ACTIVE FARM DETAILS

Southern Fresh Farms uses a proven method of vertical hydroponic farming developed by Verti-Go, which utilizes a smaller land space for a higher crop yield. It is above-ground, so they do not incur flooding or damage during SWFL rainy season. It also happens to be the same company that Walt Disney World uses at Epcot the Land.

Fun Farm Facts

  • Our Farm does not employ large-scale equipment nor burn a lot of fuel

  • Our farm uses less water because they grow row on top of row on top of row

  • Our farm employs windmills to aerate the retention pond

  • The planting season is in September with harvesting throughout the season

  • Southern Fresh Farms makes healthy eating affordable and attainable

  • Our farm grows more on a quarter acre of land than a 5-acre traditional farm

  • Considering Lee County, FL is approximately only 10% Agricultural. Of that 10%, traditionally potatoes, eggplant and squash are grown. Southern Fresh Farms is unique and crucial to the local community with their various array of farm production

Highlights of Verti-Gro systems

(as used in Walt Disney World Epcot’s the Land)

Growing Towers Present at Farm:
560 Towers, 2240 Pots, ~8,960 Plants

  • Allows for high-density growing with plant densities of 5 to 10 times that of a field and 3 to 5 times the density for certain crops grown in greenhouses.

  • More production in less space.

  • Less capital outlay per plant space.

  • Less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

  • A cleaner, more nutritional product.

  • An insulated container for better root growth.

  • More crop versatility.

  • Can be used anywhere (greenhouses, tunnels, outdoors) and is Easier to plant and harvest

Produce Grown at the Farm includes

• 7 different lettuces

• Tomatoes

• Cherry tomatoes

• Beets

• Onions

• Sweet potatoes

• Red skin potatoes

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Green beans

• Celery

• Corn & Squash

Additional Produce at the Farm includes

• Eggs

• Butter

• Cheese curds

• Dressings

• Florida Chips

• Seasonings

• Jelly & Jam from their Amish vendor

• Local Seafood when available

• Local Meats when available

Farm Animals

  • 2 Holstein Steers named Henry & Bob

  • 1 Brangus Steer named Moofasa

  • 2 Mini Donkeys named Murphy & Betsy

  • 1 Angus/Sussex Steer named Koda

  • 1 Nebraska Bison

  • 3 Female Nubian Goats

Help Support Koda & Tatonka

Tatonka, an American Bison Bull born on June 1, 2023 at Watertown Bison Ranch in Amherst, Nebraska, was likely orphaned as bison mothers typically can only care for one calf. Given a chance at life by Robert’s cousin, David Klingelhoefer, an enclosure was built to accommodate his future size. Bison are highly adaptable animals, capable of thriving in extreme temperatures. Their unique characteristics, such as having four stomachs and different dental structure from cows, require special care. Managing Tatonka's stress levels, as bison cannot be castrated or have their horns removed, presents a significant challenge. While bison can be partially tamed, they remain herd animals and tend to vie for dominance. Tatonka and Henry, both inclined to be dominant, may not get along well due to their alpha tendencies.

Which brings us to…

Koda, a Sussex/Black Angus bull born on June 28, 2023, originated from a large dairy/cattle ranch in Okeechobee. Due to the costs involved, not all bull calves can be raised on the ranch, leading Koda to be taken away early. With a gentle temperament, Koda has been castrated and is being bottle-fed with milk replacer. Alongside Tatonka, he is learning to eat grains and hay. Both have been relocated to a larger pen to socialize and enjoy ample space for exercise.

To donate to Tatonka and/or Koda you can either:

Venmo Shelly McMahon @Southernfreshfarms with the note DONATION

Mail a check to:
Shelly McMahon at Southern Fresh Farms Urban Collective.
(Note that it is a DONATION and which animal)