Skip to content
HeartBeet Farms
grow & eat plants
  • Home
  • About Us
    • 2024 Nature Gallery
    • Farm Gallery
    • Education Gallery
    • Sunflower Gallery
  • Education
    • Root for the Beet Program
    • Meet Heart & Beet
    • Beet wants to know
  • Blog
    • Recipe Videos
  • Contact
  • The Agri-Tourist Podcast

Tag: <span>cotton</span>

Maxine Simone Williams

Maxine: Storyteller, Urban Farmer & Community Builder

November 24, 2025 Jennifer Ross

In today’s evolving food landscape, a new generation of young farmers is redefining how we connect with land, culture, and…

Continue Reading →

Posted in: Sustainable Farming, Urban Farmer Filed under: agriculture, community gardens, composting, cotton, farm, farm educator, farming, nyc, NYC Grows, sustainable farming, urban farm, urban farmer
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Subscribe


Heart

Click Heart to view our HeartBeet Cartoons

Recent Posts

  • From Puffballs to Public Programs with Mushroom Farmer & Forager Amanda Dye
  • Culture, Food & Power: Building Food Sovereignty with Rashid Nuri
  • Maxine: Storyteller, Urban Farmer & Community Builder
  • Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America: Farmer Veteran Coalition
  • Redefining Equitable Food Access with Shalom Farms

heartbeetfarms

The Agri-Tourist Podcast, my journey back to agriculture! Join me to learn from agritourism farmers & entrepreneurs & help me build my farm strategy!


Her business is called Mandy’s Mushrooms – her nam
Her business is called Mandy’s Mushrooms - her name is Amanda Dye - and she is passionate about making the kingdom of Fungi more accessible to the general public through mushroom education. Mushrooms are mysterious to me. The more I read about mushrooms and the more the world learns about mushrooms, the more we learn about the significant impact they have on controlling - actually managing and overseeing is probably the better word - managing and overseeing nature. There is so much you can do in the kitchen with mushrooms, and there are so many mushroom varieties to experiment with. Many people say that they don’t like mushrooms but I challenge you to try a recipe that contains some fresh, locally grown mushrooms- I think you might just change your mind. And then there are all the medicinal properties of mushrooms. That’s another whole world to explore. I have not gone on a mushroom forage as of yet - but it is something I intend on doing in the near future - maybe with Amanda at her new property in NY which we discuss! Amanda is a young woman with a passion for mushroom agriculture - mycology - and I love people that are passionate about agriculture. I get very excited for all the amazing things that Amanda is doing now and for all the amazing things that she will create in the future. I hope you share in my excitement as we explore the world of mushrooms - aka mycology! Click on the link in the bio to listen to this podcast. #mushrooms #mushroom #mushroomforager #mushroomforage #mushroomfarmer


Here’s a quick few hour NYC outdoor itinerary…
-he
Here’s a quick few hour NYC outdoor itinerary… -head into Penn Station -walk a little south west to the High Line - one of my favorite things to do in NYC is to walk the High Line - The High Line s a 1.5-mile-long elevated public park built on an abandoned rail line on Manhattan’s West Side, running from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards with multiple access points and features like gardens, art, performances, and views of the city. -Take in the view of the Statue of Liberty! -Get off at Pier 57, visit Little Island - a floating park. -Take in the views of lower Manhattan, Jersey City, the Statue and the Verrazano Bridge! Look north and take in the views of the Empire State Building and The Edge! -Pier 57, next door to Little Island, is a rehabilitated wharf with plenty of food and community activities. -Make you way back to Penn Station and stop for a bite. Our choice was a plant based restaurant on 23rd street called Urban Vegan Kitchen. -check out the stunning murals! A great few hour outdoor adventure in NYC. Enjoy!


