Partnership opportunity in holistic sustainable agriculture farm.

Cowpasture River Farm is traditionally a beef-cattle operation in the mountains of Bath County, Virginia.  We seek to create a more sustainable operation by diversifying and targeting market opportunities for naturally produced food.  Recent activities have consisted of cultivating Shiitake mushrooms and timbering. 

Initial efforts in the partnership would entail whole farm analysis including resource inventory and identification of potential sustainable enterprises for the farm, establishing a business model, and initiating production and marketing activities. 

Ideally, the partner (individual or couple) will bring sustainable agriculture experience - potentially in areas of grass-fed livestock production, organic vegetable production, hoophouse production - skills in maintenance of machinery and a willingness to invest hard work in multiple endeavors. 

Benefits include lodging in a private cottage, living in a beautiful rural setting, and training opportunities.  A small stipend is potentially available until operations start producing revenue.

Interested parties contact Ed Walters at:  ewalters@cfw.com  or 540-862-2162 

Lee Sauder has the following to share with the community:

As a byproduct of making charcoal for my ironsmelting, I end up with lots of fine charcoal that I cannot use as fuel. If anyone would like to use this as soil amendment, come and get it. I will accept freewill offerings of beer or produce (no eggs, I got plenty!) in return.

If you don't know about charcoal as a soil amendment, Google up "biochar" or "terra preta soils".

Lee can be reached at 463-6632 or via e-mail at thesauders@rockbridge.net