When we moved to this farm over ten years ago, the vegetation along our creek bed was virtually non-existent. Brown earth showed through the patches of grass here and there. For years, our creek bottom, now our hayfield, was used for crop ground. As with most ground utilized for crops, chemicals were the method of fertilizing and controlling the field. Plant and insect diversity as well as soil health and erosion were the cost. Not only was much of the top soil been lost through tillage, but one particularly enjoyable plant had been annihilated- blackberries. We began implementing our farming practices after purchasing the land, eliminating all chemicals. Within a couple of the years the blackberries and black raspberries came back not only in the hay field, but also in our back 40 acreage. Now the blackberry canes are over 10 feet tall in some areas and so thick we have to brush hog them. This winter, we literally brush hogged them by running our mobile hog pens through the middle of some of our densest patches. We now have nice wide paths to meander down and pick thumb sized berries from. Do the berries need controlled? Yes. Would spraying them be the easiest and fastest method of control? Yes. But I’ve never heard any complaints about our farming practices and the extra labor involved when someone is enjoying a warm bite of cream topped, blackberry buckle. For your family, our farming practices allow for the forage your hogs and beef are consuming to be 100% chemical free. Plus, a blackberry fed hog just tastes a little better. We understand why most farmers utilize chemicals. The labor, time, and energy involved in alternative farming practices is extensive. With most farms no longer being sustainable from a financial standpoint, farmers are left with no other option but to work in town full time and farm on the side before and after work. Chemical sprays become a necessity at that point, as rotational grazing and running hogs on pasture and in the woods is a full time job. In our case, it’s a full time job for multiple people. While Dad still supports our family with his off farm income, we are blessed that the farm provides full time positions for several of us siblings. During the summer Eli works from sunup until sundown on the rotation of our dairy herd, beef herd, hogs, laying hens, and broilers. I assist him while also communicating with you all, and Victoria works part time behind the scenes keeping the store room cleaned out for you all and washing and caring for all of your jars. She also assists Mom with order response and processing, and Emma contributes to the farm in valuable ways assisting her siblings with farm production.
For us, chemical free is not just about improving the land or providing a healthful product. Chemical free creates a way of life for us with lasting values. Our goal is to pass those values onto your family, and our hope is that when given the choice between what is easiest and what is most valuable, you choose your values, every time.
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Our Farm's Voice
Hello! I'm Madelaine Paige, and I'm so glad we've met. I love mornings, milk cows, and musings. Archives
July 2021
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