Karen

Raising kids on the farm

Raising kids and running a farm at the same time can feel a bit overwhelming at times. I often feel pulled in so many directions I forget to take the time to appreciate the beauty of both. But kids have a delightful way of bringing me back to the joy of it all. Ella wasContinue reading “Raising kids on the farm”

Winter Planning

Folks often ask me if I’m enjoying all my time off from farming in the winter. I try not to laugh too hard. While it’s true the pace is a little slower, my days are still full of farm work. Turns out the animals want to be fed all year, not just in spring andContinue reading “Winter Planning”

Orchard Raising

Last winter we had a company come and clear two areas on the farm that were overgrown in invasive trees and brambles. One was a half-acre or so area that had been my grandparents garden/orchard many years ago. Years of neglect due to illness, allowed the area to become overgrown and begin to re-forestContinue reading “Orchard Raising”

A Day at Heart & Bones Hollow

One of the beauties and challenges of farm life is that you never really know what each day will bring. Between escaping critters, rogue chickens in the garden, unexpected weather events or human crises of one sort or another, something is always threatening to derail my best laid plans for the day. Still, most daysContinue reading “A Day at Heart & Bones Hollow”

Sowing Seeds

If you’ve read our Meet Your Farmers page, then you know that I went to seminary some years ago and have served in a number of ministries before coming to the farm. When we moved here I thought I was finished with that part of my life. Well, you know what they say aboutContinue reading “Sowing Seeds”

My Favortie Unusual Veggies

I love tomatoes. They’re what got me into farming. I love the smell of the new starts when they just begin to leaf out in the greenhouse. I love watching the flowers turn to fruits and then swell with growth till that first flush of color announces their impending ripeness. And that first tomato isContinue reading “My Favortie Unusual Veggies”

Market Schedule

Farmer’s Market season starts this weekend and, despite the forecasted snow, we are excited to get to market and see all our friends and customers again. This year we are alternating Saturdays between the Scottsville Farmer’s Market and the City Market in Charlottesville. Our full schedule for the season is listed below, but we’ll alsoContinue reading “Market Schedule”

Pork Shares

We are excited to begin offering pork shares for our customers who want to stock their freezers with lots of tasty pork. Shares are an opportunity to get our pork at a reduced rate compared to buying retail from us at market. Plus, you get to choose how your half or whole pig is cutContinue reading “Pork Shares”

Kids

Kidding season is here and we’ve been blessed with all does! Twins from one doe and triplets from the other. We have one more doe who *might* be pregnant, but not due for another month or so. Unfortunately, one of the kids was killed by a dog, leaving us with four. Farming is heart wrenchingContinue reading “Kids”

Why Certified Naturally Grown

From the beginning we have been committed to growing as naturally as possible with limited inputs and a focus on sustainable methods. Folks at the market ask all the time if we are certified organic and the answer is always a mouthful because using the word “organic” is controlled by the USDA. In the shortContinue reading “Why Certified Naturally Grown”