Academic farming sounds like an oxymoron, but understanding that’s not necessarily the case is easy when talking to Walt Harrill. He, wife Wendy and son Andy work the family land known as Imladris Farm in Fairview, NC.
During our conversation and tour of Imladris, Walt mentioned at least six books on animal husbandry and latest farming techniques I had never heard of, let alone read. He also talked about sustainable grazing practices and land use, often referring to chemical absorption and composition of his land and the way he gets the most from his land while at the same time, keeping it and what grows on it flourishing.
Inheriting the homestead in 1997 from relatives kept it in the family – 7th generation to be exact. Son Andy (9 year old Mr. 7th Generation) declared he wanted to be a farmer at age 6. Being people after my own heart, the Harrills lent Andy the money to begin raising and taking responsibility for his own laying hens. That loan has long since been paid off and Andy frequently sells out of eggs at his own tailgate market table.
Pictured below are Andy’s newest hens housed in a movable protective (wildlife) enclosure until they’re older. As needed, the enclosure is moved to fresh grazing, hens and all.
Walt and Wendy started small, selling berries at tailgate markets. Wendy then suggested making and selling jam. The rest is history. Now Imladris is well known for their jams and berries, which can also now be found in Ultimate Ice Cream - one of my personal favorite ice creams made locally. Continually exploring new ideas, they now have an excellent reputation for goat and rabbit meat and farm-fresh eggs.
Walt impressed me with his sincere belief that animals should be treated in the most humane way possible – from beginning to end. He talked about his personal journey to what he feels is the least stressful and most humane way to harvest his rabbit and goat meat.
When I arrived at Imladris, Walt was just about to move the goats to a new grazing spot. As he said, thank goodness for the invention of flexible, movable fencing. Ever herded goats?
Food . . . the ultimate motivator
The goats returned to grazing after being so rudely interrupted, so we walked to the raspberry field. Walt explained how he’s using by-products from each of the farm’s operations to facilitate others. Reminiscent of sustenance farming historically prevalent in this area, it was fascinating. I learned quite a bit about soil nutrient retention as well as safe farming practices.
Raspberry field at Imladris Farm
Once we got to a compost pile, Walt talked about various materials, temperatures, what makes good compost and why. Sliding a thermometer out of his breast pocket and into the pile, he nodded at the favorable reading. Don’t you love the volunteer (not for eating) mushrooms?
One of the blogs I read is WNC Vegetable and Small Fruits News written by Sue Colucci, an “Area Specialized Agriculture Agent in Western North Carolina”. She’d written about a new fruit fly pest that targets soft-skinned fruit such as berries and methods for monitoring and control. As we walked Imladris, Walt pointed out one of his traps.
The Harrills welcome visitors to their farm. Just call ahead. Another way to see Imladris and lots of other farms up close is by going on the annual Family Farm Tour organized by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.
If you’re interested in purchasing their jam, it’s available at some area farms, Greenlife, Earth Fare and select Ingles stores and at the Imladris online store. Update 7/16/2011: saw Wendy selling Imladris Jam outside Early Girl Eatery and their jars of their jam for sale at City Baker today in Asheville.
For a more detailed Imladris history, read Maggie Cramer’s article, “Preserving the Family Farm”.
Imladris Farm
45 Little Pond Rd
Fairview, NC 28730
828-628-9377
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