The Urban Farm

Here’s from David DeMalteris, the Horticulture Program Manager.

“Being a lifetime student of agriculture is where I feel at home because there is never a dull moment. There’s always something new to be learned and applied. Critical decisions that need to be made. Precautionary principles and solid planning need to be integrated into how we do what often seem like simplest of tasks. But the simplicity is there because of the constant refinement of work systems. For me, common sense is the sustainability of urban farm systems. It’s been an epic journey seeing how the act of growing awesome organic produce can mean so much to so many stakeholders. I first fell in love with agriculture inside the Elkstone Farm Climate Battery Greenhouse in the Yampa Valley. Seeing all the Dragon Fruit and Grapes growing on the side of a frozen mountain was mind boggling to me. Later I got to learn how the green house space operates when setting up the ACRES farm at Warren Tech. That experience gave me insight as to how the whole farm organism meshes with and can benefit the community. Developing farming systems that work for all stakeholders takes time, communication, lots of grit to get over the hurdles. It’s the satisfaction of those systems come to fruition and create positive change for the farm. Teaching Greenhouse Management Systems at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, developing curriculum, working half hands-on with students accelerated the my own learning as well. After 8 Seasons I took a 3 season break and then had my own farm for the last 3 seasons @DeMalt_Farms. Taking on the solo farmer role rounded out the business aspect. After a decade of going from “Greenhorn” to “Farmer” I have been running the horticulture program at the Urban Farm for the last 4 months preparing for a bountiful season. Here we donate our food to Denver kids.”