We made it home safely from our trip to Washington, D.C.!
Walking in our nation’s capital for three days was beautiful . . . and absolutely exhausting. This farmer is used to walking a few miles a day on soft pasture, not concrete and marble floors. But the sore feet were worth it to meet incredible farmers from across the country and to connect with voices who are passionate about land stewardship, animal welfare, and strong, resilient communities.
We joined more than 200 farmers from across the country to speak up for small family farms, state rights, and fair markets. It was interesting to see people from every background — farmers, consumers, and businesses on either side of the aisle — come together. While we didn’t all agree on every solution, everyone shared the belief that we can do better for the land, the animals, and the communities we serve.
The discussions focused on the EATS Act, a federal proposal that could override state laws like Massachusetts Question 3 or California’s Proposition 12, which ensures pork is raised humanely, with room to move. What struck me most was the diversity of farmers there: organic CSA vegetable growers from Maine advocating for state protections from pesticides, goat farmers from the South seeking ways for small farms to compete with larger companies, large pork producers that converted their facilities to be Prop 12 compliant (and saw direct improvements in their herd health) and even a few mentions of raw milk — which had this dairy girl pretty excited. These voices showed that regardless of farm type or geography, people everywhere want to see farming thrive responsibly and locally.
Joel Salatin reminded us at the event press conference, “The ability of a group to determine its own governance is the foundation of our freedom.” And Trisha Zachman of Feathered Acres, MN said, “Farmers are the original researchers—they’re always doing something different and figuring out what works best for them.” At Great Heritage Farm, we share that hope — and it’s your interest, support, and curiosity that make it possible. Because when people like you care about healthy soils, thriving animals, and resilient farms, small farms have the opportunity to experiment, grow, and sustain our communities.
I’m also excited to share that our family has a big step in the works — a purchase that will help us grow and bring these ideas to a broader audience right here in our community. I can’t wait to share more soon and invite you to be part of it — learning, tasting, and seeing regenerative practices in action. Your support truly helps make these projects possible. Together, I know we can show that good stewardship is good business, and that small family farms can thrive for generations to come.
Thank you for caring, for asking questions, and for helping make this movement possible. The difference being made in our fields, in our animals’ lives, and in the health of our communities is happening because people like you, Mike, are engaged.
With gratitude,
Leah Matzke
I had the honor of meeting Joel Salatin in D.C.! He’s not only incredibly kind, but genuinely passionate about good land stewardship and strong families. During the event press conference he spoke about his pastured pigs at Polyface Farm: “The respect in life creates sacredness in their sacrifice for bacon and pork chops. A nation uninterested in happy pigs…soon loses its moral and ethical framework to honor the Tomness of Tom and Maryness of Mary, or how to ensure happy people.”
Read more about his perspective from the event here: Joel Salatin’s article
