Free Range | The Dancing Hen Farm Blog

Hello friends and supporters of Dancing Hen Farm!In the world of farming and food production, the terms "organic" and "certified organic" are often used. But what do they really mean, and is certification necessary for ensuring the quality and health benefits of the food we produce? Let’s delve into the differences and share our approach here at Dancing Hen Farm.

Organic vs. Certified Organic

Organic:

Organic farming emphasizes natural processes and materials to cultivate crops and raise livestock. This means avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Farmers use techniques like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and plant vitality.
Organic farming promotes biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem health.

Certified Organic:

Certified organic farms follow the same principles as organic farms but go through a formal certification process to verify they meet specific standards set by an accredited certifying agency.
Certification involves detailed record-keeping, regular inspections, and strict adherence to guidelines about the use of synthetic inputs and management practices.
The certification process can be costly, involving fees for inspections and paperwork, which can be a significant expense for small farms.

Our Philosophy at Dancing Hen Farm

While certification can offer assurance, we believe that the heart of organic farming lies in caring for our soil and environment. At Dancing Hen Farm, we take immense pride in our commitment to these principles, even though we are not certified organic. Here’s why we think this approach matters:

Sustainable Practices: We use natural methods to grow our crops, ensuring the health of our soil and the surrounding ecosystem.
No Chemicals: We believe that food is medicine. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, we ensure that our produce is free from harmful chemicals, providing you with safe, healthy food.
Quality and Care: Our dedication to sustainable farming practices means that we can offer you high-quality, nutritious produce, eggs, and chicken. We nurture our plants and animals with care, so you can enjoy food that’s good for your body and soul.
Cost-Effective Use of Resources: Instead of spending money on the costly certification process, we invest directly in our farm. This allows us to improve our infrastructure, enhance our farming practices, and ensure the well-being of our plants and animals.

You can trust that at Dancing Hen Farm, we have your back. We are dedicated to growing food that is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Worry not—we’re here to provide you with the best local, chemical-free produce and pasture-raised eggs and chicken.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Written by Tai from the Farm

Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, and recipes with us on social media. We love hearing from our CSA members and seeing how you enjoy the bounty of Dancing Hen Farm!

Understanding Permaculture: A Sustainable Approach to Farming

At Dancing Hen Farm, we pride ourselves on being a permaculture farm. But what exactly does that mean, and how is it different from most farms today? Let's dive in!

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture is a holistic and sustainable approach to farming that works with nature rather than against it. It’s based on principles of ecology and sustainable land use, aiming to create systems that are environmentally sound and economically viable. Unlike conventional farming, which often relies on monocultures and synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, permaculture emphasizes biodiversity, natural fertility cycles, and harmonious coexistence with the environment.

Key Differences from Conventional Farming

Biodiversity vs. Monoculture: Conventional farms typically grow a single crop over large areas, which can deplete soil nutrients and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases. Permaculture farms, like ours, cultivate a diverse range of plants and animals, promoting a balanced ecosystem and natural pest control.
Natural Fertility vs. Synthetic Inputs: Instead of relying on chemical fertilizers, we use compost, cover crops, and animal manure to enrich the soil naturally. This enhances soil structure, retains moisture, and supports healthy microbial activity.

Benefits for the Planet and Soil

Permaculture farming is better for the planet and soil in several ways:

Reduced Carbon Footprint: By avoiding synthetic chemicals and using organic matter, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Soil Health: Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting enhance soil fertility and structure, preventing erosion and degradation.
Water Conservation: Techniques such as mulching and planting drought-resistant species help conserve water and reduce the need for irrigation.

Nutritional Benefits for You

Eating produce from a permaculture farm is not just better for the planet; it’s better for you too! Here’s how:

Nutrient-Dense Foods: Healthy soil produces nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Our diverse planting means you get a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your diet.
No Harmful Chemicals: Our produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring you consume clean and healthy food.

