The True Value of Backyard Chickens

BRENT WILLS

We all need connection to the natural world around us. One of the easiest ways to do your small part to live a life more connected to natural systems and their rhythm is to raise chickens.

Come learn why having backyard chickens is a great way to foster and maintain some balance with the world–whether you are on 100 acre farm or a half-acre homestead.

We will discuss the many rewards that a properly managed backyard flock brings to your home, including using manure & bedding for compost; rehabilitating overgrown areas; improved soil health and biological diversity; egg & meat production; income generation and the recycling of food waste are just part of the overall value that backyard chickens provide. Get first-hand consultation on everything from how to start your own flock to management advice on feeds, seeds and breeds so that you can actually enjoy raising chickens and do it for the long haul.

Bio:

Brent Wills has been involved in regenerative agricultural systems and conservation for 25 years and is the owner of Wills Soil & Stream in Montvale, Virginia, providing ecological land management services for farmers and land managers in the mid-Atlantic region.

Since 2004, Brent and his family have operated Bramble Hollow Farm in the mountains of Bedford County, Virginia, and use managed livestock rotations, composts and other soil-building techniques to diversify their pasture-based operation where they specialize in the production of heritage breeds of pigs and poultry, including farm-hatched heritage birds for laying flocks as well as meat birds.

Brent serves as President on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association for Biological Farming, promoting soil health, resilient farming practices and the production of nutrient-dense and ecologically-friendly food.