Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 7 54 ABS'c Crater Garden routinely elicits the most "oohs" and "aahs" from visitors. ABC Acres' farm land includes an old, water-filled borrow pit (an area where material such as gravel or sand had been dug for use elsewhere). Rather than viewing it as a problem, the Southwells saw it as an opportunity. Inspired by Austrian permaculture virtuoso Sepp Holzer, they harnessed the temperature mod- erating influence of the water's mass and sunlight reflection, together with the pit's steep slopes to form a microclimate. ey contoured terraces for vegetation, deliberately arranging plants to form windbreaks and further concentrate heat to support plants not normally found in Montana, such as peach trees. Like many Montana farms, winter- ing elk herds take up residence on their valley floor land. Elk are large and have a well-deserved reputa- tion for destroying fences, causing ranchers constant fence maintenance. e Southwells have addressed this problem by planting a mixture of shrubs, including chokecherry, black locust, four varieties of hawthorn and Siberian peas, that will ultimately grow into an impenetrable hedge. e prickly hedge has several advantages over traditional fencing. Once grown, it will be permanent, need little annual maintenance, and also serve as a wind- break, reducing the amount of evapo- ration from irrigation, and thus the amount of water and energy needed to sustain grass production. It's a win/ win solution all the way around. Livestock on the farm include cattle, pigs, goats, turkeys, and chickens, all of which are free rang- ing and live in conditions natural to them. e Southwells employ "mob grazing" techniques to move their highland cattle between pastures in a rotation system that nourishes the cattle, the soil,and the grass. e cattle completely graze one pasture before being moved to the next. e mobile chicken coop follows on the heels of the cattle so chickens can scratch, spread the cattle manure, and aerate the top soil layer while adding their own fertilizing manure. After the chickens depart, the pasture is rested and irrigated to stimulate grass production. is never ending loop — graze, recover with the chickens, rest with water, to be grazed again when ready — is not only sustainable but regenerative. My head was swirling with ideas as I left ABC Areas to drive home. What changes could I make at Dunrovin to utilize plants and nature to solve some of our own problems. e Southwells had successfully infected me with their visions. A vexing problem that I had been cogitating for some time was shade for the horse stalls along the southern side of our paddock. I do not want to construct a shed, as horses are healthiest when kept outside with fresh, moving air. I had already considered plant- ing trees, but they can take forever to reach shade height. Eureka! I could build a special fence to grow hops. Hops grow fast and thick. A little research revealed that hops are not only safe for horses but actually have medicinal qualities for both humans and horses. Hops would provide shade only in the summer, so winter ice formation in the paddock will not a problem. Plus I can harvest the hops to take to the local brewery to turn into beer. Perfect, hops for horses! Stay tuned as my hops for horses fence becomes a reality and we are toasting its success with our new Dunrovin Brew. What a great solution that does everything the Southwells envisioned. Dunrovin is grateful for having made that cold call to request a tour. We treasure our continuing relationship with ABC Acres. We have much to learn together. And you too can come to the ABC Acres to be a part of it all. Give them a call. ey are sure to welcome you as warmly as they welcomed me. ABC Acres Web site at abcacres.com Contact information: Physical Address: 364 S. McCarthy Loop Hamilton, MT 59840 Mailing Address: 1075 Sleeping Child Rd. Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 210-5710 Crater Garden beginning Guest house master bedroom Mobile chicken coop

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