𝒪𝓊𝓇 𝐹𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎 𝒜𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝑔𝑒
With a growing awareness of what we serving at the table and how it was treated during its growth and preparation for mass chain commercial stores we began my journey to provide my family with higher quality, fresh and chemical free food. Our farm grows only non-GMO and chemical free fruits and vegetables, as well as engages in ethical handling of animals. It is our belief that our produce is higher in quality than anything you'll find in a typical grocer because it is permitted to fully ripen before harvest and brought to you while still fresh.
In 2019 we opened up our little farm to local individuals and families who also want more from their food. Our goal is to work together as a team with our local community to grow healthier, stronger and more conscious of our environment together!
𝒢𝓇𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉𝒾𝒸𝑒𝓈
Striving to be Green
At Prairie Sunrise CSA we strive to grow in the most natural environment as possible. For us this means:
Non-GMO
The idea of genetically modifying plants to resist pesticides and increase yields makes us nervous. We have therefore chosen to steer clear of this practice. We use only heirloom and naturally bred hybrids in our gardens.
Plant Based Compost and Natural Fertilizer
We maintain our own compost bins filled with kitchen scraps, yard trimmings and garden waste. We then mix this with the wonderful fertilizer our chickens produce for us. From time to time when we have a need to purchase compost we aim for natural aged manure.
Chemical Free Pest Control
Pests are a fact of life we strive to find natural ways to control. Our feathered friends have been an amazing help with this issue as they eliminate a lot of issues by doing what they do best - being chickens! Our flock of hens has free run of the gardens prior to planting and following final harvest each year to reduce pests. During the growing season we use bug netting and our greenhouse on high risk crops. We also practice crop rotation and companion planting to battle harmful pests. Occasionally the pests will get the better of us but we still don't regret our chemical free pest options.
Low Till to No Till
A healthy soil is teeming with beneficial insects and we prefer to disturb them as little as possible. When required we try to turn the soil and work in compost manually as opposed to using a tilling machine. When laying new beds we make use of tarps to bake weed roots and chickens to eat new growth. Our manual tools are well loved here.
𝒜𝓃𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓁 𝒞𝒶𝓇𝑒
Responsible and Caring
At this point in time our farm is the home of a number of fur babies and feathered friends. We do our best to provide them with a happy home and meet each of their needs while they help us maintain the farm doing what they do best - being themselves.
Dogs
We keep four large dogs on our farm. They are fed a diet primarily of raw meat and have free run of the property while they protect the smaller and more vulnerable of our family from potential predators. They love going for walks with the family.
Cats
Our farm houses lots of cats. Like our pups, our cats are fed a diet primarily of raw meat and have free run of the property. They are an important part of our farm as they keep small rodents away from the farm which might damage our crops. They also love playing with the kids!
Chickens
While we can not boast that our chickens are free range, we can say we have provided them more than adequate space to live. Their coop and run provide safety from predators and shelter from weather. They are fed a diet primarily consisting of plant matter supplemented with oyster shell for healthy bones. We only home females so there is no chance of being overrun by chicks and putting us in a position where we might have to re-home. Our feathered friends are not kept for food but rather are allowed to live out their natural lives. They also do a wonderful job creating natural fertilizer for the gardens and help us keep pests down.
Bunnies
A recent addition to the farm. Apart from being adorable companions, the bunnies are backing up chickens and helping to create some lovely natural fertilizer for the gardens.
Guinea Fowl
Another new addition. If you have never heard of guinea fowl before they are somewhat odd looking birds. We have been working to train whistle train them so they form a free range team to patrol the farm for pesky pests.