Valley Herbs and Health By Art Nadler Brent Hauver used to be regional sales director for a major computer company in Kansas City, Mo., but when he came down with chronic fatigue syndrome - an illness that left him drained of energy -- he decided to abandon the corporate world for the healthier rural lifestyle of Overton, NV. In 1999, Hauver plowed a half-acre behind his log cabin home and planted vegetables - peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, etc. But unlike traditional farmers, he opted to not use fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, Hauver started a compost pile at one end of his garden. There he put tree leaves, grass trimmings and fruit and vegetable cores from food his family ate.

Within no time, Hauver noticed that earthworms were congregating inside the compost pile. They ate the decaying refuse and created what is known as "black gold," a very nutrient rich natural fertilizer also referred to as earthworm castings. Hauver used this organic mixture, along with seaweed and fish emulsions as fertilizers on his vegetables and fruits. The food grew stronger, tasted better and was healthier because it contained no pesticides or chemicals. Within a short period after eating the organic food, Hauver also noticed that he felt better. His chronic fatigue had disappeared. Convinced that there was a market for organic produce in Nevada, Hauver and two other businessmen - Bill Leavitt and Robert Takhtalian - formed Valley Herbs and Health. The three partners are currently developing 25 acres of land that Leavitt owns into a farm to produce organic fruits and vegetables. "This garden could feed 50 families," Hauver says while peering out over his small garden. "The one on 25 acres will feed thousands." Hauver says he never has to worry about bugs in his organic garden because insects only attack unhealthy plants. He says vegetables and fruits are always healthy because he doesn't use pesticides that rob the soil of nutrients. Farmers today don't grow crops organically because the yield isn't as great as with chemically treated fertilizers and pesticides, Hauver explains. With the majority of fruits and vegetables being chemically grown, the end result is that the earth becomes worn out and void of microorganisms that promote healthy food, Hauver says. "This high-energy farming works with our society." Hauver says. "It's fast and quick, but the food isn't very healthy. It takes more patience and more work with organic farming, and it's healthier." Hauver estimates that the 25 acres in Overton will be in full production within two to three years. He says with one crop alone, the farm will be able to produce about 4,600 pounds of tomatoes from 2,300 plants. "We want people to get out of the city and come out to a real old-style farm and taste something they can't taste in a grocery store," Hauver says. "People don't know how to farm in the desert. We want to show them what can be done." For more information, contact: Valley Herbs and Health, 155 W. Thomas,Overton, NV 89404 Phone (702) 397-8632.