Demand is rising.The number of organic dairies is increasing, comments fellow organic feed provider Norman Wigfield of Clyde, N.Y. Wigfield delivers organic feed from western New York to supplement Watson's own 300 organic acres.
"There'd be more people producing organic milk if they could get organic grain," muses Wigfield. Watson's goal is to get the most value from his farm to support his growing family. The Watsons have seven children between ages of seven months and 18-years-old. Watson likes the philosophy of a sustainable organic family farm. "You can farm organically and make a quality product," remarks Watson. Organic cropping requires more labor in cultivation and good management practices, he admits. It's a change from the thinking of conventional farming. "I've got to forget everything my father ever taught me about farming and remember everything my grandfather ever said," quips Watson.
Watson moved from New Hampshire and bought the farm 12 years ago. For too long those fields had been left in a corn-corn rotation. He's now working to rebuild the soil. The extra effort pays off. Organic crops receive at least twice the price of conventionally-raised crops, boast Wigfleld and Watson. The recent media fervor over genetically modified organism (GMO) crops has been good for the organic business. "GMO is bringing in a wave of new consumers for organics. These aren't just the environmenttally conscious. This is the general public," observes Watson. Organic grains are being shipped in from other states, increasing the value of local markets. Watson is now doubling his operation, putting up additional bin storage. Buying and selling organic feed maintains cash flow, but the real money comes from growing the crop. "Organically, you can grow cheaper than you can buy," concludes the Schoharie County farmer. "By growing 250 tons of organic grain, I can support my family."
|
