Nation’s Youngest Farmer Explores Future at TSU College of Agriculture

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – “Tomayto-tomahto” or “potayto-potahto”, it doesn’t matter the fruit or vegetable. Ask 10-year-old Kendall Rae Johnson to grow it, and she absolutely can. As the youngest certified farmer in the nation, she’s already planting the seeds of success.

Kendall Rae Johnson sits inside a greenhouse at Virginia State University, a partner institution on her national tour. In collaboration with USDA’s NUAg initiative and VSU, Kendall is promoting financial literacy, urban farming practices, and USDA youth loan opportunities.

Johnson visited Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture (TSUAg) recently to explore what could be her future college home. From a Q&A session with TSUAg Dean Dr. Chandra Reddy, students, faculty, and staff to lab and greenhouse tours on the TSU farm, the Atlanta native is already laying the groundwork for a fruitful academic journey.

Her visit was part of the 1890 Youth Ambassador Tour, an initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which also funds the National Urban Agriculture (NUAg) Project. Johnson serves as the USDA’s National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, a role that allows her to represent young voices in agriculture and connect with TSU and fellow HBCUs that have a strong agricultural legacy.

Kendall’s agricultural adventure began at just three years old. Inspired by her great-grandmother’s advice to “put collard greens back in the dirt,” the phrase sparked her curiosity and passion for gardening.

A TSUAg researcher, left, gives Kendall Rae Johnson a hands-on demonstration of extracting DNA from a plant.

“My dad let me put the collard greens in the backyard, and one day it finally grew,” she shared during a Q&A with TSUAg students, faculty, and staff. “It felt magical to see, and I started checking on them every day.” That moment led to even more planting, as she began saving seeds from the kitchen and replanting them in the soil.

Now Kendall and her parents, Ursula and Quentin Johnson, run aGROWKulture Urban Farm in Georgia, growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more. They also raise chickens and honeybees all stemming from Kendall’s love for agriculture.

During her TSU visit, Kendall toured a newly renovated research lab, where she tested DNA on plants and was presented with a white coat by TSU researchers. She also met with President Dwayne Tucker and explored TSU’s farm and greenhouse, dressed in her overalls and boots.

Kendall, center, and her parents, Ursula, left, and Quentin Johnson at the greenhouse on TSUs farm.

At age six, Kendall declared, “I want to be a farmer.” Her parents embraced the vision, launching a business in her name. By the time she was nine, they discovered she was officially the youngest certified farmer in the nation. She now has several agriculture-themed children’s books available on Amazon.

Her parents were impressed by the experience TSU provided. “It’s amazing that TSU gave her this opportunity,” said her father, Quentin. Her mother, Ursula, stated, “We want kids to know they can be in this field, and Kendall is the example they can look to.”

Ursula also shared her excitement about Kendall potentially returning to TSU in the future for mentorship and continued support in agriculture.

Leigh Oliver, interim director of recruitment and retention for TSUAg, coordinated Kendall’s visit and said she was inspired by the young farmer.

“I’ve never met someone her age so passionate about farming,” said Oliver. “Her visit really means a lot. Agriculture isn’t always a common interest among young people, but it’s at the heart of TSU’s legacy—as we were originally founded as Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University. We want people to truly understand what TSUAg represents and what our mission is. Kendall’s presence has the power to inspire other children and college students to take an interest in farming and see the value in agricultural careers.”

Aaliyah Cotton

Agriculture students like Aaliyah Cotton also joined the tour. Cotton, a rising senior, said Kendall’s visit was refreshing and impactful.

“When I was younger, I didn’t see the representation of a Black woman in this field,” Cotton said. “She’s a young entrepreneur, and TSUAg is providing an authentic experience. Seeing her here brings a sense of community and comfort not just for her, but for us too.”

In 2021, Kendall’s story caught national attention, leading to appearances on Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, CNN, Nickelodeon News, and Sesame Street. She’s also been recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kendall Rae Johnson, left, and her mother Ursula Johnson showcase Kendall’s new book, My Farm Biz, during a Q&A session with TSUAg students, faculty, and staff.

Through her nonprofit, Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, she’s on a mission to empower youth through agricultural practices, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Her visit to TSU was not only a tour but a reminder of the university’s A&I roots and its future. As TSUAg continues to grow the next generation of agricultural leaders, Kendall Rae Johnson’s story is proof that even the smallest seed can grow into something special. For more information about the College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.