A Memorable Field Trip to Nato Enterprises Farm/ Iandre’ Gomes, Huenique Christian, Joshua Henderson, Zyva Colbourne, Caiera Lee

On Friday the 11th, my fellow interns went on a field trip, we had the opportunity to visit Nato Enterprises, a mixed-use farm managed by farmer Livingston Morgan. This experience gave us hands-on insight into farming practices involving crops, livestock, and sustainable structures. The visit was both educational and enjoyable, offering us valuable knowledge about agriculture.

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The Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree

One of the highlights of the trip was seeing a Dwarf Cavendish banana tree. Mr. Morgan explained that this is a smaller type of banana plant, much more manageable than traditional banana trees, which can grow over 20 feet tall. The Dwarf Cavendish, in contrast, grows to about 6 to 10 feet, making it an ideal choice for home gardens.

What surprised us most was that, despite its smaller size, this banana tree still produces edible bananas, just like the larger varieties. Mr. Morgan pointed out that this makes it a popular option among people interested in growing fruit at home.

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How to Plant Cassava

We also learned how to plant cassava, also known as yuca, using stem cuttings. The process involved five simple steps:
1. Divide the cassava stems to get multiple cuttings.
2. Cut each stem into pieces about 4–5 feet long.
3. Dig 3-foot holes to hold each stem securely.
4. Cover each stem with firm soil to prevent erosion.
5. Water thoroughly using a 5-gallon bucket of rainwater.

This activity showed us how important careful preparation and technique are when planting root crops.

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The Outdoor Fire Pit

Mr. Morgan also showed us a fire pit he built on the farm. This permanent outdoor structure is made from sturdy bricks and is placed on a flat, fire-resistant surface. It’s primarily used to burn farm scraps and waste materials.

Benefits and Challenges:
• Advantages:
• Requires fewer materials to build.
• Can function without constant supervision.
• Disadvantages:
• Frequent use may harm soil quality over time.

To improve its safety and efficiency, Mr. Morgan could add a cover when not in use and install a barrier around it to prevent accidents.

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Washing Chicken Eggs

Another task we observed was the proper cleaning of chicken eggs. Mr. Morgan emphasized the importance of washing eggs carefully to maintain their protective coating, which helps prevent bacterial contamination.

The cleaning process involved:
• Taking eggs from a bucket and placing them in soapy water.
• Using a rag to gently remove any dirt.
• Rinsing the eggs in two separate clean water baths.
• Finally, placing them on a clean towel to dry.

This hands-on demonstration taught us how to clean eggs safely and effectively.

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Feeding Stages of Layer Chickens

We also learned about the three key feeding stages that layer chickens go through to ensure proper growth and maximum egg production:
1. Starter Feed – for baby chicks.
2. Grower Feed – for pullets (young hens).
3. Layer Feed – for mature hens during the egg-laying stage.

Each feed type is designed to support the chicken at that particular growth stage.

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Renovating the Chicken Coop

The final stop on our tour was the main chicken coop, which is currently under renovation. Originally, this coop housed chicks, pullets, and laying hens, all kept in separate sections for safety.

Mr. Morgan shared that when he first purchased the farm, he discovered a rat infestation. The rats had burrowed tunnels under the coop flooring, attacking and killing many chicks. Sadly, most of the chicks were lost—either killed or taken—and only one pullet survived.

To prevent this from happening again, Mr. Morgan had to remove and replace the damaged flooring and is now working on improving the overall coop design.

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Our Final Thoughts

Visiting Nato Enterprises gave us real-world insight into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by farmers. From planting cassava to caring for banana trees, washing eggs, feeding chickens, and maintaining safe structures, we learned so much in just one day.

This field trip was more than just a break from the classroom—it was an experience that left us with practical knowledge, a new appreciation for sustainable farming, and memories we won’t forget.