Organic Dairyman Profits From Doing What He Believes
(Continued from Page 29)
farmers was when they were disconnected from the
consumer,” he said.
According to Stoltzfoos, it’s a myth that confine
ment dairies are needed to produce enough milk to
meet demand.
“Can we supply the milk we need with grass? Ab
solutely,” he said. “We (on Spring Wood Farm) are
producing more milk per acre than we ever did
before.”
Even so, Stoltzfoos always tries to do it better.
“I’m a grazier. That’s what I enjoy doing. But
there’s always room to grow and learn.”
Stoltzfoos recommends farmers “proceed cau
tiously” when getting into grazing and learn what
works best for them.
“Adapt ideas to your farm,” he said. “No one can
copy me or anybody else.”
Spring Wood Farm was one of 16 Pennsylvania
farms that received a Dairy of Distinction award
this year for presenting a positive image of the dairy
industry.
Located along Gap Road southeast of the town of
Gap, the well-kept farm and its 19th-century stone
farmhouse are the scene for plenty of action. The
children of working age have their own chores to do.
The farm includes an organic free-range turkey op
eration, free-range chickens for meat and eggs, and
Tam worth pigs fed on buttermilk and kitchen
waste.
The children are Dwight, 23; Hilda, 21; Delmar,
17; Charlene, 15; Clifford, 13; Joshua, 11; Caleb, 9;
Althea, 7; Raphael, 5; Hadassah, 2; and Heather, 6
months. Dwight and Hilda work away pretty much
fulltime.
SOME OF THE GREATEST IDEAS
CAME TO ME WHILE
MILKING A COW.
- Grant Wood
American Painter