By Layla Ennis
Join Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) on Saturday, June 29th, for an exclusive tour of Greenwood Holistic Farm, where beginning farmers Tina and Dan Greenwood will share their unique farming journey and farming practices. Greenwood Holistic Farm holds a special place in CFT’s heart, with the farmland having been protected by CFT and then passed on to new farmers through CT FarmLink, a CFT program dedicated to connecting farmers and farmland.
Want a glimpse into what to expect? Read about my visit to Greenwood Holistic Farm.
On a misty day in mid-March, as I drove down East Porter Road in Ellington, Connecticut, I saw construction workers moving rocks and earth. Then to my right, a house surrounded by cows, chickens, and goats came into view. My GPS announced I had arrived at Greenwood Holistic Farm (GHF).
As I parked, Dan emerged from the house, closely followed by Tina, who was slipping on a pair of muck boots after a long day at her nursing job. After exchanging greetings, we embarked on a tour of the farm, exploring the fields and meeting the animals, all while Tina and Dan shared their farming history and their vision for the future of GHF.
Our first stop was to visit the newest members of the GHF family, a small herd of cows purchased the previous November. Standing outside the electrified fence, I watched as Tina and Dan entered to feed the cows treats. They explained how their daily interactions had built trust and familiarity with the animals. While the cows were hesitant to approach me, they greeted Tina and Dan with surprising friendliness for having only been on the farm a few months, a testament to the care and attention they receive.
Moving on past the chicken area, I was able to enter the goats’ enclosure. Petting the goats it became evident that the animals at GHF were not just well cared for but also remarkably friendly and sociable with strangers as well.
In addition to the hands-on care and regular interaction with animals, GHF practices rotational grazing, a key part of their regenerative farming practices. As we walked through the various fields, Tina and Dan explained the importance of this practice in maintaining soil health and biodiversity. However, our tour took an unexpected turn when we heard a car horn honking.
Looking down toward the house, we saw three goats had escaped their enclosure and were holding up “traffic” on the quiet street below. Tina and Dan’s son, who happened to be passing by on an ATV, quickly sprang into action, herding the goats back to safety. The neighbor whose car had been blocked stepped out to chat with Dan and observe the chaotic scene resolve. The moment underscored for me the sense of community and joy that a small family farm can add to a neighborhood.
Join us on June 29th to hear more from Tina and Dan Greenwood about their path to farming and regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices at Greenwood Holistic Farm. Register to secure your spot here:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E93568&id=73
