Farming Climate Smart Organic Eggs in the Appalachian Foothills

Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian foothills, Liberty, Kentucky, is home to Larry Schmidt, a dedicated grower for Handsome Brook Farms. Amidst a serene and ever-changing landscape, Larry is spearheading innovative farming practices through the Climate Smart Organic Egg Project, a USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant. Alongside his wife Suzanne, Larry’s 64-acre farm embodies their commitment to organic agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The landscape of their new home contrasts sharply with the flat expanses of the Mississippi Delta, where Larry previously made his living. There, he and his father moved dirt for row-cropping farmers until his father’s passing in 2018. Two years ago, the Schmidts embarked on a 462-mile journey from Clarksdale, Mississippi, to Hustonville, Kentucky. Larry used his state-of-the-art, GPS-guided tractor and scraper to shape land for their new venture: raising hens.

Larry’s participation in the Climate Smart Organic Egg Project is made possible through the support and resources provided by Handsome Brook Farms. This initiative encompasses several sustainable practices aimed at enhancing farm efficiency and environmental health. Key components of Larry's project include:

Cover Cropping with Organic Seed Mix: With Handsome Brook’s guidance, Larry is planting cover crops with an organic seed mix, improving soil health and fertility. Cover crops help prevent soil erosion, increase organic matter, and promote biodiversity, creating a more resilient and sustainable farming ecosystem.

Mulching Around Planted Trees: Larry is mulching around the walnut trees he plants in the chicken pasture, thanks to Handsome Brook’s support. This practice conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually enriches the soil as the mulch decomposes, benefiting both the trees and the pasture.

Solar System for the Barn: To reduce his farm’s carbon footprint, Larry is installing a solar system for his barn with assistance from Handsome Brook Farms. This renewable energy source will power the barn’s operations, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy costs.

Larry’s disposition is perfectly suited for the work of stewarding his land. His passion for organic farming and building a sustainable future for his daughters enables him to implement climate smart practices with great care. The state-of-the-art barn and high-producing hens on his farm are a testament to his dedication.

“Some people like to get out and go. I’m not against that,” Larry shares. “But when I get into traffic on interstates in big cities, I’m just like, get me back home to my farm. I like the peace and quiet. There’s not a lot going on [here]. That’s just my temperament. Nothing against people who don’t like it. I just don’t get tired of being here.”

In the coming years, Larry will continue to innovate and nurture his land through the Climate Smart Organic Egg Project. This project will enhance the sustainability and efficiency of his farm, and contribute to a healthier environment and better egg production.