The 5.5 acre Carolyn Lanier Youth Farm was established in 1988 to provide locally grown produce to people receiving food assistance through the Food Bank. During the first year only two acres were cultivated, while the remainder of the land was cleared of brush and weeds. By 1992 a sprinkler system was installed. The vegetable poundage grown on the farm grew from 40,000 pounds in 1989 to 100,000 pounds currently produced annually.
Farm Facts:
- Acreage is 5.5, but only 3.5 acres is actively being farmed. Classroom, office, and storage buildings, as well as cooler space for storing produce take up most of the other two acres.
- SPFB farm is a sustainable farming operation. We strive to make the most efficient use of our nonrenewable resources through soil, water, pest and disease management.
- The Food Bank farm has two high tunnels, totaling 5,376 sq. ft. of growing space, extending the growing time for high value crops 8 to 10 weeks. High tunnels are metal structures with durable plastic covers similar to greenhouses but without the heating/cooling units. The tunnels were secured through a grant partnership with Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Service.
- The farm staff works with Texas AgriLife on research projects to improve the understanding of growing vegetable crops in West Texas.
- Texas AgriLife vegetable specialist, Russ Wallace, Ph.D., coordinates with the Food Bank to grow crops and donates much of the harvest to the GRUB Program and the South Plains Food Bank.
- The farm grows over 50 types of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
- The farm grows loofah gourds used by youth in the GRUB Program to make a value-added soap product called GRUB Scrub.