Rich Butler, owner of Verdant Hills Farm and a Netflix professional, shares his journey into sustainable farming. He discusses the steep learning curve of agriculture and the deep emotional connections that come with raising animals. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they dive into practical DIY gardening tips, all while envisioning their dream restaurant built on self-sufficiency. Butler emphasizes the importance of soil health and reducing waste through humane practices, shedding light on the transformative experience of farming.
Rich Butler's transition from Silicon Valley to sustainable farming reflects a growing desire for quality food and connection to the land.
The challenges of farming, exacerbated by climate extremes, emphasize the resilience needed to ensure sustainable livestock and crop production.
Community engagement and knowledge-sharing foster a supportive environment for new farmers, reinforcing the ethical and emotional aspects of food production.
Deep dives
The Journey to Sustainable Farming
Rich Butler shares his transformative journey from living in Silicon Valley to owning an 80-acre farm in McMinnville, Oregon. Initially seeking a small homestead to complement his corporate job, the discovery of a larger parcel of land catalyzed a shift in his family's lifestyle. They embraced the challenge of sustainable farming with minimal prior experience, learning through online resources and the generosity of other farmers. This journey reflects a growing trend of individuals seeking to reconnect with the land and produce their own food, motivated by the desire for quality, sustainability, and community.
Challenges and Triumphs of Farming
The hurdles of farming are highlighted, particularly during extreme weather events like the unprecedented heat wave that affected crop yields. Rich explains how a lack of rain and increased temperatures led to significant stress and challenges in ensuring adequate forage for his grass-fed cattle. Despite these setbacks, the emotional rewards of raising animals and providing high-quality meat for families fuel his passion for farming. He emphasizes the importance of community support and customer feedback in overcoming farming obstacles and reaffirming their purpose.
Humane Treatment and the Slaughter Process
Rich discusses the humane approach his farm takes towards animal husbandry, particularly during slaughter. By using a mobile slaughter facility, they ensure the process is stress-free and that the animals are treated with respect throughout their lives. This practice underscores the ethical considerations of meat consumption, allowing customers to witness the entire lifecycle of the animals they consume. Many customers choose to partake in the experience, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of where their food comes from.
The Importance of Community and Education
Rich emphasizes the role of community in his farming endeavors, noting that many farmers are willing to mentor newcomers. He highlights how knowledge-sharing is vital for new farmers, allowing them to learn from the experiences of others in a supportive environment. Through direct engagement with customers, Rich educates them about the benefits of sustainable farming and the superior quality of pasture-raised meat. This not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a culture of appreciation and respect for food production.
Pushing the Boundaries of Culinary Creativity
With their focus on high-quality ingredients, the farm becomes a testing ground for culinary creativity, allowing the development of unique dishes that showcase seasonal produce. Rich notes that specials often serve as a way for chefs to experiment with flavors and gauge customer interest, providing valuable feedback for future menu items. This interplay between farming and culinary arts enhances the dining experience, encouraging diners to engage more deeply with the origins of their food. Ultimately, this connection helps to elevate everyday dining into a meaningful, sustainable practice.
Dave and Chris talk about what their dream restaurant would look like and how self-sufficiency with ingredients and schedule would play into it. They are then joined by owner and farmer at Verdant Hills Farm, Rich Butler, who discusses sustainability and the learning curve of becoming a farmer. Dave and Chris finish with a dining-themed MOIF.
Hosts: Dave Chang and Chris Ying
Guest: Rich Butler
Video/Audio Producer: Felipe Guilhermino
Majordomo Media Producers: Kelsey Rearden and David Meyer
