Farm Life & Philosophy
REGENERATIVE FARMING
Regenerative Farming describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity. This keeps both water and carbon in the soil where they belong.
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF REGENERATIVE FARMING
- No Tillage – Eliminate tillage to prevent soil disturbance.
- Soil Armour – Protect the soil by keeping it covered with living plants or crop residue to prevent erosion and help moderate soil temperature.
- Living Roots – Keep living roots in the soil as long as possible using techniques like fall cover crops to extend the growing season into the fall and early spring.
- Diversity – Increase plant diversity through practices like cover crops, inter-cropping or multi-species poly crops to build soil organic matter and the soil’s microbial population.
- Integrate Livestock – Adding intensive grazing systems provides animal impact and additional nutrients to change the regenerative system.
BEEF
Our on farm, pasture-raised beef get a diet of grasses/ legumes along with grass-based grains. This is the way we’ve been producing beef for three generations – to great compliments!
CHICKEN
Our whole chickens are raised outside in large, portable chicken houses by G. Fenton Farms. They are fed a diet of grass-based grains, with access to grass.
LAMB
Our lamb is raised outside during the summer and inside during the winter by R. Bratt Farms. They are fed a diet of grass and grass based grains.
PORK
We source from several local farmers who raise pigs in large, well-maintained pens where they are given a diet of grasses and grass-based grains.
VEGGIES
Our veggies are hand-planted by our family every year, just outside of our Farm Store. This gives our family and customers the freshest produce possible, sometimes travelling only 60 feet! Seeds are planted into composted soil and then given a heavy layer of mulch. We grow delicious garlic, rhubarb, and peas. Rhubarb must be pre-ordered.