How Our Animals Help Grow Great Food for You

Ever wonder why farm-fresh veggies taste so much better than the ones from the store?

It all comes down to the soil—and our animal co-workers are the ones who build it.

Closing the Loop: How Animals Feed Your Food

In conventional agriculture, crops and animals are kept far apart. This breaks the natural nutrient cycle, leading to two major problems: a reliance on synthetic fertilizers and a build-up of waste.

We are simply putting the natural system back together. 

Our animals convert grass, hay, and farm scraps into biologically active compost filled with beneficial microbes. That living compost feeds the soil, and the soil feeds the plants, growing nutrient-dense, flavorful vegetables.

You can’t buy compost this good—so we let our animals make it.

But what’s with all the sticks?

If you visit the goats and sheep, you’ll notice all the branches from cottonwood, willow, and conifers scattered about. The animals love eating the leaves, especially when fresh grass slows down (like it is right now).

Once they’ve cleared the leaves, we take the sticks and burn them in a low-oxygen pit fire to make biochar (a super-powered, stable form of carbon). We mix that biochar into our animal bedding and compost, where it acts like a sponge, holding onto nutrients and water until your vegetable roots need them.

It’s a complete loop: Tree branches, grass, hay, & farm scraps → Goats, sheep, & poultry → Biochar → Living Compost → Incredible Veggies

You Are Part of the Cycle

When you step onto the farm this Thursday, take a walk around. See if you can spot the biochar pit, say hello to the turkeys, and take a breath.

When you go home with a bag of greens or a cucumber, know that you aren't just buying food—you’re participating in a living, thriving ecosystem.

See you at the farmstand this Thursday, September 24th from 4:00–6:00 PM!

The Answer Key:

• Mr. Distracter: Boonedoggle, our ridiculously shaggy herding dog

• Lawn Mower: Spider and our sheep flock

• Security Guard: Briar, our dedicated Livestock Guardian Dog

• Slug Assassins: The ducks and chickens 

• Rodent Control: Cinnamon (our 3-legged cat) and his sister, Pumpkin.

• Snuggle Specialist: Sandstone, the cuddle bunny

• Pasture Blasters: The turkey flock (they also make incredible meat for your holiday table)

• Compost Commander: Meadowlark and the rest of the goat herd