Joel Salatin, Augusta County’s self-proclaimed heretic farmer

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The Washington Post’s Andrew Jenner asks the question many who know local farmer Joel Salatin have asked: How can he appeal to the left, right, and middle in his sustainable farming endeavors (see How America’s most famous farmer can appeal to left, right, and center)?

Joel, who lives in Augusta County southwest of Staunton on his Polyface Farm, has built a reputation on his practice of farming and raising livestock without pesticides or other invasive methods freely used in today’s agriculture. He is known far and wide because of his lectures, books, and news articles such as this one in the Washington Post that have introduced him to those looking for a cleaner way to raise their food.

Somehow along the way Joel has garnered the attention of those on all sides of the political aisle:

More backyard chickens? Augusta County supervisors say ‘no’

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Who knew backyard chickens would be such a controversial idea in rural Augusta County? I am not an expert on the policies nor have I read much on either side. However, for someone who is pretty plugged into the news, the chicken issue was under my radar until arriving at the supervisor meeting Wednesday night and seeing the partition open and extra seating set up for an overflow crowd.

Hmm.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at LynnRMitchell.com

The reason for the season….

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.” Luke 2:8-20

The true meaning of Christmas … a time for the Christian world to pause and celebrate the birth of the son of God.

As 2014 comes to a close, we are thankful for a successful year and especially for our readers who contribute and share the posts we publish at LynnRMitchell.com.

It is a time to remember those who have special meaning in our lives. We are grateful to have our core group of contributors –Kurt, David, Daniel, and Lynn — working together as each brings a unique perspective that is shared in our writings:

Special Issue: LynnRMitchell.com writers, guests discuss Atlantic Coast Pipeline

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Today at LynnRMitchell.com, we are looking at the Atlantic Coast Pipeline issue that has stirred opinions both for and against in Augusta County and elsewhere. Posts from guest writers and regular contributors include Augusta County supervisors, citizens, information from Dominion, and an editorial cartoon.

Here is the list of articles in today’s Special Pipeline Issue:

• Atlantic Coast Pipeline: Better ways to the same end by Supervisor Tracy Pyles
• Dominion, environmentalists, and pipeline hypocrisy by Joel Salatin
• Augusta County: Too valuable and vulnerable for this pipeline? by former Supervisor Nancy Sorrells
• Dominion’s Growth – What, Why, How, and Controlling Features by Calvin Lucy
• The Dominion Pipeline Maze by Kurt Michael
• Schedule for 2015 Dominion Atlantic Coast Pipeline open houses from Dominion
• Myths & facts about Atlantic Coast Pipeline from Dominion

Previous articles on the pipeline:

• Dominion Virginia Power pipeline in Augusta County by Supervisor David Karaffa
• Augusta County residents organize against pipeline by Supervisor David Karaffa
• What if Dominion Virginia Power ran high speed internet with Atlantic Coast Pipeline? by Lynn R. Mitchell
• Governors McAuliffe, Tomblin, McCrory provide bipartisan support for Atlantic Coast Pipeline by Lynn R. Mitchell
• Business community, public officials support Atlantic Coast Pipeline by Lynn R. Mitchell
• Augusta supervisors deliver resolution asking for more info, Dominion says 75% of landowners in pipeline path agree to surveying  by Lynn R. Mitchell

Cross-posted

Dominion, environmentalists, and pipeline hypocrisy

By Joel Salatin
Owner, Polyface Farm
Guest Post

This is acute for people in our locality, but has broad applications for similar tensions around the country. Dominion (sounds ominous, no?) is a large energy development company in Virginia (Old Dominion) proposing to install a 42-inch high pressure gas line from West Virginia fracking fields down to North Carolina and out to Yorktown (a major seaport).

Joel Salatin, Martha Boneta featured at Staunton’s ‘Food Freedom Fest’ Sept. 5-6, 2014

By Lynn R. Mitchell

This weekend, September 5-6, 2014, Staunton will become the home of the Food Freedom Fest featuring Augusta County’s own Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm and Martha Boneta of Liberty Farm in Paris, Virginia. Centered around the historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center, the weekend will also feature tours of Polyface Farm.

Friday evening, the Food Freedom Fest is throwing a street party and inviting the public to join in. Featuring local vendors and live entertainment, the “Local Food Street Fair” in beautiful downtown Staunton runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hometown hero Joel Salatin will be honored with ceremonial “Keys to the City” and Staunton officials will read a resolution in support of food freedom.