Predator-Friendly Farming

Meaning we don’t hunt, trap, or purposely cause harm or death to predators that naturally live around our farm. 

Instead, to keep our livestock safe, we use Livestock Guardian Dogs. These dogs are specifically bred and used to guard even the smallest of livestock. Their intense bonding ability and low prey drive makes them the perfect guardian. We specifically use the breed “Italian Maremma Sheepdog” on the farm. 

Sustainable farming

Sustainable Farming has become a word that is easily thrown around. Here at 3 Birch however, we live it. We believe that animals and the earth work hand and hand. 

We use practices of rotation grazing to stop from over grazing and soil erosion. We also use manure and waste to our advantage. 

Chickens and ducks are used to keep the insects down – including ticks, fly larva, and aphids.

Manure Control

We use the old fashioned method of a manure pile. These piles are kept well away from the marsh and wetlands, and are aged for one year. They are then moved onto our large family garden to complete a sustainable cycle

Our Commitment to Pollinators

The decline of pollinators such as butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, moths, and more has been devasting. We need these insects to grow food. Whether it be vegetables in the garden, or grasses in the fields, pollinating insects are hugely important.

This is why we keep areas of milkweed plants, all sorts of wildflowers, and other sources of food for these insects. We use no pesticides on our gardens, and only natural fertilizers.