Our Philosophy

At Honeyhill Farm, we believe that all food is not created equal and that quality cannot result from dreadful and hasty methodology. We grow food by best practices. Growing organically is an expression of a quality process that includes a holistic approach toward improved soil care and selection of varieties that are appropriate to our climate and our soil.

We use appropriate pest management strategies that discourage insects and disease, rather than fight them as a result of imprudent practices. We employ superior harvest and post-harvest handling so that we can deliver only the highest quality products to market that are fresh, full of flavor and absolutely safe.

Sustainable Management

Our sustainable management strategy employs four essential themes: profitability, environmental stewardship, organic production and a diversified organizational model. This model distributes production over three major enterprises: garlic, high tunnel tomatoes and pastured livestock. As there are no intercrop dependencies or competing management requirements, difficulties in one enterprise won’t jeopardize the farm’s fiscal sustainability.

We maintain a strong and active commitment toward continuous process improvement and frequently introduce improved methods reflecting sustainable concepts whenever prudent. This, along with membership in many agricultural organizations and the cultivation of personal relationships, helps us maintain cutting edge knowledge of both sustainable and organic methodology. We also believe in—and practice—buying locally. Most purchases of farm products and services come from local and independent businesses.

Soil

Soil is our most valued resource—rather than depleting it, our soil is continually improved. Water and air pollution are eliminated and our food tastes better and is both safe and healthful. The intended consequence is an improved environment for current and future generations and that Honeyhill Farm is a functional example of a sustainable system.

We employ many types of cover crops to protect and build soil, to fix nutrients left over from previous crops and to smother weeds as part of a larger weed management strategy. We maintain a comprehensive and multi-year soil rotation plan for all crops.

Typical irrigation methods require large amounts of water and harm soils through runoff and erosion. We employ drip lines to deliver a precise and metered quantity of water and fertilizer at the appropriate time and locale for optimum growth.

High Tunnels

We utilize high tunnels for growing heirloom tomatoes. High tunnels support our commitment toward producing high quality products without toxic compounds and supplemental energy inputs. All seeds, whether for cash crops or cover crops, are sourced through small independent operations that produce organic seeds.

Pastured Livestock

Nature is the basis for everything that takes place on Honeyhill Farm. Animals utilize pasture in a controlled rotation. Carefully managed grazing ensures the pasture is not abused and that animal droppings are evenly dispersed. In this process, the grass is nourished naturally so that the pasture is lush and green the next time the animals visit the site. With no need to apply chemical fertilizer and with natural growth of lush grasses, there is no run-off into local streams; we are good neighbors. As a result of the way operations are carried out, our animals live happy and healthy lives with the added benefits of improved nutrition and flavor. A recent USDA-funded study revealed that pastured animals, relative to conventionally raised chicken and beef, are lower in cholesterol, fat and calories. Importantly, there is a significant taste advantage.