Learn about Harvest Hope Farm. The nonprofit helps others through hands-on farm experiences and education about sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Located just north of Moorhead, Harvest Hope Farm connects others in nature through a hands-on farm experience. Lynn and Jason Kotrba started the nonprofit in 2017 to enhance emotional, physical, and spiritual health of fellow community members. The Kotrba family believes that working with nature has positive effects on self-esteem, motor skills, confidence, mental/physical health, and social skills development.
Harvest Hope Farm aims to inspire future generations through environmental stewardship. This includes teaching about sustainable farm practices, local food sources, and how to care for different types of animals.
Summer Camps
Each summer, Harvest Hope Farm hosts camps that provide an outlet for children to get involved in nature. Campers participate in everyday farm activities, including planting crops, caring for animals, learning about wool, working on soil health, and helping pollinators. Some campers take responsibility for a garden plot. Much of the produce from the camps and the garden is donated to local food shelves or churches.
This past summer, the camp went mobile, visiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley and Robert Asp Elementary School in Moorhead. They planted bean plants, learned about fleece, and even met llamas, chickens, and lambs.
“It’s just a way of breaking down barriers for families who aren’t able to get their kids here for camp,” Lynn said. “It’s a way for us to reach out to more kids and teach them about agricultural.”
Sheep for Research
Along with the farm camps, Harvest Hope Farm partners with Glycoscience Research and The Shepherd’s Gift: GM1 for HD. The partnership entails raising sheep that potentially hold the cure for Huntington’s Disease (HD). These “special” sheep have an abundance of GM1, a molecule present cells of all animals. GM1 is necessary for a healthy brain and nervous system. People diagnosed with neurological disorders like HD, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s don’t have enough of these molecules.
Studies have shown that medicine made of GM1 can help those diagnosed with neurological diseases. The issue is that GM1 cannot be made in a lab; it only occurs naturally. But because the “special” sheep contain an abundance of GM1 molecules, scientists can harvest some cells. They can then use the cells to create the compound needed to treat neurological diseases.
HD has impacted the Kotrba family on a personal level, so helping to find the cure for the disease is vital to the mission of the farm. Those who visit the farm have an opportunity to interact with the same sheep that could have the cure for HD.
Llama Llama
One of Lynn’s favorite summer camps is The Llama Llama Camp. Inspired by the popular Llama Llama children’s book series, the camp teaches preschoolers about how to be a good friend. While the campers get to meet a real-life llama, they also learn how to get along with one another. The farm echoes the playground, as the campers see how different animals interact.
“We have eight different animals in our pasture together, and they all get along well, even though they’re all different,” said Lynn. “We as humans should also be able to get along well and not be bullies to each other. Even though we’re all different and unique, we can work together to make this world a good place.”
Hope 365
The future of Harvest Hope Farm will cultivate hope 365 days a year. Because the farm camps only run during the summer, Lynn wants to expand the scope of the farm. This includes the new growing dome, which allows produce to be grown throughout the winter. Lynn also hopes to continue programs throughout the winter with the help of the growing dome.
Harvest Hope Farms is an inspiring nonprofit that is focused in the community. The Kotrba hopes to teach others about the importance of environmental stewardship while inspiring healthy lifestyles. “We really believe in using the time we have and the resources to impact others,” said Lynn.
About the Author
Brogan Ludwig is the ACC AmeriCorps member for West Central Initiative. His year of service includes working on the Climate Action Newsletter and Climate Action outreach. Brogan graduated from Concordia College in May. He lives outside his hometown, Hawley.