Sustainable Agriculture

We're working on some ideas to increase the utilization of the land for agriculture. We've been collecting a lot of ideas from local farmers, the county extension office, and from seeing what small farmers around the country are doing to create sustainable businesses and keep the land nice. Its amazing what people are doing, but it sure takes creativity and dedication and skill. My long-time friend, Bob Sage and his family are a model. Their farm is about 3 miles from our property, mostly apples but also other fruits and vegetables. Five generations of the Sage family have worked this land. Here's a picture of Bob and his son Jordan.
You can see more at their website: www.sagesapples.com. And make sure to stop by their farmstand on Route 6 just west of Chardon, especially in the fall when the Melrose have come in!

I'm also really interested in people who have created new and innovative ways to market their produce - the Jones family farm in Huron is a great example, where they have created something called the Culinary Vegetable Institute and attract top chefs from around the country. Check them out at: www.chefs-garden.com . Meanwhile, give us your ideas and help us along as we think about more ways to make Villa Mir a working farm again!