Q&A: Mallory Mayo
When this Mississippian started dating a farmer, she soon found herself with nearly a hundred chickens, 14 cows, a donkey, a rabbit, and two dogs.
Mayo says the new place, where they hope to be living in a few months, will include a barn for their wide variety of chickens that will be moving with them. (They have Rhode Island Reds, Lavender Araucanas, Gold Laced Wyandottes, Barred Rocks, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, American Bresse, Black Copper Marans, Silkies, and Mottled Orpingtons.)
Modern Farmer: Why do you consider yourself a modern farmer?
Mallory Mayo: Because I want to know where my food comes from. We believe in the conservation of small hobby farming. There’s a different take on what you eat when you are raising the food yourself and it is so much healthier.
MF: Why is it important to you to support local agriculture?
MM: So that you can support your local businesses and build relationships with local farmers and support one another. We have people around us that we swap out chickens with or help one another out to make raising our animals better.
MF: If you could grow or raise any food or animal, what would it be and why?
MM: If I could grow any food it would be turnip greens. They’re my absolute favorite vegetable. I always grew up having a large garden. My dad is really good at it. We will have a garden at the new house. I’d also of course always have tomatoes. We already raise cows and chickens, so if I were to raise any other animals, it would be sheep for their wool.
MF: What’s your favorite vegetable?
MM: See last answer.
MF: If you could give other modern farmers any advice, what would it be?
MM: If you’re wanting to get into raising and growing your own food then definitely do your research. I pick up magazines all the time that have useful information for growing and raising your vegetables and animals. I would also say look to people around you who are doing the same and ask them for help or tips and tricks on what they do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions even if you think they’re silly.
MF: Do you have a farming/agricultural hero? Why do you admire them?
MM: I wouldn’t say that I do. My boyfriend and my dad would be who I look up to. Heath is very knowledgeable about raising chickens and cows and my dad is a great gardener.
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by Andrew Amelinckx, Modern Farmer
December 14, 2015
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