Driftwood Farm, Iowa, LA
Driftwood Farm is a 65-acre, family-owned organically run farm in Iowa, Louisiana. The farm is currently owned and operated by Hilery A. Gobert. Hilery’s grandson Terrell J. Mason will join the farm as part owner upon his graduation from Southern University (class of 2026) with a major in soil science. Driftwood Farm specializes in the production of plants that are high in antioxidants, because studies have demonstrated that people whose diets are rich in antioxidants have lower rates of depression, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease. Driftwood Farm currently markets three different products: grass-fed beef and lamb that are raised on mother’s milk, with no added hormones, antibiotics, or steroids; free-range poultry and eggs, which offers a healthier and more ethical alternative to supermarkets; and organically grown vegetables harvested at their peak to achieve a higher nutritional value without the use of pesticides.
The Gobert family practices sustainable permaculture holistic design to help ensure a livable future on our planet. Their farm is an integrated approach to sustainable design for human habitat and food systems that works in harmony with nature. They are trying to create an agriculturally productive ecosystem which will have the diversity, sustainability, and resilience of a natural ecosystem.
Hilery will be using these funds to purchase equipment to work more efficiently on the farm. The goal is to build a diversified farm producing meats, eggs, and vegetables.
The Goberts believe that small farms outperform larger farms in terms of production, environmental care, and care of the soil through greater crop and animal diversity. The future of quality food production is a very urgent issue. Driftwood Farm was created to be sustainable using a holistic whole farm approach. Bringing animals back to the farm and managing them in balance is a very important part of this approach. Driftwood Farm is organic, with very little waste. Using the five principles of soil health, the Goberts have made substantial improvement to their soil health and sustainability. Soil health is crucial to produce healthy, nutrient dense food that is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals while low in sugar, sodium, starches, and bad fats to promote the health of their customers.