New York City. However, Upstate New York hosts 4 large population centers including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. Farming on rooftops and in small lots is not something unique to our five major cities in New York, and we are excited to share with you a thriving urban farm on 5.8 acres in Syracuse – changing your idea of what farming can look like. Charter schools are not unique in our cities, but a school focused on preparing urban students for a career in food and agriculture is unique and worth telling of their story.

Jessi Lyons is the Farm Coordinator at Brady Farm in Syracuse. Brady Farm began in 2016 and is continuing to grow and develop in their maturity as a farm and as social program to serve the needs of their community. Started by the Brady Faith Center, their goal was to provide the community with job training, healthy and affordable food, and an education. Through selling CSA shares, they are able to keep the farm in place each year. You can learn more about Brady Farm on their website (www.bradyfarm.org), follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bradyfaithfarm), and on Instagram (www.instagram.com/bradyfaithfarm).

Morgan Boerman is an agricultural science teacher at OnTech Charter School in Syracuse. The school has been open a year and a half, and during this time they are doing their best to develop a community that cares about their students. They are focused on training their students for potentially a career in agriculture, with thoughtful opportunities for project-based learning experiences. Follow their work on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ontechcharterhighschool) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ontech_rethinkhighschool).

This podcast is hosted by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (www.iowaagliteracy.org), and New York Agriculture in the Classroom (www.agclassroom.org/ny).

Show Notes and Credits:
Hosted by Katie Carpenter.
Edited by Chrissy Rhodes.

Thanks to our guests Jessi Lyons and Morgan Boerman.

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