Black Tansy Farm

Located in Springfield, Oregon, this small family farm has dedicated itself to feeding the local community with high-quality agricultural products. Known for their heritage-breed pigs and commitment to animal welfare, they have earned the Animal Welfare Approved certification for their pigs and are working towards similar certifications for other livestock. Recently, they were selected as a pilot farm for the Regenerative Agriculture certification from A Greener World.

The farm employs a rotational grazing system, allowing animals to free-range on pasture for most of the year. During the wet and muddy winters, a 'sacrifice area' is provided for livestock to shelter without damaging pasture grasses. They avoid the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and unnecessary antibiotics, only administering antibiotics to treat acutely sick animals. Soil fertility is enhanced through rotational grazing and the application of okara, a byproduct of tofu and tempeh production. Wildlife and pollinator habitats are improved by constructing hedgerows and planting native vegetation. Additionally, irrigation water usage is reduced by upgrading equipment and allowing pasture forages to grow taller, which decreases soil moisture losses.

The farm partners with the US Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several projects aimed at restoring ecosystem health. They are currently in the midst of lambing season with over 50 lambs on the ground. The farm also offers a meat CSA share program, providing pasture-raised meat products to the community. A new herding dog, Tipper, has recently joined the farm family, bringing a mix of Border Collie and Australian Shepherd traits.