EXHIBITS
Growing Between the Cracks: Mt. Naomi and Paradise Valley Orchard
Mt. Naomi and Paradise Valley Orchard
Mt. Naomi “U-Pick” Farm is located in Hyde Park, Utah. It is a third generation farm that is now run by Keith, Brenda, and Emma Meikle. They started the farm because they wanted to combat urban development with green space and to give their children a hands-on experience throughout their childhood. The farm encompasses eight acres and produces blackberries, raspberries, grapes, apples, and pumpkins for the public to harvest. They strive to be sustainable by using integrated pest management techniques, limiting food waste, and using water wisely. [1]
Started in 2010, Paradise Valley Orchard is located in Paradise, Utah. Lorin and Ali Harrison purchased the 4.75-acre farm on a whim. They don’t see themselves as an urban farm because they live in a small community and they are at least a 20-minute drive away from any major city in Cache Valley. Though they have seen plenty of financial struggles and everything from mice in the greenhouses to storms that wipe out entire apple crops, they still strive to be as sustainable as possible. [2]
Nationally, nearly one-third of all food is wasted by being thrown out. Food waste is a huge factor to take into account when owning a farm. On the Harrison’s farm, food waste is dealt with by feeding any leftover vegetables and apples to their livestock. They feed apple pulp from the cider mill to local cows as well. This method of waste management is an important aspect of sustainability because the Harrisons aren’t depleting their resources, but rather transforming their waste into beneficial materials, like manure.[3]
Farming, in general, is difficult, but starting your first farm is even harder. Many lessons are learned through trial and error. One of the greatest challenges that these small farms have is growing crops naturally and successfully without natural forces wreaking havoc. Both farms set money aside for the unpredictable: crop failure, irrigation pipe breakage, defective machinery, etc. Pests are another natural force to be reckoned with. At Mt. Naomi Farms and Paradise Valley Orchards, the biggest adversary is the codling moth. Codling moth larvae tunnel their way to the core of apples and leave behind frass, a sawdust-textured mix of feces and food remains. Codling moths can ruin between 20-90% of a crop. [4] Both farms attempt to prevent insects damage by integrated pest management techniques consisting of mating-disrupting pheromones.
Mt. Naomi and Paradise Valley Orchard have battled tough times and have plenty of advice to give to anyone interested in starting a small garden or farm. Paradise Valley Orchard encourages buckling down and get through the hard times. They also suggest you learn from your mistakes and learn from all the resources available (including local farmers). Mt. Naomi advises us that we need to have a passion for the land. If we are looking at a small-scale farming as a business, know that it will take a lot of time and effort for a small paycheck.
If you are interested in learning more or volunteering, you can visit these farms' websites:
[1] Meikle, B. (n.d.). Home Page. Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.mtnaomifarms.com/Home_Page.php
[2] The crew. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.paradisevalleyorchard.com/bio/
[3] Food Loss and Food Waste. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2016, from http://www.fao.org/food-loss-and-food-waste/en/
[4] How to Manage Pests. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2016, from http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7412.html