Agroecological production involves utilizing and enhancing the natural features of the farm to increase biodiversity and encourage regenerative agriculture. Integrated, multi-species production and permaculture are used where viable.
In 2016 we moved into the retirement home of my brother’s former in-laws, severed from the farm site of the croft of the Campbell family, cleared of trees and rocks for sheep and homesteading in Springhill around 1850. That fall a neighbour needed surgery, and someone to care for his flock of 25 sheep. As we had an empty barn—and my brother had spare hay and barley—we offered, and added my brother’s flock (another 30 sheep) to keep the water lines from freezing over winter. In exchange, the neighbour offered us the choice of 1/2 of the lambs.
Over the years we’ve transitioned from accidental to intentional shepherds, introducing Katahdin genetics to the flock over three generations, which adds rapid weight gain and the ability to finish quickly on grass, while removing the wooly flavour often associated with sheep and lamb meat.
Soil fertility is augmented through holistic livestock grazing and careful rotations of diverse field and vegetable crops appropriate for this region. The latest technology is used, where it makes sense for small-scale production—because ‘efficiency’, ‘progress’ and ‘tradition’ are not inherently good or bad, but concepts whose potential we frame with our values.
Farm production reflects the aspirations and needs of the community within which it will thrive. In 2017 we partnered with the Women Warriors’ Healing Garden, who provided the original Rhode Island Red chicks that became a flock, which we crossed with Orpington and some rescued white Lohmann hens, joined then hosted a chicken co-op, then added some Brahma, and in 2024 some Barred Rock and New Hampshire Red …in other words, this experience turned into years of chickens and eggs.