Farms We Might Go To: Divide Creek

Howdy, folks, and welcome to the second look in our series on farms Lindsay and I will be visiting next week.

Let me start by saying I'm as disappointed as you are with how unimaginative the title of this series is. This journey really should have some art to it, so I'm going to come up with something better for the series on what each farm was like.

Anyway, on to the second place we shall stay at: Divide Creek, owned and operated by Robbie George and Clara Coleman. Clara's father, Eliot Coleman, is an author and the proprietor of Four Seasons Farm, a model for modern sustainability.

One of the big draws to DC is its innovative solar system, which actually sells kilowatts to the local electric company and "renders (them) carbon-neutral for five adults annually." Lindsay and I are interested in learning about alternative energies, and solar is still very much a mystery to me, so this is an attractive tidbit.

What I think I like most about Robbie and Clara, though, is their practical and stoic tone. Take this brief paragraph explaining their philosophy:

"Our slogan is Real Farming, Real Food since we are focused on the positive methods of organic agriculture such as good soil fertility, composting, green manures, crop rotations, beneficial insects, nutritious quality produce, rewarding hard work and selling locally. We believe in the power of small farms nourishing local communities."

Notice the reference to hard work, as well as to details about manure, rotation, insects and etc. These are principles and techniques that I think every farm we're visiting would agree with, but I appreciate the straightforward terms in which they couch their message.

There are other signs of this literal world view throughout their site. For one thing, they mostly let pictures do their talking. Stunning images both stir the soul and provide a clear idea of their reality. They obviously perceive and are grateful for the beauty in which they work, and to me, that's how one gets back to Eden.

And they do little things, like promote the manufacturer of the greenhouses they use. In short, they're business people in a business they (and Lindsay and I) like.

It's the same tone that Clara has struck with me in our communications. She was pleasant, but promptly asked for necessary qualifications and references. She made no bones about the competition that we're up against. And she quickly rejected our cat. :( But she was also courteous in explaining what she was looking for, was encouraging of our endeavors, and she graciously offered us accommodations for our visit.

For anyone curious, they do offer a decent stipend of $100/week. And they do have livestock.

We'll be getting to them on Feb. 2. Should be a great place to get the feel for the truths of farming.