Farmer’s Market Bound, Waking Up for Spring!

Published by
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at March 6, 2010 in Farm News and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

We plan to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 3:00. We have all cuts of beef, whole chickens, whole chicken legs, and fresh eggs. There will be some collards but other greens have not grown yet. >From the greenhouse we will have cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower plants.

With warmer and dryer weather forecast for next week we are going to get real busy very soon. It is time to plant some of the early season vegetables as soon as the ground is dry enough. We have already been busy in the greenhouse planting tomato seeds. So far we have seeded about fourteen varieties, mostly heirlooms.

Our first chicks of the season are arriving tomorrow so that will add another daily chore to our list. And there are still some winter chores to get finished. Looks like we are going to have to hire some help to get everything done.

One thing about it, there is no time to get bored. We enjoy what we are doing so it is rewarding. Example, it was sure nice to see plants growing in the greenhouse with snow just inches away this week. And it is always exciting to see the earth awake from the winter rest to sprout new life everywhere. And we like to grow good healthy food for you to enjoy!

One thing we have decided though, as soon as a few warmer days come I am going fishing!

Hope to see you at the market!

Offerings at Market Today, Spring Planting

Published by
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at February 27, 2010 in Sustainable farming and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

This winter will probably be remembered for a long time. Winter weather just keeps coming. And it is not just in our area. Some cities in the northeast already have record breaking snowfall.

The few warm days this week were too short lived. We did hear and see a mockingbird a couple of days and the spring toads began their chorus. But the return of winter weather and cold wind has temporarily halted spring’s progression.

We have been working in the greenhouse filling trays with soil and planting seeds. We plan to have a large selection of vegetable plants and a few herbs. Many of the varieties are heirlooms. All will be grown without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers. In fact, we plan to have a few cabbage plants for sale this week.

The weekend weather is forecast to be dry but a little on the cool side. So we plan to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 3:00. We have all cuts of Pasture Finished Jersey Beef. In Pastured Chicken we have whole chickens and leg quarters.

Our hens are real troopers in spite of the adverse weather and are providing us with lots of fresh free range eggs and we will have them for sale. An article we read this week talked about in some areas people are willing to drive for miles to obtain fresh pasture based eggs. Prices ranged from 5 to 8 dollars per dozen. At around $4 per dozen our eggs are a real deal.

Collards have grown a bit so we will have a few for sale. Although the color is still bluish from the cold they are so sweet they taste like you added sugar. The other greens have not yet grown enough to harvest.

We hope you will put on your coat and hat and come visit us at the market!

Peterson Farm Featured, the Meadow Lark Returns

Published by
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at February 20, 2010 in Farm News, Nutritian and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments


Peterson Farm is featured in the March issue of Common Ground. Click here to view the article by Gwen Roland about the history of our farm and the benefits of grass fed beef. Or visit http://www.sare.org and search for article OS06-032 to read the research on the grass fed beef project.

The days are getting noticeably longer so it won’t be long until spring arrives again. After the persistent cold and snowy winter I think I will have an acute case of spring fever when warm weather arrives. It won’t last long though because it will be time to plant all the seeds we have been ordering for the past two months.

Something that has been missing for the past few years has returned this year. That is the meadow lark. I saw three today in the south pasture. The past couple of evenings I have heard them making their mating call. They fly high above the field and hover stationary while repeatedly making short shrill sounds often around sunset. Mid February is their mating season. It sure is nice to see and hear them again.

The last few days I have seen bluebirds around our bird feeders. They have probably already picked out their nesting places for the season.

The snow last weekend disrupted our market plans. It is supposed to be dry and a bit warmer this week so we are planning to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 3:00. We have plenty of beef, chicken, and eggs. There will probably be nothing yet from the garden except perhaps a bit of Savoy cabbage and collards.

We hope to see you at the market.

Happy St. Valentines Day

Published by
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at February 12, 2010 in Farm News and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

Our usual weekend storm is forecast to stay south of us this week so we are making plans to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Saturday from 10:00 until 3:00. If the storm changes course and there is snow our plans will change.

We are restocked with all cuts of Pasture Finished Jersey Beef. Items for sale include beef, Pastured Chicken, free-range eggs from pastured hens, and perhaps a few heads of Savoy cabbage.

Due to the cold temperatures our usual winter greens are not growing. I am sure we are all hoping it will warm up soon.

See You at the Farmers Market

Published by
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at February 4, 2010 in Nutritian, Sustainable farming and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

It looks like this year will be remembered as the year winter returned to North Carolina. The snow and cold temperatures remind me of winters several years ago. The last few years warm winters seemed unusual so maybe we are experiencing a more normal climate.

The cows are sure eating hay so we are running short. In fact, we hauled in a load today which makes the third load we have bought. And we will need another one before spring arrives. At least there is plenty available due to the timely rains we had last growing season. With it being so cold our winter forage is not growing much but the cows seem perfectly content to munch on hay. And they really get noisy if they run out!

