Maple Hill Garden

Sheep play a really important role in restoring the soil biology and species diversity on our farm.  We use a method of grazing called high density management intensive grazing (MiG).  Sheep are moved at least once a day to an ungrazed paddock, which reduces over-grazing and leaves a wealth of nutrients behind, in the form of trampled forage and manure.  These nutrients are then recycled by micro-organisms that build soil and sequester carbon.  2018 research from Michigan State University found that MiG sequesters as much as 3 tons per acre of CO2 into the soil!

Since using MiG grazing, we’ve seen an explosion of life in our pasture that includes at least three  species of frog, the return of the ground nesting bobolink, and salamanders are now commonly spotted. 

After grazing a paddock, we wait a minimum of 30 days before we graze the same paddock again.  A pasture rest period nearly eliminates the need for veterinary pharmaceuticals.  MiG is an highly efficient way to use our farm land and improves soil and livestock health while bringing a gourmet product to your table.