About Us
Barnside farm was a mere idea back in 1998 when Nancy talked to her husband Walt about an article she read in BioCycle magazine. In the article there was a topic about how government agencies are trying to stop organic materials from going into landfills. Nancy saw the opportunity to utilize their land as a compost facility, which could recycle this organic matter and turn it into something useable.
Immediately Walt wanted to know why she thought it was a great idea. With a smile she said, “You want to do all that work and when you are done the facility will just sit and no one will use it?” Keeping the farm in open space, getting quality dirt for her own gardens and helping pay the taxes was enough motivation for Nancy to start looking into what was needed to turn Barnside Farm into a mulch and topsoil facility. It was at this point she discovered “DEP”.
It took Nancy one and half years of paperwork and red tape with DEP and the Conservation Department but in 2000 she was granted her “Permit By Rule” permit to compost on the property.
Walt was right; for three years the site just sat there, fully approved with nothing going on. Then in 2003, from out of nowhere, Nancy got a phone call from a major trash hauler asking to bring in leaves. The immediate response from Walt was that under no circumstances should a hauler bring in leaves, we will get “trash”. So that year Nancy had the hauler trucks start bringing in leaves.
In 2005 Nancy decided that she wanted to start bringing in sticks and branches as well as the leaves. Walt protested; “What are we going to do with piles of branches, it will make a terrible mess?” Nancy, determined in finding a way to being able to bring in these items, found someone that was able to grind up the sticks and branches and turn them into woodchips. Yard waste started coming in during the same year, and the facility was now operating in full swing . Walt retired from Dentistry. As Walt was retiring at age 74, he realized that he would miss all the interaction with the people. Barnside Farm was now getting known and Nancy needed help. Walt became the designated delivery truck driver.
Nancy had all the brown product needed for compost, but Nancy wanted the “best” compost and the “perfect “ compost is 30 parts brown and 1 part green. Where to get the green? Grass was the obvious first thought, but not if it is sprayed and most is. Grass was not an option. Nancy now turned back to Bio Cycle and found the newest trend was to keep food products out of the landfills. All that good organic lettuce and other vegetables was going to waste and Nancy needed it for the “perfect” compost.
In 2008, Barnside Farm decided to start taking in source separated organics or green waste and Nancy set out on the quest to make the “best compost” humanly possible. After months of preparation, seminars, trips to other sites and extensive reading, Barnside farm was now on its way to offer both 100% organic Mulch and Compost.
In 2010 Barnside Farm got their state license and was ready to start producing the high quality compost.
At the present time Walt is still doing all the deliveries and has celebrated his 79th Birthday. Even though he loves the work, meeting with people and driving the truck, after 12 hour days he is glad when the day comes to an end. Maybe, if they are lucky their son, Kyle, will come and join them. Only time and hard work will tell the end of the story.
Nancy is still exploring new ways of improving the production and adding innovations, with her latest one being Vermicomposting (Wormfarming). 2012 brings on bagged products.
We have a new puppy. Her name is Foxy and you might get a gift from her. She is the first dog we have had that loves to find things and bury them. She has found the soft mulch and compost are the best place to put the prize she has found in the yard. She carefully covers it and sends it to you carefully wrapped in our product. We hope you will receive her gift with a smile.
2012 It is with regret that we have to inform you that our son, Kyle has taken another job. We will miss him here at the site but hope his new job will bring him happiness.
We are certified: Yes, we are certified with the U S Composting Concil. What does that mean?? It means testing testing all the time testing making sure there are no harmful pathogens for you to come in contact with.
We have a new screener, WOW is it ever fast. 97 feet long and too big for Nancy to run. The men in my life are taking over my yard. LOL Why do men think women should be inside behind the desk to do the paper work and cook, wash and clean???? I wish I was down at the site more to be with you all. Don't tell, I will find a way.
2012 will be an interesting year
So far, I have taught all but two of my grandchildren to fish (6). Problem, the pond we used to use is not available. Problem solved!!!!! I rebuilt one of the retension ponds at the compost site and stocked it with blue gills. In 2013 you will see me there with my grandson fishing. Maybe you will join us?
2013 and the year is busy. I was told and now know women are a minority, can you believe it girls?, I was told I am a minority owned and operated business. Just don't tell Walt. Does that mean we girls have power over the men in our lives??? No, but I love to try. The best part of this job is meeting and talking to all of you.
