| Don and Heather Minto of Watson Farm
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 Don and Heather Minto are the exclusive producers of 100% grass fed beef and lamb at the Coastal Growers’ Market where they are known as Conanicut Island Grass Fed Beef and Lamb, or, the Watson Farmers. They have been farming together since 1970 when Don was majoring in Plant and Soil Science and Heather in Historic Textiles and Museum Education at URI. They made a commitment to each other to pursue their dream of living a lifestyle that made sense, on the land in a natural manner, and began by cutting their teeth on a 10 acre homestead, raising an acre of vegetables, chickens, a dairy goat herd, and a few hogs. They leased a 113 acre farm for several years until reaching the "promised land" when they were chosen by Historic New England in 1980 to manage the newly preserved 265 acre Watson Farm in Jamestown. The responsibility and opportunity to work this land has been an energizing and satisfying experience for Heather and Don and their daughters, Kristin, Melissa, and Cassie, all born and raised on the farm.
30 years later they have balanced life on a sustainable working farm with
the development of educational tours, events and programs at Watson Farm, while also providing public access to this extensive working landscape. Reconnecting folks to the land has been a constant theme for the Mintos while raising awareness of the importance of rebuilding the decaying agricultural system in RI: practices of intensive grazing management, foliar application of organic nutrients, and attention to providing trace minerals to soil, plant, and animal to build soil life are key components of the sustainable system evolved by the Mintos at Watson Farm.
Their mission continues to be producing the highest quality, nutrient dense, tender, tasty and 100% grass fed beef for the local market from their herd of heritage Red Devon Cattle. They also raise about 60 Romney Cross Ewes for wool for their Conanicut Island Wool blankets and Rhody Warm Blankets, also available at the market.
In honour of upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Heather shares her special recipe for Heather Minto’s Home Cured Corned Beef Dinner as the Mintos are offering a special price on brisket at the next two markets (think of freezing one too.)
Heather and Don will host their annual Sheep Shearing Day on May 8th, noon to 4 p.m. at the Farm, which opens for the summer on June 1 and runs through October 15. Self guided Farm Tours are every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and free for Historic New England members! |
musical foodie fundraising party to celebrate spring and our market because:
