4 minute read
SUSTAINABLE FARMING IN OUR COMMUNITY
Have you ever wondered how to start a sustainable farm?
One of Cobb EMC’s own engineers, Kevin Rowell, has a passion for serving and leading in our community. At Cobb EMC, he helps design electric service for new homes and streetlights, operates GPS units for new construction, locates and does computer-aided design (CAD) work in engineering. Rowell is growing our community outside of work through fruits and veggies at his family -owned and operated K&T Farms.
Rowell’s passion is a family farm that ultimately provides a sustainable future for his family while contributing to our community. His love of farming began in a small greenhouse as a family undertaking with his children, parents, fiancé, and in-laws. They started farming through trial and error, learning valuable lessons along the way. Rowell also studied at the Johns Hopkins School of Environmental Science, learning about hydrology, sustainable business and supply chains. One key factor in starting the farm was a grant from the Foodwell Alliance. The grant was used to purchase a small tractor to plant seedlings.
Owners K&T Farms from leftt: Tom Rowell, Cindy Rowell, Melinda Wilson, Kevin Rowell.
What goes into farming?
The love of suburban farming has expanded K&T Farms to much larger projects that grow year-round. Rowell manages everything from seedlings to compost to fertilizers.
The farm has different animals, including chickens, goats, sheep, and alpacas, contributing to fertilizing and egg production! One of the benefits of locally grown produce is the ability to grow organic, without mass-produced chemicals. Rowell uses ladybugs, praying mantis, diatomaceous earth and neem oil to battle pests. They even have farm dogs to protect their herd.
Baby goat owned by Kevin Rowell and Melinda Wilson.
Today, the family farm includes more than 12 acres of land. You can find K&T Farms produce at Bridge Mill Farmers Market on Wednesdays, Dallas Farmers Market on Saturdays and Hollydale UMC Farmers Market on Saturdays. Produce is also donated to the community food banks at Hollydale UMC and Acworth UMC.
Suburban farming with purpose K&T Farms not only sustainably produces food, it also supports veterans by leasing church property to build farms. Rowell also works with school groups through the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to establish farmland.
K&T Farms is working with FFA groups to better utilize their school property to grow year-round. The FFA students also go to the farms operated by K&T Farms to learn about greenhouses and growing. Serving FFA groups allows young people to discover a life path and rewarding career in farming.
Serving the veteran community is unique because different United Methodist churches lease their land to veterans. Veterans have the opportunity to own a farm and learn a new trade after years of serving our country.
This community work allows K&T Farms to support those just starting on the journey of life as well as those starting a new chapter.
Big results
The need for food is something often overlooked in urban communities. Community-backed farms help teach new farmers how to run a sustainable operation, give back to the church and provide for those in need. Throughout the season, more than 14 varieties of fruits and veggies are donated to the church food pantries at Hollydale UMC and Acworth UMC. Additionally, Wheeler and Campbell High schools have FFA programs in the planning stages within the Cobb EMC service area.
You can get involved by volunteering at your local food pantry or through the church programs. Rowell is currently looking for new church property to expand these programs in Cobb EMC’s service area. Please reach out with interest by following K&T Farms on Facebook. Watch the planting season bloom and keep an eye out for K&T Farms at farmers markets. Produce like okra, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash will be available throughout the summer.
Kevin Rowell at Hollydale UMC farm.
