How We Farm
At Hogg Haven Family Farms, we believe in farming that’s good for people, the plants and animals we raise, and the wildlife we share the land with. To do that, it all starts with supporting healthy soil.
It Starts With The Soil
We like to say that we are soil farmers first. Healthy soil is the foundation of all that we do. Thanks to Steven Hogg’s background in wildlife biology, we know that when the soil is thriving, it supports healthy plants. And when the plants are thriving, the farm animals that eat them benefit, as do the bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife.
Regenerative Farming
To support healthy soil, we use regenerative farming practices that recreate natural processes originally carried out by wild bison. Pre-colonization, bison would graze the land in herds, trampling the grasses and distributing their droppings. When the herd finished grazing one patch, it moved to the next, giving the just-grazed patch time to regenerate. When grasses are given that time to rest and regrow, it strengthens their root systems, improving soil quality and supporting wildlife. This is how we farm. Read on to learn more about specific practices for the animals and plants we raise.
Cows and Lambs
Our grazing animals - cows and lambs soon! - play the role of natural grazers like bison and elk. We use temporary fencing to give our small herd specific patches of grass to graze. Throughout the year, we rotate them to new areas of the pasture, giving the grass time to regenerate.
Chickens
Coming soon...Broiler Chickens-We will give our broiler chickens a life of luxury. Just like our cows and lambs, our chickens move around on our land. We move the coops by hand to new land every 24 hours. This gives them plenty of fresh grass to eat, keeps them clean and helps keep the bug pressure down on the farm by scratching up the earth and turning over the cow and lamb droppings that are left behind. Between the fresh grass and abundant fresh air and sunlight, we ensure they lead a nourishing, healthy life, which leads to the freshest chicken for eating.
Our egg-laying chickens have it pretty good, too. Every day, they spend time in fresh grass, where they can dust bathe, graze and eat the resident bugs. Our egg-laying chickens are also available to rent (Hogg's Hen Houses), so you can have fresh-laid eggs right in your own backyard!
