Seven Springs MEN Fair
Just two weeks out from this year's Mother Earth News Fair, Seven Springs, PA; September 14, 15, 2019. We'll be talking about good farming, soil building, and taking command of one's own lifestyle, for goodness and beauty. Come out and join us!
Not Suitable for Agriculture: Good farming with poor land, small savings, and a lot to learn
Sky-high land costs, lack of capital, and limited farming experience need not be obstacles for anyone who wants to build an abundant, fertile cottage farm. Using the techniques of regenerative agriculture (including intensive grass management, captured water systems, home dairying, four-season gardening for food and forage, and whole-farm “no-waste” composting), homesteaders can grow food, fertility, and a future on land like the Sow’s Ear. Shawn and Beth Dougherty, authors of The Independent Farmstead from Chelsea Green Publishing, built the self-sustaining Ohio farm with their family on land designated by the state of Ohio as "not suitable for agriculture."
Morning Pasture Walk: Forage for the beginning grazier
Shawn and Beth Dougherty, authors of The Independent Farmstead, lead an hour-long "pasture walk" on the Seven Springs slopes. They identify and discuss forage – grass, legumes, brush, and weeds – as pasture for farm animals. Their discussion considers what’s edible, what’s choice, and what’s poisonous – and how you can establish your own grazing practice on even a small acreage. To join the hunt, meet the Dougherty's at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Stage.
Mixed Species Management Intensive grazing on the small family farm
Shawn and Beth Dougherty, authors of The Independent Farmstead, share their experience with management-intensive grazing practices for multispecies animals on the small family farm. The Doughertys explore strategies for moving fence quickly and efficiently, as well as methods for using low-tech water solutions year-round. They offer advice on rotational paddock size and shapes based on season, forage, animal species, and topography, all geared to the family farm of 50 acres or less.