In a corporate world,

it seems that quantity has overridden quality, and it is rarely better. Family farms offer a close bond to food and where it comes from to the buyers. There is nothing like truly tasting the love that goes into the breeding and raising of animals and fruits and veggies.
At Pigasso Farms, Herondale Farm, Thompson Finch, and Sir William, each owner breeds their animals or fruit and vegetables not only with their lush green lands, but with their hearts as well. In a time so trying and overwhelming, all anyone really needs is a quality meal; right from the pasture to the plate.

Pigasso Farms

At Pigasso Robert and Heather Kitchen raise pigs, chickens, cows, and lambs. From the couple, you can get anything from liverwurst pork hot dogs to homemade beef stew to lamb shanks. The Kitchens work, as per the name of the farm, to creatively serve their customers in a way that any grocery store can’t. To pick up any of these amazing products, you can head over to Farm Road at the Route 22 intersection.

Herondale Farm

Like every farm in this article, all of the animals are grass-fed; however, Jerry Peele at Herondale Farm at 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road definitely puts an emphasis on this, encouraging healthy eating and the power of omega-3 oils. Selling pork, chicken, and two different breeds of beef, it is imperative that any customer get to the shop before they run out for the day. With five local restaurants using their meat, Herondale is a true success story of the “grass-fed movement”.

Thompson Finch

While you’re on Wiltsie Bridge Road, head over to number 750, where you can find amazingly fresh fruits and vegetables. Thompson Finch is best known for their strawberry season. Marnie and Don MacLean offer strawberries, fresh veggies, and apples, according to the season. Their “pick-your-own” layout draws a strong emphasis on the bond between the human and the food, a tie that has been broken for much too long. If you can’t get over to the farm to pick your own, their strawberries are featured in a number of grocery stores.

Sir William

 Justin Conover of Sir William farm market, an open market that sells beef and pork products as well as fresh produce and homemade preserves. You will always be able to fix yourself a meal just by driving by Sir William on County rd. 7 just south of Route 23 . Waiting for one of the employees to meet you out front to pay is definitely worth it. Everything is always perfectly fresh and delicious; it tastes like it comes from the heart.

All of these farms provide us with healthy and fresh food which makes us realize where our food comes from. It’s not easy to raise animals. It’s not easy to prepare them. It’s not easy to grow fruit and vegetables year round. Every owner of every farm is the backbone of the United States. They tie humans closer to their food and remind them where it comes from. Visit your local farm stands to support the courageous underdogs and start a new and healthier life for yourself.

Photos by: Michael Del Rossi

Text by : Natalie Del Rossi