BY PAM DELANY
In the quiet expanse of Wittmann, Arizona, Duane and Lori Hebert have transformed six acres of bare desert soil into the Edge of Nowhere Farm — a vibrant example of regenerative agriculture and thoughtful permaculture practices. Established in 2014 and relocated to their current property in 2019, the farm demonstrates the abundant potential of sustainable farming in Arizona’s harsh conditions.
When Duane and Lori began their journey, they envisioned more than just cultivating crops; they aimed to build a balanced ecosystem uniquely suited to the desert.
“We want it to be as appropriate as it can be for Arizona,” Duane explained. “We try to focus on things that we know, with some TLC, will thrive.”
Everything on the farm produces something of value — whether it be shade, pest management, nutrients for the soil, or food for humans or other animals.
The hot, arid climate poses challenges for growers, but the Heberts meet these demands by cultivating resilient crops such as sweet potatoes, cowpeas, peppers, and tepary beans. Native to the Sonoran Desert, tepary beans thrive during the monsoon and are now a staple for the Heberts.
“Between the tepary beans and cow peas, we get a great harvest each year,” Lori said.
The Heberts’ work soon transformed the arid landscape into an orchard flourishing with more than 180 fruiting trees, vines, and shrubs, including figs, pears, apples, grapes, citrus, and uniquely desert- adapted jujubes. Lori describes jujubes as crisp, subtly sweet fruits reminiscent of dried apples.
Integral to their approach is thoughtful water management. Water, sourced from the Hassayampa Sub-Basin aquifer, is meticulously timed to irrigate crops. Passive rainwater catchment systems efficiently channel rainfall directly to the orchards and gardens.
Lori further explained the critical role compost plays, noting, “We compost chicken, duck, and turkey manure for nitrogen. Pig manure nourishes our fruit trees.”
The farm’s animals are carefully integrated into this regenerative system. Their family of dogs and cats provides protection and pest control. Livestock includes chickens, geese, ducks, pigs, goats, and turkeys. Newly added guinea fowl will eventually mature and become efficient pest controllers, skillfully hunting snakes and insects. A recently constructed pole barn provides shelter and an automatic water system for livestock. Lori described the barn’s addition as essential, offering shade, comfort, and ease of maintenance.
Turkeys are an especially successful element of the farm. Currently, around sixty rapidly growing turkey poults (baby turkeys) occupy the farm’s brooder and will soon be ready to move outdoors. Demand is high.
“Our advance turkey orders usually sell out by winter, months ahead of the next Thanksgiving,” Lori noted. Alongside cultivated crops and livestock, wildlife contributes to the biodiversity of the Edge of Nowhere Farm, symbolized best by Rocky and Rockette, the farm’s resident roadrunners. These birds arrived on their own, quickly becoming indispensable for natural pest control.
“Rocky wasn’t here before. Now he pretty much lives here,” Duane remarked, highlighting how native wildlife plays an essential role in maintaining the farm’s ecological balance.
The Heberts’ influence reaches beyond their land. Seeing a growing interest in small-scale farming, Duane and Lori offer consulting services to others looking to establish sustainable practices. Their YouTube channel shares practical lessons on crop selection, livestock care, irrigation strategies, and ecosystem creation.
“It’s rewarding when people realize they can successfully grow their food right here in the desert,” Lori reflected.
Community engagement is another cornerstone of their mission. The farm hosts seasonal tours and hands-on workshops, including a popular chicken- processing class each fall. These sessions attract a diverse group of participants, eager to learn about and engage in sustainable, ethical food production.
Their focus on small-scale farming and selling to a small circle of customers underscores their commitment to personal relationships cultivated through direct sales, farm visits, and pre-orders.
Looking ahead, the Heberts plan to diversify livestock with sheep and possibly introduce cattle finishing. Their choice to keep operations small remains deliberate.
“We intentionally keep things manageable to ensure the farm stays healthy,” Duane said.
Relationships are central, with many customers being neighbors or regular YouTube viewers. Edge of Nowhere Farm’s holistic model offers more than just sustainable produce and meat; it embodies a regenerative farming approach deeply attuned to its surroundings. Here, human care and nature’s contributions, such as Rocky and Rockette, harmoniously coexist, proving that thriving agriculture and biodiversity are possible even under the harshest desert conditions.
As Duane and Lori regularly remind visitors to their YouTube channel, “If we can farm on the edge of nowhere, so can you.”
