Sustainable Farming: The Way Forward

Sustainable farming is truly a win-win for all, it allows us to meet our needs without compromising future generations of farming. Unlike industrial farming it does not degrade natural resources because chemical fertilizers and pesticides aren’t used to maintain the land. In fact, the soil is enriched through composed plant matter, animal manure and leftover crop residue. Sustainable farming practices also include crop rotation, which is when different crops are planted on the same plot of land each year which helps to improve the health of the soil, optimizes nutrients in the soil and fights pest and weed production. Ultimately, this practice creates space for future sustainability and the long-term health of the agricultural food system.

Our friends at Steelbow Farm in Austin, TX and Eden East Farm in Bastrop, TX both use sustainable farming practices. Here is what they shared with us…

 

Steelbow

Steelbow Farm grows with the community in mind. They believe that great food is an integral part of enduring relationships. Currently, they cultivate two acres, intensively, organically, and sustainably. Their farming practices are intentional and deliberate. Steelbow farms with the health of the soil in mind, adding organic matter via cover crops and compost. They avoid tilling, in order to keep microbial life thriving. Their hands are their most cherished tools. They have simple goals; feed good people good food and care for the land so it will be happy and healthy for generations to come.

Photo Credit: Richard Casteel

What drew you to farming and why do you continue to do it?

We both were drawn to farming because we have a deep love of food. We love to cook and we love to eat. The food we eat sustains us but it also connects us to others. Sharing food is the ultimate act of caring and culture sharing. We started farming to gain some insight into the process of food production and after no time we were hooked. The physicality of the work, being outside in the elements, and the art and science of crop production keeps us content and excited to continue to farm. We grow food because we want to be a part of a new food system & economy that is rooted in sustainable practices for the land we steward and the people we employ. We think small scale organic farming is vital for healthy, resilient communities and to combat climate change. Plus, we sleep really well at night.

What is one of the most important sustainable practices at your farm?

We try to look at the farm holistically when it comes to sustainability. We think about the land, the people, and the farm business. Are we creating healthy soil and habitat? Are we creating a good place to work and thrive for our employees? Is the farm sustainable economically? How is our quality of life? We believe that all of these aspects are equally connected to the farm’s sustainability. One tiny example of a sustainable practice at our farm is our morning check-ins and stretches. We like to start each day taking a moment to stretch and gently awaken our bodies that will be bending and lifting and put to use all day. We also take a moment to set the intentions and share the day’s agenda. All in all it takes 10 minutes or so, but we think it has a big impact when it comes to taking care of ourselves and the people who work for us.

What was your most favorite thing you grew this year?

We always love trying out new crops and varieties. Experimenting with and adding to the crop list really gets out creative juices flowing. This year we were really into Celtuce (think celery & lettuce) and purple tatsoi. We are looking forward to a late winter crop of pink celery and sprouting cauliflower. But, the tried and true favorite has to be broccolini and sprouting broccoli- love to grow it and it makes the best field snack.

Tell us about a surprising moment that happened this year.

How can we not talk about COVID here…? Covid 19 completely altered every plan we thought we had for the year. The word of the year for small businesses everywhere must be pivot. We, like so many other farmers and producers pivoted hard & fast to adapt to perilous and unprecedented times. But, we were incredibly surprised by the tremendous generosity, support, and encouragement from our community. Customers, fellow business owners, and other farmers came together to problem solve and get creative. And you, the consumer rallied for local food and local farmers. We are both humbled and grateful at the wellspring of energy and support we got from everyone.

How do you feel about feeding your community?

We can’t say enough about what it means to us to get to grow food for people for a living. We feel extremely privileged to be able to farm- to do what we love day in and day out and to know that our food is being enjoyed by our community. We take this responsibility seriously. We want you all to have access to the best, most delicious, flavorful, nutrient-dense vegetables we can grow. We think all folx deserve this. Good food shouldn’t be a luxury. We are committed to growing and feeding and changing our local food system and building community as we do it. And we hope that once we can gather safely together again, Steelbow Farm will be a cornerstone of this awesome community.

 

Eden East Farm

Home to farmland, chicken coops, and flower gardens, Eden East Farm is run by partners, David Barrow and award-winning chef, Sonya Coté, owner of Hillside Farmacy in Austin, TX and Sinclair in Clifton, TX. Eden East Farm recently relocated to a 4-acre stretch of land in Bastrop, TX, and brought their nutrient dense soil with them! Eden East Farm is a thriving estate of chef-farmer harmony, with a bountiful harvest.

What drew you to farming and why do you continue to do it?

Doing something that challenges me personally each and every day. I have also been able to meet so many great people over the years that inspired me to become a part of something so much greater than myself. Farming is the most fun I have ever had; I wouldn’t ask for anything else.

What is one of the most important sustainable practices at your farm?

We are a closed loop system which means it all starts with dirt and ends with dirt. We take care of our soil and in return, it provides what we need.

What was your most favorite thing you grew this year?

Carrots and Romanesco

Tell us about a surprising moment that happened this year.

Building an entirely new farm!

How do you feel about feeding your community?

Feeding the community is the greatest honor I have ever had.

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