How We Farm

 

We’re committed to environmentally-beneficial practices that
build soil health and support resilient ecosystems.

We apply a few simple principles:

  • Minimize soil disturbance and use cover crops between harvests

  • Seek out natural solutions before using inputs

  • Maintain a variety of plants and animals on our land

 

Keeping The Ground Covered, all year

This helps sequester more carbon, capture rainfall and prevent run-off, and supports an ecosystem of beneficial insects and fungi.

When we do need to till the ground, we immediately plant either a cover crop or a crop that is intended to be harvested.

In 2021, a research team from Skidmore College conducted soil sampling on 120.4 acres of our farm to help us establish a soil carbon baseline. We plan to re-sample these same locations in future years to measure the impact of our practices on soil carbon sequestration.

 
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Minimizing Inputs, Minimizing Risks

We use a number of cultural, mechanical, and biological techniques to control pests before we turn to chemical methods (aka inputs). This approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) allows us to grow quality produce while minimizing risks to our guests and the environment.

For example, the spotted wing Drosophila is a fly that causes a lot of problems for berry growers. We have found some success in interrupting the fly’s life cycle by mulching heavily at the end of the picking season. We are also experimenting with providing habitat for hummingbirds and bats that naturally prey on these flies. Controls like these have allowed us to go without spraying our berries for years.

 
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Supporting A Resilient Ecosystem

Healthy ecosystems create a diversity of plants and animals that keep the ecosystem in balance.

We believe that growing a range of crops is important for a strong ecosystem on our farm. Various crops offer food for pollinators all year, create homes for small animals and birds, and help the growth of microorganisms below the soil surface.

To measure the impact of our practices on the farm’s ecosystem, we welcome our community to participate in an ongoing biodiversity study. Bring your phone or camera to the farm to submit photos of different species observed here!

Welcome to Greig Farm

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