The Catskill Chronicle

By Jeremy Gorelick

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, NY (August 8, 2012) – Root ‘n Roost Farm, a recent addition to the White Sulphur Springs (Town of Liberty) agricultural scene, has been named one of the top 10 nominees for this summer’s People & Planet Awards, sponsored by Green America.

Along with the accolades associated with being recognized by fans and supporters across the country for their “contributions to a just and sustainable economy,” the farm stands to receive a $5,000 prize.

Voting will continue until Tuesday, September 4 before the three winners are selected based on number of votes received. (For more information, visit http://www.greenamerica.org/green-business-people-and-planet-award/index.cfm).

Root ‘n Roost Farm is a highly diversified farm that produces vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit, poultry, pork and crafts, with all products grown and raised by hand, using only hand tools and no-till permaculture based gardening methods.

Using an innovative animal and crop rotation system, land is tilled by their animals (not machines) to ready it for cover crops before the introduction of more traditional plants. Through the use of recycled and harvested materials, the farm now has nearly half a dozen hoop houses that extend the growing season considerably and allow for a wider mix of vegetables for sale to individual customers and members of its growing CSA (community-supported agriculture), as well as other farm structures for raising animals, drying crops for seeds or storage, composting, a farm stand, fencing, and other structures.

They also practice water catchment, use solar power in their coop, and plan on installing a 7 kW solar array to power their home and farming operations and a enclosed greenhouse with radiant heating to grow tropical plants year round.

Farm founders Sean Zigmund and Cheyenne Miller bring years of agricultural experience to the effort – Sean worked as a volunteer, intern, and work-tradesman (via World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) throughout the US and northeast before returning home to White Sulphur Springs, and Cheyenne hails from an established farming family in New Zealand and interned for two full seasons at Apple Pond Farm in Callicoon Center, NY with Dick Riesling and Sonia Hedlund.

Root ‘n Roost Farm has a farm stand that is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

They also hold classes on Saturdays and farm tours on Sundays, or by appointment.

Root ‘n Roost Farm also offers consultation and on-site services for people interested in gardening, farming and raising animals.

They are located at 64 Mineral Springs Road, White Sulphur Springs (coming west from Liberty on Route 52, Mineral Springs Road is the first right after Everlasting Springs Garden Center).

For more information, call (845) 292-9126, or visit online at http://www.rootnroost.com/.