Our Practices
At Oak & Ash Farm we see ourselves as the stewards of this land; it’s health and well being our first priority. We use a variety of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, to achieve a symbiotic relationship that nurtures both the land, and ourselves.
Forest Management
We strive to maintain a healthy forest that works in symbiosis with our farm.
As we selectively cut trees to open land, we leave choice, healthy trees for production of forest products such as maple syrup, animal habitat and overall forest.
Cleared trees are then turned into lumber for building on farm or wood crafting. Branches and less desirable wood is chipped to mulch trees and our market garden walkways.
Alley Cropping & Silvopasture
Alley Cropping and Silvopasture systems then replace the cleared areas where the farming enterprises are taking place between rows of trees. Trees that are now producing nuts, berries, and fruits as food for humans and animals. The alleys or pastures between, are used to raise pastured chickens that are moved daily and are free to graze and forage in a fresh, healthy environment.
Market Garden
No-Dig & Companion Planting
We grow all of our annual crops using a system of sustainable agriculture called ‘no dig’ or ‘no till’, and secession planting. This allows us to grow a lot of food in a very small space. No dig means we are constantly feeding the soil, adding compost, leaving roots of plants after harvest, and disturbing the soil as little as possible to help maintain the health of the rhizosphere, or system of microorganisms in the soil.
Our view on organic: Becoming a certified organic grower is a lengthy process. We grow almost entirely organic seeds, sourced from the northeast, and do not treat our plants, pasture or animals with any pesticides or herbicides. We strive to leave things to the complex ecosystem and microclimate we have on our farm. In most cases, our practices exceed the guidelines for organic growers.