In the forward of his book, it states: “Growing Ou
In the forward of his book, it states: “Growing Out Loud Captures the depth, breadth, height of a life that has loved and pursued knowledge, understanding, purpose, application, and service for the benefit of all and for the fulfillment of his god-given calling. The Food Revolutionary has truly lived well.” Keith Rashid Nuri is the author of Growing Out Loud, Journey of a Food Revolutionary. I reached out to my dear friend Pattie Baker, telling her about the types of companies and visionaries I wanted to connect with for the podcast, and Pattie referred me to a few companies and people in her network down in Georgia. She linked me to a website for a non profit called Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. The work of this organization around education, growing in an urban setting, building community, agritourism and edutoursim was extraordinary. But I didn’t want to speak to the people in charge now - I wanted to speak to the visionary behind all of this amazing work - Keith Rashid Nuri. Before our interview I dove into reading his book - his inspiring journey literally around the world, from attending Harvard and Umass Amherst, to working in ag in CA, Michigan, Georgia and Alabama, and then nationally and internationally with Cargill,, a Big Ag for profit company, eventually working in a pretty big position during the Clinton Administration….and - the culmination of all of his studies, experience and travels - creating the Truly Living Well Center for natural urban agriculture in Atlanta GA. . This interview with Rashid is powerful. It is blunt. It is telling. And it is purposeful. Above everything that Rashid and I discussed, his integrity and sheer willingness to do what was right resonated with me the most. I am so excited for you to listen to my conversation with Rashid and take away the learnings that resonate the most with you and your life….click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast or view it on youtube. #urbanag #urbanagriculture #urbanfarming


Veteran Farmers – Serving our Country Twice – By D
Veteran Farmers - Serving our Country Twice - By Defending It and and Then By Feeding It! Learn more about Farmer Veteran Coalition (Episode 51) and their mission to cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. Meet Matt and Kara, who retired from the Army in 2020 and started Rutter’s Ranch dedicated to providing quality food to their community. Matt & Kara also launched Farms of the Brave, a certification program honoring veteran-led agritourism farms across the country. (Episode 62). And then meet Mike & Ray from Toasted Oysters (Episode 66) who are exposing blue point oysters to the world! Thank you for all you do! Link to these podcast episodes in the bio. #veteran #veteranfarm #veteranfarmers #farmers #farm


Today’s guest is a filmmaker, community builder, a
Today’s guest is a filmmaker, community builder, and aspiring farmer who happens to be based right near me in Brooklyn — Maxine Simone Williams. Maxine uses storytelling, farming, and community engagement to illuminate how culture, food, and relationships shape our lives. I first discovered Maxine on Instagram. I come across countless amazing farming-related posts, but Maxine — a brilliant, young, and inspiring woman — immediately caught my attention. I wanted to dig deeper into her story and her mission. She is a true wealth of resources, and what I love most is that she doesn’t just share information; she demonstrates the power of these (often free!) community resources by showing up, participating, joining in — and then sharing her experiences. I learned so much from this interview — not only about local community offerings, but also about how a single plant, like cotton, can carry deep emotion, generational pain, and historical significance. At the same time, growing cotton today can also create space for healing, growth, and a sense of moving forward. Maxine opened my eyes to that. I hope you enjoy this episode, and I encourage you to check out Maxine’s Instagram and YouTube. As I told her during our conversation, I can’t wait to join her one day in her community garden or on one of her NYC field trips. Click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast episode.


I spent 1 week in Marsala, Sicily with these guys.
I spent 1 week in Marsala, Sicily with these guys...lol!! Was a ton of fun and laughs while getting some serious olive harvesting accomplished! I published 3 Agri-Tourist podcast episodes about my agritourism experience in Sicily....just click on the link in the bio to listen to all 3 episodes...and get tempted to visit Sicily...I’m already thinking about going back in March or April 2026! #sicily #marsala #marsalasicilia #marsalasicily #olives #olive #oliveharvest #oliveharvesting #oliveharvestseason #oliveharvestingseason #agritourism #agritourismsicily #farming #farm #agriculture



Follow on Instagram

HeartBeet Farms
is at NYC.

1 week ago

HeartBeet Farms

Here’s a quick few hour NYC outdoor itinerary…-head into Penn Station-walk a little south west to the High Line – one of my favorite things to do in NYC is to walk the High Line – The High Line s a 1.5-mile-long elevated public park built on an abandoned rail line on Manhattan’s West Side, running from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards with multiple access points and features like gardens, art, performances, and views of the city. -Take in the view of the Statue of Liberty! -Get off at Pier 57, visit Little Island – a floating park. -Take in the views of lower Manhattan, Jersey City, the Statue and the Verrazano Bridge! Look north and take in the views of the Empire State Building and The Edge! -Pier 57, next door to Little Island, is a rehabilitated wharf with plenty of food and community activities. -Make you way back to Penn Station and stop for a bite. Our choice was a plant based restaurant on 23rd street called Urban Vegan Kitchen. -check out the stunning murals! A great few hour outdoor adventure in NYC. Enjoy!
… See MoreSee Less


