Farm Story

We started Earthkeeper Farm in 2008 with the help of family and friends. We set out to build a farm that would reconnect people with the earth, nurture our bodies and souls, and hopefully pay its own bills. We have always used exclusively organic and biodynamic methods. In an effort to bring the farm closer to being a truly balanced ecosystem, and to help us reach our goal of self-sufficiency, we have incorporated animals on the farm homestead. Over the years we have had we had pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and bees. At this time we are farming eight acres of vegetables, fruits, and flowers with a large portion of the land in cover crop to build soil quality. We market through our CSA, farmers markets, and wholesale accounts. We are USDA Certified Stellar Organic. Our fundamental values include building a balanced farm ecosystem, nurturing biodiversity, strengthen the local food system, and helping eaters and future farmers connect with the land.

Creating a balanced farm ecosystem is always in the front of our minds. In a healthy ecosystem, pests and disease are naturally kept in check. Yet agriculture is an inherently unnatural environment. I have never been walking in the woods and found a 300 foot row of lettuce. For this reason, we do everything we can make our fields mimic the wild world whenever possible. We plant a wide variety of crops, encourage bugs and creatures to live in our fields, and focus on building up the soil ecosystem and life force.

We believe that the world needs more good farmers; therefore we do what we can to teach folks about growing clean food. One of the most effective ways we have found to do this is by hosting work exchange volunteers (‘WWOOFers’). These volunteers live and work on the farm; some stay for a weekend and others for several months. They come from all walks of life, and for many of them this is their first time working on a farm. It has proven to be a profound and life changing experience for many people. I am happy to say that most of our woofers go on to work on other farms, and even pursue agriculture as a career.

Don’t be fooled by all this loving, teaching, ‘earth nurture’ talk, we are a production farm with a focus on efficiency and quality. We think building up the soil, protecting the land, and training skilled young farmers is all part of a successful agricultural enterprise.

We hope that you are able to enjoy some of what Earthkeeper Farm has to offer, whether that is a tomato from the market stand, or a few months of fieldwork. Come see what lessons she has for you.

With Love,

The Bostwick Family
Rachelle, Andrew, Liam, Emery, and Isaac