We are currently in the category of the “educated consumer” but heading, Lord willing, toward becoming the “enlighted farmer”. Where are you?
The educated consumer and the enlightened farmer together can bring about the return of the mixed farm, where cultivation of fruits and vegetables is combined with the raising of livestock and fowl in a manner that is efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. Cattle providing rich manure are the absolute basis for healthy, sustainable farming. Moreover, chickens allowed access to pasture eat worms and insects whose nutrients end up in high-quality eggs; sheep grazing in orchards obviate the need for herbicides; and livestock foraging in woodlands and other marginal areas provide rich, unpolluted meat and milk, making these lands economically viable for the farmer. It is not animal cultivation that leads to hunger and famine but unwise agricultural practices and monopoloistic distribution systems. – Sally Fallon Morell, Nourishing Traditions © 2001, page 31.
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I’ve just finished reading the portion of The Omnivore’s Dilemma that talks about these amazing interrelationships. So inspiring! First a praise for our amazing creator! Then kudos for the farmers who are brave and clever enough to try something “new” vs. industrial farming. And finally, a challenge to find a “grass farmer” (what the spotlighted farmer calls himself) near us. In the meantime, I’m going to a “Garden for Food” workshop this morning. I think it is just an introduction to what is offered by our master gardeners throughout the year, but I’ll let you know if I learn anything helpful.
Kate, How wonderful! How was the workshop? I would love to hear what you learned.
Wardee, do you have a vegetable garden or grow your own herbs?
Nope, not yet!
We started at educated consumer then found “grass” farmers and now buy all our food from only local, organic, sustainable sources. Which means, of course, that I am cooking everything. Sally Fallon Morell’s NT book has been a godsend because I didn’t know how to cook traditionally! I was a total International foody. It’s been a fun experiment that has forever changed us.
That’s awesome! Your blog is inspirational. I look forward to keeping up with you on your adventure and learning from you.