Snowy Field Trip

Company came! A consortium of students from Wake Forest University's Divinity School (and its partner schools across the East Coast) paid a visit to MFF to learn about the work we do to promote small family farms in the county. The tour was part of a week long stay in Western North Carolina where the students and leaders visit various non-profits, churches, social justice groups and more to learn about the ongoing efforts to sustain our communities. They were full of questions about MFF, which is flattering to say the least.

After I quit my yapping about local foods and economic development, we sat down to a fine meal cooked by Dewain Mackey (locally produced meats and veggies, of course) and learned more about Cooperative Extension with help from Ross Young, Director, and David Kendall, an Extension Agent. Next, we traveled to East Fork Farm to see a masterful operation run by Steve + Dawn Robertson's family. Sam was at the top of the drive, ready to greet us all with gentle nudges (despite his ferocious guard dog status). Here's Sam:

Sam barks all night to protect his pals

Although the Robertson's two guard dogs and two house dogs were quite the attention-getters, Steve was an excellent host to our group of 30, describing their operations from frustrations to success stories with everything in between. They sell an enormous amount of lamb throughout Madison County and Asheville (restaurants and tailgate markets) as well as throughout the Southeast (look for it at your local Earth Fare and Greenlife Grocery). They've trailblazed on marketing their high-quality meats and, hopefully, it's paid off for them.

Sheep - old and young alike - huddle up away from the snow

(with their chicken friends and guard dog Sally)

But I can't overlook their other enterprising operations: rabbits (no pictures, on account of they are too cute to imagine for...you know...a dinner plate), chickens and their for real free range eggs (as opposed to some you find in the grocery), and their brand spanking new cabin for visitors (agritourism, y'all!). These folks have diversified and our out-of-town guests were awestruck by all that the Robertsons have accomplished in their 13 years farming in Madison County.

This chicken, after snacking on dog food,
greeted most of us with pecks on the calves + shoes