community spotlight
The McCormick Family Farm Has Deep Roots by Martin Miron
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he McCormick Family Farm raises 100 percent grass-fed and finished beef, pasture-raised chicken using organic, non-GMO feed made locally in Berlin, pastured eggs, pastured pork, pastured lamb, pure maple syrup and seasonal produce and herbs. Owner John McCormick says, John McCormick “My farm has been in the family since 1844. I was raised on my family farm and began working out in the fields driving the tractor for my dad once I turned 8 years old. I farmed with my dad up until I graduated from high school, when I took over the family farm in 1980.” He says they produce about 150 egg-layers, a couple thousand pounds of pastured chicken and 25 to 30 head of cattle per year, along with a few pigs and lambs, as well as a limited amount of produce, garlic, mushrooms and herbs. 2021, their second year of production, has yielded 200 gallons of maple syrup. McCormick and his wife Jennifer sell direct to the consumer on the farm or at any of the farmers’ markets they attend, such as Windber’s Market in the Park, Ebensburg Farmer’s Market, The Ligonier Night Market and Hollidaysburg 3rd in the Burg Night Market. The farm employs regenerative pasture-based methods using
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Pittsburgh, PA
NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com
non-GMO seeds without chemicals, herbicides or pesticides. Although they meet the requirements for an organic designation, McCormick chooses not to complete certification due to the cost and time required. He says, “Our produce and maple syrup are Certified Naturally Grown (CNG). We are in the process of obtaining CNG certification for our meat, as well.” Animals are raised humanely in their natural habitats where they have free range access to new grass and pastures daily. McCormick is on a mission to empower others to choose healthy alternatives. “After having a recurrence of melanoma after my initial treatment with chemo and radiation, I took a holistic approach to my own care and made the decision at that time to change from conventional farming to 100 percent grass-fed farming without the use of herbicides, pesticides or GMOs,” he shares. “Through my own holistic management and practices, I was able to put my cancer into remission without the need for further chemo or radiation. I remain in remission now, 12 years later.” To engage the community, he has held field days in the past and plans to resume them in the future, saying, “We feel it is important for the consumers to fully understand where their food comes from and what goes into producing quality products.” He conducts free farm tours by appointment which are popular in the spring when the calves and lambs are born. He says, “Our goal is to create a sustainable farmstead to pass onto future generations and to provide training to those who wish to create their own farmstead or homestead.” The McCormick Family Farm is located at 293 McCormick Rd., in Portage. For more information, call 814-472-7259 or visit Facebook. com/themccormickfamilyfarm.
