Going back generations it can be widely agreed upon that if there is one family farm in Webster Township who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to a high level of Conservation, it would be the Whitney Family. In fact, in the year 2002, Gilbert Whitney was named the Washtenaw County Conservation Farmer of the year for his outstanding efforts. While the operation has evolved over the years, the ethic of conservation that was practiced on the farm by Gilbert remains the guiding principle of todays generation of Whitney Farmers, Matthew Haarklou and Malaika Whitney. This practice of conservation on the farm has carried on in such a strong manner, that 19 years later, the Washtenaw County Conservation District is thrilled to have the privilege to name Matthew and Malaika the 2021 Small/Beginning Conservation Farmers of the year. Pictured right is Gilbert Whitney on the Cover of the 2002 edition of the Conservation Districts ”Conservation Update,” accepting his award for Conservation Farmer of the Year.”
Located in Webster township at the corner of Jennings and Farrell Road, Whitney Farmstead LLC., has become a model farm when it comes to conservation and rotational grazing. All herds of animals are managed on pasture, with the practice of rotational grazing guiding the way. The business model is unique.
Malaika decided to attend a small agriculture college in Craftsbury Common, Vermont. Her goal was to come up with a business model for the farm for when she returns. Not only did Malaika craft a unique vision for the farm, but she also met her husband Matthew Haarklou, who has been instrumental in the success of the farm. Simply taking a stroll around the farm, it is nearly impossible to not take note of the attention to detail and extraordinary effort put forth by both Matthew and Malaika in making their vision from college a reality. Animal herds are clearly managed in a manner that sets the bar for how to successfully use rotational grazing, and the craftsmanship of the buildings constructed by hand by the Whitney’s is second to none. Pictured above are Matthew and Malaika, with their dog Asher, and some cows visiting in the background.
When it comes to farming and conservation on the farm, it is pretty simple. Working with nature is the mantra, and that is exactly why rotational grazing is such a focal point of the operation. In working with nature, conservation comes naturally. Historically, cattle and other ruminants would roam from pasture to pasture. They would eat the grass that was there, then move on to a new area. In the meantime, the pasture they had previously left, will then regrow, just in time for that group of livestock to return. This system is mimicked and adapted throughout all aspects of the farm. Rotational Grazing is based off this pattern, and that is exactly how animals are raised on the farm.
The excellence demonstrated on the farm was taken note of by the Conservation Technician at the Conservation District. The Whitney’s are now enrolled in the Conservation Stewardship Program. This program is designed to take producers who have already demonstrated high levels of environmental stewardship, and work with that producer to take that conservation to the next level. Naturally this was an ideal fit, and the Conservation District is thrilled to have the chance to work with them.
There is no better candidate for this award, and the fact that conservation has been a consistent principle on the Whitney Farm for multiple generations, makes this award even more fitting. Generations ago it was the Whitney Family who set the bar for conservation, and the standard of excellence has been met and exceeded every year, thanks to the hard work and commitment of Matthew and Malaika.