Video

View on Facebook

·
Share



Share on Facebook



Share on Twitter



Share on Linked In



Share by Email

HeartBeet Farms

1 week ago

HeartBeet Farms

In the forward of his book, it states: “Growing Out Loud Captures the depth, breadth, height of a life that has loved and pursued knowledge, understanding, purpose, application, and service for the benefit of all and for the fulfillment of his god-given calling. The Food Revolutionary has truly lived well.” Keith Rashid Nuri is the author of Growing Out Loud, Journey of a Food Revolutionary. I reached out to my dear friend Pattie Baker, telling her about the types of companies and visionaries I wanted to connect with for the podcast, and Pattie referred me to a few companies and people in her network down in Georgia. She linked me to a website for a non profit called Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. The work of this organization around education, growing in an urban setting, building community, agritourism and edutoursim was extraordinary. But I didn’t want to speak to the people in charge now – I wanted to speak to the visionary behind all of this amazing work – Keith Rashid Nuri. Before our interview I dove into reading his book – his inspiring journey literally around the world, from attending Harvard and Umass Amherst, to working in ag in CA, Michigan, Georgia and Alabama, and then nationally and internationally with Cargill,, a Big Ag for profit company, eventually working in a pretty big position during the Clinton Administration….and – the culmination of all of his studies, experience and travels – creating the Truly Living Well Center for natural urban agriculture in Atlanta GA. . This interview with Rashid is powerful. It is blunt. It is telling. And it is purposeful. Above everything that Rashid and I discussed, his integrity and sheer willingness to do what was right resonated with me the most. I am so excited for you to listen to my conversation with Rashid and take away the learnings that resonate the most with you and your life….click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast or view it on youtube. #urbanag #urbanagriculture #urbanfarming
… See MoreSee Less


Video

View on Facebook

·
Share



Share on Facebook



Share on Twitter



Share on Linked In



Share by Email

HeartBeet Farms Recipes

Click for Veggie Recipes!

Subscribe


  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

HeartBeet Farms

(516)343-6247
heartbeetfarms@gmail.com

Recent Posts

  • From Puffballs to Public Programs with Mushroom Farmer & Forager Amanda Dye
  • Culture, Food & Power: Building Food Sovereignty with Rashid Nuri
  • Maxine: Storyteller, Urban Farmer & Community Builder

heartbeetfarms

The Agri-Tourist Podcast, my journey back to agriculture! Join me to learn from agritourism farmers & entrepreneurs & help me build my farm strategy!


Her business is called Mandy’s Mushrooms – her nam
Her business is called Mandy’s Mushrooms - her name is Amanda Dye - and she is passionate about making the kingdom of Fungi more accessible to the general public through mushroom education. Mushrooms are mysterious to me. The more I read about mushrooms and the more the world learns about mushrooms, the more we learn about the significant impact they have on controlling - actually managing and overseeing is probably the better word - managing and overseeing nature. There is so much you can do in the kitchen with mushrooms, and there are so many mushroom varieties to experiment with. Many people say that they don’t like mushrooms but I challenge you to try a recipe that contains some fresh, locally grown mushrooms- I think you might just change your mind. And then there are all the medicinal properties of mushrooms. That’s another whole world to explore. I have not gone on a mushroom forage as of yet - but it is something I intend on doing in the near future - maybe with Amanda at her new property in NY which we discuss! Amanda is a young woman with a passion for mushroom agriculture - mycology - and I love people that are passionate about agriculture. I get very excited for all the amazing things that Amanda is doing now and for all the amazing things that she will create in the future. I hope you share in my excitement as we explore the world of mushrooms - aka mycology! Click on the link in the bio to listen to this podcast. #mushrooms #mushroom #mushroomforager #mushroomforage #mushroomfarmer


Here’s a quick few hour NYC outdoor itinerary…
-he
Here’s a quick few hour NYC outdoor itinerary… -head into Penn Station -walk a little south west to the High Line - one of my favorite things to do in NYC is to walk the High Line - The High Line s a 1.5-mile-long elevated public park built on an abandoned rail line on Manhattan’s West Side, running from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards with multiple access points and features like gardens, art, performances, and views of the city. -Take in the view of the Statue of Liberty! -Get off at Pier 57, visit Little Island - a floating park. -Take in the views of lower Manhattan, Jersey City, the Statue and the Verrazano Bridge! Look north and take in the views of the Empire State Building and The Edge! -Pier 57, next door to Little Island, is a rehabilitated wharf with plenty of food and community activities. -Make you way back to Penn Station and stop for a bite. Our choice was a plant based restaurant on 23rd street called Urban Vegan Kitchen. -check out the stunning murals! A great few hour outdoor adventure in NYC. Enjoy!


