Topic: Improving Soil Quality with Concentric Circles, Mulching, and Hügelkultur
When straight boring vegetable and flower beds just won’t do – go in circles or build up!
Join us at Rosy Buck Farm to explore innovative, sustainable farming techniques that minimize equipment and maximize ecological benefits! Farmers Holly and Randy will demonstrate how they establish and maintain permanent beds without tractors or tillers, and discuss the advantages of hugelkultur and employing concentric circles for water retention and management. This event is perfect for farmers interested in practical, low-impact methods that support both productivity and soil health.
Light snacks and refreshments will be available following the Field Day.
Field Day Highlights:
- Permanent bed establishment and maintenance without tractors or tillers
- Hügelkultur for water retention and management
- High-density mixed crop planting
- Benefits of interplanting native perennials with crops for habitat, soil health, and food production
- Crop seclusion for disease and pest control
- Rotational planting and cover cropping for soil health
About Randy Buck and Holly Evans:
Holly and Randy have traveled the globe learning sustainable farming techniques. They settled in Missouri and since 2016 have been providing sustainably grown produce, including native/foraged produce, through a CSA and Farmers Markets. Soil health is their main focus and they use cover crops, compost, and mulch to improve the soil while sequestering carbon and maintaining soil moisture. All the work is done by hand without the use of machines and fossil fuel, utilizing no till methods.
NRCS Programs:
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers integrate conservation practices into their operations. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program provide producers with financial assistance to implement or build on existing conservation practices to improve water and air quality, conserve ground and surface water, increase soil health, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve or create wildlife habitat, and mitigate drought and increasing weather volatility.
Microgrants:
Farmers who attend this Field Day are eligible to apply for a microgrant.
Known & Grown will provide reimbursement up to $300 to cover or offset expenses related to the implementation, improvement, or management of no-till systems for specialty crops. Examples of allowable expenses include tools important to no-till production, mulch, and supplies for mulch production. Microgrant recipients may request a 30-minute phone conversation with farmer Holly Evans to discuss their project, with limited on-site consultations available. Additional details will be provided during the event, and a link will be shared via email for all attendees following the event.
All Known & Grown Field Days occur rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and the terrain. Many Field Days include walking through tall grasses or fields, on uneven or muddy surfaces, around equipment and in a range of weather conditions.
We recommend that you bring:
- Close-toed shoes (comfortable for walking)
- Sun protection (cap or hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho (depending on the forecast)
- Personal snacks (While we will try to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, we cannot guarantee this at every event.)
- Your family (Children are welcome with adults! Please be mindful of the potential dangers on a working farm, including electric fence, difficult terrain, animals and equipment.)
Please DO NOT bring:
- Dogs or other pets (service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted)
- Professional camera or recording equipment, photos for personal use are acceptable
- Promotional materials or solicitations, unless you are invited to do so
Parking:
Grass parking along driveway
Restrooms:
A restroom is available inside the farmers’ house
Mobility, Accessibility, & Other Considerations:
- You will experience uneven surfaces for walking.
- Rain prior to the event may cause the ground to be muddy.
- Collapsible stools are available for mobile seating.
- Cooling neck fans are available for temperature regulation.
- For larger crowds, a mic and portable speaker will be used.
Children:
Children are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. Note in your registration if you intend to bring any kids along.
Questions?
Please contact Serena: Serena@GatewayFarmers.org or 314.561.7010 Ext 2
The Field Day series is supported by:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines
Field Day Registration
Please complete a separate registration for each adult attending.