Company: Richardson Farms

The Richardson family has been farming for over 6 generations. If you count back, that is Bill and his son Ben, who currently run the farm, Bill’s dad, Bill’s grandfather, Bill’s great grandfather, and Bill’s great, great grandfather. While the farm dates back to 1880, the practices being used today are definitely modern. Partnering with the Ohio State Extention, Richardson Farms uses as many organic growing practices as possible. One of the biggest problems in growing plants is pest control and at Richardsons, they employ a variety of natural means to remove pests. Nematodes are small worm-like creatures that eat the eggs of bugs harmful to crops. By putting nematodes in the soil the plants grow, the pests never hatch, and there are no chemicals added to the produce. Another practice, started in the 1970’s, is no tilling. Many farmers will turn over the top six inches of soil to plant their seeds. But what this does is remove the layer of material on the top of the soil, keeping it in place. By tilling, you lose that protective layer and the nutrient-rich soil you want can be blown or washed away by the elements. Richardson Farms began no tilling at a time when others thought it was crazy!