Youngest certified farmer in the US, Kendall Rae Johnson inspires sustainability and community
One warm summer afternoon, while we watered the garden, laughter floated over from the fence. A group of neighborhood kids with toy carts gathered, drawn by the vibrant tomatoes. Kendall, apron streaked with dirt, ran to greet them, her excitement contagious. “Come, I will show you,” she said, leading them into what had become her garden kingdom. I stood back, watching my five-year-old introduce others to something simple and profound.
- 2 days ago
December 25, 2024
ATLANTA, United States — We live in a modest house among fields and gardens stretching toward the horizon. From the kitchen window, the sunrise pours over Kendall’s sanctuary—a one-acre farm teeming with life. For years, we have witnessed this place evolve along Kendall’s dreams. What began as a simple backyard for her experiments with pots and small flower beds gradually transformed into something extraordinary. Today, the soil is full of vibrant carrots, tomatoes, kale, and flowers that sway gently in the breeze, each plant rooted in a story of care.
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From kale leaves to garden dreams, Kendall’s journey rooted in her great-grandmother’s wisdom
Kendall’s journey began with her great-grandmother Kate teaching her a quiet truth one autumn afternoon. At just three years old, Kendall learned to return kale leaves to the earth instead of discarding them. Sunlight poured through the curtains as Kate knelt beside her, gently guiding small hands to bury the stalks. It felt less like a lesson and more like an unspoken connection.
As Kendall grew, so did her bond with the garden. Her excitement beamed every time a new sprout emerged from the soil. Dirt-covered hands would pull up fresh carrots. “Mom, it is perfect!” she exclaimed, holding her find high like a prize. Our simple backyard soon flourished into a thriving garden, every plant reflecting her care and determination.
For her fourth birthday, we decided to give her a raised garden bed. The smell of cut wood and freshly turned soil filled the yard as we prepared the surprise. When Kendall came home from the nursery with her dad, carrying a tray of seedlings, her face lit up. “Mom, it is like a treasure!” she shouted, rushing toward her new garden bed. That evening, she carefully planted each seedling.
Over time, her garden became a vibrant sanctuary of color and life. What amazed me most was how she nurtured it. Her hands worked with care, her face lit up at every discovery, and her laughter echoed through the yard when she found a ladybug among the leaves. Watching her tend to this little patch of earth felt like witnessing the seeds of her future begin to grow.
Kendall’s garden: a child’s wisdom, community, and the joy of farming
One warm summer afternoon, while we watered the garden, laughter floated over from the fence. A group of neighborhood kids with toy carts gathered, drawn by the vibrant tomatoes. Kendall, apron streaked with dirt, ran to greet them, her excitement contagious. “Come, I will show you,” she said, leading them into what had become her garden kingdom. I stood back, watching my five-year-old introduce others to something simple and profound.
She ran barefoot through the garden and knelt beside other children. The garden came alive with laughter and movement. Her voice carried an unexpected wisdom. Kendall guided them with patient care, teaching them to pick ripe fruit and save seeds. “The secret is here,” she whispered, holding up a tiny seed.
The children loaded their toy carts with carrots, cucumbers, and bundles of herbs, playing the role of miniature farmers. They left with more than fresh produce—they carried the joy of being part of something meaningful. That summer, the garden’s purpose evolved in ways I had not anticipated. Kendall nurtured a sense of community and connection. As the children waved goodbye, Kendall sat in the dirt radiating happiness.
For Kendall, farming combined art, science, and faith. She poured over botany books, jotting observations in a handmade journal with meticulous care. “Mom, it rained today, and the tomato leaves are shinier,” she once wrote with a seriousness mirroring a scientist’s dedication. Her lessons did not stop with books. Together, we studied ants near the flower beds, learning how they aerated the soil. To Kendall, even the smallest creatures were vital allies in her ever-expanding world.
Inheriting Kate’s acre: Kendall honors her great-grandmother by nurturing the land
This profound love for the earth started with her great-grandmother Kate. When Kate passed, the loss felt overwhelming. I still hear her voice saying, “What we plant today feeds us tomorrow,” words that took root in Kendall’s heart and grew into her guiding philosophy.
At Kate’s memorial dinner, Kendall stood with a kale stalk in hand and declared, “Do not throw the leaves away—plant them.” Her voice carried a conviction to the room. Each seed Kendall planted after that became a tribute to Kate. As soon as the chance came to work on the acre of land inherited from great-grandmother Kate, the energy shifted.
