We’re in the thick of it here at the farm. With three farmers markets a weekend and our mid-week CSA/farm store open, we hardly get a chance to breathe. Our good friends and loyal customers are always so kind to check in and ask for updates throughout the week, and it’s much appreciated. I try to be honest and not give too sanguine of an answer. In all honesty, we’re in the throws of the “busy season” and we’re doing our best to keep all the balls up in the air.
Between doing paperwork/payroll, farm labor, employee management, landscaping, repairs, pigwiffery, selling/cooking at markets, supply chain management, tent hosting, website updates, contract negotiations, grant reporting, social media marketing, parenting (homeschooling), and … life…. it’s about this time of year that we remember that we need to consciously slow down. It’s time to take a mental break, if not a physical one!
In the evenings, I take walks with the dogs out to the field, with the hopes that I won’t run into a black bear, but also with the hopes that my trusty hounds will scare out the deer and rabbits from the veggie patch, while I close up the gate. On the way back to the farm house, the evening sky is filled with pastel colors, the trees are electrified with sparkling fireflies, and ringing with the song of hundreds of tree frogs. The dogs are happily trotting along on their nightly mission. Even Ham, the cat, will trail behind on our evening walks.
I’ll then go out to the barn and check that we’ve remembered to turn off the greenhouse and barn water hydrants, that the peeps are warm/cool enough in the brooder, and that the chickens are relatively safe from the marauding raccoons. (August is the dog that’s not afraid of take out a raccoon!).
I love to walk back to the house in the dark and see the patio lights on under the awning. I usually take a rest on a rocking chair for a bit, just to listen to the farm sounds. The pigs take awhile to settle down and snort and squonk over who gets the most comfortable spot on the barn floor. The roosters participate in “competition crowing” here and there throughout the night. The tree fogs and katydids kick up a symphony with the an occasional barn owl solo thrown in for good measure
There’s a kitchen toad that likes to come out and wander the patio at night – it’ll let you scratch its cheeks then lean in for more. The dogs lay at my feet, awaiting my next move… which is usually to go inside, kiss the family good night, and finally get some sleep!
A few important notes:
We’ll have bread again! – Mediterra is back on track.
FROZEN whole roasting chickens are available. Roughly 4+ lbs each – $7.50/lb. We raised these chickens on pasture, with Non GMO and soy free feed. We have a limited supply!
July 4th – No events here at the farm. The kids are out of town…. so we’re laying low. We will have a farm party on September 21 – so save the date!
Follow us on TikTok! I’m just learning about making videos…. I promise I won’t make Greg dance or do any “challenges”. But what I do want to focus on is our Farm Club plans and all the fun things that can be explored/learned/created here at the farm for all you folks that want to farm vicariously, or just dabble.
Stay with us! – We’ve got a nice little canvas tent out in our back field. Just far enough from the farm house for privacy – but close enough to enjoy the amenities! We’re sooo close to getting the A-Frame cabin ready for Airbnb listing too – so keep an eye out for a slightly more “posh” experience. It even comes with an outdoor shower!!
Place your order for some farm fresh goodies!
We’re doing a ground pork sale – Get 10 pounds of ground pork for $70. That’s $20 off the total price! Enter Ground24 to get the discount at check out.
Scan the produce section for the veggies that are starting to become abundant!
Important: Ordering Information
Farm pick up to Wednesdays 11 – 7pm. Our farm store is OPEN! Park on the right at the top of the hill and walk over to our farm stand, under the red awning. We’ll have your order ready – as the purple counter.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure you place a minimum order of $30 for delivery.
At the Farmers Grill Stand at Squirrel Hill Market, Sunday – 9 am – 1 pm
Across from Frick Park Market in Point Breeze, this Sunday at 1:45 – 2:00 pm
At the Farmers Grill Stand at Northside Market, Friday 3 – 7 pm
Ligonier Country Market – at the Farmers Grill stand – Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
