Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia’s Youngest Farmer

On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts are excited to welcome a young trailblazer in agriculture. At just nine years old, the youngest certified farmer, author and founder of Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, Kendall Rae, shares her inspiring journey. Alongside her mom Ursula, she discusses how her love for farming began, the variety of fruits and vegetables she grows in her front and back yards, and how her passion evolved into a business. She also breaks down hydroponics and shares the story behind her book, I’m Growing Places, which uses rhymes to teach the plant life cycle. This episode offers practical advice for kids interested in farming and a glimpse into the plans for expanding the farm and sharing knowledge through new projects.

IN THIS EPISODE:   

• [4:48] Kendall’s inspiration for farming

• [9:59] Kendall shares a tour of her garden

• [15:01] Discussion of the catering company and Kendall’s favorite recipes

• [19:32] What was the inspiration for selling the produce, and the farm’s operation

• [24:22] Defining hydroponics and the inspiration behind the book I’m Growing Places

• [29:01] Kendall advises kids who may want to farm and explains her future plans

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Creative storytelling can nurture a passion for farming. It allows young people to express their love for agriculture uniquely. Providing platforms for them to share their interests fosters innovation and engagement.

• It's important to start growing food and embrace the learning journey. Learning becomes an exciting adventure, and as you seek knowledge, you grow in skills and personally. Kendall’s passion for agriculture and business is thriving, proving that growth happens in more ways than one.

• Kendall and her family focus on expanding their farm while remaining committed to community engagement. They prioritize local, small-batch, and seasonal agriculture and offer workshops and farm visits to educate others. 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

aGROWkulture - Website

I'm Growing Places - Book

Kendall Rae's Green Heart - Website

BIOGRAPHY: 

At just nine years old, Kendall Rae Johnson is making history as the youngest certified farmer in the United States and a passionate advocate for urban agriculture, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship. Inspired by her late great-grandmother’s wisdom to "put collard greens back in the dirt," Kendall started gardening on her family’s patio porch at three years old. What began as a small backyard garden has become a movement, inspiring young people nationwide to see farming as a pathway to business ownership,

sustainability, and community impact. As the USDA’s First Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, Kendall is now leading the USDA’s 1890 Land-Grant University Tour, educating students, educators, and local leaders on financial literacy, urban farming practices, and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Through this initiative, she is helping to bridge the gap between urban communities and agricultural opportunities, empowering the next generation of food innovators. Kendall’s work has gained national attention, with features on Good Morning America, Ellen, CNN, Nickelodeon News, and

Sesame Street. Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris have recognized her, and in 2023, the state of Georgia honored her with “Kendall Rae Johnson Day” on March 23rd. She is also the author of I’m Growing Places and creator of My Farm Biz, a youth curriculum designed to introduce kids to farming and entrepreneurship.