There's always something new on the farm!
It's full summer up in the mountains...the air is fresh and clean, just a hint of cool in the evening. The grass is green and blackberries are lush -- perfect grazing for alpacas!
Welcome to ,y farm..............it's still a work in process and dream come to life. We're located in the Northern Sierra Nevada foothills of California in the small hamlet of Challenge, and sharing space with the Challenge Workcenter - a Forest Service Fire Station. At Violet Hill Farm, you'll find alpacas, chickens, bees, fruits & vegetables as well as education and support for your small farm endeavor and sustainable living. My location is perfectly suited for easy access to the richness of the Sacramento Valley and the National Forest.
My philosophy is simple - live lightly and in harmony with the land, and the land will reward you. I subscribe to full circle production where our animals live off the goodness of the land plus what I supplement, and in return I feed the land - the soil - the by-products of my animals. I practice composting and natural soil amendment using alpaca fiber and manure, my chickens free range, and my bees forage from the adjacent forest and fields.
I am a landscape architect by training, so I have exposure and experience with various aspects of the science of landscape design, landscape ecology and various elements of horticulture. I've worked in the production nursery trade, in the floral and landscape design industry and in land development. I have 20+ years experience in design. At present, I work for the Forest Service managing the recreation, land uses and public information programs at my local level. My new focus is on sustainable use of the forest with an eye toward local economies of scale.
But as you can see, I'm somewhat of a renaissance person - a jack of many trades and eager consumer of knowledge. I offer visitors to Challenge and my farm, the opportunity to share myexperience and the benefits of sustainable living through purchase of my animals, animal services, finished products, and my classes & demonstrations. If you're interested in information
If you're interested in reviewing some of the information I've gathered through my own research and that of others, please check out my following pages, and feel free to visit any time.
On this site, I'll continue to share the information we've gathered and researched regarding sustainable agricultural practices, hobby farming, organic gardening and animal husbandry, as well as specific crafts related to local production.
Deb Schoenberg
Come see why I love it here...............
Contact me:
Violet Hill Farm
PO Box 32
Challenge, CA 95925
530.675.3661
info@violethillfarm.co
