Harvest Heroes at Spaulding Ranch | Veterans, Farming & Community

Something special is growing at Boise's historic Spaulding Ranch.

On this episode of The Great Idaho Show, Dylan Stocker sits down with Ariel Agenbroad of University of Idaho Extension and Harvest Heroes Veteran Coordinator Connie Mae to talk about Harvest Heroes, the West Bench Farmers Market, agriculture, veterans and the new life taking shape at Spaulding Ranch.

Harvest Heroes brings veterans and their families together through farming, gardening, education and community. Participants can get their hands in the soil, learn agricultural skills, grow food, connect with other veterans and explore their own interests, from sweet potatoes and seed saving to food preservation and beekeeping.

We also explore Spaulding Ranch itself, a historic piece of Boise's agricultural past where crops are once again in the ground and people are learning about farming.

And there's an easy way for the public to experience it.

The West Bench Farmers Market is held Thursday evenings at Spaulding Ranch, bringing together local growers and food producers while giving visitors an opportunity to meet the people behind Harvest Heroes, explore the property and learn more about what's happening there.

We talk about how Harvest Heroes began and where it's headed, produce being donated back into the community, accessible gardening, the upcoming beekeeping program, University of Idaho Extension, irrigation, unusual crops, equipment, weeds and, yes, the ongoing battle against goat heads.

It's veterans, agriculture, Idaho history, local food and community coming together in one place.

Come meet the people, visit the market and see what's growing at Spaulding Ranch.

The Great Idaho Show
The Heart and Mind of Idaho

Sponsored by Old Arms of Idaho, your ambassadors to America's heritage.