Farm Philosophy

Detour Farm comprises 160 acres of riparian habitat and open grassland on the Walla Walla River, about 20 minutes west of Walla Walla, Washington. On 16 acres, we’ve built a house, a barn, and a small cottage. We’ve planted a vegetable garden and fenced pastures. That’s where the domestic animals (including Neal and me) live.

We’ve set aside the rest of the property, or 144 acres, for wildlife. That’s where we’re planting native shrubs, trees and grasses and discouraging human activity.

Some disagree with our approach to conservation. Some say we should set aside all of the acreage for wildlife—that we should be living on a quarter of an acre and promoting wildlife on the rest. Some say we shouldn’t be there at all. Some say we shouldn’t have domestic animals. If we’re going to have them, we shouldn’t breed them. And some say that’s bunk. They think we should be farming and producing food for a starving planet.

All of these folks mean well. We understand their points and they make some good ones. But ultimately Neal and I have to make our own decisions and live with them. That’s what we’re doing.

We believe humans are on this Earth to stay, that our domestic animals deserve a fair shot at good lives, that we should do what we can to encourage and provide for wildlife, and that we can all get along if we stay away from philosophical extremes.

We hope that makes some sense to you.

Detour Farm | Walla Walla, Washington