SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Sustainable Pastures
Our rolling hills provide pasture for our 100% grass fed beef as they eat paddock to paddock - controlling weeds and maximizing grass diversification; During the fall and winter, the cattle fertilize the fields with manure while pasturing our cover crops.
Cover Crops
In late summer to early fall, cover crops of rye, radishes, or turnips have been used to sequester nutrients, reduce soil erosion, break up soil compaction, and increase soil moisture capacity.
This is a new and on-going process as it is a departure from full “industrial farming” as we have always practiced crop rotation.
Land Use Optimization
The farm has numerous natural woods and drainage areas, as well as other land that is not used for growing crops or for pasture. These nooks and crannies are being used to improve wildlife areas and diversify farm activities.
Pollination
With the global bee population in decline, South Side Stock Farm has begun establishing bee colonies to promote biodiversity and provide support to struggling pollinators.
We have developed portions of the farm into wildflower habitat, gardens that include fruit trees and pollinator delights such as pumpkins, and areas of milkweed.
We stand against the use of neonicotinoids—a group of insecticides that gut bee populations—and only hope our efforts on the farm nurture the environments that allow bees to thrive. The survival of bees charts a path into sustainability. Beekeeping is a passion that we want to share with the community.