Snug as a bug in a rug

Meet the new recruits. Elliott brought them down in the back of the truck (with hog panels covering the bed, attached with rainbow colored bungee cords) from a breeder in Canton, GA on Saturday. They're now settling into the new digs, getting used to visits from laying hens brave enough to jump into the pen. The farm seems more farmy, in a way. The added diversity is a symbol of the coming spring (I hesitate to speak too soon--we still have to get through February), and a gentle nudge toward getting the whole operation running again. We've been in severe hibernation mode since Christmas, and though the rest was much needed, we look forward to the fullness and excitement of our third season--abundant sunshine, animals on pasture, and (dare I say) growing grass. Here we go, kids...

More on the pigs: They're obviously not Berkshire--what the heck is up with that? In short, we couldn't find 'em. We searched high and low, left and right, hither and yon, but found it difficult to source them within the state. Berkshire is a relatively rare breed--especially in a region of the country where pink pig is king. We did our best, but settled on these hybrid guys (note the spots/coloration--Duroc, Yorkshire, and perhaps some Hampshire?) to get the pork show on the road in time for the market. We raised 5 pigs last year, and this year are looking to bump that up by a factor of 3 or so. These are the first 6, and we will continue to keep an eye out for the Berkshire, but are willing to give other breeds a try in the event we can't find them. Note the bigger pig in the back--a pure Duroc--she's currently in an awkward adolescent phase, but she may become our first sow this year, and we may become proud purveyors of piglets. Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-anges...


Arianne

You asked for more eggs... here they come...

Somehow we were so busy that we haven't posted about our new layer chicks. They are now 1 month old and very healthy. In a few weeks they will be out of the brooder and into the orchard. We have 450 and this will double our laying flock for next year. Look for their eggs in late April!



Elliott

The Potting Shed in all its Glory!

We figured it was time to spruce up the potting shed... next stop, HGTV!





-Elliott

Our 10th WWOOFER Andy and his Opus.

We needed a greenhouse to start plants for the spring - luckily our 10th WWOOFER of the year, Andy, (applause!) was just the man for the job. From design to completion Andy constructed a greenhouse out of reused 2x4s and plastic he wove out of recycled grocery bags (ok... maybe he didn't do that.)

-Elliott

Turkey Retrospective 2010

Here's a look back at the adventures of raising our first 65ish turkeys this year...caution: may depress vegetarians.

A Salute to Service Learners!

We had over 250 student service learners from Georgia Southern this year who were an enormous help. Here is a video tribute we put together for them -



Elliott

GROW! The Movie Trailer

We recently visited filmmakers Christine Anthony and Owen Masterson in Atlanta for a tour of their post-production cave, where they'll be padding around in socked feet and headphones, tweaking this film tirelessly until March of 2011, when it will premiere at the Georgia Organics conference in Savannah. The resemblance of some of the farmers in the film to Elliott and I is purely coincidental.

Lessons learned from Terra Madre...

So a while back I went to Italy. And then I came home to process turkeys and the whirlwind at the end of the season--let's just say reflection at that point was not a priority. But while I was away I did keep a journal and take lots of pictures as promised. Here's a few of the lessons learned from talking to farmers from all over the world, in no particular order:

A. Italy, though often romanticized as being culturally ideal when it comes to food, suffers just as much from the encroachment of a globalized, industrailized food system as we do: fast food, confinement operations, strip malls--they got 'em, too. The fight is on at home and abroad.



B. Traveling out into the world is mostly a journey into one's self. You may go many places but ultimately what you find is...you.

C. I'm definitely not crazy. There are plenty madly passionate people out there working in their communities for an honest living in exchange for honest work. I'm not alone, and the further I continue, the more potential I have for liberating others to pursue farm dreams.



D. Visit farmers you admire on a regular basis--it will do wonders for strengthening your march.



E. Keep up a discerning vision--it's a strength. We have a right to high expectations for our communities.

F. Next to keeping our hands dirty--actually farming--education is our best and most important function. Find a way to turn education into sales.



G. A business makes money when it profits from all products and byproducts of its production. Find a way to turn a profit on waste or unwanted items.

H. BUY YOUR OWN LAND. There are a multitude of different ways to make it happen, but it is your best option for farming long term.

I. No model is too "out there" for financing your business. Don't be afraid to dream big or different.

J. While I'm thankful for Slow Food (International, USA, & Atlanta), what I'm doing is good and strong with or without the above affiliations--that is, whether or not I'm officially recognized by an organization.

K. Ask and ye shall receive! Don't be afraid to tell the people in your community you're working hard for them, and that you need their help. You have to start the conversation by asking--they will help.

L. A woman farmer is rare and beautiful.



M. Smoking is a waste. I don't care if you're European and "it's just what you do." My culture tells me to do plenty of things that are wasteful and destructive, but I take responsibility for myself and my actions at the end of the day. Quit smoking, Europe! It's not cool anymore.

N. There's nothing like a little turbulence over the Swiss Alps to get the blood pumping. I decided I definitely don't like planes--and in the future will trust my land-dweller instincts and avoid them.



O. Italian friends are extremely helpful when you don't speak the language. They're also great at making pizza.



P. Be intentional about community-building. Your job is irresistible--everybody wins when they join you.

Thanks again to Slow Food USA, Coastal Organic Growers, and Slow Food Atlanta for sponsoring my trip. I wouldn't have been able to go without your assistance.

