Support FACT’s Humane Farmers
By Harry Rhodes, Executive Director
“Don’t use chemicals. That’s our ethic. That’s what we do because I wouldn’t want to feed my kids food like that. Similar approach to raising animals. We don’t use antibiotics or any funny business at all. We want to make sure they are always getting fresh air, sunshine, and their basic needs, fresh water and plenty of pasture.”
~ Tim Brown, Broadview Farm and Gardens
Over the past 40 years FACT has contributed to a healthier food system by directly supporting thousands of humane animal farmers, and by working diligently to make sure that the meat and poultry we eat is safe and healthy.
We could not have accomplished all that we have without our wide network of supporters. Many have been with FACT since the 1980s. Others have joined recently and are just as dedicated to supporting our critical work.
FACT’s Fund-a-Farmer Grants Program started in 2012. Over the last 10 years we have awarded 521 grants to farms throughout the country, improving the lives of more than 735,000 farm animals. Consider supporting this incredibly important program by making a donation to FACT today.
One of these farms is Broadview Farm and Gardens in Marengo, Illinois, about an hour northwest of Chicago. They received a Fund-a-Farmer grant from FACT this March. The owners, Tim and Delicia Brown, told us about their amazing journey back to health through farming.
In 2008 Tim and Delicia set out from Southern California for the Chicago area. Health was a major reason for this move. At the time Tim weighed over 320 pounds and both were smokers. Over the next five years they decided to go into farming to change their lifestyles and become healthier in body and spirit. They bought their land in Marengo in 2013 and have been living there since 2014.
It really is a family farm, with three generations living on the farm. Tim and Delicia have worked together from year one to make it work. They started with two farmers markets per week, and soon added a local restaurant and local grocer in Rockford, IL. They tenaciously toiled through the first year and then kept at it year after year.
It’s a family farm!
With the Fund-a-Farmer grant from FACT they purchased three new poultry tractors, feeders, waterers, and portable electric fencing. This will enable them to improve soil fertility and scale up their pastured poultry operation.
Tim said, “I think the fact that your organization focuses exclusively on the humane treatment (of animals) is unique. Front and center of what you are doing is focusing on the ethics of the producer.”
He finished on a hopeful note. “The community is growing. In McHenry County we’re seeing another crop of growers... something special is happening. Now people are going in the direction of more local and ethically raised food. They appreciate the quality, the flavor and everything you get out of it.”
FACT is proud to partner with and invest in humane farmers and ranchers throughout the country. We know that animals are treated fairly by these farmers and we all depend on farmers to provide us with good, healthy food.
We couldn’t continue this work without the help of donors. Please support our Humane Farming Program by making a gift of $42, $110, $275, or any amount that is meaningful to you. Your donation will directly underwrite our animal welfare-focused work that helps farmers in good times and bad times, so that they can raise their animals humanely.
Thank you for your loyal commitment to a healthy food system and to the humane treatment of farm animals.