Networking Helped Build Organic Grain Sales

Networking Helped Build Organic Grain Sales CROPS Miscellaneous William Hale had his first customer before he ever planted a kernel of Bloody Butcher heirloom corn An area artisanal baker wanted an heirloom dent corn to bake with and contacted Hale “I was approached because I’ve been involved with an organic farming organization ” says Hale “We looked at different varieties and selected Bloody Butcher The first year I grew only half an acre or so for him to try The baker really liked it ” Since then Hale has added other customers and expanded product offerings He grows 2 types of heirloom popcorn for sale locally and as seed through several seed companies Like his Bloody Butcher both are organic open-pollinated varieties Hale sells his seed through Fedco and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Hale treats his product with care using a picker to harvest Then he hand selects ears from the wagon to shell for customers “I farm with real inexpensive machinery ” he says “I have an old picker and an old F2 Gleaner combine ” Hale also grows hulless oats and Wrens Abruzzi an heirloom rye adapted for forage use in the early 20th century It grows 8 to 10 ft high with heavy tillering As with the corn Hale has selected the rye because there was a market for it “It has very desirable milling qualities ” says Hale “Millers are crazy for locally produced organic grains ” Although he has 25 acres that are organically certified Hale only plants about half that each year The remainder is planted to cover crops Hale stresses the importance for anyone wanting to do niche marketing of organic products to get involved in the local or state organic organizations It not only gives him a support system for questions he might have it also leads to customers like his miller Hale continues to work closely with his miller to provide the corn he wants When the dark red Bloody Butcher seed produced some yellowish ears Hale began selecting and breeding them as well “Originally the yellow off-type was about 5 percent of the ears produced ” says Hale “My miller likes it too so I’ve been selecting and getting more yellow with each generation ” One grain that Hale grew this past year was not at the request of a customer When he received a shipment he hadn’t ordered of white food grade organic milo he planted it anyway While he didn’t have a market lined up he knew a market existed “I haven’t tried marketing it yet but I am looking for someone interested in a non-gluten milling grain ” says Hale Contact: FARM SHOW Followup William Hale 249 Baker’s Branch Lane Louisa Va 23093 ph 434 981-6286 or 540 894-5238; wnhale@ntelos net

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