Andrew - so glad to have stumbled on your website and partnership with Peaceful Valley. My husband and I too have started the discussion of wanting to stop renting out our 26 acres (we live on 40) and begin organic farming. Our land was once just dairy cattle for years and years until we purchased it and we have the blackest dirt around. We built our own house in the middle of our woods and built our own barn and I am still hoping to be able to rent 5 stables out to other horse lovers as well. I just have this heart feeling that this land is a way for us to give back and we do not want to poison ourselves or our children, although the farmer that rents are land says he does not use extreme chemicals I just have decided it is just not worth it. I planted my own 1000 square foot garden, however, I just need to do the homework as to what crops to start with in the fields. We would have to begin the three year certification chemical free on our fields the end of this year. Wisconsin weather, but our small town of Stoughton just started a Food Co-op in town and I just think there is so much more to growing your own instead of buying the expensive grocerey store stuff that you just don’t know where it is from and what is on it. So a big thank you and I look forward to taking a journey and communicating with your farm while we do. Have to write a business plan too. Love the artical on the rattle snake. They are beautiful creatures, aren’t they.
Marita