community spotlight

Redrange Farm – The Original Organic

by Martin Miron

Redrange Farm, in New Salem, is not only USDA Organic certified and Demeter Certified Biodynamic, they maintain a regenerative philosophy throughout their operation. Owned by Lorraine and Rogers Clawson, the farm’s beef, goat and lamb is raised and finished on grass and supplemented with organic hay in the winter as needed. Heirloom vegetables and herbs, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, summer and winter squash are some of their produce varieties, as well as culinary herbs and soon, medicinal herbs. She says, “We work with nature not only for preservation and conservation, but also towards restoration—believing in land stewardship and holistic farming that heals the land. To be certified biodynamic, you have to meet organic standards as a minimum, then the qualifying goes above and beyond with more stringent adherent measures. If you ask me how I would describe biodynamic farming to someone, I would answer, ‘The original organic,’ only because the term organic is well-known. Then I would add, ‘Before organic-approved fertilizers and pesticides became a common practice.’” Their story began when they purchased a home in New Salem in 2012 with just under five acres. They currently own six acres and lease additional acreage close by for livestock rotation. “When my husband [a retired forest ranger] asked me if I was interested in getting a small farm with a couple of chickens and a couple of goats, it quickly developed into a passion to treat the land the best I could, leaving a small carbon footprint and grow nutritious food,” says Lorraine. “The definition of biodynamic agriculture resonated with me—an ecological farming system that views the farm as a selfcontained and self-sustaining organism. Biodynamic farmers strictly avoid all synthetic chemical pesticides, fertilizers and transgenic contamination. Instead, they stress farm-generated, living solutions to pest control and fertility and set aside a minimum of 10 percent of their total acreage for biodiversity,” she explains. “The health and well-being of the farm animals, the farmer, the farm and the Earth: all are integral parts that make up the whole.” The U.S. National Organic Program permits imported organic fertilizers and pesticides. “We do not use any synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides,” says Lorraine. “Compost is started on the farm and used here to increase the vitality of our soil health. We use companion planting and herbal sprays to combat garden pests. Housing is provided where the animals are able to move freely. Water and free choice minerals are provided. We do not believe in de-horning of our livestock, de-beaking or wing clipping of our poultry. Holistic and herbal practices are used.” The Clawsons volunteer for local functions and church dinners, and donate to food banks. They also work with the California Area School District, East End Community Center, providing education on food, nutrition and farm animals. Lorraine says, “I believe we need to get the young involved as to where our food comes from, the pros and cons of different farming practices and the impact it has on the planet.” Their mission is preserving the land, air, water and biodiversity for future generations. Redrange grows custom orders for restaurants and distributors and has an online store for retail and wholesale customers. The growing area located at 590 Footedale Road is open to the public, over the summer, and they accept SNAP and Farmer Nutrition vouchers.

Redrange Farm is located at 604 Footedale Rd., in New Salem. For more information, call 724-912-1533 or visit RedrangeFarm.com.