In the forward of his book, it states: “Growing Ou
In the forward of his book, it states: “Growing Out Loud Captures the depth, breadth, height of a life that has loved and pursued knowledge, understanding, purpose, application, and service for the benefit of all and for the fulfillment of his god-given calling. The Food Revolutionary has truly lived well.” Keith Rashid Nuri is the author of Growing Out Loud, Journey of a Food Revolutionary. I reached out to my dear friend Pattie Baker, telling her about the types of companies and visionaries I wanted to connect with for the podcast, and Pattie referred me to a few companies and people in her network down in Georgia. She linked me to a website for a non profit called Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. The work of this organization around education, growing in an urban setting, building community, agritourism and edutoursim was extraordinary. But I didn’t want to speak to the people in charge now - I wanted to speak to the visionary behind all of this amazing work - Keith Rashid Nuri. Before our interview I dove into reading his book - his inspiring journey literally around the world, from attending Harvard and Umass Amherst, to working in ag in CA, Michigan, Georgia and Alabama, and then nationally and internationally with Cargill,, a Big Ag for profit company, eventually working in a pretty big position during the Clinton Administration….and - the culmination of all of his studies, experience and travels - creating the Truly Living Well Center for natural urban agriculture in Atlanta GA. . This interview with Rashid is powerful. It is blunt. It is telling. And it is purposeful. Above everything that Rashid and I discussed, his integrity and sheer willingness to do what was right resonated with me the most. I am so excited for you to listen to my conversation with Rashid and take away the learnings that resonate the most with you and your life….click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast or view it on youtube. #urbanag #urbanagriculture #urbanfarming


Veteran Farmers – Serving our Country Twice – By D
Veteran Farmers - Serving our Country Twice - By Defending It and and Then By Feeding It! Learn more about Farmer Veteran Coalition (Episode 51) and their mission to cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. Meet Matt and Kara, who retired from the Army in 2020 and started Rutter’s Ranch dedicated to providing quality food to their community. Matt & Kara also launched Farms of the Brave, a certification program honoring veteran-led agritourism farms across the country. (Episode 62). And then meet Mike & Ray from Toasted Oysters (Episode 66) who are exposing blue point oysters to the world! Thank you for all you do! Link to these podcast episodes in the bio. #veteran #veteranfarm #veteranfarmers #farmers #farm


Today’s guest is a filmmaker, community builder, a
Today’s guest is a filmmaker, community builder, and aspiring farmer who happens to be based right near me in Brooklyn — Maxine Simone Williams. Maxine uses storytelling, farming, and community engagement to illuminate how culture, food, and relationships shape our lives. I first discovered Maxine on Instagram. I come across countless amazing farming-related posts, but Maxine — a brilliant, young, and inspiring woman — immediately caught my attention. I wanted to dig deeper into her story and her mission. She is a true wealth of resources, and what I love most is that she doesn’t just share information; she demonstrates the power of these (often free!) community resources by showing up, participating, joining in — and then sharing her experiences. I learned so much from this interview — not only about local community offerings, but also about how a single plant, like cotton, can carry deep emotion, generational pain, and historical significance. At the same time, growing cotton today can also create space for healing, growth, and a sense of moving forward. Maxine opened my eyes to that. I hope you enjoy this episode, and I encourage you to check out Maxine’s Instagram and YouTube. As I told her during our conversation, I can’t wait to join her one day in her community garden or on one of her NYC field trips. Click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast episode.


I spent 1 week in Marsala, Sicily with these guys.
I spent 1 week in Marsala, Sicily with these guys...lol!! Was a ton of fun and laughs while getting some serious olive harvesting accomplished! I published 3 Agri-Tourist podcast episodes about my agritourism experience in Sicily....just click on the link in the bio to listen to all 3 episodes...and get tempted to visit Sicily...I’m already thinking about going back in March or April 2026! #sicily #marsala #marsalasicilia #marsalasicily #olives #olive #oliveharvest #oliveharvesting #oliveharvestseason #oliveharvestingseason #agritourism #agritourismsicily #farming #farm #agriculture



Follow on Instagram

  • Podcast
  • Free Vegetable Education Class
  • Schedule Marketing Consult
  • Blog
  • AgriTourism Destinations
Copyright © 2025 HeartBeet Farms
Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On YoutubeVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Instagram