The hens are still laying eggs like crazy even with the bad weather. Of course, we feed them the very best feed available and they have some protection from the cold wind at night. They seem perfectly happy and keep singing contentedly. But they do not like to walk on the snow. I guess it is too cold on their feet.

We have some cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower sprouting in the greenhouse. It will be a while before the plants are big enough though. Soon it will be time to sow lettuce, tomato, pepper, and other things to get those plants started.

We already have most of our greenhouse supplies and we are beginning to obtain seeds, etc., for our outdoor gardens. Spring and the growing season will be upon us before long!

The weatherman has slacked off a bit for predictions of another winter storm this weekend. For Saturday, one predicts a high in the thirties and another in the forties with a chance of rain. So we are making plans to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market from 10:00 until 3:00 on Saturday. If things change and there is ice and/or snow we won’t be there. But, hopefully, it will remain above freezing so we can make it. I am sure some of you need meat or eggs by now so we want to make them available for you.

We have chicken, beef, and eggs. It is doubtful if we will be able to bring anything from the garden.

If all goes as planned, we hope to see you at the market on Saturday.

our new greenhouse

Published by
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at January 22, 2010 in Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

Winter has returned after a few days of spring-like temperatures. After all, it is still January. But daylight hours are already getting longer so spring is getting ever closer. The land is taking it’s annual rest but will soon sprout new life. In fact, the heirloom star of Bethlehem flower bulbs are already peeking out of the earth underneath the fallen leaves.

Saturday is forecast to bring a break from the rain and a little warmer temperatures so we are planning to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market from 10:00 until 3:00.

We have most all cuts of pasture finished Jersey beef and plenty of pasture raised chicken except breast cuts. There are many dozen pastured free range eggs. We will have some red Russian kale and Savoy cabbage.

The construction of our new greenhouse is finally finished. We are planning to use it for vegetable and herb plants including many heirlooms. Our plants will be grown in a sterile medium without any artificial fertilizers or pesticides. You may view pictures of the greenhouse at http://www.flickr.com/photos/petersonrealfood/

We hope to see you at the market on Saturday.

Love for Haiti, Year-round Veggies, GMO’s Are Bad News

Published by
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at January 16, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Our hearts are heavy for the people of Haiti suffering from the disastrous earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they endure unimaginable hardship.

The cold weather has taken a break with the temperatures rising above 50. The moderation is forecast to last several days so we are planning to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market this Saturday from 10:00 until 3:00. The cold has damaged the greens so we will not have anything from the garden until they grow out again. We have a good supply of grass fed Jersey beef, pasture raised chicken, and pastured free-range eggs. Remember we recycle egg cartons and can use all you bring.

We have had plenty of chores to keep us busy this winter. One of these is working on our new greenhouse. We plan to use it for vegetable and herb plants grown without added chemicals as well as a few vegetables.

One of the things we have been thinking about is with new techniques we are able to grow vegetables almost year-round. This involves the use of ’season extenders’ such as row covers, hoop houses, cold frames, high tunnels, and climate controlled greenhouses. All these structures require a considerable investment. It has always been traditional for farmers markets to operate only during the natural growing season so many people stop going when cold weather arrives. We can grow local food in the off season but there must be a market to justify the investment. Of course, this would require an adjustment in the thinking and shopping habits of our customers. We are planning to gradually move in this direction and hope you will support us.

The use of closed in structures to protect customers and vendors from inclement weather would sure be a plus. Most farm markets were designed to be used only in the summer. Well, maybe in the future…. Hey, I understand there are about 13 indoor farm markets in NYC that are open all year.

According to reports there is now research to support the health dangers of GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) In an article published by the Huffington Post three of Monsanto’s GMO corn varieties were linked to organ failure in rats. This constitutes scientific proof that genetically modified seeds are dangerous to your health. Products derived from these seeds, such as corn, are in virtually every prepared food/drink product sold in the USA. It will probably be impossible to avoid GMO’s altogether but you can sure limit your exposure to them.

The organic standards forbids the use of GMO seeds of any kind. So if you purchase organic products you can be assured you are free from the danger as much as possible. However, prepared products that do not say 100% organic may still have GMO’s in some ingredients.

Although we are not certified organic, at Peterson Farm we follow the organic standards. We do not use any GMO seeds. We use organically grown seeds whenever possible. Most are heirlooms or open pollinated (non-hybrid). A few are F1 hybrids(first generation) which have been around long before GMO’s were developed. We save some of our own seed, in fact, we have a few varieties of family heirlooms available nowhere else. We wish the USDA would follow the lead of some European countries and ban GMO seeds altogether.

With the temperatures forecast to be in the 50’s Saturday we hope you will come out of hibernation and visit with us at the market. We will be delighted to see you!

Cold Winter Nights, Warm Fire

Published by
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at January 7, 2010 in Farm News. 0 Comments

Old man winter is really paying us a visit this time. Some are saying this is the coldest period in a generation. Another report is we are on track to be in the top ten coldest winters on record. However, I remember cold times back in the 60’s and 70’s so it does not seem unusual. Anyway, cold is cold!

