Justin and Kate Adams embarked on an incredible mission when they acquired their Princeton, Kentucky farm in 2016. Despite lacking farming backgrounds, their unwavering passion for agriculture led them to regenerate the neglected land and establish Nurtured Lands Farm. On May 25, they will take center stage at the 2023 Western Kentucky Summer Forage Tour, sharing their triumphs, failures, and valuable insights with fellow enthusiasts.
Hosted by the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the tour aims to benefit those new to agriculture or returning to family farms that have fallen into disrepair. Chris Teutsch, forage specialist, highlights that Justin and Kate will discuss key factors contributing to their success, including budgeting, management decisions, and the mentors and partners who guided their journey.
The couple's farming evolution began with cattle, followed by the introduction of layer chickens in a mobile coop to control fly populations around the livestock. While they still raise cattle, they transitioned from a cow-calf operation to grass-finishing steers and added pastured broiler chickens in 2021.
Justin and Kate will also shed light on their direct-to-consumer marketing strategies for chicken and beef, as well as their collaboration with Magney Legacy Ridge Farm for farm-to-home deliveries. Recently, Nurtured Lands Farm expanded its offerings to include forest-finished hogs.
During the tour, participants will embark on a walking farm tour, with stops at key locations. Joined by university and agency personnel, Justin and Kate will demonstrate their use of strategic forages, grazing techniques, and animal integration to revitalize the soil. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share practices, and gain valuable insights on topics such as soil health, rotational grazing, mentorship, direct-to-consumer marketing, and nutrient cycles.
The event will take place from 3-7 p.m. CDT, regardless of weather conditions, and requires preregistration. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for comfort. Visit https://WestKyForageTourMay23.eventbrite.com for registration and http://forages.ca.uky.edu for more information. The tour will be hosted at Nurtured Lands Farm, located at 546 Highway 293 North, Princeton, KY 42445.
The forage tour is a collaborative initiative of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, UK Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, Kentucky Master Grazer educational program, Soil Conservation Districts of Kentucky, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. Join the tour to witness the inspiring story of Nurtured Lands Farm and explore the principles of sustainable agriculture and land regeneration.
Photo Credit: Nurtured Lands Farm
Categories: Kentucky, General