Arianne

Great News: We WON the Eli J. Segal Award

The following is an article from the AmeriCorps Alums website outlining a grant we were recently awarded from the Eli J. Segal Foundation. We'll use the funds to build an on-farm poultry processing facility that will be ready to go once our first broilers are ready in the spring of 2011. Currently Elliott and I are focused on reconnaissance--checking out facilities on other farms, scouring the internet for do-it-yourself resources. Look forward to posts about how we put the whole thing together this winter--we'll most likely be building the plucker and scalder ourselves. Elliott's new training in simple electric design will definitely come in handy--thank you Ogeechee Technical College. Here's a picture of us gratuitously basking in the glory of cash to fuel a better local food system. Thanks to everyone who graciously sent in enthusiastic letters of support--we'll build a better tomorrow together.

The recipients of the 2010 Eli Segal Award are Arianne McGinnis and Elliott McGann of Hope Grows. Hope Grows is a modest organic farm located in Sylvania, Georgia. Hope Grows places value on the transparency of farming methods and philosophy, and having the community involved in their sustainability and growth. The relationships that Arianne and Elliott have not only helped the farm grow, but have also brought a new perspective to the community. Unlike many large farms in the area, Hope Grows does not use chemicals, antibiotics, or heavy machinery.

“We produce pasture raised poultry, pork, and organic vegetables, but our business is healing: the land, the food, the economy, the community”

The farmers at Hope Grows sell the products of their hard work at their farm store and local farmers’ markets. Oftentimes these outlets are used as an opportunity to spread the word on ecologically conscious farming. The farm is also open to visits throughout the year, and holds two large on-farm events in the spring and fall. Pictures, commentary, and video of their work is displayed at www.freshfarming.blogspot.com. Here you can learn how to clip a chicken’s wings, start a garden, or even process your own Thanksgiving turkey! Recently a group of students from Georgia Southern University were dubbed the “Pasture Clearing Brigade” by the Fresh Farming blog. A group of students lent a helping hand to the Hope Grows farm by weeding the overgrown pasture. To answer the question “Why not use a tractor and do it in five minutes?”, it is explained that those at Hope Grows are “too averse to debt and mechanically challenged to invest in a tractor.” It also inhibits pasture growth and diversity. Instead the Hope Grows farm made some new friends, and encouraged individuals in the community to participate.

“We view farming as activism for restoring healthy communities, and find it spiritually and economically rewarding to establish direct relationships with our eaters as often as possible”

With their $5,000 grant, Hope Grows hopes to build upon their mission to provide “local food access, education, skills training, and rural community development” through a small-scale poultry processing facility. Off-site processing currently adds considerably to the cost of Hope Grows' products. Therefore, by having their own processing facility, Hope Grows will provide more families access to the healthy products they have to offer.

A Winter Plan and A Party

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!
Elliott and I are taking some time to rest and be with our families, but we wanted to post a quick note about where you can find us (and our eggs, chicken, and pork) now that the markets have officially ended in both Statesboro and Savannah. The success of our farm is built on personal relationships, so we plan on keeping you updated throughout the winter season on how we can continue to support and nourish each other. Also, we want to invite you to a party!

How to support us in Savannah:
EVERY Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to noon - starting TOMORROW! - we'll be setting up with other vendors at the Corner of Bull and Park, across from Brighter Day. We will have eggs, chicken, and pork available throughout the winter market season. Our eggs are limited due to limited daylight (less daylight = less eggs), so please be flexible if we do not have them when you arrive at the market. Chicken and pork sales help us feed our laying hens in the winter when they're not pulling their weight on the farm, so we encourage you to give them a try if you haven't yet.

How to support us in Statesboro:
We will be marketing our products through http://statesboromainstreetmarket.locallygrown.net/, an online retail space. The ordering and pick-up details for every week are on the website, so take a look and call us if you have any questions at 912-863-6436. We will have eggs, chicken, and pork available throughout the winter market season. Our eggs are limited due to limited daylight (less daylight = less eggs), so please be flexible if we do not have them. Chicken and pork sales help us feed our laying hens in the winter when they're not pulling their weight on the farm, so we encourage you to give them a try if you haven't yet.

You're also more than welcome to come out to the farm to purchase directly from us any day of the week. We'll even let you pick out your eggs directly from the coop, and your chicken directly from the freezer (though that's less fun). Just give us a call at 912-863-6436 so we can expect you.

You're Invited! Farm Open House/Arianne's Epic 25th Birthday Party On Saturday, December 11th we are throwing an epic party: for you, for us, for the farm. We'll open at 4pm for those who want to come and see in the daylight what we've been up to all season and what we're planning for next year. Dinner is potluck-style at 7ish. We will provide chicken and beer. Please bring a side dish or dessert--and your friends! We will show-and-tell, but mostly we want to say thank you for your continued commitment and friendship. Please RSVP by e-mail or phone: 912-863-6436.

Let's keep in touch...

Friend Hope Grows on Facebook if you haven't already.

For the run-down on what we do and how we do it (including pictures and videos), check out our website: www.hopegrowsfarm.com

For stories and in-depth updates on farm projects that include a bit of wit and ranting, check out our blog: www.freshfarming.blogspot.com

Also, we're still good at communicating the old fashioned way. Call us at 912-863-6436 or stop by 284 Dover Road in Sylvania, GA.

This isn't the kind of relationship you have with your grocery store--we want to be a part of your family, and we want you to be a part of ours.

All the Best,

Arianne and Elliott
Hot. Young. Farmers.