Over the summer and fall of 2025, seven Lexington high school students took part in BUFF+2—a youth urban agriculture training program created in collaboration with FoodChain, Seedleaf, Two Suns Farm, and Community Farm Alliance. But this wasn’t just a summer job or classroom lecture. It was a season of hands-in-the-soil learning, led by educator and farmer Sharon Stone at Two Suns Farm, a third-acre growing space tucked into downtown Lexington.
From the very first day, the program centered student voice, autonomy, and critical thinking. Each participant was assigned their own individual plot at the farm and was asked to create a full production plan based on their personal goals. Their plans included business vision, resource needs, planting schedules, soil health, and pest management strategies. Sharon Stone, who owns and operates Two Suns Farm, brought her experience as both a grower and an educator to the forefront.
“You can’t teach someone unless you know them,” she said. She worked with each student to refine their plan, helping them shape realistic, meaningful goals. With her guidance, students not only learned what to grow, but why it mattered to them.
Problem-Solving in Real Time
Halfway through the season, students noticed something was going wrong in the field. Crops were being disturbed, and plants were disappearing overnight. With curiosity and concern, the group launched their own investigation, ruling out soil conditions, bugs, and other common culprits. Eventually, they decided to install a video camera—and what they caught on tape surprised everyone.
A groundhog.
The students sprang into action. They discussed humane removal options, set a trap, and notified Mr. Stone, who relocated the animal. For many, it was a turning point: a real-world farming challenge that they solved themselves, using teamwork and critical thinking.
Learning by Doing
Beyond their work at Two Suns Farm, the students participated in hands-on sessions with several regional experts and partner organizations, including:
- UK Extension Office
- American Farmland Trust
- Commonwealth Community Credit Union
- Briana Bazile, UK Graduate Entomologist
Through these sessions, they explored the connections between farming, business, science, and community development.
BUFF+2 students also helped with seasonal production for CSA shares and the Woodhill International Market, contributing directly to the local food economy. They hosted two open farm days for the public, selling flowers and produce while showcasing their hard work and creativity.
The program culminated with students selling their harvest at the Lexington Farmers Market’s Wednesday night market—where they managed their booth, engaged with customers, and proudly represented their farm plots.
Later that fall, they were invited to present their experience to the Fayette County Board of Education, reflecting on what they’d learned and how the program helped shape their interests and goals.
From Seed to Story
Each student came to BUFF+2 for different reasons—some with prior garden experience, others brand new to agriculture. By the end of the season, they had not only grown food, but grown confidence, skills, and a deeper connection to their community.
As Sharon Stone put it: “Assigning each student their own role helped them step into leadership. Once I understood their individual goals, I could help them shape their own plans. That’s where the learning really happened.”
This is what youth-led agriculture looks like—rooted in trust, fueled by curiosity, and grounded in the belief that learning should grow from the inside out.
Special thanks to:
- The students!
- Sharon Stone and Two Suns Farm
- Partners at FoodChain, Seedleaf, and Community Farm Alliance
- All the educators, mentors, and family members who supported the journey
