Regenerating the land.
Revitalizing the community.
Growing good food.
Our Values and Practices
Animal Welfare
The health and happiness of our livestock is something we pay constant attention to. In order to meet their needs, we raise them in a way that closely mimics their lifestyle in the wild: moving constantly, outdoors, on pasture or in the woods, with appropriate shelter from the elements. We spend a lot of time with our animals which reduces stress, and in our breeding programs we select for hardiness and quiet dispositions.
Ecosystems Services
Farming the way that we do, using regenerative practices, ensures a harmonious relationship with our natural ecosystems. Instead of watching species of plants and animals disappear, we see them thrive on our farm. Soil is our most valued partner in this system. In order to grow good food, we need healthy soil which we protect by not using chemicals on the land as well as on our animals. We rotate our livestock daily and in a manner that promotes fertility and growth. This allows for the nutrients to cycle properly, increases soil organic matter, and creates diversity in both plant species and soil microbiota.
Transparency
In a time when labels and certifications are ubiquitous, we prefer to nurture a direct relationship with our customers. We are always happy to talk about how we do things and why. We also feel it is important for people to have access to the farm so they can to see, smell, touch and experience all of the complex life that exists in a healthy farm ecosystem.
Community
Our farm’s dynamic nature is shaped by the community that surrounds it. Family, friends, farmers, neighbours, volunteers, professionals and customers all belong to our farm community. Without others who share our values and seek a connection to their food, we would have little purpose. Farmers endeavour to feed their community, and we are proud to be your farmer.
Meagan Patch
Owner/operator, grazier
Meagan is the 5th generation to carry on the tradition of family farming in Brome. A part-time teacher and project coordinator for Regeneration Canada, she has been transitioning the farm from conventional cow/calf production to grass fed beef, adding in other seasonal productions since 2013. Meagan also co-founded the Coopérative le Terroir Solidaire with other farmers in the Brome-Missisquoi area in order to respond to the growing needs of small scale producers who want to expand their operations and access local markets.
Our products
Our cattle are born, raised and finished on pasture. No hormones or antibiotics.
We move them 2 to 3 times a day which ensures optimal nutrition. They provide a service to the ecosystem as they leave behind fertility and trample down anything uneaten, leaving something behind for all the other bugs and critters. What a life!
Pigs are a seasonal pleasure here at Patch farm. As much as possible, we select heritage breeds born not too far away. They usually arrive at anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks old. Regardless of the breed, pigs are a pleasure to have around, whether it be moving across grass paddocks or through large sections of woodland. Anywhere you put them, pigs get busy doing what pigs do: foraging, digging and wallowing in cool mud patches. Our pigs are fed a diet of GMO-free grain, supplemented with hay, as well as any fruits or vegetables that might have gone too ripe. Of course, they also enjoy grass and roots from the fields and forest.
Our broiler chickens enjoy all the good nature has to offer without the threat of pesky predators. We move them twice a day in mobile shelters where they are protected from the heat of the sun and the rain. They eat a diet of grass, bugs and GMO-free grain. They get plenty of exercise which keeps them healthy and happy.
Fed GMO-free grain, our hens are moved 2-3 times a week. They absolutely love visitors of all ages. Moving the hens on pasture is incredibly beneficial: fresh air and sunlight, plants and bugs to supplement their diets, and the opportunity to do what they love- scratch and peck!
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