Farmer Spotlight: Williams Valley Family Farm
Local producers are the life blood of Marlene’s Market & Deli. This month, we are proud to be able to connect with Dwayne and Susan Heatwole, owners and operators of Williams Valley Family Farm. Their raw milk and pasture egg farm is near Spokane, in Clayton, Washington.
How did you become involved in farming?
I grew up on a commercial dairy, but never had the desire to be a “commercial” dairyman. I ventured into other agricultural interests including fertile hatching egg production, growing hay and grain, and raising grass-fed beef. In grass-fed beef production I learned a lot about the health benefits of grass-feeding. As our boys grew old enough to help, we took the opportunity to start a small family dairy with the interest of producing milk for our own use, as well as neighbors and friends. This venture has grown into the center piece of our operation.
Would you tell us about your cows?
We currently have 22 milk cows plus heifers. All of these cows have been purchased from one farm in the region which is certified organic. They are all jersey or jersey cross cows and have all been sired by A2A2 bulls. We test them for the A2A2 gene. These cows are high protein and fat producers, which gives their milk its rich and creamy texture. We are making progress toward being 100% A2A2, but that is a journey that takes years of genetic selection. We look forward to the day when we can say we have arrived!
They are allowed to graze during the grazing season and are fed grass, alfalfa/clover hay and silage, as well as sprouted barley, which is called fodder, during times when pasture is not available. Fodder is a very nutritious green grass that can be fed year-round since we grow it in a controlled environment. They also have free choice access to sea salt which has 90 trace minerals, as well as kelp meal and dynamin, which is a colloidal clay. While they are being milked, they are offered a small portion of rolled barley, perhaps 2-3 pounds per day. That is all the grain that they get.
What sets small family farms, like
yours, apart from large commercial
farms?
Instead of hiring laborers who often do not care how things are done, we do the chores as a family, realizing that the quality of our product is directly connected to our success and livelihood. Also, there is a huge difference in animal husbandry. I get to see each individual cow on a daily basis and can tell by the look in her eyes how she is feeling. The cows get to act like cows. Instead of thousands of cows standing around in crowded feed lots waiting on their feed, they are allowed access to fresh green pasture during the growing season.
What are your thoughts on
creating a healthy food supply?
That is one of our main goals. If it is no better than the commercial competitions, then we might as well quit. We rely heavily on our farm’s production for our own diet, knowing that what we eat has a direct correlation with health and the need, or lack of need, for “healthcare”.
“What a sad commentary on a society’s idea of healthcare when it is considered politically correct to know your physician as your ‘healthcare provider’ and not have the least idea who your farmer is or what he provides!”
-Dwayne Heatwole
Why is the connection between
farmer and consumer so
important?
I like to think of this connection as a trust relationship. You trust me to produce a safe and healthy product. I need to be transparent and do everything possible to maintain your trust. This trust relationship should also be thought of as an accountability. For instance, we are not certified organic, but I do not buy any GMO grain or hay because I know that my customers would not approve.
On the flip side, I trust you to be willing to pay a premium for the time and care invested in a small family operation like ours. If it were not for this willingness on your part we would not survive. We don’t depend on government subsidies – we are counting on you! Thank you for trusting and supporting us!
What is your favorite part operating
Williams Valley Family Farm?
Working together as a family in a business that can be a blessing to others is why I choose to do what I do. To me, it is very rewarding to watch happy cows contentedly grazing or lying down ruminating. And to see happy chickens pecking and scratching around out in the pasture without a care. Then, to realize they are doing just what God created them to do gives me a sense of satisfaction and the feeling that we are in sync with nature and His great design.
