Organic farmers Karl and Nancy Falster of Winnsboro were environmentally conscious before going green was cool. They dabbled in the organic, all-natural movement in the 1970s, when cotton was viewed as frumpy and polyester was all the rage. It was only after Karl, a former Marine-turned business executive, began experiencing the poisoning effects of Agent Orange and post-traumatic stress from his years in Vietnam did the couple - at Mrs. Falster's urging - pull up stakes in San Antonio and head to East Texas. Their 56-acre slice of paradise was found about nine miles outside Winnsboro. "It's a different kind of stress," said Mrs. Falster, a self-taught chef. "We wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 in the morning, depending on what time we went to bed, and decide what needs to be done that day. "Farming wasn't his first choice, Falster acknowledged. "I wanted to sail," he said with a grin. "Now I don't have time. "His beloved sail boat [Bonnie Blue] remains adrift in the barn - a peeling representation of its former self, surrounded by a sea of hay, farm implements and clucking chickens.

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At a time when many people think eco-consciousness means swapping out round light bulbs for twisty fluorescents, some families are going a few steps further, fearlessly trading modern convention for something a bit more traditional - farming. In the three years since purchasing their property, the Falsters are among those focused on building health and sustainability through their land. "Our mission is to provide food fit to eat for ourselves," Falster said. "Other people see what we're doing and test it out. Not everybody gets the bug." Many people are hesitant to buy into their all-natural approach, but Falster said he wouldn't have it any other way. "I wouldn't be alive very long without this level of nutrition," he said. The couple's objectives are not without challenges. Shortly after purchasing their property, the couple established a list of priorities. At the top of the list was replenishing the soil, organically. "We invest in dirt," said Mrs. Falster. "We are what the animals eat. The grass lives off the dirt, the animals live off the grass, we live off the animals. More and more people are starting to take that to heart." To reclaim the soil from years of commercial fertilizing and chemical treatments, the Falsters "feed" the soil with heavy doses of natural material supplements, such as leaves and animal manure. Their efforts are geared at boosting the nutrition of their herd of registered miniature Hereford cattle on grass alone. The Hereford is a heritage breed that dates back to 1800s - era England. Miniature Herefords are a heartier breed than larger scale versions. Because they are smaller than the common stock, minis eat less, produce less waste and make less of an impact on their environment, the couple said. Their eco-friendly approach to farming extends well beyond their 43 head of cattle. Goats provide milk for dairy products, including butter and cheese. Chickens provide eggs. Meat comes from pigs and cattle.

The couple also planted several rows of grape vines for jellies and juices, and keep bees for honey and to aid in pollination. Dogs protect the livestock from predators. Horses help with round ups. Their barn cat Gustov takes care of rodents. "Every animal has a purpose," said Mrs. Falster. Their garden, also on an organic program, provides plenty of vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and melons. Along the way, they ditched margarine, colas, white flour, corn syrup and other artificial products in lieu of "natural" foods. There's no television, over-the-counter drugs, colas, boxed foods, cell phones or satellites. The couple posts their adventures at www.falsterfarm.com. "We're not purists, but we do what we can," said Mrs. Falster. Along with the victories, there have been a few setbacks: a skunk in the chicken coop, coyotes stalking the goats, the latter was resolved by expert marksmanship. The couple said the gravitation to their rural lifestyle was not assumed to be a money-saving venture, but rather a move toward a more healthful lifestyle, they say. "We spend a lot of money on our food because we buy quality," said Mrs. Falster. "We tell people, if you can't start with cows, start with chickens and a few tomato plants."

DOCUMENTS: Index of Documents : 12 Reasons to Raise : Testimonials : Frequently Asked Questions : History of Falster Farm : : How to Buy : How to Sell Your cows w/us : Paying by Wire : PayPal Instructions : Mission Statement : News Stories : Vendors :

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        Falster Farm

        Karl & Nancy Falster

        2112 CR-4778

        Winnsboro, Texas 75494

Telephone: 903.629.3034

 

Electronic mail: falster@falsterfarm.com

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