July 2010
13 posts
5 tags
Thanksgiving Preparation Starts in July
“This is what’s left of an operation that used to grow close to 100,000 turkeys”, Art DiPaola shared as I began my tour of his turkey farm, located in Hamilton Township, NJ. DiPaola Turkey Farm was started by Art’s father 60 years ago. What I saw on my visit is a business that has refined itself over the years: they now raise fewer birds but sell at more farmers’ markets.. At the height of...
6 tags
Coming up! Farm Visits Aplenty
Stay tuned for pictures and highlights from our recent farm visits to DiPaola Turkey Farm and Hawthorne Valley Farm. Here’s a DiPaola poult (newborn baby turkey) and a Hawthorne Valley dairy cow from each respective visit.
5 tags
As Fresh as Possible: Stone Barns Farmers' Market
When:
Fridays: Dooryard Garden: 1-2 PM for members at the Seedling level and above; 2-4 PM for the general public. Saturdays: Courtyard: 1-4 PM for the general public Sundays: Dooryard Garden: 1-2 PM for members at the Seedling level and above; 2-4 PM for the general public.
What:
A lovingly picked, just harvested selection of Stone Barns’ fruits and vegetables. This past Saturday,...
6 tags
A Closer Look: Cucumbers
One result of this summer’s heat wave is an abundance of fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market, with some items actually ready a few weeks earlier than usual. Because many crops are currently at their peak flavor, it is tempting to go the market and snatch up more than you can carry, store, or cook with (or is that just me?). However, the heat necessitates staying focused: pick up too...
5 tags
Splendid Colors
Calla lilies brought to you by Duva Farm
5 tags
Cherry Lane's Keys to Success
“When you go to New York and start talking to your customers and restaurants, your adrenaline gets going and it’s all worth it.” –Suzy Dare
Suzy Dare, co-owner and operator of Cherry Lane Farms, has the kind of casual, and welcoming personality that immediately relaxes you. My over four hour drive to Roadstown, NJ, a Southern New Jersey town located near the borders of both Delaware and Maryland,...
5 tags
Opening Day at the Andaz Farmer's Market
July signaled the opening of several new farmer’s markets, including Washington Heights, World Financial Center, and the Andaz Wall Street Farmers’ Market. This weekend, I subwayed over to the Andaz-the latest addition to the market scene-to check out the vibe, crowd, and vendors.
The Andaz Farmers’ Market is currently the only farmers’ market in New York City created and operated by a hotel. ...
6 tags
In Conclusion: Details about Oak Grove Plantation
After reading about the dedication and heart the Blews put in each day at Oak Grove Plantation, you’re probably wondering more about their products. What do they even grow? Oak Grove’s operation consists of many pieces working harmoniously. One part of the farm consists of Oak Grove Mills, the grain operation. Using the farms wheat and corn, the Mills make corn meal, many kinds of flour, bran,...
3 tags
4 tags
“We’ve Persisted”: Part 2
The years following the purchase and creation of Oak Grove Plantation saw Ted and Susan Blew raising four young children while striving to make the farm as successful as possible. Life wasn’t without its low points, but Ted recounted that period with a level of peace in his voice.
In telling the story of Oak Grove Plantation, and more specifically Ted Blew’s memories, it’s quite easy for me to...
2 tags
5 tags
"We’ve Persisted": Part 1
“People used to say it’s going to be the hardest thing you’ll ever do, buying a farm. I said the hardest thing is to keep it.”—Ted Blew
Oak Grove Plantation is the definition of a family run operation. Ted and Susan Blew have four adult children, three of whom work full time on the farm. Each family member moves fluidly between working on a project that’s special to them (herbs, sweet corn,...
5 tags
The Best Peach Ted Blew Ever Ate
Last week, I braved the BQE, navigated the Verrazano, and drove to Pittstown, NJ. Sixty miles away and one hundred sixty acres translated to a different world from where I had been a mere hour before. Oak Grove Plantation is an entirely family-run farm that grows an enormous variety of fruits, vegetables, plants, and herbs, in addition to onsite milling and hog operations.
It seems appropriate...
