Since reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” Nick and I have paid more attention to the food that we eat. Sure we still indulge in processed lunch meat and boxed brownies, but we also buy a lot more fresh produce. Fortunately, there are some great farmers’ markets in the area and a few State College restaurants that serve grass-fed beef and local vegetables.
A few weekends ago, we took advantage of PASA’s Farm Tours. Fifteen farms in the area opened their gates to visitors. If we would have know how much fun it would be, we would have gotten an earlier start! As it was, we didn’t leave until 2 p.m. and only toured two farms.
The first, Over the Moon Farm, was a nearly perfect representation of the farms described in Michael Pollen’s book. The farmers practice rotational grazing and feed the animals organic grain. They don’t inject the cattle with hormones or antibiotics, and the pigs provide compost for the rest of the farm. The hens hang out with the cows on lush green pastures and return to the “Egg Mobile” each night to lay large brown eggs. It was a beautiful sight — just the way a farm should be.
The second farm we toured was called Triangle Organics and is located about 45 minutes from downtown State College. The Amish couple that owns the farm — Elmer and Martha — moved to the area from Lancaster County a few years ago. Unlike most Amish farmers, they run a certified organic farm. They specialize in raw dairy products and organic meat and introduced us to their happy cows and portly pigs. And their three children were adorable! Especially the little boy whose blond hair and big blue eyes peeked out from under his straw hat. He tightly clutched a tiny barn kitten while following us in his barefeet.
We concluded our educational day with a beer sampler and grass-fed hamburger from the Elk Creek Cafe.
Join the initiative to buy fresh and buy local (and drink local, too)!