Q&A: Haden Gooch

The 24-year-old spent his formative years exploring his grandparents’ property, which they rented to local dairy farmers surrounded by “cow-pies, hay fields, and barns.” But the real impetus to search for a new life in farming came with his discovery of Joel Salatin and the new wave of sustainable farmers. After spending time working on a farm in Oregon, Gooch returned to his native state of Virginia and is now working and living on a diversified farm just outside of Charlottesville. At Free Union Grass Farm, owned by Joel Slezak and Erica Hellen, they raise cattle, pigs, chickens (for both eggs and meat), and ducks. Their managed intense rotational grazing – Gooch calls it an “epic dance around the farm” – helps improve the health of the soil, pasture, and animals.

Modern Farmer: Why do you consider yourself a modern farmer?

Haden Gooch: Because I’m part of a small group of people trying to change the way we feed the world and our soil. However, I find it funny that this new wave of sustainable agriculture is considered a modern approach though its philosophy is based on age-old traditions and practices. Having animal and plant diversity on a small scale isn’t a new idea, but I think that with the advancement of science and biological understanding, many people are finding it to be the best way to sustainability. New technology like social media and the internet is finally allowing for small family farms that have this age-old wisdom to apply holistic approaches to agriculture and break the industrial mold.

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MF: Why is it important to you to support local agriculture?

HG: You support so many facets of life when you buy from local farmers: the animals, plants, soil, farmers, planet, and the economy. Going to a farmers market, talking to farmers and people around you that care about all of these things is such a valuable asset to any community. You cannot experience anything like it buying food from a grocery store.

MF: If you could grow or raise any food or animal, what would it be and why?

HG: Dairy Cows. I love, love, love milk and dairy products and you just cannot beat working with cattle. They’re majestic, sometimes unpredictable, stubborn, and sweet all at the same time. I’m actually starting my own little raw milk cow-share project this season on the farm, so that dream is finally coming true, and I’ll never buy milk again!

MF: What’s your favorite vegetable?

HG: Potatoes! (in my terrible Irish accent). You can mash ’em, fry ’em, bake ’em, bake ’em again for twice baked, broil ’em, grill ’em, and even make a salad with them (with tons of mayonnaise of course)! Kale is okay too, I guess.

MF: If you could give other modern farmers any advice, what would it be?

HG: Well, I don’t have that much experience, but I would definitely say to find someone you enjoy working with. Although it’s nice to hang out with the animals, farming is a big black hole for social events, so you need someone to work with on the farm who provides an enjoyable presence. At the same time, don’t get burnt out either. No one can handle twelve- to fourteen-hour days without a little fun every once in awhile. Make time during the farm season to have a couple beers (or ten) with some friends. I wouldn’t make this a habit, obviously, but luckily animals don’t care if you’re hungover as long as you feed them on time!

Also, read, read, read. There is such a wealth of information out there between books, forums online, and YouTube. I would do as many internships as possible before starting your own farming endeavors. While reading is awesome, you’ll never learn how to pull seven hay bales with a truck that’s only supposed to pull two or three. You only learn that from a time-stressed farmer, not from a book. Go visit as many farms as possible. Not only is it great for building relationships for future farm mishaps or needs, but there is always a thousand different ways to do one thing, and as a farmer, you should always strive to do it the best way. Another awesome thing I have learned from my bosses is that never, ever be sorry about the prices of your products. Selling eggs for $5 a dozen can be off-putting to some people that are used to getting them for $2, but they have no idea what it takes. You probably don’t want that person as a customer anyways. Search for people that really care about what you’re doing, and you’ll be happy. One more thing: Never attempt to transport 500 eggs on a four-wheeler without any straps or security your first week on the job. I did that, and I’m pretty sure you can guess what happened to all of those eggs.

[mf_pullquote layout=”right”]One more thing: Never attempt to transport 500 eggs on a four-wheeler without any straps or security your first week on the job. I did that, and I’m pretty sure you can guess what happened to all of those eggs.[/mf_pullquote]

MF: Do you have a farming/agricultural hero? Why do you admire them?

I have to pay respect to Joel Salatin. He really influenced me to drop my whole life to go after a farming career. He’s written many books on sustainable agriculture, but I really admire him for showing people that you don’t have to be raised on a farm or own land to be able to profit from farming. Adam Klaus is a small dairy farmer in Colorado/California who also inspired me via books. He has a new approach to dairy farming, and his methods have inspired me to start a raw milk program soon, here in Virginia. And, of course, my bosses Joel Slezak and Erica Hellen. They have been such a wealth of information, friendship, and guidance. They are also giving me the space to start a raw milk dairy program on their farm, which I could never thank them enough for. This epitomizes the value of community that you get when you’re in the agriculture field. I don’t think you can find a cooler farmer couple than them, and I’m definitely glad I found them. We pretty much spend all of our time together: We work together, eat dinner together, party together, and they put up with having to watch me drink gallons of milk on the regular. We are pretty much the three best friends that anyone could have!

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