We believe that organic farming practices provide families better pure food value and, with less exposure to the toxins found in pesticides and herbicides, better quality fruits, vegetables and pecans. While we are not an EPA certified organic farm, we do proactively practice the strategies that are required to meet their standards and prevent problems. We work hard to maintain soil health and fertility by eliminating the use of toxic and persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Our Texas Parks and Wildlife certified Wildlife Management Area also requires us to restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony and support a biologically diverse environment.
We utilize common sense organic farming practices which include crop rotation, utilization of cover crops such as annual rye grass and Austrian peas to add nutrients back into the soil when plowed under, releasing and encouraging the growth of beneficial insects, and adding compost and plant wastes. Correctly made compost kills pathogens and weed seeds, producing a fertilizer that encourages healthy crops and soil.
Even our Bermuda and Saint Augustine grasses, flower beds and gardens around our house and barn are organic, i.e. no chemical fertilizers used – ever! We work to ensure that no invasive species of bedding plants, shrubs or trees find their way onto our farm. Our organic practices also infuse our Texas wildflower planting initiative which is to encourage the sustained growth of North Texas native wildflowers such as, the Texas bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, Indian blankets, the Texas native sunflower, Texas Maximilian sunflower, and varieties of milkweed among many other native species. These flowers, especially the milkweed, attract beautiful Monarch butterfly caterpillars. We are on a flight path of the Monarchs and do everything we can to provide food and shelter for them along this small part of their journey.
