Hope Hill Farm

The idea for Hope Hill Farm began in 2010 when we no longer could justify consuming mass produced meat. We believe produce should be grown from ubiquitous and genetically diverse species. Same goes for livestock. Furthermore the livestock should be happy as should the farmers. This means soil based organics and pastured livestock, rotation of crops and critters, and in this part of the world, dry over wintering spaces. We started with a flock of free range chicken for eggs and a few dozen Cornish X meat birds. Soon we were on a steep learning curve. We found out about food & food politics, conventional and heritage livestock, animal husbandry, our environment & permaculture. Wow, enough to make our heads spin. Despite this we gradually developed a passion for farming. In addition to the chickens we added Tessy the Hereford/Highland X cow and her one week old Highland calf. We breed her and her off-spring get eaten. We realized that proper, sturdy housing is essential to the beasts and invaluable in doing daily chores. It allows us to hang out with our animals, groom and observe them – a most rewarding and fun activity. In 2011 we fenced and cross-fenced almost all of our 18 acres – half flat pasture land, half wooded slopes and created 8 separate grazing areas. This method positively reinforces even grazing patterns and uniform distribution of manure, seed, tilth and speciation on the ground. Periods of rest aid in the establishment of tender re-growth and the availability of flowers and ecology favorable to beneficial insects and wildlife. Already we notice a big increase in returning swallows (barn, house and tree swallows), song birds and bees on our farm. In the spring of 2012 six Katahdin hair sheep joined the chicken and cow. We borrowed a ram from up the road in order to build our own flock. Here again we intend to keep the good girls for breeding and eat the rest. They will also be useful in maintaining healthy pastures. Along with our standard livestock we breed heritage stock since we recognize the importance of preserving old endangered breeds for future generations. Heritage breeds don’t fair well in agri-business settings, usually take longer to raise and therefore lose their popularity, which is a shame since they tend to be healthier and tastier animals. Recently we added heritage turkeys to our menagerie. They should be ready just in time for X-Mas 2012. We are looking forward to getting Cotswold sheep soon. One of the oldest breeds known they give a superior quality wool and milder tasting meat. Presently very few of these guys exist anymore and a sincere effort is made to increase their numbers. As you can see our little operation is a work in progress. With every visit to our web site we will keep you informed with news from Hope Hill Farm. Hope to see you again. Cam & Vera