Looking for local pasture fed meat and produce
“Project Grass is a group of Sussex and Warren county farmers who rely on pasture, along with hay and grass silage, for much of their livestock’s dietary needs. These animals spend the majority of their lives roaming the pasture, eating the grass at will, and enjoying the great outdoors.”
Several of the farms listed in this article are also biodynamic — that is, “using everything on the farm to complement and benefit everything else.” No (or at least minimal) pesticides, compost generated from waste, using the natural behaviors of animals to grow meat and produce (for example, chickens following the cows to eat the bugs in their waste and spread the natural fertilizer). Want more information on that concept? Read the Grass section of The Omnivore’s Dilemma.
Of the farms listed in the Project Grass article, only one had a web site: DanaRay Farm in Branchville NJ. They also have a CSA, but they are over 90 minutes from our house so I’m not sure I would make a weekly pick up. However, they also have a booth at the Lafayette Farmer’s Market on Sundays from late spring to early fall. That is under an hour away and might be more feasible on a semi-monthly basis. None of the other farms were any closer, anyway.
A friend gave me information about Clearview Farm, which has a CSA, too. I’m not sure if their animals are pastured fed or if the farm is biodynamic because the web site hasn’t been working. Also, they deliver, which is convenient, but I’m not sure how I feel about it from an environmental standpoint. Is it better than people driving to them or worse? My sleep-deprived brain can’t figure it out right now. Hopefully I’ll be able to get more information about them soon.
My last lead is going to the West Orange Farmer’s Market opening day tomorrow. Maybe there is a good farm there to use. Unlikely, but you never know!
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catbird :: Jul.05.2007 :: going green, socio-pop :: No Comments »