Saving the Old Mill
I am on a mission. I've been thinking about it for a long time. The Feed Mill up at Hampton, Pa. is for sale. That's the little town about a mile north of us. It's been for sale for over 3 years now. Since we have moved here at least 6 old mills have closed down. That's in the 28 years we have lived here. Each time one closes I get all melancholy and sad. They performed such a vital service for our community and no one seems to even think about the loss.
When I was getting my chick starter last week I told the owner I was going to think about this and try to find a buyer who would keep the mill in service. She laughed and said '"you go Prudence". I know she thought I was crazy. Well, think about it I did, and I contacted Rodale Institute about enlisting their help thinking of a use for it that would reach more of our community than just the farmers. I told them I thought if I could get some of the farmers in our area to start farming organically, the mill could be used to produce and sell organic animal food to them and others. They wrote back and gave me the number of a man who is doing just that in Lancaster County. He has a huge business dealing in organic feeds, fertilizers etc. It's a long story and I won't bore you with all the details.
I contacted my County Agent with the Penna. Dept. of Agriculture. He is now a little better informed regarding what he should be doing to earn his check. What would we have to do to get farmers to switch to organic methods? He said he is afraid I would hit a brick wall there. You know, I only get more fired up when someone says it can't be done. I got online and found tons of ways this mill could be a real asset to the community dealing with organic food.
I can't believe there aren't any young farmers out there who would jump at the chance to modernize and get into Niche Farming. I found all kinds of websites telling how other states are dealing with changing how farmers think about their small farms. There is actually lots of training available to help them make the transition if they only knew about it. I stand to gain nothing from all this other than the satisfaction of saving a dying industry. That's pretty big in my book. I can see the mill buying organically grown grains and producing feeds that would feed animals that would end up being sold to customers interested in eating healthy, organic meat. They could sell all sorts of food items to customers interested in living a healthier life style. The manure from these animals could produce methane gas to heat their homes and fuel their tractors and trucks. The mill is centrally located along Rt. 94 and within easy driving distance of Carlisle, Camp Hill, Harrisburg, York, Hanover, Gettysburg and beyond.
I would love to see someone with an eye to the future buy it and turn this little community into a haven for progressive thinkers. The magazine 'Mary Janes Farm' http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/ that is publishing the story I submitted, sent me a box of wonderful organic dehydrated foods this week. Mary Janes Farm, in Moscow, Idaho has done just that with her incredible vision. Why can't someone do that with this old mill. It isn't pretty, YET, but it is a working feed mill in great condition just waiting to be discovered by someone with some money and some fresh ideas. Talk to me. I will help in any way I can.
What bothers me most, is thinking it will be sold and torn down and replaced by yet another car lot. What a waste!
When I was getting my chick starter last week I told the owner I was going to think about this and try to find a buyer who would keep the mill in service. She laughed and said '"you go Prudence". I know she thought I was crazy. Well, think about it I did, and I contacted Rodale Institute about enlisting their help thinking of a use for it that would reach more of our community than just the farmers. I told them I thought if I could get some of the farmers in our area to start farming organically, the mill could be used to produce and sell organic animal food to them and others. They wrote back and gave me the number of a man who is doing just that in Lancaster County. He has a huge business dealing in organic feeds, fertilizers etc. It's a long story and I won't bore you with all the details.
I contacted my County Agent with the Penna. Dept. of Agriculture. He is now a little better informed regarding what he should be doing to earn his check. What would we have to do to get farmers to switch to organic methods? He said he is afraid I would hit a brick wall there. You know, I only get more fired up when someone says it can't be done. I got online and found tons of ways this mill could be a real asset to the community dealing with organic food.
I can't believe there aren't any young farmers out there who would jump at the chance to modernize and get into Niche Farming. I found all kinds of websites telling how other states are dealing with changing how farmers think about their small farms. There is actually lots of training available to help them make the transition if they only knew about it. I stand to gain nothing from all this other than the satisfaction of saving a dying industry. That's pretty big in my book. I can see the mill buying organically grown grains and producing feeds that would feed animals that would end up being sold to customers interested in eating healthy, organic meat. They could sell all sorts of food items to customers interested in living a healthier life style. The manure from these animals could produce methane gas to heat their homes and fuel their tractors and trucks. The mill is centrally located along Rt. 94 and within easy driving distance of Carlisle, Camp Hill, Harrisburg, York, Hanover, Gettysburg and beyond.
I would love to see someone with an eye to the future buy it and turn this little community into a haven for progressive thinkers. The magazine 'Mary Janes Farm' http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/ that is publishing the story I submitted, sent me a box of wonderful organic dehydrated foods this week. Mary Janes Farm, in Moscow, Idaho has done just that with her incredible vision. Why can't someone do that with this old mill. It isn't pretty, YET, but it is a working feed mill in great condition just waiting to be discovered by someone with some money and some fresh ideas. Talk to me. I will help in any way I can.
What bothers me most, is thinking it will be sold and torn down and replaced by yet another car lot. What a waste!
posted by Prudence at 4:43 PM
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