MONROE - Tony and Dela Ends, owners of Scotch Hill Farm near Brodhead, could teach the nation how to grow organic food.
The Ends are one of three families from Wisconsin who have been recommended as White House farmer, if President Barack Obama decides to create the position.
There have been 27 farm families nominated for the position of White House farmer from farms across the United States, including nine from Illinois and two from Iowa. Steve Haak of the Haak Family Farms in Belleville is among the Wisconsin nominees.
The Ends have owned and operated their farm at 910 Scotch Hill Road just east of Brodhead for 15 years, Dela Ends said.
The farm, according to its Web site, scotchhillfarm.com, grows foods without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; enhances soil fertility and maintains water quality; and trains students and other small family farmers in organic agriculture.
Ends said the idea to have the Obama family plant an organic garden on the White House grounds for the first family and local food pantries will help others see the value of organic farming.
"The program is based on the idea that the White House should set an example about healthy eating," Ends said.
The idea for a White House farmer was started last year by the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training.
"The plan was to suggest to the president-elect, whoever it was going to be, to consider an organic garden at the White House," she said.
Ends said the demand for organic foods has continued to grow over the years as more and more people try to find healthier eating habits. The affect of healthy eating can be far-reaching, she said.
"Eating healthier helps keep health care costs down, too."
Voting for the nominees for the White House farmer position continues until Jan. 31. The top three vote-getters will be recommended to the president for the job.
To vote for Scotch Hill Farm, visit www.whitehousefarmer.com.
The Ends are one of three families from Wisconsin who have been recommended as White House farmer, if President Barack Obama decides to create the position.
There have been 27 farm families nominated for the position of White House farmer from farms across the United States, including nine from Illinois and two from Iowa. Steve Haak of the Haak Family Farms in Belleville is among the Wisconsin nominees.
The Ends have owned and operated their farm at 910 Scotch Hill Road just east of Brodhead for 15 years, Dela Ends said.
The farm, according to its Web site, scotchhillfarm.com, grows foods without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; enhances soil fertility and maintains water quality; and trains students and other small family farmers in organic agriculture.
Ends said the idea to have the Obama family plant an organic garden on the White House grounds for the first family and local food pantries will help others see the value of organic farming.
"The program is based on the idea that the White House should set an example about healthy eating," Ends said.
The idea for a White House farmer was started last year by the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training.
"The plan was to suggest to the president-elect, whoever it was going to be, to consider an organic garden at the White House," she said.
Ends said the demand for organic foods has continued to grow over the years as more and more people try to find healthier eating habits. The affect of healthy eating can be far-reaching, she said.
"Eating healthier helps keep health care costs down, too."
Voting for the nominees for the White House farmer position continues until Jan. 31. The top three vote-getters will be recommended to the president for the job.
To vote for Scotch Hill Farm, visit www.whitehousefarmer.com.