Made a visit to the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy headquarters in Superior Twp yesterday and talked with the staff there about the process of helping local small farmers change from conventional growing methods to sustainable agriculture. http://www.smlcland.org/properties_washtenaw.php
This seems to fit within their statement of purpose even though most often we think about land conservancy efforts being focused on creating / preserving green space and thwarting reckless development.
If we are going to safeguard our local food supply and the health of local agriculture there is much that needs to be done to help farmers move to more sustainable practices. It is a big undertaking and will take time but can be done.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Urban Farming - Increasing Your Capacity While Improving Your Soil - February 18, 2010
An exciting year lies ahead as the urban farming movement gathers momentum. It is astonishing to see how many people are getting on board with the idea that we can grow our own food locally and inexpensively.
This year we will be adding several varieties of Michigan mushrooms to our growing space. We will continue to focus on leaf vegetables that do well in the high nitrogen soil we make with our animal manures.
We will also be into year three of growing a limited number of wine grapes. Last year they were surrounded by garlic and had the most interesting and complex flavor I have ever tasted.
The challenge that I would like to extend to all urban farmers is to grow as much as you possibly can - in a healthy way of course - in a small space. This idea of increasing the capacity of a small space is especially important and challenges us to utilize our resources prudently and efficiently.
Last year, when I temporarily had 45 chickens, my daughter Aubrey laughingly accused me of running "an urban micro-eco cafo" (confined animal feeding operation). We eventually sold most of the chickens (we only have 8 at present) to people starting their own urban henneries.
The idea is not to cram more into a space than is sustainable but to maximize the capacity. I say this because so much of agriculture is wasteful and creates such a large carbon footprint. Good stewardship requires doing things well and with care.
Square foot, bio-dynamic, no-till, and other planting methods can help to maximize the yield of a small area while improving the health of the soil and protecting its structure.
This year we will be adding several varieties of Michigan mushrooms to our growing space. We will continue to focus on leaf vegetables that do well in the high nitrogen soil we make with our animal manures.
We will also be into year three of growing a limited number of wine grapes. Last year they were surrounded by garlic and had the most interesting and complex flavor I have ever tasted.
The challenge that I would like to extend to all urban farmers is to grow as much as you possibly can - in a healthy way of course - in a small space. This idea of increasing the capacity of a small space is especially important and challenges us to utilize our resources prudently and efficiently.
Last year, when I temporarily had 45 chickens, my daughter Aubrey laughingly accused me of running "an urban micro-eco cafo" (confined animal feeding operation). We eventually sold most of the chickens (we only have 8 at present) to people starting their own urban henneries.
The idea is not to cram more into a space than is sustainable but to maximize the capacity. I say this because so much of agriculture is wasteful and creates such a large carbon footprint. Good stewardship requires doing things well and with care.
Square foot, bio-dynamic, no-till, and other planting methods can help to maximize the yield of a small area while improving the health of the soil and protecting its structure.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Winter 2010 - A Time to Mourn
Margot Adler, a long time friend and correspondent at NPR NYC, lost her husband John this week to cancer. John was the eldest son of my parent's best friends when we lived in Baltimore in the late 1950s and 60s. John's parents died tragically in a plane crash and his siblings came to stay with us for a while until they could resettle with family members.
Margot has faithfully covered developments in urban agriculture for many years, see for example http://www.cityfarmer.org/nydestroy.html and I am grateful for her reporting.
Our condolences go out to Margot and her son Alexander during this difficult time of loss.
Margot has faithfully covered developments in urban agriculture for many years, see for example http://www.cityfarmer.org/nydestroy.html and I am grateful for her reporting.
Our condolences go out to Margot and her son Alexander during this difficult time of loss.
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