See You at the Farmers Market

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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

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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
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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

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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.

Savoy Mates! The tastiest food is always local!

Published by
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at December 5, 2009 in Nutritian and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

cabbage savoy

This photo was taken from my new BlackBerry! It’s my new tool to help share the story of the great tasting food I grow on the farm. Doing my part so people in the Triad can buy natural, local food and stay healthy!

The Benefits of Grass Fed and Pasture Based Eggs

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at December 5, 2009 in Farm News, Nutritian and Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

Pasture based eggs have two times the Omega 3

Pasture based eggs have two times the Omega 3 than conventional eggs.



The recent rains have really interfered with farm work progress. The ground is so saturated we can hardly walk on it no less use field equipment. We have about five dump truck loads of chicken litter to spread on our gardens but can’t get over the ground. And we certainly can’t work the ground in preparation for early spring plantings. But this has happened before and there always comes a time to get it done though it might not be as optimum.

We keep discovering research into the benefits of grass fed and pasture based meat and eggs. Recently, we wrote that when beef cattle are moved from green forage to grain they lose around 82% of the beneficial omega 3 fatty acids in 120 days. Now we have found research that indicates they lose about 97% of beta-carotene in just 60 days on grain. In addition, grass fed beef has 3 to 5 times more CLA and 4 times more vitamin E than grain fed.

Eggs from pastured hens are higher in quite a few nutrients. Recent research indicates pasture raised eggs have 3 to 6 times more vitamin D than conventional eggs. This benefit comes only from hens that actually are outdoors where they consume green forage and soak up the sunshine. Just because the store carton may say ‘certified organic’, ‘free range’, etc. does not mean they have ever been outside.

The vitamin D content is important because most Americans are low in this vitamin and there are few food sources for it. Another source is shiitake mushrooms.

Someone asked the other day if we added flax seed meal to our chicken feed to increase omega 3. The answer is we don’t need to since pastured chicken and eggs have double the omega 3 than conventional.

Please take notice of a change in market days. During the month of December we plan to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Friday (10:00 until 4:00); Saturday (8:00 until 4:00) and Sunday (10:00 until 4:00). We will not be there on Wednesday or Thursday.

We have a good supply of Pasture Finished Jersey Beef and Pasture Raised Chicken. All meats continue on sale at 10% off the regular price. Chicken leg quarters and whole wings are still on sale at 25% off.

Our hens are still laying lots of eggs so we are continuing $.50 off per dozen sale. Keep in mind we recycle one dozen egg cartons in good condition.

We plan to be restocked with shiitake mushrooms including fresh, dehydrated, and powder.

From the garden we have turnip and mustard greens, red Russian kale, Siberian kale, Tuscano kale, Swiss chard, savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, collards, broccoli, turnip roots, and rutabaga.

We look forward to visiting with you at the market!

Piedmont Triad Farmers Market hours

Published by
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at November 27, 2009 in Triad Farmers Market. 0 Comments

We want to update you on our market hours for this Thanksgiving week. We plan to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Wednesday (10:00 until 4:00); Saturday (8:00 until 4:00); and Sunday (10:00 until 4:00). We will not be at the market on Thursday or Friday.

Also, we want to let you know we now have a page on Facebook. We would really like you to visit us there and sign up to become a fan. You may access our page at http://bit.ly/WP3PP or click on the link from our website (listed below). We will make postings to our page from time to time.

You might be interested to know Peterson Farm is featured in an interview on a podcast at www.GreensboroGreen.com. The specific podcast is “Farm Open Houses” and is currently first on the list. GreensboroGreen.com is devoted to environmental issues.

We want to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving season. And when you sit down for your ‘turkey day’ meal remember everything was grown by a farmer.

Can organics feed the world?

Published by
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at November 13, 2009 in Farm News and Nutritian. 0 Comments

Changes are slowly taking place in American’s food choices as people become more aware of how industrialized food is produced and that there is a better alternative. Many books have been written on the subject. Now there are two documentary films that are speeding up the process. They are Food Inc and Fresh.

Food Inc exposes the practices and detrimental effects of the corporate and industrialized food production systems. Most people are alarmed, as they should be, by what they see.

The movie Fresh celebrates some people that are involved in providing food produced humanely with a social and environmental conscience. It offers hope that there is a better way.

Both movies feature a website where you may get more information and view a trailer. They are www.foodincmovie.com and www.freshthemovie.com.

Both movies are being shown in theatres and in special showings by concerned organizations. We encourage you to see them both at the earliest opportunity.

Also, the negative effects of conventional food and the benefits of organic food products are being gradually documented. Research shows that pesticide residues, even at USDA accepted levels, inhibits brain development in children. The reduced levels of antioxidants in conventional food contributes to altzheimers. Pesticide residues contributes to diabetes in children and lowers male sexual virility. Nutrient levels in organics averages 25% higher. These findings and others based on scientific research may be found a www.organic-center.org.

They are many questions surrounding this subject but two are currently predominant. “Can organics feed the world?” The short answer from professionals in the field is ‘yes’. “Can the price be lowered so everyone can afford it?” This one is a little more involved but one key fact is that conventional farming is subsidized by the government with your tax dollars and organics is not.

We are having a deluge of rain and wind from tropical system Ida which is making it hard to get in the fields but we plan to have plenty of fall produce for you this week. Items include turnip greens, turnip roots, mustard greens, Siberian kale, red Russian kale, Toscano kale, arugula, three types of romaine lettuce, Swiss turnips (rutabaga), savoy cabbage, collards, and broccoli.

Pasture raised chicken includes whole chickens, boneless skinless breast, split breast, whole wings, leg quarters, backs and necks. We still have a few large whole chickens you might choose to use for your Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

In Pasture Finished Jersey beef we have fillet mignon, NY strip, rib eye, and sirloin steaks. Roasts include sirloin tip, chuck, shoulder, eye of round, round, and tri tip. We also have ground beef, stew beef, cube steak, beef sausage, beef liver, soup bones and dog bones.

All meat products continue on sale at 10% off. And we are continuing the special sale on chicken leg quarters and whole wings at 25% off.

Our chickens are continuing to lay well so we are continuing our sale of $.50 off per dozen eggs. We remind you that we recycle egg cartons.

We have fresh, dehydrated, and powdered shiitake mushrooms.

Weather permitting we continue to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Wednesday through Friday (10:00 until 4:00), Saturday (8:00 until 4:00) and Sunday (10:00 until 4:00). We are in booth 74 in farmers area number 2