According to the forecast Saturday will be a carbon copy of last Saturday with high temperatures below freezing and wind. So we will not be at the market.

However, you are welcome to come to the farm most any day if you like. Just call or email to let us know so we will be expecting you. Directions are available at MapQuest. Phone numbers are listed below. We have a good supply of Jersey beef and pastured chicken. And we are up to our necks with fresh farm eggs. Vegetables will have to thaw before we can tell if any are still marketable.

We are staying busy with our winter projects and preparing for the upcoming growing season. Seed and supply orders are going out and we have been working on a new greenhouse. Look for some pictures in the near future.

Of course, we have been keeping a good fire going and that requires cutting wood. We have several large oak trees that have died due to the recent drought so we are using them for firewood. There’s nothing like a wood fire on a cold winter night!

Next week is forecast to be warmer so maybe we can return to our Saturday market days. We will try to keep you informed.

Happy New Year! Fresh year, fresh food!

Published by
admin
at December 28, 2009 in Farm News and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

chicken soup in a bowl with spoon

Try this fabulous chicken soup recipe with pastured chicken -see our recipe page



We hope everyone had a nice Christmas. We certainly did only we ate too much! Of course, it was a rainy, rainy day with water everywhere so we got to rest most of the time. Jean cooked a huge chicken in our electric smoker and it was absolutely fabulous!! Then came the homemade cranberry sauce, potato salad, green beans, dressing, biscuits, pecan pie, coconut cake and supreme salad. (all homemade) Jean is a great cook and after 40 plus years she just keeps gettin’ better!

So, on to New Years! We plan to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Tuesday (29) and Wednesday (30) from 10:00 until 4:00: Thursday (31) from 10:00 until perhaps 2:00; then Saturday (Jan.2) from 9:00 until 3:00. I had told a few people we would not be there next Saturday but I was thinking it would be New Years Day. So I was wrong and we plan to be there. Remember, all dates are weather permitting.

We plan to have collards, Siberian kale, Red Russian kale, collards, curly mustard, and cabbage. We have lots of eggs, beef and chicken.

Happy New Year to everyone. Thank-you for your business with us this year. Although we have not reviewed all our records it looks like you have helped us make 2009 a successful year despite the recession.

Organically Grown Food Has 25% More Nutrient Density

Published by
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at December 19, 2009 in Farm News and Nutritian. 0 Comments

It’s almost unbelievable that Christmas is just a few days away. Time really flies when you are having fun. With all the hard work involved it may seem strange to describe farming as fun. Well, at least it is enjoyable and satisfying. I have often said you better really love farming or you won’t be doing it long. Being involved in the cycle of life, seeing things grow, and producing something healthy and delicious is rewarding in itself. Our greatest reward is when someone tells us they really enjoyed one of our products.

Although farming in a sustainable way is more work it has its own compensation. Knowing you are producing the most healthy and delicious food possible while encouraging the life of the soil and environment is a worthy endeavor.

Soil is not just minerals and humus but is teeming with microbes, insects, and worms. It is full of life. Conventional farming methods utilizing artificial fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides serves to kill the soil. Farming with natural and organic methods preserves and feeds the life in the soil. The living soil feeds the plants that produce the fruits that feed you.

Research has shown that food grown organically has about 25% more nutrient density than conventional methods. In conventional farming the use of potent artificial fertilizers, such as sodium nitrate, increases the plants cell size. The larger cell holds more water. Plants and fruits grow faster and larger but nutrients are diluted by the added water.

Since organic food has more nutrient density it has more flavor. Many times people tell us our products are the best they have ever eaten. Now we know at least one reason for the difference.

As you know, the weather has not been cooperating too well with our market days lately. But many of you have continued to come out and shop. We hope you will continue to do so and purchase the items you need in preparation for holiday festivities. Following is a list of the days we plan to be open until the New Year. However, keep in mind extremely adverse weather may change our plans. If conditions seem questionable please give us a call on our cell phone at 336.687.3269.

Holiday season market days (weather permitting) at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.

Friday (18) – 10:00 until 4:00

Saturday (19) – 8:00 until 4:00

Sunday (20) – 10:00 until 4:00

Tuesday (22) – 10:00 until 4:00

Wednesday (23) – 10:00 until 4:00

Saturday (26) – 10:00 until 4:00

Tuesday (29) – 10:00 until 4:00

Wednesday (30) – 10:00 until 4:00

We have a good supply of Pasture Finished Jersey Beef and Pasture Raised Chicken. Meats are 10% off the regular price.

Our pastured hens are still cranking out the eggs so we have plenty for your holiday needs. They are on sale at $.50 off the regular price.

From the garden we have turnips, Swiss turnips (rutabaga), Savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Romaine lettuce, red Russian kale, Siberian kale, Toscano kale, mustard greens, and collards.

We wish you the very best this holiday season. May peace be the rule in your household.