News From the Farm

Originally published 2023-04-28. By Ben Nommay.

Spring 2023 Update

Arriving on a new piece of land in the middle of winter has its pros and cons. Not much to do outside gives me time to walk the land, watching the way the wind blows in, see the path of the sun, and notice what the shade covers first. I am eager to get to know the local plants and discover what has been planted around the property. The leftover stalks from last year’s growth hint at some of my plant allies around. Starting in late February, we watched the exhaling of the Earth as small bits of new green life slowly poked up from the ground. We enlarged our area where we grow the preparation herbs by dividing valerian plants, moving yarrow out of the cow pasture to a new home safe from the cows, and establishing new nettle patches by transplanting rhizomes along the edge of the property.

We also created two new Barrel Compound pits, one buried completely below the earth and one buried halfway. The pits are constructed next to each other so that we can determine if one matures differently than the other. I am very excited also to announce that we have found a herd of cattle to bring home to JPI. An elder who has lost the lease for her cattle will be transitioning her herd to JPI to bring the anticipated collective cow energy here. This addition of life breathing into the land also helps fulfill the farm organism at JPI.

We are now able to collect manure that is digested from our biodynamic pastures, as well as harvest the organs from our own cattle to use to create preparations. We intend to create a silvopasture for the cattle to graze in. This will diversify the forage for the cattle, provide habitat for other wildlife, and produce food for the humans! I have started chestnuts, pawpaws, and persimmons from seeds.

For anyone who would like to help us further diversity the plant life on the farm, we are looking and happy to accept healthy cuttings, bulbs, seedlings, and viable open-pollinated seeds from organic/biodynamic growers. Please note that we are unable to accept hybrid, GMO, or treated seeds, plants categorized as invasive species, and plants toxic to pets and livestock. Please contact us at the farm’s office to make arrangements (540-745-7030).