Companion Planting and Working with Mother Nature

A key aspect of permaculture is companion planting—growing different plants together that benefit each other. For example:

Tomatoes and Basil: Basil helps repel insects that can harm tomatoes.
Corn, Beans, and Squash (The Three Sisters): Corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash covers the ground to prevent weeds.

By mimicking natural ecosystems, we create resilient and productive landscapes. We work with Mother Nature, not against her, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join Us at Dancing Hen Farm!

Want to see permaculture in action? Don’t miss our upcoming events where you can explore our farm firsthand. From our Live Music Series to our seasonal festivals, there's always something happening at Dancing Hen Farm. Come and experience how our CSA farm brings fresh, sustainable produce to our community every week.

Stay tuned for event announcements, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our farm!

-Tai from the Farm

The Journey of Our Produce: From Farm to Table

Have you ever stopped to think about the journey your fruits and vegetables take before they reach your local grocery store? The reality is, most of the produce we find on the shelves has traveled a long way, often crossing multiple states or even countries. This journey not only impacts the freshness and nutritional value of the produce but also has significant environmental consequences.

The Long Road to Your Grocery Store

On average, produce in the United States travels about 1,500 miles from farm to store. This extensive travel is primarily due to the centralized nature of our food distribution system, where produce is often grown in large-scale farms in regions with favorable growing conditions, then shipped to distribution centers, and finally delivered to grocery stores.

Preserving Produce: The Use of Chemicals

To withstand these long journeys and remain visually appealing, produce is often treated with various chemicals and subjected to procedures that can be harmful. Some common methods include:

Pesticides and Herbicides: These chemicals are used during the growing process to protect crops from pests and weeds. However, residues can remain on the produce, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Fungicides: To prevent mold and spoilage during transit, produce is frequently treated with fungicides. These chemicals help extend the shelf life but can have negative health implications.
Wax Coatings: Fruits and vegetables like apples and cucumbers are often coated with wax to prevent moisture loss and enhance appearance. While these coatings are usually food-grade, they can trap pesticide residues.
Ethylene Gas: This is used to ripen fruits artificially. While ethylene itself is not harmful, the process can reduce the nutritional quality of the produce.

The Environmental Impact

The long-distance transportation of produce contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. Additionally, the energy required for refrigeration during transport adds to the carbon footprint. The use of synthetic chemicals in conventional farming practices also leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Dancing Hen Farm: Your Local CSA

Here at Dancing Hen Farm, we are committed to providing our community with fresh, locally-grown produce through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. As a proud permaculture farm, we prioritize taking care of the land that takes care of us.

By planting certain crops together, we naturally reduce the need for chemical pesticides. These companion planting techniques help manage pests and animals, fostering a healthier and more resilient ecosystem. Our sustainable farming practices ensure that our produce is not only delicious but also better for you and the environment.

Why Local Matters

Choosing locally grown produce can make a substantial difference. Here are a few benefits of supporting local farms:

Freshness and Nutritional Value: Local produce is often harvested at its peak ripeness and sold shortly after, ensuring maximum freshness and nutritional content.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Local food travels a shorter distance, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Support for Local Economy: Buying from local farmers helps support the local economy and encourages sustainable farming practices.

By being mindful of where our food comes from and choosing to support local farmers, we can enjoy fresher, healthier produce while also contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.

Next time you're at the grocery store or farmer's market, take a moment to appreciate the journey your food has taken and consider opting for local options whenever possible. Your health, your community, and the planet will thank you!

Join Us for the Live Music Series Fundraiser

Don't forget about our Live Music Series Fundraiser this Sunday, June 30th! The event will feature live music from local bands, an art auction, delicious food and drinks, and a variety of fun activities for all ages. I’ll be kicking off the event with an all-levels yoga class at 12:30 PM in the shade on our beautiful property. It's a perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy great music, and support your local farm.

By supporting Dancing Hen Farm, you're not just getting fresher, healthier produce—you're also contributing to a sustainable, community-focused way of living. We look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser and sharing the fruits of our labor with you!