On March 10th, the Kansas Black Farmers Association, in collaboration with Women Farmers Aging Strong, gathered for an inspiring in-person Learning Circle with 15 phenomenal women. Women of all ages and farming backgrounds came together, bringing with them a wealth of experiences, curiosity, and a shared commitment to growing food and community.
Dr. Tammy Counts graciously opened her home and garden to host the gathering, creating a space that felt both welcoming and grounding. Surrounded by the beauty of her garden, participants enjoyed a nourishing lunch and the fellowship of like-minded women who understand that farming is about much more than the land—they are about connections and care for ourselves and one another.
The focus of this Learning Circle was simple but deeply meaningful: exploring ways to farm and garden that support our health and strength as we age. Farming is a lifelong journey, and learning how to adapt our tools and techniques ensures that we can continue doing the work we love for many years to come.
Participants had the opportunity to learn from Kerri Ebert, coordinator for the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (KCSAAC) and the Kansas SARE Professional Development Program with the K State Cooperative Extension Service. Kerri brought decades of knowledge and experience to the circle. From 1992 to 1995 and again from 2002 to 2018, she worked with the K State Extension Farm Safety Program and also coordinated the Kansas AgrAbility Project, which focuses on supporting farmers with physical limitations. Her insight and demonstrations of adaptive tools and techniques offered practical ways to make farming safer, more efficient, and more accessible as our bodies change over time.
Beyond the demonstrations and shared knowledge, the luncheon served as a beautiful reminder of the power of community. In a world that often moves too quickly, the afternoon invited everyone present to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty around them, whether in a garden bed, a shared meal, or a new friendship.
Just like a well tended garden, beautiful things bloom when women gather to learn, support one another, and grow stronger together.
This Learning Circle was part of the Women Farmers Aging Strong project that the Kansas Black Farmers Association is a partner in with Renewing the Countryside. Women Farmers Aging Strong is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to provide women farmers with education, resources, and community to take care of our most important tool: ourselves.
Dessert
Brunch
Berry Smoothie Toast
Women Gathering Together
Women in Ag
