Stokes Township farmer hopes to spread permaculture philosophy
Phil and Hannah Wischmeyer pose for a photo. Mr. Wischmeyer, a local farmer, practices permaculture — a way of developing sustainable agriculture ecosystems. EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES)
A perfect day for Philip Wischmeyer might start with a trip through the yard to check on the grazing goats and cattle.
A quick stop by the hen house to gather eggs, snagging low-hanging fruit from the trees and bushes on the way and clipping a few herbs that can be used to flavor the morning meal, cooked in the comfort of a self-cooling straw bale home.
The late morning would likely include work in the shed out back where savory and medicinal mushrooms grow in abundance. Meanwhile, his wife Hannah and children, Boone and Florence, might be in the house baking the pretzels and breads that are in high demand among local restaurateurs.
The young Stokes Township farmer is promoting a way of life known as permaculture — a term that originated in the 1970s by blending permanent and agriculture and refers to the development of agriculture ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
Pick up a copy of Saturday’s Examiner for the full story.