so, instead of buying land, tractors and a barn, he bought sheep. he also invested in portable electric fencing and water systems that allow him to raise sheep on any pasture in the neighbourhood. rather than spending winter in a barn, his sheep thrive in the outdoors and take shelter in the woods when weather is rough. though this innovative and enthusiastic 30-something chose to raise livestock, he is quick to point out that he is actually a grass farmer.
“my farming vision has been to develop a profitable, perennial, biodiverse agriculture—a regenerative agriculture that converts sunlight into soil,” says maclean. “ruminate animals, like sheep and cattle, are key to this vision. sunlight grows pasture plants, and my sheep convert these plants into meat, wool and manure. it’s the manure that feeds the plants and the soil. when grazing is well managed, ruminants help plants stay vibrant and healthy.” to give the pastures time to fully recover, he moves his flock to new grass every day.
he tells me, only half-jokingly, that he finally gave in and accepted that he needed to become a farmer. “this drive to start a business in a really challenging, risky industry that has ridiculous capital and overhead requirements and modest margins, that sounds great,” he says, laughing. it seems that acknowledging the challenges inherent in pursuing life as a farmer is prudent to one’s self-preservation.