Judy and Fred Brossy of Barbara Farm have gone beyond simply using organic practices to protect the natural and agricultural landscape. In 2005, they facilitated a conservation agreement with WRLT to preserve nearly 400 acres of prime farmland and wildlife habitat along the Little Wood River near Shoshone. Then in 2007, the Brossy family permanently protected an additional 138 acres of working farmland, rangeland and wide open space. Barbara Farm provides seasonal homes for a number of wildlife species that require sagebrush for survival, including Greater Sage-Grouse. It also ensures that animals can roam freely between the proposed wilderness areas on public land adjacent to Barbara Farm and the Little Wood River. Barbara Farm’s wild denizens include birds of prey, mule deer, songbirds, upland game birds and a variety of small mammals. Prevention of residential development will permit limited grazing to continue, maintain scenic views, support native pollinators, and avoid potential conflicts between different uses on the land. Preserving these farmlands also ensures communities in the Wood River Valley and beyond can continue to enjoy delicious local produce.
