Elizabeth and Paul dig deep into the ecological and production principles that undergird their success, from soil management to transplant production and crop planning strategies. We take a look at their use of hedgerows for soil building, climate management, and insect management, including their tips for installing and maintaining these important ecological tools. And we discuss employee management within their complex, non-linear production system, as well as the economics of their production system.
Perhaps most importantly, Paul and Elizabeth emphasize the ways that observation and their responses to their observations provided the foundation for building what they consider to be an example, and not a model, of their ecological production system.
Sponsors
Vermont Compost Company: Founded by organic crop growing professionals committed to meeting the need for high-quality composts and compost-based, living soil mixes for certified organic plant production.
BCS America: BCS two-wheel tractors are versatile, maneuverable in tight spaces, light-weight for less compaction, and easy to maintain and repair on farm. Gear-driven and built to last for decades of dependable service on your farm or market garden.
Quotes from the Show
[Paul] It’s critical as farmers and land managers to remember that photosynthesis is what makes planet earth unique and special, and we need to constantly be feeding soil biology through the act of photosynthesis.
[Paul] The only reason we brought out the numbers was because we wanted to give validity to our ecological, no-till approach to farming. We wanted to ensure that yes, we are doing all these wonderful things for the environment and the soil and our crew and all that. And, yes, it happens to also be economically viable.
[Paul] The act of physically doing all this and making mistakes constantly is great because every mistake as a learning opportunity
[Elizabeth] I do not think what we do on our farm is, in any sense, a model, or what you should do or he should do or she should do on their farm. This is what we do and what works for us.