Date: December 4th 2009

Smith Family Farm Newsletter
December 2009

Friends:

2009 is quickly coming to a close. It amazes me how quickly the year has gone by. The fields are turning golden. Brilliant red berries are developing on the dogwoods--it's so fun to watch the cardinals swoop in and feast on them.

Syronizing with the droping temps, the farm activity begins to slow down and heel in for the winter ahead. It's a period of quiescence that's richly welcomed by our animals--and us! :) As is typical, our laying hens slow in their egg-laying occupation, due to the lack of sunlight. We avoid forcing our hens to lay through the winter via chemical or other means. We feel that this places too much stress on the animal. We believe that everything needs a time of rest every once and a while. Chickens included.

At the end of the year, we like to sit back, possibly in front of the woodstove with a mug of mulled cider, and reflect on the mistakes (and advances) of the prior year. We constantly try to refine and tweak our farming practices to better steward the land and produce a higher-quality product for each one of you. Input from you, our patrons, has been so helpful to us through the years. We greatly appreciate it.

First off, we'd like to thank everyone who braved the rain and the wind back in September to come out and visit us during the PWC Farm tour. Inspite of the adverse weather conditions during the weekend, we had a great turnout. Those in attendence toured the farm, met our animals, and had a great time. Lunch featured our signature meats, locally grown corn, and locally produced ice-cream. Yum! We'd also like to thank the local beekeeping club (The Prince William Regional Beekeepers Association) for bringing an observation hive to the farm for the tour and giving people some great info on the importance of honeybees, and of polinators in general (check them out at: http://pwrbeekeepers.com). All in all, this year's farm tour was a blast! Thanks so much!

The number of farmers markets we're attending has dwindled somewhat, although we're still at a couple. Let me go over the markets we'll be at for the near term:

The Palisades Farmers Market: we'll continue to attend the Palisades market year round on Sundays, from 9am to 1pm. This market takes place at 48th Pl NW @ MacArthur Blvd in Washington, DC. For more information please visit: http://www.palisadesfarmersmarket.com/

The Gainesville Farmers Market: we're attending a new farmers market through the winter. This market will take place on Thursdays from 1pm to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. This new market is located off of Route 29 just south of Gainesville, next to the VDOT yard. If you're headed southbound on 29, the market is on the left just past the traffic light at Sommerset Crossing. Currently, producers are selling seasonal produce, all natural meats and eggs (of course), fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, baked goods, jellies, pickles, and much more! Come see us! If you need detailed directions please visit us online: http://www.beefandhayproducer.com, or give us a call: 571-220-0017.

We still have some really nice, barn kept, chemical free, horse quality hay. Get a bale or two before we run out! We're also having a sale on our cattle/mulch hay, effective immediately. We're selling this year's cattle hay (large square bales) for $10/bale and last year's for $5/bale. This is a major markdown. Be sure to reserve a bale or two! If you're wanting to stock up for the winter, time is running out! If you know anyone that needs cattle hay or mulch hay, now's the time to invest! Call for pricing/availability. Delivery is available.

The farm is always open to visitors every Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. We are open year round, and regularly stock beef and pork items. Poultry items (except for eggs!) are available seasonally. Remember to bring your cooler/ice packs. If you'd like to know if we have an item in stock before you come out, don't hesitate to call.

As always, we'd like to thank each of you for your continued patience, support, and cooperation with us. You're the best! If you have any questions or comments, feel very free to give us a holler!

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

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