Earthwise Farm and Forest: Learning from the Land

Ollie Emery (he/him) loves carrots and green beans, and his favorite summer activities are mountain biking, running, hiking, soccer, and playing basketball with friends.

On Tuesday, July 15th, the Teen Farm Fellows traveled to a homestead, Earthwise Farm and Forest in Bethel, VT, operated by Lisa McCrory, Tuilelaith Russell McCrory, Timber Russell, and Bazel Russell. What sets Earthwise apart from other farms is their use of draft animals and connection to the land around them. They produce organic food like garlic, potatoes, milk, poultry, and herbs. Their approach diverges from the stereotypical emphasis on high output and profits in extensive agriculture, and instead focuses on advocating for resilience, conservation, education, and responsible land use.

When the Fellows arrived at Earthwise, we were greeted by Lisa, who introduced herself before we went off to work on the garlic harvest. Earthwise cultivates two types of garlic: New York White and Chrysalis Purple. We harvested around 1500 heads with Lisa, and learned about all she does with garlic, including garlic braiding.

After finishing the garlic, we helped Lisa plant potatoes and discussed how the Fellowship is going, as well as our interests in agriculture and our activities outside of work. We finished the potatoes, hopped in the car, and drove up to Lisa’s house on top of the hill. Their home is completely off the grid and utilizes large solar panels for power. Being off-grid presents its challenges, and one of those is limiting electricity use. Earthwise uses compostable toilets to save electricity and eliminate the need for a septic system.

Before we left the farm, we were treated to a farm-wide tour with Lisa, so we could visit all of the animals that help the farm succeed. First, we met Danny and Dick, their two newest steers, which are being trained as draft animals. From there, we met the pigs and watched them get fed, and even got to pet them (they also tried to eat my boots!). After visiting the pigs, we trekked across the old cow pasture, and Lisa showed us how their grazing strategy works to fertilize the land. Lisa then gave us an overview of the property’s history, discussing an old church and schoolhouse that they’re repairing. Finally, we met three of their cows that were grazing, one of which was also being milked.

Earthwise uses a technique known as rotational grazing with their cows, which helps the land stay healthy and helps the cows maintain access to sufficient food. This technique utilizes multiple fields that cows rotate between in a specific order, allowing the grass time to recover and replenish its nutrients before the cows return. This keeps biodiversity throughout the fields and helps the cows’ manure effectively fertilize the soil.

Earthwise Farm was a unique experience that educated the fellows on organic practices, encompassing more than just vegetables. Seeing the beautiful land at Earthwise was an incredible experience, helping us learn what’s possible in our future. Lisa’s teaching background allowed the Fellows to effectively gain knowledge about homestead farming and the importance of utilizing natural resources.