Muddy Springs Farm

To us, sustainability is the practice of balancing the needs of the present versus the needs of the future, recognizing the role that we play as individuals in the larger ecosystem. In this sense, sustainability is the core concept that guides all of our decisions on the farm, encompassing three key areas: environmental, social, and economic.  It means that we want the farm to: (i) improve rather than degrade the soil, water, and air; (ii) connect people directly to the food they purchase and consume; and (iii) provide healthful quality products at a price that is affordable, while allowing us to operate the farm and support our family. 

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You should know exactly how we grow your food at Muddy Springs Farm. Below you can find a brief summary of how we operate. If you want to learn more or have any questions about our sustainable practices, please feel free to contact us and/or schedule a visit to the farm. For more general information on sustainable agriculture, you can also follow the links to various organizations listed under "Education & Advocacy" on our resources page. We value your input, and are always looking for ways to improve our farm operations. 

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• We preferentially grow heirloom varieties from reputable suppliers, to maintain the genetic resilience and variety of commercially available seed stocks. We do not use GMO seed.

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• Organic matter and soil nutrients are provided using locally sourced compost, in addition to alfalfa and fish emulsion for nitrogen inputs when necessary. Raw manure or other animal waste products are not applied to our crops, to avoid soil-borne pathogens. We do not use synthetic chemical fertilizers.

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• To suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and build additional organic matter, we mulch extensively with straw grown by a local farmer. Weeds are further controlled by hand pulling and hoeing. We do not use synthetic chemical herbicides. As of 2019, we have transitioned to no-tillage cultivation.

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• Insect pests are controlled using diversified plantings, crop rotations, and light-weight row covers. USDA approved organic pesticides are used according to labeled restrictions if there is an outbreak that threatens an entire crop. We do not use synthetic chemical pesticides. 

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• Fungal, viral, or bacterial plant diseases are mitigated by crop rotations and removal of infected plants. Fruit trees are treated in the off-season as needed with USDA approved organic sprays according to labeled restrictions. We do not use synthetic chemical fungicides or disease control agents.

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• Rodents are excluded by physical barriers, trapped and killed, or hunted by our barn cat. Deer and moose are deterred by fencing and our farm dog.​ We do not use poisons.

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• We use drip irrigation lines to conserve water and prevent nutrient runoff. Vegetative buffer zones around sensitive areas are planted and maintained to prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and protect local waterways.  

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• Our bees are kept using an integrated pest management plan that uses a combination of sticky traps, screened bottom boards, and natural essential oils to control mites and disease. We do not use antibiotics or synthetic chemical repellents.

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• Our chickens are free-range on pasture and are supplied with supplemental non-GMO, locally grown feed. We do not use growth hormones, antibiotics, or other medications.