2012 Charlotte Area Know Your Farms Tour

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

We use organic and permaculture practices to raise a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, and pork in the beautiful foothills. Come take a walking tour of the gardens and visit the pigs and chickens roaming through pasture and woods.

Products: seasonal vegetables.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

We raise pastured pork, grass-fed beef, pesticide-free produce and famed colorful eggs on our small, sustainable farm. Our livestock is raised without added hormones or antibiotics. The pigs and chickens enjoy locally raised grains that are custom mixed on the farm. Children will enjoy cranking the antique corn sheller and grinder.

Products: beef, pork, eggs.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Our sixth generation family farm in Cabarrus County provides the community with quality, seasonally available products that are grown locally. We strive to offer courteous service and knowledgeable insight on our products and how they are grown.

Products: seasonal produce, honey.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Come see our happy cows and pigs on a farm that has been in the same family for over 150 years. Can't beat the open pastures and peaceful experience. Children can go in the pasture and pet the animals, and we will have samples of our all natural Big Oak Farm ground beef.

Products: beef, pork.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

We are not your "normal" farm! Stop in, check out our ostrich and feed them their dinosaur food! We will have ostrich BBQ to sample and children can create their own artwork on ostrich shells ($).

Products: ostrich meat, ostrich eggs, egg shells.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Cackleberry is a small grass based dairy farm and farmstead cheese maker. The herd consist of Swedish Red cows known for their high fertility and disease resistance. No pesticides or commercial fertilizers are used on the pastures. The farm also has pastured laying hens.

Products: soft and hard cheeses, butter, eggs (as available).

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

This farm is an upstart and would be good for any new farmers to come out and see some work in progress! Thanks to all that plan to attend and we look forward to sharing and sustaining the community.

Products: canned goods, fresh baked breads, eggs, seasonal produce, chicken manure.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Farming on century old land with over 16 years of vegetable and cut flower production experience we continue to practice organic sustainable methods. We are the largest producer of garlic in Cabarrus county and offer a 30 week CSA. A famous local chef will prepare yummy dishes with our wonderful produce.

Products: seasonal produce, Cackleberry dairy(eggs, cheese, yogurt, butter).

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

We are a small farm (about one acre) growing uncommon and specialty flowers, herbs and vegetables organically and sustainably. We grow year round, using various season extension techniques, including high tunnels, low tunnels, and row covers. Children can make their own bouquet right out of the field! ($)

Products: bouquets and seasonal flowers by the stem.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Mushrooms from spores to harvest! The only operation like it in the state. We will have herbs and produce from the garden for sale, in addition to mushrooms, if available.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

We are a small local family-operated farm raising all natural, grassfed beef, pork, chicken, turkeys and brown eggs, without the addition of hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. Our practices result in products that are superior in both quality and taste to that found in the grocery store. See cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys up close, along with nesting boxes full of eggs.

Products: beef, pork, chicken, eggs.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

We are a large animal harvesting andprocessing facility serving local and regional farms. We also operate a small,retail meat counter and butcher shop on site. The new harvesting and processing building is a public-privatepartnership with Cabarrus County and the NC Agricultural Development andFarmland Preservation Trust Fund. 

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

East of Eden hatches and raises Heritage breed poultry and turkey. We do everything from hatch to processing on farm. Our animals are all on a GMO- and soy-free diet and live life on pasture. We also raise a variety of different produce.

Products: poultry, eggs.

Sow Much Good is a non-profit farm entity that independently and in partnership with East of Eden and Hubbard Farms, uses sustainable practices to cultivate organic foods for the benefit of low income and under served populations in Charlotte and surrounding regions. Visit their table at East of Eden farm to find out more.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   
We are a certified Organic teachingfarm devoted to helping people learn how to farm and understand the businessaspects of farming. The farm is owned by CabarrusCounty and is operated jointly with NC Cooperative Extension.

Products: organic vegetables.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Come see my onsite wood fired brick oven, holding 25 loaves of bread, where I bake naturally leavened breads, scones, and pizzas. Children can play with real dough, not play dough! Oven will be burning for wood fired pizzas made with homemade dough and sauce using locally grown tomatoes. Fresh herbs are also grown in abundance and cows graze in the pasture.

