ABOUT
Our PhilosophyAt our farm, family is a top priority, and so is producing nourishing foods. In doing so, we hope to pass on to the next generation our values of family, healthy eating, spiritual health, and hard work.
We believe that farming with regenerative agriculture methods provides tremendous health benefits. With a focus on restoring soil health using ecological principles, we seek to heal degraded farmland and grow nutrient-rich grasses. Our 100% grass-fed cows then pass the nutrients on to us! Our Farm & FamilyWe are a small family-run operation, with 40 acres of pasture for seasonally grazing our dairy and beef herds. Chris Hemlock and his late wife Megan started the farm in 2012 to produce nourishing foods for their family and the local community.
Although our herd is gradually growing, we usually have about 15 dairy cows, plus 30-35 beef cattle and heifers (young dairy cows). We milk only once a day to put less stress on our cows and our family. Our dairy cows are primarily Jersey crosses, with lines that include Milking Shorthorn, Guernsey, New Zealand Friesian, Fleckvieh, and Lineback. Our cows eat grass! We use rotational grazing in season, meaning our herds eat their grass at its nutritional prime while applying natural fertilizer to the soil. In the winter, we feed hay (dried grass) and baleage (fermented hay) plus natural mineral supplements. In the milking parlor, cows also receive molasses as a source of energy to help their digestion and milk supply. Because we are a small farm, we closely monitor herd health and sanitation practices to ensure superior food quality and safety. The cows share the farm with chickens, pigs, sheep, cats, a friendly dog (Sydney), an unruly goat (Ginger), and seven young humans ages 5-17 (plus two daughters and a son-in-law that come back to visit). Chris remarried in 2016; with their blended family he and wife Becky always have plenty of helpers on the farm! |