South Chestnut Farm

About South Chestnut Farm

Roger Harris started South Chestnut Farm in Chatham County, North Carolina, in the early 2000’s on land that had been in his family for at least four generations. Inspired by stories of successful small farms from across the country, he envisioned an opportunity to manage a 60-acre cattle farm in a sustainable and environmentally-sound manner while producing farm products for local customers. Today, Roger places a top priority on maintaining and enhancing the health of his soil and grasses to produce pasture-raised eggs from Animal Welfare Approved laying hens and 100% certified grassfed AWA beef from a small herd of Dexter cattle. “We use no growth hormones, no pesticides, and no synthetic fertilizers on any of our land,” Roger explains. “We practice ‘managed rotational grazing’ to ensure our pastures are never over-grazed, are properly stocked, and kept fertile by an ever-increasing amount of organic matter.” Roger believes that gaining third-party certification is important for his farm business: “To place guidelines on ourselves and to earn the confidence of our customers we have sought – and been awarded – certification from Animal Welfare Approved and the American Grassfed Association. Animal Welfare Approved ensures that we are treating our animals humanely and allowing them to live and thrive in environments true to their nature. We are very pleased and proud to display the AWA emblem and to be part of the organization.” Roger sums up his philosophy of farming in a quote by notable author and poet Wendell Berry: “The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.” For more information about the farm, visit southchestnutfarmcsa.wordpress.com.