Lee Harrison Farm will utilize the latest Farming Best Management Practices (BMPs) Published by the Ohio State Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Lee Harrison Farm, LLC
Wardle Avenue, NE Youngstown, Ohio 44505
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Organic Farming at Its Best
Our goal is to provide a source of healthy, natural produce to the community and to create a place for educational outreach to the youth living in the area as well as to neighboring farmers.
Lee Harrison Farm, was established in 1944 by Henry Lee Harrison.
The Man With a Plan
The Land was last farmed in 1962. With the help and support of the local community partners we have been able to return the land back to its original roots.
We grow fresh sweet corn and vegetables use the latest farming practices recommended by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The Mission Statement
The number one focus of Lee Harrison Farm. Is to enhance the local community and to collaborate with community-based organizations. The farm will provide organically grown fruits and vegetables using “Best Management Practices.” Our goal is to provide a source of healthy, natural produce to the community,and to create a place for educational outreach to the youth living in the area.
Innovative and unique agricultural growing practices
We have developed systems that enable us to provide high quality crops at a lower cost. These systems include: The irrigation system uses ground water from a well on the property and is complemented by the use of rain barrels which capture the runoff from the gutter system from the High Seasonal Tunnels. The corn fields and row crop are no till. No-till farming is away of growing crop from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till is an agricultural technique which increases the amount of water and organic matter (nutrients) in the soil and decrease erosion. It increases the amount and variety of life in and on the soil.
Collaborations with Local Community Agencies and Institutions
Lee Harrison Farm has develop a close relationship with The Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District. The Mahoning SWCD is committed to being the conduit between the County’s landowner and conservation. This is achieved by a combination of three major means: policy, cost share funding and technical assistance. Mahoning SWCD works with voluntary landowners to put Best Management Practices (BMPs) in place to conserve the landowner’s two biggest resources, SOIL and WATER.
We have submitted a application for a forestry grant to manage and farm the forestry areas of the farm. The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service support forestry farming. Forest farming is the cultivation of high-value specialty crops under the protection of a forest canopy that has been modified to provide the correct shade level. Crops like ginseng, shiitake mushrooms, and decorative ferns are sold for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. Forest farming provides income while high-quality trees are being grown for wood products.
Lee Harrison Farm is a supporter of The 30 Mile Meal Project. This initiative pushes the envelope on the growing 100 Mile Meal movement with their ‘super-local’ effort to assist residents and visitors in finding local foods and places where they can savor the region’s flavors while supporting food producers and sellers, all within a 30 mile radius of Youngstown, Ohio. 30 Mile Meal celebrates and promotes our total local food experience – farmers, specialty food enterprises, Farmers Markets and local foods stores, regional food-themed events as well as eateries and bars featuring local ingredients and beverages.
We are pleased to have been named as one of the first founding members of the Lake-to-River
30 Mile Meal OH/PA Partnership.
In the NEWS
Lee Harrison Farm use many news sources to keep up with the most current topics and innovative practices in farming.
We have provided a list of what we think are a must for any rural or urban farmer:
Morning Ag Clips:
http://www.morningagclips.com/
Ohio State University Extension (Agriculture)
http://extension.osu.edu/topics/agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing Organically Grown Fruits and Vegetables
Successes Achieved to Date
We have already accomplished the following actions that will position us for future success. We have registered with the USDA- Farm Service Agency, obtained a Zoning permit from the City of Youngstown Zoning Department and Conducted soil samples. We are also pursuing grant opportunities that would enable our farm to expand.
The next step is to break ground!!
Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District
