Posts by Adrienne Masler
Ever since the advent of animal agriculture 10,000 years ago, countless breeds of livestock have evolved and adapted in response to natural and human selection. Livestock breeds adapted to harsh environments and to the interests of their human partners, evolving traits such as increased milk or muscle production, smaller size relative to wild ancestors,…
Read MoreFROM VEGETABLES TO DAIRY After operating a vegetable CSA for six years at Wake Robin Farm in Jordan, NY, Meg and Bruce Schader agreed that they would rather milk cows. Meg and Bruce were inspired to keep their farm small when they heard about a friend’s grandfather who sent his four children to college on…
Read MorePriorities and Strategies As sixth-generation stewards of their Branchport, NY land, the Hunt family is invested in doing what it takes to care for their land. Their interest in stewardship and sustainability go hand-in-hand with their interest in saving money and energy. “We want to still operate when the power goes out,” says Art Hunt. …
Read MoreThe Schefflers respond to the growing demand for local, organic food BECOMING CERTIFIED Seasoned dairy farmers Ed and Eileen Scheffler have learned over the years that adapting the farm business to changing times is the only way to succeed. For the Schefflers, being small has made adapting their business easier because they haven’t made huge…
Read MoreA NEW VENTURE How did May and Bob Miller go from dairy farming to making grass pellets? They had always been interested in “green” energy, but when fuel prices started to rise in 2008, they saw new potential in the growing acreage owned by non-farming landowners surrounding their home in Delaware county. With the goal…
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