The sustainable agriculture program at CCCC is very well known for the outstanding crop production operation located at the Chatham campus. But this week, we get to explore a little bit on the livestock portion of the program, as well as some updates and a brief discussion of an organic practice utilized on the student farm.
At the start of the week, students a part of the Sustainable Agriculture program got the chance to take a field trip to the Cohen Farm in Pittsboro.
Murray Cohen runs the Cohen farm with his wife Esta where they raise grass fed beef cattle, herbicide and pesticide free hay, and breeding stock. Murray’s belief is Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.
The focal point of the field trip was to learn about the Cohen Farm’s rotational grazing practice. This method of grazing allows the soil to rest and regrow grasses, along with the movement and spreading of manure to distribute nutrients back into the soil.
Back on the Student Farm: The student farm is as busy as ever preparing for the CSA. With Owen as this week’s manager, the crew was able to prepare beds for crops, transplant varieties of lettuces for the CSA, and add mulch Hoophouse North.
Randal and Charlie adding leaf mulch to HH North, and Jada preparing transplant cells for seeds.
But the task that seemed the most intriguing was the flame weeding of the rye beds.
Stetson flame weeding the rye in Block 7
Flame weeding is a practice that utilizes a flame through a propane tank to eradicate the plant’s cells and dehydrate it to prevent regrowth. This method is an organic alternative to using herbicides near crops. Yes, this method kills to the root, but this is known as a slow kill, but can be very effective when utilized properly and safely.
The end result to two applications of flame weeding in Block 7
A special thanks to Murray Cohen for allowing the students to come and view the farm and talk about practices in beef cattle, and a good job to Owen for his great management skills, and a thanks for the muffins and coffee.
Anthony E. aka Hercules
The Student Farm at CCCC 