Local Weather Forecast
Today: Current:87	Saturday: 88/62	Sunday: 80/55
Complete Forecast for  May 09 2008

Story By Jacque Hilburn
Feature Writer

Organic farmers Karl and Nancy Falster of Winnsboro were environmentally conscious before going green was cool.

They dabbled in the organic, all-natural movement in the 1970s, when cotton was viewed as frumpy and polyester was all the rage.

It was only after Karl, a former Marine-turned business executive, began experiencing the poisoning effects of Agent Orange and post-traumatic stress from his years in Vietnam did the couple - at Mrs. Falster's urging - pull up stakes in San Antonio and head to East Texas.

Their 56-acre slice of paradise was found about nine miles outside Winnsboro.

"It's a different kind of stress," said Mrs. Falster, a self-taught chef. "We wake up between 3:30 and 6:30 in the morning, depending on what time we went to bed, and decide what needs to be done that day."

Farming wasn't his first choice, Falster acknowledged.

"I wanted to sail," he said with a grin. "Now I don't have time."

His beloved boat remains adrift in the barn - a peeling representation of its former self, surrounded by a sea of hay, farm implements and clucking chickens.

BACK TO BASICS

At a time when many people think eco-consciousness means swapping out round light bulbs for twisty fluorescents, some families are going a few steps further, fearlessly trading modern convention for something a bit more traditional - farming.

In the three years since purchasing their property, the Falsters are among those focused on building health and sustainability through their land.

"Our mission is to provide food to eat for ourselves," Falster said. "Other people see what we're doing and test it out. Not everybody gets the bug."

Many people are hesitant to buy into their all-natural approach, but Falster said he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I wouldn't be alive very long without this level of nutrition," he said.

The couple's objectives are not without challenges. Shortly after purchasing their property, the couple established a list of priorities.

At the top of the list was replenishing the soil, organically.

"We invest in dirt," said Mrs. Falster. "We are what the animals eat. The animals live off the grass, we live off the animals. More and more people are starting to take that to heart." To reclaim the soil from years of commercial fertilizing and chemical treatments, the Falsters "feed" the soil with heavy doses of natural material, such as leaves and animal manure.

Their efforts are geared at boosting also the nutrition of their herd of registered miniature Hereford cattle, a traditional breed that dates back to 1800s-era England.

Miniature Herefords are a heartier breed than larger scale versions. Because they are smaller than the common stock, minis eat less, produce less waste and make less of an impact on their environment, the couple said.

Their eco-friendly approach to farming extends well beyond their 43 head of cattle.

Goats provide milk for dairy products, including butter and cheese. Chickens provide eggs.

Meat comes from pigs and cattle.

The couple also planted several rows of grape vines for jellies and juices, and keep bees for honey and to aid in pollination.

Dogs protect the livestock from predators. Horses help with round ups. Their barn cat Gustov takes care of rodents.

"Every animal has a purpose," said Mrs. Falster.

Their garden, also on an organic program, provides plenty of vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and melons.

Along the way, they ditched margarine, colas, white flour, corn syrup and other artificial products in lieu of "natural" foods.

There's no television, over-the-counter drugs, colas, boxed foods, cell phones or satellites.

The couple posts their adventures at falsterfarm.com.

"We're not purists, but we do what we can," said Mrs. Falster.

Along with the victories, there have been a few setbacks: a skunk in the chicken coop, coyotes stalking the goats, the latter was resolved by expert marksmanship.

The couple said the gravitation to their rural lifestyle was not assumed to be a money-saving venture, but rather a move toward a more healthful lifestyle, they say.

"We spend a lot of money on our food because we buy quality," said Mrs. Falster. "We tell people, if you can't start with cows, start with chickens and a few tomato plants."

PINT-SIZED PETS

Michael Neighbors of Yantis, another eco-convert, was feeling a sentimental tug for the old days when he decided a few years ago to check out the possibility of raising pygmy goats.

His grandfather raised livestock and it seemed natural to return to his roots.

He began researching the breed and requirements for upkeep, ultimately trading his job as a traveling worker with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish the Tejas Barbado Ranch.

What started as a few goats eventually grew to include more than 100 animals, sought after mostly as pets and show animals.

His neurosurgeon-girlfriend Oksana Korotetskaya, whom he met in Florida a few years ago after a hurricane, oversees the goats' medical care.

"I just always liked pygmy goats," he said. "We started out as a hobby, that's what it really is, and it just kind of grew from there. It's like having a big petting zoo."

As their affection for the pint-sized goats grew, the couple decided to spice things up a bit.

They added some lesser known breeds, such as "fainting" Tennessee Scare Goats, and varieties of sheep, including Painted Desert and Texas Blackbelly Barbadeo Trophy.

Compared to raising cattle, Neighbors said goats and sheep require less space, food and cleanup.

They even take care of the yard work.

"They are great lawn mowers," Neighbors said. "We have to work to keep grass in instead of out."

They also have their own unique personalities, said Ms. Korotetskaya.

"These are like children to me," she said. "I like the quiet country. I can lead this quiet life. Working all the time is hard, and you think you're never going to stop."

The couple hovers over the animals to ensure they are happy, healthy and hearty.

"The biggest challenge is probably the weather," Neighbors said. "When it's 32 degrees at night and then 75 in the day, that's a lot of fluctuation in temperature. It's easy for them to get sick."

Baby play pens placed indoors are used to warm up distressed newborns.

Their protective Great Pyrenees lives alongside the stock to shoo away intruders, which can include everything from coyotes and stray dogs to birds.

Living away from the hustle and bustle of city life means the loss of some conveniences, but the couple said the trade-off of watching deer walk through the front yard every morning is worth it.

Ms. Korotetskaya said her favorite pastime is sitting on the back porch, watching the goats.

"We laugh a lot," she said.

On that point, Neighbors said you can't attach a dollar figure to contentment.

"We're not getting rich, but we're having fun," he said.