At Braga Farms, sustainability isn’t just a practice; it’s a way of life that follows the natural flow of seasons and community needs. Our Leafcycle is a structured yet flexible plan that guides everything we do—from planting and harvesting to community engagement and market outreach. It's how we balance the rhythms of the earth with the demand
s of modern urban farming.
Let’s take a closer look at the Leafcycle and how it connects our operations, community, and mission.
Seasonal Cycles: Winter to Fall
The Leafcycle is divided into two major seasonal cycles:
- Winter & Spring Cycle (January to June)
- Summer & Fall Cycle (July to December)
These cycles reflect the changing needs of our farm and community:
- Winter & Spring: A time for planning, early planting, and nurturing crops that thrive in cooler weather. This includes preparing soil, planting greens, and kickstarting the year with fresh ideas.
- Summer & Fall: Focused on harvesting, sustaining the farm through Texas heat, and engaging with larger community markets as the growing season peaks.
Each month contributes to the bigger picture, ensuring a balance of activity, rest, and growth throughout the year.
Weekly Cycle: The Rhythm of the Farm
Every week at Braga Farms is a balance of rest, work, and community:
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Monday: Rest & Planning
After a busy weekend at the market, we focus on regrouping, planning for the week ahead, and ensuring all operations are aligned. -
Tuesday: Weeding
Essential maintenance begins—clearing weeds to give crops the best chance to thrive. -
Wednesday: Projects
A day for bigger initiatives—building new garden beds, irrigation updates, or experimenting with new techniques. -
Thursday: Harvest
The highlight of the week! Fresh produce is gathered for market prep. -
Friday: Market Prep
We clean, sort, and package our harvest to ensure everything is fresh and ready for sale. -
Saturday & Sunday: Farmers Markets
Our produce shines at local markets, where we connect with customers, share our story, and sell fresh, sustainably grown food.
Operational Cycles: Planting to Marketing
Braga Farms also follows a monthly Ops Cycle that keeps the farm running efficiently:
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Week 1: Planting
Early in the month, we focus on starting new crops or transplanting seedlings into the soil. -
Week 2: Projects
This week is for tackling farm improvements or community-driven initiatives, like workshops or collaborative builds. -
Week 3: Markets/Marketing
We amplify our reach through local markets and online outreach, ensuring our community knows about what’s available. -
Week 4: Friends & Partnerships
This is the time to strengthen relationships with partners, host potlucks, or engage in large-scale events like Canton First Mondays.
Community-Centric Events: The Braga Friends Cycle
We believe in fostering community at every level. The Braga Friends Cycle aligns with key community engagement activities:
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Week 1: Dallas Potluck & Karaoke
Bringing the community together to share food, laughs, and music. -
Week 2: Samuel Hunter’s Farm
A visit to our extended network for a full day of activities across 400 acres. -
Week 3: Homesteads in East Texas
Engaging with regional farmers and gardeners from Rockwall to Canton. -
Week 4: Canton First Mondays
This massive event connects us with over 5,000 vendors and 100,000 visitors, expanding our mission far beyond DFW.
Why the Leafcycle Matters
The Leafcycle is more than just a schedule—it’s the heartbeat of Braga Farms. It ensures:
- Efficiency: By aligning tasks with seasonal and weekly rhythms, we optimize productivity without burnout.
- Sustainability: Following natural cycles promotes soil health, reduces waste, and supports biodiversity.
- Community: Regularly connecting with partners and customers builds trust, engagement, and a shared vision for sustainable urban farming.
Join the Leafcycle
Whether you’re a fellow grower, a curious gardener, or a supporter of local food, there’s a place for you in our Leafcycle. Join us at a farmers market, attend a workshop, or volunteer for a planting day. Together, we can create a thriving food forest for North Texas.