Interested in raising livestock or starting a farm-to-table operation? This two-part series offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from two Hawaiʻi Island farmers and community leaders, Brandon Lee of Kaunāmano Farm and Lehua Restaurant and David Fuertes of Kahua Paʻa Mua, through farm visits, hands-on learning, and talk story.
This series is offered free of charge through USDA 2501 grant funding. 15 participants will be selected through this application process. Priority will be given to beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and veteran farmers and ranchers, particularly those interested in livestock production, animal husbandry, or farm-to-table operations.
Part 1: Farm to Table - Kaunāmano Farm & Lehua Restaurant
Saturday, October 17 | 9:00am–1:30pm
Umauma, North Hilo & Hilo
Lunch included
Spend the day with farmer and restaurateur Brandon Lee, owner of Kaunāmano Farm, Lehua Restaurant, and Napua Restaurant. We’ll begin with a tour of his farm in Umauma to learn about his livestock operation and regenerative farming practices, then head to Lehua Restaurant in Hilo for lunch and talk story with Brandon about running farm-to-table operations and bringing locally raised food from the farm to the plate.
Part 2: KNF Animal Husbandry Workshop
Saturday, October 24 | 9:00am–12:00pm
Kapaʻau, North Kohala
Join David Fuertes, Executive Director of Kahua Paʻa Mua, for a hands-on workshop focused on practical approaches to raising livestock at the backyard and homestead scale. Drawing from his experience raising chickens and pigs, David will share methods for raising and caring for pigs, building and managing chicken tractors, and integrating Korean Natural Farming (KNF) practices into animal husbandry.This series is open to farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative livestock and starting a farm to table operation.
Applicants must commit to attending both sessions if selected. Applications close October 2. Selected participants will be notified by October 5.
