Greetings Friends,

Allow me to introduce myself! Although my background is not in traditional agriculture, my life experiences and hands-on farming provide me with a unique perspective that equips me to manage the complexities of farming while advancing my farm's role as an agro-tourism destination and advocate for sustainability. I began my honeybee farm in 2021, focusing on honey production through responsible beekeeping. As a woman-owned, minority-owned company, Tuskegee Honey LLC is dedicated to implementing eco-friendly practices and finding innovative solutions to the unique agricultural challenges on my land. I have a commitment to continuous improvement, which is evident in the certificates I have earned in produce safety and floral design, which enables me to offer high-quality honey and other products. The skills I have gained from working for years as a college professor—such as risk management and adaptability—have been crucial in navigating the uncertainties of farming, allowing me to pivot strategies and make informed decisions as the farm evolves.

I’ve been growing Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) for two years on my dry farm in Zone 8b, using no irrigation, no chemical fertilizers, and no pest control—and it has thrived. This hardy, low-maintenance crop not only grows beautifully in our hot Southern climate but also provides vital blooms during the summer dearth, which makes it especially beneficial for my honeybees. In 2024, I wrote a Southern SARE grant focused on expanding roselle production, and in 2025, I was honored to receive funding to deepen this research and share it with other farmers.

Through this course, I’ll guide you step by step on how to grow roselle efficiently and sustainably, drawing from real-life experience and collaboration with agriculture university professionals. It's nearly a “plant-it-and-forget-it” crop—except for harvest, which is manual, and deer control, which can be managed with simple, low-cost strategies. Roselle is often imported, but we absolutely have the capacity to grow it right here in Zone 8b. I’m excited to show you how.

I manage all aspects of my farm independently, from daily operations to community outreach, continually learning and adapting to ensure the farm remains environmentally and economically viable.In the summer of 2024, I set up a dry farm on a 1/4-acre plot, marking one of my project’s small successes. I focused on growing crops without irrigation, including cut flowers, marigolds, celosia, basil, melons, Sun, Moon, and Stars watermelon, and loofahs. I thoroughly documented the process on TheDryFarmer.com, sharing detailed insights and challenges through video vlogs. I really enjoyed experimenting with dry farming techniques and researching the specific varieties that would thrive under these conditions. Inspired by the experience, I hope to produce a booklet on dry farming to share practical knowledge and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

Now in its third year, my farm continues to grow with a mission to make a lasting positive impact on the land and the community it serves. As part of our ongoing agricultural development efforts, we are currently establishing a 2.9-acre agrotourism pollinator habitat, which is supported by a small grant and integrates Black Belt prairie habitat restoration. Through the incorporation of agrotourism walking tours, we aim to provide educational experiences for visitors and diversify our farm's income streams.