Cultivating Culture: A Summer Milpa Project at Farmshare

What started as a casual conversation evolved into a meaningful exploration of culture, community and agriculture through a recent milpa project, led by Casey Frank, Farmshare's Education and Operations Manager, and his partner, Alex Sanchez. The two were inspired by Alex's Mexican heritage and a playful suggestion from Alex's mom to grow corn for tortillas.

A milpa is a traditional agricultural system in which corn is intercropped with beans, squash and other crops. Recognizing a shared interest among Farmer Starter students in the Three Sisters growing method—a Native American practice of interplanting corn, beans and squash—they integrated this approach into the milpa.

Each crop benefits the others in a symbiotic relationship: corn provides support for the climbing beans, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen and squash helps suppress weeds and retain moisture. While similar to the Three Sisters method, milpa is rooted in Mesoamerican traditions, particularly among Indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America, and often incorporates a wider variety of crops.

In February, Casey and Alex broke ground on uncultivated land at the back of the farm, dedicating their weekends to preparing the soil to support the incoming crops. By the first week of March, they began seeding corn, sunn hemp and other crops, taking advantage of a mild winter that allowed them to plant ahead of schedule and avoid pests.

They interplanted three varieties of corn with cowpeas to enrich the soil with nitrogen, included sunn hemp as a cover crop to prevent cross-pollination and added winter squash, sweet melon, gourds and both edible and medicinal flowers.

Their hard work paid off when they harvested over 300 pounds of corn and 400 pounds of winter squash, melons and gourds in mid-June. The corn, a variety meant for grinding into cornmeal, was carefully dried on the stalk before being husked and cured in the greenhouse. 

In line with their mission to deepen their understanding of culture, community and agriculture, all produce was intended for sharing with friends, family and the Farmshare community. The winter squash was stored at the farm, while the corn was taken to Alex's home for nixtamalization, a traditional Mesoamerican process dating back to 1200-1500 B.C. This process involves soaking the corn in an alkaline solution made with wood ash or lime to create masa, the dough used for tortillas, tamales and pupusas. Nixtamalization enhances nutritional value, improves flavor and texture and aids in digestion.

The Farmshare community has generously received an abundance of Lodi, Koginut and Honey Patch squash, while the gourds continue to mature. Over the coming months, Casey plans to transform the gourds into art or instruments, notably, he is focusing on crafting a Berimbau, a traditional Brazilian instrument used in Capoeira.

Casey and Alex's summer project resulted in a bountiful harvest and expanded their understanding of sustainable practices and cultural traditions. Casey broadened his expertise in crop cultivation, gaining valuable knowledge to share with our Farmer Starter students. Alex, a newcomer to farming, found a meaningful connection to his heritage while developing agricultural skills. By sharing their insights, they inspire our staff and students, enriching the entire Farmshare community. 

Interested in becoming a Farmer Starter?

Deadline extended! Stop and smell the basil, then grow your own! Launch a career in organic and sustainable farming and apply by the deadline of October 15th for the Spring 2025 Farmer Starter program. Become a farmer through our immersive, cohort-based, 5-month farmer training program, where you will:

✅ Learn organic and sustainable growing methods
✅ Develop essential business and financial planning skills

Apply for Spring 2025 Farmer Starter

Ready to grow? Start your own farm!

Ready to start your farm? We're NOW ACCEPTING applications for 5 passionate farmers to join a 3-year low-cost lease at Farmshare Austin and Green Gate Farms. 

Incubators will have access to tools for successful specialty crop production, including irrigation, greenhouse space and cold storage. Apply by November 1st for quarter or half-acre plots.

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Farmshare Austin's 11th Annual Veggie You-Pick

Save the Date! Join us for Farmshare's 11th Annual Veggie You-Pick event on Saturday, December 7th, from 1 PM to 4 PM at our beautiful 13-acre organic farm. Tickets are available NOW! Don’t forget to purchase your Veggie Bags!

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