Farms
Oechsner & Switzer Farms (Organic Certified)
Farm Location: Newfield and Trumansburg, NY
Number of years farming: Since 1986
Number of staff/family on the farm: 4 people
Current acres managed: 1200 acres
Current acres in grains: 700
Future acres in grains: Same as current
Grain Crops Grown: Danko Rye, Warthog Wheat, Spring Wheat, Soft White Winter Wheat
Other crops grown: Corn, occasional soybeans, rye, spring/winter wheat, clover, buckwheat
What makes your farm special?
Doing a bunch of long term fallow 1/3 acreage 5-6 year legume cut after birds leave/ build soil back up, sequester carbon, avoid tillage
Use a 7 year rotation - geared almost exclusively to food grade grain. Focused on quality not quantity, Set up to clean package to end users. Owners of a four mill and bakery. Part of a trio of businesses to take grain and add value. Rachel selling bread at farmers market.
Favorite crop you grow and why: That’s a tough one. Rye. Just because I’ve been thinking about it and all the products made from it whiskey, bread, and beer. Brings a bold flavor. So good for the soil. Can make money and and do good for the ground it is grown in. Incredibly beautiful, the grey, blue green colors. Looks beautiful in the bin.