Peggy's Blog

buying from a local farmer

I've recently started looking into buy beef, eggs and chicken directly from a local farmer. Not only will it support my local community but I can choose a farmer that farms in an environmentally responsible way, treats the animals humanely and does not use hormones or antibiotics. 

I found two web sites that were great in helping find local farms and do some research:

eatwellguide.org and savorwisconsin.com

After I did some initial searches based on location and foods I was looking for I contacted the farmers via email or phone to ask about pricing, availability and minimum purchases. I learned that many farmers require you to purchase more beef than I could handle for just my husband and myself. There were other farmers that only offered 1 type of food that I was looking for and I was hoping for a one-stop shop if possible. 

I decided on Prairie Hill Farm located in Palmyra, WI. I called to make an appointment and drove up on a beautiful fall day. The farm owner, Will, was incredibly nice and even took the time to show me around his farm, teach me a bit about rotational grazing methods and how he raises his chickens and turkeys. I was confident that I chose the right farmer to buy from.

 As with all things in the 'good food' category I bought more than I intended (the same happens during peach and blueberry season) but am very happy with my purchase of 25 pounds of assorted beef, 4 chickens, 1 turkey and 4 dozen eggs. I look forward to going back regularly.

Have any of you bought from a local farmer? How did you go about your search and what criteria were important to you? What is the name of the farm and where is it located? 

Thanks for reading--

cozykitchen 

Published May 07 2008, 01:09 PM by Peggy | [Edit Post]
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Comments

 

CabinDreamer72 said:

Hi..I live just over the boarder of IL /Wis

Have you looked at localharvest website

March 24, 2008 8:29 PM
 

Peggy said:

Yes, I have been on the localharvest.org site. That's a great site, isn't it? There are so many resources out there right now that make it easy to find what you are looking for.

It's nice that many of these sites even offer search options that narrow down the results based on what is important to you whether it be organic, hormone-free, heritage breed, pasture raised, grass fed, etc. It really gives people the tools they need to make informed food choices based on their priorities.

May 7, 2008 1:15 PM
 

greatgramma06 said:

peggy good for you,my son raises Highland cattle and they only eat grass(hay in winter)from their farm.I've read grass fed animals have the same omega oil as fish. If you aren't used to eating grass fed animals,soak the meat in milk for an hour,it worked for venison. We will soon raise our own meat chickens too.So much better for you. My husband is thinking of a dairy goat too(just for him).We live in ny,near syr. bye,sharon

May 9, 2008 1:52 PM
 

Peggy said:

Sharon,

Sounds like you have a fantastic supply of local food; you are very lucky. I'd like to raise my own laying hens but don't know much about it.

I did take a class about raising chickens at a wonderful farming and research education center that I'm fortunate enough to live near - Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, WI:

www.michaelfieldsaginst.org. They offer short workshops and internship-type programs as well.

I learned a lot about raising hens but I still feel like I have more to learn before I could get started.

May 12, 2008 8:19 AM

About Peggy

I'm a registered dietitian and Food Editor of Taste of Home Healthy Cooking magazine.

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