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Farming Practices

Our vegetable fields are being transitioned to USDA certified organic. This is a process that takes three years. Now that our farm has been chemical free for about three years, we are eligible for certification, and will hopefully be certified this spring (2009). Regardless, our growing practices are what would be considered organic in the non-regulatory world. Any input (fertilizer, pest control, etc…) we use is certified by either the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) or the National Organic Program (NOP). These two agencies are the gatekeepers that regulate what is and is not acceptable for use in organic production. Aside from inputs we minimize tillage and use extensive cover cropping in all seasons.

Animals here at Greenbranch Farm are always treated and raised in as humane a manner as possible. Chickens are never de-beaked, pigs are never de-toothed and their tail remains intact, and the cattle are never shipped to feed-lots and/or fed grain. Our livestock are raised on grass pastures and even sometimes in the forest. This allows each animal to express its innate behaviors in a natural habitat. This practice also enhances the animal’s nutrition and the flavor, quality, and nutritional content of the meat and eggs.