Written by Mary Hathaway, OFRF’s Analysis & Training Program Supervisor
Lindsay Klaunig, Trouvaille Farm
Within the hills of Southeastern Ohio you will see that Lindsay Klaunig on her farm: Trouvaille Farm. Whereas she has been a grower for greater than 20 years, this her seventh season as proprietor and operator of Trouvaille Farm, one thing that the identify itself acknowledges (Trouvaille means fortunate discover). Â
The farm panorama is a patchwork of range. There are grass-fed beef and goats on pasture, heirloom crops on the ridge tops and fruit timber all through the farm. Lots of the open-pollinated varieties are being grown to maturity and processed as seed crops, to be bought by small regional seed firms.Â
Lindsay manages the land utilizing regenerative, natural practices and focuses on constructing wholesome soil, and rising biodiversity in order that she will be able to present nutritious meals for her household and neighbors. To keep away from utilizing pesticides, there are insectaries, rows of flowering vegetation that entice useful bugs, all through the farm that naturally preserve pests beneath management.
Open Pollinated Seeds for Local weather-Resilience
As a seed grower, you will need to Lindsay to have entry to varieties which can be regionally-adapted and in a position to thrive in low-input programs. She sees the chance of open-pollinated seed varieties as a software that’s important because the local weather adjustments and fashionable hybrids could not have the identical capability to thrive in extreme climate occasions. Seeds from open-pollinated varieties may be saved by the grower and chosen for people who greatest meet the calls for of their very own specific local weather, rising programs and market. That is ever extra essential for growers utilizing natural programs, the place farmers look to cowl crops and compost for soil fertility slightly than artificial fertilizers.
Lately, the extremes of warmth and drought have been a serious problem for a lot of of her lengthy season summer time crops, like tomatillos and peppers. Lindsay has been fascinated with attempting shade material on her peppers to assist nurture them by excessive climate situations, however wasn’t positive if it will have a detrimental impact on fruit set or seed manufacturing. After studying about OFRF’s Farmer Led Trial program, she determined this may be a comparatively threat averse approach to see the influence of this rising apply on her harvest.
