Improving soil health and animal welfare are the aim of Air2Ground Farms
SQUIRES, MO. – Rich McGlamory, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and his wife, Shelley, transitioned from military life to a new endeavor focused on health and sustainability. In response to growing interest in self-sufficiency amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, they founded Air2Ground Farms in the Ozarks.
“We started clean eating and then the pandemic hit,” Shelley said. “We saw how many people lacked a sense of security when it came to food.”
Spanning 160 acres, Air2Ground Farms serves as an example of regenerative farming practices, aimed at improving soil health and animal welfare.
At the core of their operation lies a commitment to ensuring optimal outcomes for both the land and its inhabitants.
“We apply the principles of regenerative agriculture the best we can,” Rich added.
The farm boasts approximately 300 animals, carefully selected for their genetics and suitability to the environment. The beef herd consists of 26 Devon cattle, chosen for their robust “grass genetics” and maternal instincts. Cattle are fed local hay and provided with free-choice minerals and salt, ensuring their nutritional needs are met.
In addition, Air2Ground Farms sources its pure heritage breed Berkshire feeder pigs from Ozarks Heritage Farm, totaling eight pigs. These pigs are raised on non-GMO feed and spend their days in silvopastures, where they are hand-fed twice daily. This approach promotes biodiversity and soil health.
The poultry flock at Air2Ground Farms is comprised of 80 layer chickens and 20 layer ducks, and all receive non-GMO feed from the day they arrive on the farm.
“We had a total of 300 processed chickens last year,” Shelley said. “This year it’s closer to 600.”
The sheep flock, consisting of 69 ewes and two rams, is made up of Katahdin hair sheep, chosen for their ability to shed their own wool. These animals graze on pastures supplemented with non-GMO sheep ration when necessary.
All beef, pork, and lamb from Air2Ground Farms undergo USDA inspection, allowing for shipment throughout the contiguous United States. Beyond the production process, Air2Ground Farms places a strong emphasis on health protocols.
The beef herd receives basic vaccines for diseases like tetanus and blackleg, and rather than deworming, rotational grazing is employed as a form of parasite management.
The sheep receive vaccinations as well, but the farm’s swine and poultry are raised free of preemptive vaccines or pharmaceuticals.
The farm has established a strong online presence through its website, social media channels, podcast, and blog. Additionally, they offer merchandise featuring their brand logo. Interestingly, the McGlamorys note that word-of-mouth remains the most effective form of marketing for Air2Ground Farms.
In the Ozarks, Air2Ground Farms serves as a beacon of innovation in the agricultural landscape. The McGlamorys have created a model for sustainable and efficient farming that not only nourishes the land, but enriches the lives of those it touches.
“It’s very important to us to be sustainable and live in tandem with the land,” Rich said. “We want others to be able to do the same.”
