Farming Microbes: Soil, Sunflowers, Microbiomes and Health

Recent discoveries have unveiled a fascinating connection between the soil microbiome and our own. As we continue to prioritize health and wellness, these findings are both encouraging and enlightening, particularly for organic farmers who rely on nature rather than chemicals to cultivate crops, including organic hemp for CBD. It is heartening to witness this research gaining mainstream attention.

The human microbiome is a complex ecosystem comprising millions of microbial communities residing within us, mirroring the microbial diversity found in the soils that nurture our food. A robust and diverse microbiome is increasingly recognized for its potential to shield us from chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, autism, memory loss, and various cancers.

At Mt. Folly, one of Kentucky’s largest organic farms, we understand the vital role of nurturing the soil to, in turn, nourish us. Our farming practices are deeply rooted in this philosophy. We produce vast quantities of compost and compost tea, integrate plants and animals on the same land, cultivate a variety of cover crops, and rotate our planting and harvesting cycles. This year, in our quest for diversity, we introduced sunflowers to our crop rotation—a joyful addition. In the video above, you can see the sunflowers in full bloom and later, from the combine’s seat, our sunflower harvest. Below is a recent photo of me standing amidst a cover crop mixture of six different plants, which we plan to graze before tilling under or roller crimping next spring to enhance soil organic matter.

Hemp, particularly for Homestead Alternatives CBD, is one of our cherished crops at Mt. Folly. My personal experience with CBD, which played a pivotal role in my recovery from a severe horseback riding accident, convinced me of the superior quality of organic hemp grown in nutrient-rich soil compared to its chemically-fed counterparts. The benefits are clear, and the impact is profound. I hope you enjoy the cartoon we created to celebrate the launch of Laura’s Homestead Alternatives CBD, which captures our journey and passion for this remarkable crop.

Our approach to farming is not just about producing high-quality organic products; it’s about fostering a holistic relationship between the land and our health. By feeding the soil naturally, we ensure that the food and crops we produce are of the highest quality, promoting better health outcomes for all who consume them. The burgeoning body of research linking soil health to human health reinforces our commitment to these sustainable farming practices. Together, we can cultivate a healthier future, starting from the ground up.