Tommy Shireman, owner of Third Way Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland, hosted a field day on July 11 to showcase his sustainable farming practices. Shireman views farming as a spiritual practice, inspired by biblical teachings on caring for the earth. Despite growing up in a non-agricultural background, Shireman felt called to farming as a way to combine his passion for mentoring and farming. Third Way Farm is a 67-acre farm that focuses on vegetables, fruits, and livestock, with a commitment to building soil health through no-till methods and minimal chemical use.
During the field day, Shireman shared his evolution from traditional tillage methods to the adoption of no-till practices using black tarps to prepare beds for planting. The tarps act as a natural tiller by killing weeds and preserving soil structure. Shireman also discussed companion planting, cover cropping, composting, and a livestock operation on the farm.
Guests at the field day, including new and experienced farmers, learned about water management, biodiversity, and the importance of flowers in attracting beneficial insects. Shireman emphasized the profitability of berries and the benefits of perennial crops.
Participants, such as Ravi and Krishna Mattaparthi from Pennsylvania, and Jana Sprinkle of Sprinkleberry Farm in Bowie, found inspiration in Shireman’s sustainable farming practices. Shireman’s dedication to farming as a mission and a spiritual practice serves as a model for aspiring farmers seeking to combine sustainability, land stewardship, and profitability.
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Photo credit www.lancasterfarming.com