Date: July 16th 2009

Smith Family Farm Newsletter
July 2009

Friends:

Summer is now in full swing at Smith Family Farm. As is typical of the summer months in Virginia, the weather is beautiful, the grass is growing, and the animals are thriving. After implementing a rotational grazing system here on the farm, we've noticed some very positive changes. The grass grows taller and healthier, shading the ground, helping to retain moisture in the soil. The topsoil is deeper. And we've seen an explosion of grassland habitats, and native insect and bird populations. It's truly wonderful to see and experience firsthand.

Speaking of rotational grazing -- a popular item on our menu has been our pastured chicken -- and they're selling out every week, so be sure to reserve yours! Likewise, our pullets (a young female chicken) are maturing wonderfully.

Haymaking season is upon us as well. There's plenty of chemical-free horse-quality hay to go around! Feel free to inquire about the specifics (grass types and blends, prices, etc). Delivery is available.

We have a couple news items that need to be addressed, so let's take care of those ASAP. First off, we'll be leaving the Heritage Hunt Farmers Market (The Marque at Heritage Hunt, Gainesville, VA) indefinitely. Second, we'll be doing two new farmers markets, effective immediately (very excited!).

The first new market we'll be attending is the Crystal City Farmers Market. This market is located in the 1800 Block of Crystal Dr (along the sidewalk of Crystal Drive between 18th and 20th streets). We'll be there on Tuesdays from 3PM-7PM. Approximate address: 1850 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202. More info: http://www.crystalcity.org/events/473/Farmers'-Market

The second new market is located at the Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville, VA (near Nissan Pavilion). We'll be at this market on Fridays from 3PM-7PM. Approximate address: 6895 Wellington Road, Gainesville, VA 20156. Garden Center phone: 703-368-1919. Other vendors will be selling coffee, fresh produce, pastries, pies, cookies, canned goods, salsa, baskets, and so much more!

Our fledgling home goods and canning endeavor (Hog Branch Cannery) is taking off, and we're selling out each week. Check it out online for more info:

http://www.beefandhayproducer.com/hogbranchcannery.

We're working really hard on the on-farm store and it's coming along great! Please keep in mind that the farm is open to visitors every Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. You are more than welcome to come any other day of the week--we just ask that you call beforehand to make sure someone is there to assist you. Bring a cooler!

As always, if you have questions, comments, or concerns (or special requests!) we encourage you to contact us at any time. Again, we sincerely thank you for your continued patronage.

See you soon!

Leigh Smith
Smith Family Farm
5770 Artemus Road
Gainesville, VA 20155
Cell: 571-220-0017
http://beefandhayproducer.com

No Farms No Food

PS - Be sure to follow us on twitter:

http://twitter.com/smithfamilyfarm/