Jesse Straight is farmer and founder of Whiffletree Farm. The goal of Jesse’s business is “to farm in a way that is good for all parties involved: the land, the animals, our families, our customers, and our community.” Jesse explains what terms like “grass-fed” and “cage-free” really mean and how the COVID-19 pandemic is revealing the weaknesses in the industrial food system. He tells us about his relationship with the work of Wendell Berry, walks us through his decision to become a farmer, and gives his advice on vocational discernment.

Carbon sequestration and pasture-based farming

Wendell Berry

Imitating biological systems

The real meaning of “cage-free” and “grass-fed”

The benefits of interning at a farm

Why Christians should care about the industrial food system

Vocational discernment

Links

Wendell Berry’s work

Polyface Farm

Joel Salatin books and DVDs

Whiffletree Farm

Whiffletree Farm Internships