Episode Description
How do innovative ‘agroecological’ techniques enable Fox Holler Farmstead to both enhance animal welfare and maximize land productivity?
In this episode, Tangled Taproot chats with former DIY punk Ben Brownlow, the innovative steward of Fox Holler Farmstead, who shares his journey from urban life to managing a 280-acre agroecological marvel. Ben shares the fascinating intricacies of his farm’s ecosystem, from cows enjoying shaded pastures to pigs foraging for chestnuts. His dedication to sustainable agriculture and meticulous record-keeping through field notes and the Fox Holler Almanac highlights the interconnectedness of every element on his farm. Pastured pork and poultry, heirloom vegetables, and agroforestry initiatives come together under Ben's expert guidance. We'll uncover the cooperative efforts that support these initiatives, including agroforestry and dairy cooperatives, and collaborations with neighboring communities. Ben also delves into the critical role of fire management in maintaining native prairie ecosystems and how the farm's community land trust model ensures a community-focused balance between agriculture and ecosystem preservation.
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Discussion Points:
- Introduction to Fox Holler Farmstead’s operations
- Ben Brownlow’s background and path to fox holler
- Small-scale farming and ecology integration
- Community land trust, marketing and selling food
- Perennial food crops
- Chestnut cultivation and shaded cow pastures
- Mulberry leaves and their uses
- Ben’s punk background, plant-based diet
- Ben’s writing, reading, and online resources
- Timing of tree planting vs. fruiting, shout out to Asian Pears
- Homesteading and ecology integration
Resources: