 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| According to a recent study by the University of Wisconsin the United States is losing three billion tons of nutrient-rich topsoil each year. The study includes data that compared to grazed pasture with land used for corn and soy production and found that the land devoted to soy and corn production lose six times more topsoil each year. |
"My father, Carroll Bowen bought the farm in 1948,
200 acres for $2,000, which wouldn’t even begin
to pay the taxes for a year these days. As more
and more farms in our hollow fell out of business
we purchased some more land and arranged to
lease other farmland to raise our cattle.
Presently North Hollow Farm farms about 1,000
acres of hay land and pasture. We have between
four to five hundred head of cattle depending on
the time of year. In the 1970’s we started off with
Hereford purebred cattle, crossing them with
Angus bulls, and adding a Charolais bull a few
years later.
Research has found that some of the older English
breeds like Red Devon are the best for finishing on
grass. These same breeds had been mostly
forgotten because in a feedlot they would actually
become too fat. To this end, in 2005 we added
two Red Devon bulls to our herd.
In 2003 we stopped growing corn for silage and
decided to go to an all-grass program. We felt that
for the good of the soil and for the animal and
human health benefits it was the better direction
to take.
We hope you join the growing list of folks enjoying
our naturally raised meats. From our farm, to your
table."
200 acres for $2,000, which wouldn’t even begin
to pay the taxes for a year these days. As more
and more farms in our hollow fell out of business
we purchased some more land and arranged to
lease other farmland to raise our cattle.
Presently North Hollow Farm farms about 1,000
acres of hay land and pasture. We have between
four to five hundred head of cattle depending on
the time of year. In the 1970’s we started off with
Hereford purebred cattle, crossing them with
Angus bulls, and adding a Charolais bull a few
years later.
Research has found that some of the older English
breeds like Red Devon are the best for finishing on
grass. These same breeds had been mostly
forgotten because in a feedlot they would actually
become too fat. To this end, in 2005 we added
two Red Devon bulls to our herd.
In 2003 we stopped growing corn for silage and
decided to go to an all-grass program. We felt that
for the good of the soil and for the animal and
human health benefits it was the better direction
to take.
We hope you join the growing list of folks enjoying
our naturally raised meats. From our farm, to your
table."
| All images and content copyright 2008. North Hollow Farm. |
| Mike Bowen and Julie Brown |