Rooted in Experience: Education for Farmers, Led by Farmers

Jake Callander, owner of Nature’s Roots Farm and Farmer Educator at FARRMS, embodies how farmer-led education can cultivate success on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community. His journey from intern to educator exemplifies FARRMS’ core philosophy of education for farmers, led by farmers.

Jake’s connection to FARRMS began as a participant. After a year of farming, he joined the internship program, which gave him the confidence and clarity he needed to move forward. “Working as an intern gave me the confidence I lacked,” Jake recalls. “Once I felt more secure in marketing my products, I realized I needed to organize my ideas and turn my aspirations into a tangible plan.” That realization led him to Farm Dreams, where he began to articulate his vision on paper.

With a business major in college, Jake understood that farming success required more than just fieldwork. FARRMS’ Farm Beginnings course helped him build a holistic business plan, one he continues to refine and rely on today. His farm, Nature’s Roots, is a diversified operation featuring fresh vegetables, fresh and dried flowers, vermicomposting, and a growing fruit orchard.

In the winter of 2023, Jake stepped into his “second dream job” as FARRMS Farmer Educator. “I’ve always believed that knowledge is powerful and that it should be accessible to everyone,” he says. This position allows him to teach aspiring farmers while staying deeply connected to North Dakota’s sustainable agriculture community. Both of these roles benefit his farm and the programming he leads. “Through this work, I’ve gained valuable insights into both business and production practices that I can bring back to Nature’s Roots Farm and also integrate into the programs we offer at FARRMS.”

Jake’s approach to farming and education is cyclical and reflective. “Farming is a constant cycle of planning, preparation, execution, and reflection,” he explains. That ongoing process, guided by the knowledge gained through FARRMS and education, is what drives lasting success.

The core FARRMS’ programs that Jake leads are Farm Dreams, Farm Beginnings and the Summer Menotorship. One of his proudest accomplishments at FARRMS is reinstating the Summer Mentorship program, which connects beginning farmers with seasoned producers. “Being immersed in this community of amazing, knowledgeable, and friendly people is an incredible experience to share with more farmers,” he says.

As Nature’s Roots Farm finishes up their fifth growing season, Jake looks forward to the maturing of his fruit orchard and adding a new online farm store. His products are currently available at Red River Market and year-round at Red River Harvest Cooperative. His journey continues to inspire and shape the future of sustainable agriculture in North Dakota.