Jonathan Gates reports from Howmars Farm in Franklin, Vermont. Howmars is a certified organic dairy farm, one of many Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative farmer members who supply the milk that goes into making Stonyfield's yogurts and smoothies. The entire family pitches in on this third-generation farm. Jonathan and his father, Howard, converted the farm from conventional dairy farming to organic 9 years ago. Meet Jonathan. He farms with his wife Karen, sons Benjamin, Justin, and Noah, and Jonathan's parents, Howard and Mary.
Today we're pleased to announce that The Bovine Bugle is moving...literally. Jonathan Gates up at Howmars Farm has taken up his video camera and sent us these wonderful shots of his organic herd contentedly grazing in the fields last week. [That's Jonathan's voice you hear, along with the munching of the grass.]
Those of you who have been faithful readers of The Bovine Bugle will now really get to see the action on the farm. We hope to have new "moo-vies" here about once a week, in addition to Jonathan's usual written notes and photos, so please come back and visit often. Also, we'd love it if you used the comment feature below or made a note on the video to tell us what you think of this moo-vie, and what you might like to see in "moo-ving color" in the future.
Click on the play button below--that's the arrow pointing to the right--and wait a minute. The video may be choppy. Play it once, then play it again for a smoother picture.
ABOUT THE BOVINE BUGLE **Got a question about organic dairy farming? Use the comment box below and we'll make sure Jonathan answers soon! Subscribe by using the box at the upper left.
Posted by Blogger Chris at August 22, 2005 12:25 PM
Comments
I love it! A sweeter sound I have never heard--that of the cow munching the grass. I remember hearing it outside the bedroom window as I was going to sleep when I was a child. Looks like the first cow you were filming just had to get into the picture again. I like your black dog also.
Posted by: Leona Urban at August 25, 2005 03:48 AM
When did you make the transition to organic and how long did it take? I have been receiving your letter for about a year and it is one of my favorites. Sounds like a very satisfying way to farm and live. Thank you
Posted by: Lyle Moody at August 23, 2005 11:13 AM
It was nice to see the ladies munching - but when you have one "star" in front of the camera, could we have her name please?
Posted by: Daniel Coffey, United Kingdom at August 23, 2005 09:15 AM
That Grass looks very lush - do you ever get bloat problems ?
Posted by: Madradin Ruad at August 23, 2005 03:23 AM
Interesting!! However, having grown up on a NH dairy farm, I'd like to know what specifically defines an "Organic Farm", at least by a current media definition... and what the VT farmer considers as 'pros and cons' of such an enterprise by his own VT experience. Posted 1437 hrs...
Posted by: Amos Townsend, MD at August 22, 2005 07:38 PM
Jonathan Gates reports from Howmars Farm in Franklin, Vermont.