Our first morning the soft sunlight warmed our skin as Kendall’s eyes lit up, taking in the vast canvas before her. The acre brimmed with possibilities but demanded immense effort. Together, we tackled the challenge, determined to transform it into something vibrant—a tribute to Kate’s legacy, our family’s roots, and Kendall’s unwavering love for the land.
Kendall sketched her vision with care, mapping paths, vegetable plots, and crop spaces, each detail with purpose. As word spread, neighbors joined in, turning planting days into joyful gatherings. With shovels in hand, we tilled the soil and aligned the rows with precision. At first, the barren earth gave no sign of life, but Kendall’s unwavering dedication transformed it. Slowly, vibrant greens began to sprout, and the once-empty acre burst into life. Carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and colorful flowers flourished under her care. Walking through the thriving rows, Kendall marveled at seeing her vision come to life.
The once-empty plot transformed into a thriving sanctuary
The farm quickly grew beyond a family project, becoming a hub of learning and connection. Families gathered to learn from Kendall, who eagerly shared her knowledge of composting, pest control, and plant care. A small apiary added a new layer of life. The once-empty plot transformed into a thriving sanctuary, vibrant with growth and community.
Memories of visitors remain vivid. One day, a shy boy named Liam arrived with his mother. Kendall led him to the carrot beds, and his laughter rang out as he unearthed his first vegetable. His mother, moved to tears, whispered, “I have never seen him so happy.” Another time, Martha, an elderly former farmer, clasped Kendall’s dirt-streaked hands and said, “You carry the history of everyone who loved this land. Never forget that.” The farm bridged generations, planting seeds of connection in every heart that visited.
I still recall the day we got the call to participate in a television show. The voice on the other end sounded excited, explaining their interest in featuring Kendall, a young farmer transforming her community. Doubts crept in—were we ready? Could Kendall share her passion under the spotlight?
Over dinner, Kendall spoke about the seeds she had planted and her dream of teaching sustainability. Her enthusiasm silenced my fears. The program would be a platform to share her vision with countless others. Watching her excitement, I knew this chance would help her inspire far beyond the borders of our little farm. I realized this was her moment.
Kendall’s TV appearance ignites inspiration, flooded with messages of support
The day of the taping felt surreal. Bright studio lights shimmered like stars, and the energy buzzed with excitement. Kendall, in her little garden jacket with her hair neatly tied back, stood calm and confident, as if she were tending her plants instead of standing on a set. The host listened in awe as Kendall explained the magic of seeds germinating and growing, her voice steady and full of passion. Watching her, I felt a surge of pride, as though I witnessed wisdom far beyond her years.
The impact was immediate. Messages flooded in from across the country—people thanked Kendall for sharing her story, for inspiring them to reconnect with the earth, and for reminding them of nature’s essential role in their lives. Kendall answered each message with grace, her humility shining through. The show transformed her from a child with big ideas into a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that farming is an act of love and respect for the planet.
Kendall’s vision soon extended beyond our family. Her leadership took center stage during her first Earth Day parade. What began as a small plan turned into a community-wide event. On a sunny spring morning, children arrived holding banners that read, “For a cleaner world” and “Take care of the earth.” Over 800 kids marched with glowing determination. At the front, Kendall walked with the confidence of a natural-born leader.
When handed the microphone, she paused, took a deep breath, and declared, “Let’s take care of the earth because it takes care of us!” Her voice carried immense power. Flags fluttered, signs waved, and a profound energy filled the air.
Though her story is still unfolding, her legacy has begun to take root
What impresses me most about Kendall is how she views agriculture as far more than growing food. In her workshops, I have seen children captivated as she patiently guides them through planting seeds, explaining with care. Through this simple act, she demonstrates that tending the earth is also an act of tending to one another. Her words and actions hold a depth that surpasses her years, inspiring not only children but entire families. Kendall’s passion for sustainability embodies what it means to lead with intention, compassion, and heart.
As her mother, I am profoundly proud of Kendall’s journey. Often, I watch her walking the farm’s furrows at sunset, her silhouette glowing against the golden light, and I marvel at the transformation she has already inspired. Though her story is still unfolding, her legacy has begun to take root. Each sprout she nurtures, each community event she organizes, and each child she inspires carries the seeds of a brighter future. In a world desperate for care and renewal, I find hope in knowing that my daughter, with her small hands and immense spirit, is cultivating that future.
Living here means becoming part of something greater. This land offers us lessons every day. At night, under a star-filled sky and the calming scent of damp earth, peace settles over me. Kendall often sits on the porch, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Our home is a living testament to what can happen when a little girl believes in the power of a seed and the enduring promise of the earth.
