Some of you may have watched the documentaries Food Inc. or Fresh and been impressed with Joel Salatin. Maybe some of you have read one or two or all of his books (I haven't yet, but they are definitely on my to-read list!). He makes an impression because he's honest, he's idealistic, he doesn't buy into the way meat is raised industrially, he's Christian and environmentally conscious (both big selling points for me!) and his farming techniques just make sense. Most importantly, perhaps, is that his pastured poultry, pigs, and cattle all look happy and healthy.
I can honestly say that when I first saw him in Food Inc., I was immediately inspired. As a meat-eating conservationist (I know, I know, some of you think that can't exist), his way of raising healthy livestock in a natural way by feeding them what nature intended just seemed so, absolutely but simply, right. How can we convince everyone that their meat should be raised this way? Do we have local farmers who make a conscious effort to do this?
I don't know about where you live, but here on PEI we have just such a farmer and we currently have an amazing opportunity to help him.
Raymond Loo is an organic farmer based near Breadalbane, and owns SpringWillow Farm. He is recognized internationally as an Outstanding Organic Farmer. He has been in the news numerous times for innovative farming techniques and products, and he is currently undertaking an interesting approach to raising pastured, organic pork, poultry and beef in a way that is financially feasible for small family farms.
Excellent post! Joel Salatin is truly inspiring. He'll be in central Florida in a couple of weeks. My husband and I hope to be able to attend the event. Would love for you to share this post on my blog's new link-up. My blog focuses on urban homesteading and sustainable living in spite of living in the city. The information about CSAs would be very helpful to my visitors. http://littlefarminthebigcity.blogspot.com/2012/04/homestead-helps-wednesday-homestead-hop.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this, I checked out his website and we are going to be buying some boxes from him. This is exactly what I've been looking for.
ReplyDeleteI've never met Joel Salatin, but I've always wanted to. I have been a fan of his since before it was cool... before he was featured in the Food movies or in Omnivore's Dilema.
ReplyDeleteHis farming methods are awesome. We are trying to follow some of them here on the prairie of Colorado.
I think they are harder than he makes it sound. See here... http://www.homesteadfailure.blogspot.com/2011/09/pop-goes-insulator.html
Thanks for posting this, I ordered myself some meat for the fall! :)
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