How We Grow our Crops
Silvermine Farm, 96 Eight Lots Road, Sutton MA 01590 (508) 865-5335
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Since we have raised our family here we are committed to cultural practices that are safe. We have utilized the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program since its inception in Massachusetts for our strawberry crop.
IPM is a philosophy of pest control that strives to manage pest populations with the least amount of environmental impact. IPM practices attempt to mimic natural ecosystems through the use of four major techniques: monitoring pest populations, using natural enemies, using cultural controls and applying pesticides when the first three techniques alone cannot control a pest. Applications of pesticides are always the last resort in an IPM program.
Under IPM, actions are taken to control pests only when their numbers are likely to exceed acceptable levels. Any action taken is designed to target the
Under IPM, actions are taken to control pests only when their numbers are likely to exceed acceptable levels. Any action taken is designed to target the
troublesome pest, and limit the impact on other organisms and the environment.
Silvermine Farm uses the services of Jim Mussoni, an independent IPM scout. Jim uses his extensive knowledge of insects, plant nutrient needs and diseases to monitor the strawberry crop and guide us to use the least invasive method of dealing with any of these problems that reach a threshold which requires intervention.
After many years of conventional growing techniques, we now grow our produce, poultry and eggs using sustainable and chemical free cultivation methods. We are currently Certified Naturally Grown, a program that requires that we adhere to the practices outlined in the National Organic Program guidelines. We grow a variety of vegetables which we sell at farmers markets and through Stones Throw CSA which is distributed from our farm.
In 2010 we will begin using minerals to improve our soils and encourage the symbiotic relationship between plants and soils that is so important for plant health. Working with Dan Kittredge director of the Real Food Campaign (RFC), a project of Remineralize the Earth, we are excited to begin on this path to produce healthier plants with higher nutrient density.
Silvermine Farm uses the services of Jim Mussoni, an independent IPM scout. Jim uses his extensive knowledge of insects, plant nutrient needs and diseases to monitor the strawberry crop and guide us to use the least invasive method of dealing with any of these problems that reach a threshold which requires intervention.
After many years of conventional growing techniques, we now grow our produce, poultry and eggs using sustainable and chemical free cultivation methods. We are currently Certified Naturally Grown, a program that requires that we adhere to the practices outlined in the National Organic Program guidelines. We grow a variety of vegetables which we sell at farmers markets and through Stones Throw CSA which is distributed from our farm.
In 2010 we will begin using minerals to improve our soils and encourage the symbiotic relationship between plants and soils that is so important for plant health. Working with Dan Kittredge director of the Real Food Campaign (RFC), a project of Remineralize the Earth, we are excited to begin on this path to produce healthier plants with higher nutrient density.
Silvermine Farm
96 Eight Lots Road
Sutton, MA 01590
(508) 865-53335
96 Eight Lots Road
Sutton, MA 01590
(508) 865-53335