'We need more first-generation farmers'

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Esme Martinson, Josh Pearson and their daughter, Nori, pose as a ewe shows off her lamb at Turner Road Farm near Bayfield, Wisconsin.

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A signed copy of Esme Martinson’s book, ‘Farming In The Dark,’ awaits another reader. The book tells the story of first-generation farmers learning regenerative-agriculture techniques as they start a family farm in far-northern Wisconsin. Visit turnerroadfarm.com for more information.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Josh Pearson and Esme Martinson stand at the door of their farm store at Turner Road Farm.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Ground lamb from Turner Road Farm awaits a customer. What goes into pricing products produced on a small family farm? Read Esme Martinson’s book, ‘Farming In The Dark,’ to learn the answers.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Horses eye the photographer. Each animal on a farm has a story to tell, often many.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Hens enjoy pasture around a chicken tractor. How do the hens learn to associate the tractor with safety? Read ‘Farming In The Dark’ to learn the answers.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

A sign alerts travelers to the location of Turner Road Farm, a stone’s throw from Lake Superior in far-northern Wisconsin.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Josh Pearson unwinds electric fence wire as he moves cattle to fresh pasture.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Cattle grow antsy as they wait for fresh pasture to be prepared.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Josh Pearson feeds a bottle baby. Though some find bottle feeding fun at first, often the novelty wears off through time.

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A flock of sheep lounges on pasture at Turner Road Farm just outside the towns of Red Cliff and Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Ewes eat lush grass and trim lower limbs in the orchard at Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider in the Fruit Loop near Bayfield, Wisconsin. The sheep are from Turner Road Farm. How they find their way back to their home farm is just one of the stories in ‘Farming In The Dark.’

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Jason Maloney For Agri-View

BAYFIELD, Wis. – We often hear stories of adventurers in earlier times who overcame overwhelming odds to accomplish amazing things. Their success was greatly due to the indomitable spirit each possessed that kept them going through the toughest challenges. They answered a higher calling. Learning their stories can provide inspiration to us now.

Jason Maloney mug — Jason Maloney and Red

Jason Maloney from Washburn in northern Wisconsin lives between Lake Superior and the orchards and farms of Bayfield County. The retired soldier and educator grew up on a family farm in Marinette County.