Good Earth Farm

On Thursday our class went to Good Earth farm and met Jeff and his daughter Ruth. Good Earth farm is a non-profit organization and their goals are to provide healthy food to those who most need it and to provide a place for education and retreat for others. The farm is largely up-kept by volunteer support. Many groups of all ages come to volunteer and learn about agriculture and animals at the farm. The farm is funded by a variety of sources including Jeff and his wife, grants, and donations. For example, there is a donation station at the Athens farmers market.

At first we saw the chickens, and talked about using their eggs. We then saw the cows and sheep. The cows are grass fed and raw milk is often consumed by visitors, but not sold. The sheep help keep the pasture healthy, and their wool is used. Then we saw the garden which was really large and nicely organized. The farm uses compost and cover crops to increase the nutrition of the soil. The food is given to food pantries and individuals who come to the farm to eat. The food that is leftover is canned and distributed as well. There isn't a specific need for a nutrition professional, but i think it is important for a nutrition professional to know where their food is coming from and to help educate others. Jeff is very knowledgeable about gardening and farming practices, and i definitely learned a lot from our visit.