We cannot and do not claim to be organic.
Certification is required if earnings exceed a certain dollar amount. Without certification, you are NOT allowed to claim "Organic", regardless of your practices, subject to fine for false claims.
However, we have researched all our practices and feel that they are the best for our animals, the environment and our customers and ourselves. We are constantly researching ways to be better stewards of the land and our resources. We work hard to bring delicious, nutritious food to our table...and your. We want our customers to have peace of mind when it comes to products from Homestead Hill Farm.
We use natural fertilizers to supplement the soil, either commercial organic compost/fertilizer or compost produced here on the farm.
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Our animals are raised on grass, but DO eat grain. We feel that this is imperative for their health and well-being. It also allows us close contact with them on a daily basis to monitor health. The feed is ONLY grain and a vitamin pack…no preservatives or any type of additives.
Our feed products are all sourced locally.
We supplement the sheep with a mineral formulated for our selenium deficient area along with organic kelp which provides micronutrients and a pre-biotic for immune health.
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Chickens range, scratch and eat greens on a regular basis.
If left completely unprotected, there would be no crop. We occasionally use a low-toxicity, natural, plant-based formula in order to protect the crops from insects. This is used MOST sparingly and NEVER close to harvest time.
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| looper caterpillar makes unprotected crop inedible |
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| beautiful, healthy broccoli |
We are committed to providing nutritious, delicious food grown in the best way we know for our table and YOURS!
I love the way you explained your practices without putting down any other way of doing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Katie! I don't think that there is just ONE right way to farm. Different situations require different solutions...and there's no reason to sound self-righteous about one's own practices or mean and disparaging about anyone else's.
DeleteDo you mind if I ask what the natural plant based formula is that use to control insects?
ReplyDeletePyrethrins are botanical insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers most commonly found in Australia and Africa. They work by altering nerve function, which causes paralysis in target insect pests, eventually resulting in death. The trade name is Pyreth-it.
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