The Farms on the 2012 Page County Grown Tour

Last year I put together a short post about the Page County Grown Farm Tour, and included a few blurbs about the farms that were on the tour.  Thought I’d do the same thing this year – starting with the two farms that weren’t on last year’s tour.

You know, Page County Grown is a great thing for our area…here’s a reminder of the vision statement:  “Page County Grown is thriving family farms driving local food economies and promoting healthy communities where quality farming is a valued heritage and a staple for growth.”

Now about the farms!  First the two newbies:

·          Raise it Right Farm:  This is a 10-acre farmstead in northern Page County.  The family of four started with a small backyard garden, added laying hens and honey bees…progressing to livestock – sheep and goats.  They’re raising much of the food they need to get by, and often have extra.  The enterprise has grown this year and they are raising pastured broilers along with everything else.

·          Survivor Farm:  This is another small farm, located near Lake Arrowhead in Luray.  The family hopes to raise all the fruits and vegetables needed to survive – right on their farm.  The farm is currently growing tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, asparagus, blackberries, and raspberries.  Their products are available in the CSA shares at Public House Produce, and at the Luray-Page Farmers Market.

These PCG members were on last year’s tour.  I am looking forward to seeing them again!

·          Khimaira Farm (9am only): A working dairy and meat goat farm, focused on sustainable agricultural practices.  The family’s home is located just outside of Luray and dates from the Civil War era.  Khimaira is also a popular wedding destination in the Shenandoah Valley.

·          Skyline Premium Meats (10am only):  This farm, located just south of Luray on Business 340, emphasizes humane management and safe handling practices to ensure a consistently high quality product.  Skyline Premium’s approach specifies that no hormones, steroids or other chemical alterations are used; because of this, the beef has earned designation as “A Virginia’s Finest Product.”  

·          Wisteria Farm and Vineyard:  Wisteria is a local vineyard located near Stanley; it is also a working farm with a colorful flock of Romney sheep and free-ranging chickens.   Wisteria’s current wine offerings include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Traminette, Seyval, Merlot, and Norton, as well as a semi-sweet rose blend – Velvet, and a dessert wine – Sweet Daisy.

·          Public House Produce:  This is a family owned and operated farm located about one mile north of Luray.  The farm’s produce is available at the Luray-Page Farmers Market and via their CSA.  Over 80 varieties of fresh produce are offered, along with pasture based, heritage chicken and fresh farm eggs.  Public House’s goal is high quality produce and poultry from a local source you can trust.

·          Paw Paw’s Honey:  This visit also takes place at Public House Produce.  Paw Paw’s Honey is a blend of what is naturally available to the bees in Page County, so there are slight variations in taste and color from bottle to bottle – but the honey is always sweet and good.  Paw Paw’s also raises and sells queen bees and beeswax.

The Page County Grown website is at www.pagecountygrown.com for more information about the farmers and other members. And click the 2011 Farm Tour Label for photo highlights of last year's tour!