The Ferris Organic Farm

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For those who do not have easy access to organic Ayurvedic foods, living out in the country, or for those wishing to save money and buy their organic grains and beans in bulk, there are a number of organic farms across the that ship direct – from the farm to you.

 Someone recently asked me, ‘what brand is the flour?’

There is no brand, it is grown, harvested, and shipped in bags to the consumer…fresh!

 When I first discovered this option to buy my fresh Ayurvedic organic grains and legumes in bulk, while saving money, it was a pleasant surprise. Now others have shown equal interest in buying farm-direct. While there are presently a few farms across the country who ship to customers, chances are, you can find one within a few states from where you live. On the east coast, I found two – one in Michigan and one in Tennessee; and I saw one in CA – so shipping costs still allow for overall savings. A google search for ‘bulk organic grain’ also shows availability in the UK also.

 
It has been quite pleasant ordering from the farm, so I thought to introduce you all to some typical organic farmers. Meet the Ferris farmer family of Eaton Rapids, MI. Richard and Sylvie own the farm. As you’ll see, their roots run deep (no pun intended). I spoke with Sylvie.

How many years have you been farming?

The farm began with the first Richard Ferris in 1836. He was a judge in NYC, but moved to Michigan to work the land. The farm went organic with the current Richard Ferris, about 35 years ago. Our son Nick is the 6^th generation Ferris farmer.

What do you farm?

Initially this was a dairy farm, and other animals were here also. Later we had the opportunity to sell the grains and legumes, and switched over to foods.

We farm 600 acres, 250 acres are our farm, and the rest is our neighbor-friend’s land. We grow, process, and clean grains and beans. We grow wheat, spelt, buckwheat, sunflowers, soybeans, adzuki, and corn. There is a big demand for our freshly ground flours – we grind weekly, and can't keep the flours in stock. Also, we are about to start bee-keeping to produce and sell organic honey.

 
Nick Ferris, 6th generation farmer

Can you explain what does it mean to be certified organic?

Give us a picture of what life as a farmer is like

In the winter (off season) we are three farmers, starting work every morning at 8:30 and work until 4:30. In the summer we work until 10 pm. Saturday we clean up the farm, Sunday is cooking day, I cook for the week.

We farm from Spring – Fall – popcorn is our last harvest.

Its a hard life, but it’s a nice life of self-sufficiency. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Sylvie in the office

How do you care for the earth naturally?

In addition to growing organic, we rotate our crops and re-nourish the soil with clover cover crops. That means in the winter we plant clover that is rich in nitrogen and wonderful for the soil, then plow it under in the Spring to feed the soil even further.

What Ayurvedic foods do you offer?

We offer organic mung beans and split mung dal – imported from India, and organic Basmati rice from California.

 Our family eats Basmati rice and mung dal three times a week. Ever since we began eating this (kicharee), we have been feeling better.

 Our foods are also certified Kosher.

If you live in the northeast US, you may contact Ferris Organic Farm, they are in Michigan.
 http://www.ferrisorganicfarm.com

If you live in the southeast US you may contact the Morningside Buying Club in
Tennessee. http://www.morningsidefarm.com/

We know there is at least one farm in California. Google “bulk organic grain” to see a list of farms closest to you.

We are most grateful to the Ferris family, and all the organic farmers the world over, who have made a commitment to offering healthful foods and giving us the ability to choose organic.