JUNE
2008 Press Release
Ray Hodge starts a 14 acre organic and
biodynamic farm at the Weeping Radish in Jarvisburg!
A
third generation farmer, Ray first became interested in
horticulture during junior high. He was born in Texas, then
moved to Alaska in 1976. Ray has
been farming in the Mat-Su Valley, where he
raised chickens, ducks, pigs, and bees along with 37
different crops. He believes his understanding of climate
changes, stellar charts, and new farming techniques give his
farming a competitive advantage. Among some of the
techniques he uses, Ray fertigates (irrigates with natural
fertility additive), practices crop rotation, and
incorporates compost and foliar feed (used to prevent or
correct micronutrient deficiencies that may limit crop
growth and yields) into his farming.
By studying the weather and stellar charts, he is able to
determine the best time to sow, cultivate, and harvest his
crops.
Ray found the Weeping Radish concept fascinating and decided
to combine his passion of farming with his other passions:
Brewing, natural meats and educating the public about all
health aspects of food. In March he packed all his
belongings into a 40 ft container and flew to Currituck
County to start all over.
His first biodynamic crops based on organic principals have
grown in record time and are now for sale at the Weeping
Radish. Ray also delivers his crops to local restaurants
and stores. “We are truly thrilled to have Ray on board”,
Uli & Eileen Bennewitz, owners of the Weeping Radish said.
“He was the missing link in our concept in Jarvisburg, which
combines hormone free meats from local sustainable farms,
prepared by our own Master Butcher, together with natural
beers and now natural healthy foods.”
The Weeping Radish offers a complete two hour facility tour
(Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon), which includes a brewery
tour, a guided tour of the farm with Ray and a visit to the
butcher’s facility and smoke house.
