Q&A: Betsy Curlin

In 2012, Besty and Caleb packed up and left California for Virginia, and apprenticed at Polyface Farms for two years with Joel Salatin, arguably the country’s most famous farmer, who was featured in Food, Inc. Today, Betsy, Caleb, and their four daughters – who range in age from 6 months to 7 years old – are busy raising grass-fed beef and lamb, pastured chickens, turkeys and laying hens, and forested hogs at their Marmilu Farms, in Jackson, Tennessee.

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

Betsy Curlin: Fifteen years ago Caleb took an aptitude test and in his top three careers was farmer. He told his dad and his dad’s response was, “Son, you don’t know the first thing about hard work.” His dad was raised in cotton country in the Mississippi River delta of Arkansas, and all he saw of farming was long hours, low pay, and tired bodies. To him there was no incentive or upside to farm. But thanks to personalities such as Joel Salatin and others, a vision has been cast where people can farm and still enjoy a high quality of life. We caught that vision and spent two years learning from Joel and his son, Daniel. Following the Polyface model, we are starting small, leasing land and building a local network of like-minded people.

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

BC: Buying local is the only way to have true integrity in the food system. As Michael Pollan says, “If people could see how their food is produced, they would change how they eat.” When people come to our farm they are able to observe all of our practices, ask questions and actually interface with their food. Without fail, people leave here feeling empowered by their food choices and confident that what they are feeding their family is worth eating.

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

BC: For Caleb, I know that he would say cattle. He loves walking the pasture, setting up fences, calling the cows into their new paddock. He is always refreshed after an hour with the cows. While we run a livestock farm, I would love to grow vegetables even if it is only for our own family. We have had a garden on and off for the last ten years and I find it so fulfilling to raise food from a tiny seed. God’s creation is truly amazing.

MF: What’s your favorite vegetable?

BC: I would have to say asparagus. It is delicious raw, roasted and, of course, wrapped in bacon.

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

BC: The first thing I would do is to seek out a mentor – someone who has been successful and faithful at their craft. Watch, observe, listen, learn, and ask questions. Secondly, it is worth it to spend the money on equipment that will save you time and energy. We are only eight months into farming on our own and we have quickly learned that we cannot do everything. We are not 22 anymore and our bodies tire much more quickly under the weight of five-gallon buckets day in and day out. Setting up an automatic watering system, buying a quality scalder for processing poultry, and purchasing enough electric netting to set up two paddocks are just a few examples.

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

BC: We would not be where we are without the influence of Joel and Daniel Salatin. They poured into us all the practical skills that we now employ; they have shaped our thinking as beginning farmers and they have given us the confidence to branch out and start our own venture. One of the things that I admire most about the Salatins is their willingness to share information. They do not guard their methods, copyright them, and sell them to the highest bidder. They welcome anyone who wants to learn and are thrilled to see you succeed. Their open-handed, generous approach has launched countless farms and dreams and we could not be more grateful for their role in our story. Caleb has also been greatly influenced by the writings of Greg Judy, Allan Savory and Wendell Berry. While I read parenting books; he reads about grazing methods. I trust we will need both in the coming years.

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