Description:
Belle Mare Farm grows a combination of rotated crops from heritage bread and cereal grains, cover crops, then pasture to vegetables with a total of 9 fields ranging from 3.3 acres to 12 acres. A field remains in pasture for 4 – 8 years with livestock (mixed herd) rotated in years 2 – 8 for fertility. The farm is just beginning to incorporate biodynamic practices 30% or phase one of the new permaculture orchard was planted this year from grafts of the old apple trees on site. Horse power is used as time and equipment allow. The past two years the farm has hosted Farming with Horses Workshops.
Production Practices:
Rotational grazing; no antibiotics; no pesticides or herbicides; grass fed on farm; all winter hay grown on farm
Type of Farm Products Sold:
Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Eggs, Heritage Grains for Breads, Oats, Barley
Number of Acres in Animal Production:
25-50
Grazing, Pasture and Nutrient Management Practices:
Pigs and lambs are 100% on pasture. Cattle and poultry are 9 months on pasture, otherwise winter shelter with deep litter. Rotational grazing of all animals. Finished on farm unless necessary for legal sales. The ultimate goal is to have lime as the only off-farm additive. By rotating grains and cover crops appropriately and planting mixed pastures of grasses, legumes, herbs, and forbs the microbial activity in the soil should increase each year. No chemical management allowed. Deep litter from winter is composted and spread by horses with manure spreader.
Environmental Conservation:
Riparian restoration along Willamina Creek.
Certifications:
None
Farm Visits:
By appointment only
Where Products are Available:
OPN Product Guide: Portland Region
OPN Product Guide: Mid-Willamette Valley
More Info and Contact Information: