October 9, 2009

White Oak Pastures

Will Harris and Possum

Classic Meatloaf and Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Calves at White Oak Pastures

Short film on Will entitled "CUD"

On a recent trip down to my parent’s farm in south Georgia, my husband and I took a side trip over to Bluffton, Georgia. Bluffton is the home of Will Harris, a fifth generation cattle farmer and owner of White Oak Pastures, the largest certified organic farm in the state. In 1995 Will decided to change his family’s traditional practices of raising corn fed cattle and raise grass fed beef. While driving Davis and me around the farm, he shared with us his passion for the cattle and green practices. It was easy to connect with Will as we shared stories of owning businesses and the joys and pitfalls of being an entrepreneur, but Davis and I were most inspired by Will’s passion for the earth and what goes into our food. It’s rare to see many folks in Will’s generation (especially in south Georgia) with the passion to completely change their business to better the environment. I can’t even get my parents to recycle, much less buy organic!

A conventional farmer for years, Will sold his cattle to the industrial commodity product system, shipping cattle thousands of miles away to be slaughtered at the rate of 400 head per hour. Today the cattle are grass fed instead of corn fed and roam freely on the farm. Committed to humane treatment of the cattle, White Oak uses no hormones or antibiotics. This all results in healthier, leaner beef that is higher in omega 3’s, beta carotene, and vitamin E and has amazing flavor.

White Oak Pastures houses their own facility to process the beef and they process 16 head of cattle per day versus 400 per hour at a conventional slaughter house. Will took me and Davis through every stage of the process showing us the care that went into to each cow. The plant is powered by solar power and they even goes as far as to convert any animal byproducts into liquid fertilizer which enriches the grass. It is full circle and nothing is wasted.

Davis and I arrived home with a cooler full of beef and we have enjoyed ever last bite. Just last night I made a delicious meatloaf that was perfect, not too greasy and not to dry. Currently you can buy White Oak Pastures beef in Publix grocery stores as well as Whole Foods Market in the Southeast and Mid Atlantic regions. You can also order online at www.whiteoakpastures.com.

It feels so nice to know that the food you put into your body comes from such an amazing farm, is good for you, and supports the local economy. Of course the fact that is tastes absolutely delicious does not hurt!

Enjoy this short feature on Will Harris and you will see how inspiring, humorous, and unique he is….