We’re Dave and Sylvia Toftness, farmers/owners of Bull Brook Keep. We started farming after full careers in other fields. (Dave: Chiropractor. Sylvia: journalism/public relations) We brought our experiences, skills and perspectives to our farm with the goal of welcoming visitors to our pastures. Every year, we look forward to conversing with individuals and families about their food and wellness journeys.
Dave and I bred, raised and direct-market grass-fed-grass-finished beef for years, using rotation grazing methods that restored the soil while managing our cattle humanely. That type of farming provided a rich foundation for our transition to medicinal permaculture: encouraging the dozens of herbs, weeds, shrubs and trees growing wild across our fields, fence lines, dry ridges and boggy creek banks. Our farm, Bull Brook Keep, is a member of the United Plant Saver’s nationwide Botanical Sanctuary Network.
Which ones? Are some better than others for you? Are all safe? Holistic herbalism is about knowing which plants match best with your specific needs and goals, diet and lifestyle. Join me to begin, or expand, your journey into customized wellness. Set your own path.
We look forward to welcoming you for our Herbal Safaris and Remedy-Making classes through out the year. (Private sessions are available.) Also be on the lookout for delicious special events.
You can also stream/download any of the many dozen podcasts from my Deep Roots Radio broadcasts, produced Saturday mornings, 9:00-9:30AM Central Time, in the studios of WPCA Radio 93/1FM. Enjoy our conversations with farmers and ranchers, cooks and policy makers, lawyers and teachers, scientists and artists, herbalists, and investigative reporters, from all around the country.
Dave Toftness and Sylvia Burgos Toftness
Questions: Contact Sylvia, sylvia@bullbrookkeep.com, sylvia@herbalsafari.com, or 651-238-8525.
A bit more about your guide: As a kid in New York City, I shadowed my grandmother as she gardened. But it wasn’t until I started rotational grazing — moving our cattle from field to field every day — that I became aware of the large variety of plants that annually emerged, fruited and went to seed throughout the year. The amazing thing is that most of these plants also grow in your own backyard.
I began studying medicinal plants seriously about 15 years ago. Now, I’m deep into a Master Herbalist Program at the Midwest School of Herbal Studies (New Brighton, MN). I completed a University of Wisconsin Extension Master Naturalist course. I am a member of the American Herbalist Guild, the American Botanical Council, , the St. Croix Valley Herbalist Guild, and Herbalists Without Boarders.