Farming on the Wild Side: Regenerative Production Practices Based on Multifunctional Perennial Plantings

In this webinar, John Hayden will emphasize the ecology and the positive benefits of regenerative farming practices (carbon sequestration, water quality improvement, wildlife and pollinator habitat), and the plants that make for an economically viable system.

Mr. Hayden will explain how his family’s farm has evolved over the years, how their edible landscape and conservation plant nursery fits into the model, and how they apply biodiversity in their farmscape to get the results that conventional growers attain using fertilizers and pesticides.

He will cover how multifunctional perennial plants like elderberry, aronia, willow, and dogwoods are an important part of the farm income and ecology. Ideas for creating nesting and food habitat for pollinators, insectaries for beneficial insects, and bird habitat for biological control of pests will also be shared.

John Hayden and his wife Nancy are co-owners of The Farm Between in Jeffersonville, VT. The farm is a certified organic nursery and fruit farm, and grows multi-functional perennial plantings without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Over the past 25 years he and his wife have developed a biologically diverse, ecologically based, economically viable business model. Mr. Hyden did his MS research on apple pest ecology, and has over 35 years of experience in sustainable agriculture as a college educator, extension agent, international consultant, and practicing farmer.