Products: breads, pizza, scones, seasonal produce, herbs.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Join our tour as we see the laying hens, broilers, and cattle. We will tell you about our animals, sustainable methods, use of solar power, and the bountiful joys of farming. Children of all ages can make paper airplanes and launch them from our barn loft or join in outdoor games and an art project. Taste our products and enjoy an afternoon in the country.

Products: beef, chicken, eggs.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

We raise alpacas in Linoln county for their yarn. These gentle, curious animal are a delight to experience. Alpacas produce a naturally renewable, fine luxurious fleece. They are gentle on the environment and so is the process of turning fleece into product. Children can pet the alpacas and feed the horses.

Products: alpaca fiber apparel (socks, hats, mittens, sweaters, coats, sock monkeys, etc.), alpaca compost.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Come walk among the oaks to connect with the origins of great food. Visit with our pasture-raised hogs and sheep, and see our new rabbit production setup. The legendary Harvest Moon Grille food cart will serve delicious, locally produced fare, and bring a cooler so you can take home our amazing meat products.

Products: pork, eggs, sorghum, Freedom Farm bodycare products.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

In operation for 7 years, we are a small alpaca farm with 16 alpacas and one black sheep (our "greeter diva"). Our alpacas are very tame and love childen. Play a game, pet the animals, or relax with a picnic in our lovely shaded acre to enjoy picnics. Watch alpaca yarn being spun in the fiber studio.

Products: alpaca fleece toys, dog beds, yarn, shawls, scarves, felted jewelry.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

A Century Farm, we raise endangered breeds of livestock- the Belted Galloway Cattle, Gulf Coast Sheep, and Tennessee Fainting Goats. Our hope is to help the public become aware of the plight of these endangered rare breeds. Chef Matt Trexler will demonstrate cooking with our meats. Prepared food and drinks will be available. Children can interact with our goats or try their hand at fishing the pond.

Products: lamb, beef (quantities are limited).

We are a third generation dairy and crops farm that now offers certified organic beef and vegetables. Holstein dairy cows produce milk for Organic Valley Co-op. Join us for a hayride through the pastures or sit and relax under the trees.

Products: beef, brats, seasonal produce.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Join the Goodrum family for hayrides from the barn to the gardens every 20 minutes. You will get a tour of our black angus cattle, chickens, horses, and fresh produce. Children can enjoy petting the farm animals and refreshments will be available ($).

Products: seasonal produce, eggs.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Our 4th generation working family farm provides many kid-friendly activities. From the hay mountain and slide to feeding and petting barnyard animals to hand-led pony rides ($), there’s a lot to do! The whole family will enjoy the horse-drawn hay rides ($), and we’ll have samples of our pastured sausage & pork as well as our grass-fed beef.

Products: beef, pork, poultry, eggs, seasonal produce, pumpkins, NC apples.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

We are a family farm producing primarily fruits--strawberries, blackberries,blueberries, raspberries,peaches, muscadines, pumpkins. We offer various play and educational activities for children including a tractor-drawn wagon ride around the farm, berryland maze, and a wildlife trail.

Products: peaches, muscadines, pumpkins,gourds ,fall décor.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

As a certified organic dairy farm, our primary focus is producing the finest quality milk from healthy cows. We grow a variety of crops to aid in milk production, animal health, and soil life. Chickens, peacocks, and goats roam freely on the premisses, aiding in control of pests. We will offer a wagon ride to see the fields and a walking tour of the facilities. Watch for a baby calf, and pet pigmy goats Lacey and Peewee.

Products: beef, turkeys, chicken, eggs.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

This small, Certified Organic family farm specializes in organic vegetables, pastured poultry (chickens and Thanksgiving turkeys), pigs, and free range eggs. The Inn offers culinary events, dinners, and cooking classes featuring foods produced here on the farm prepared by Charlotte chefs.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Our third generation produce farm raising tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, squash, pumpkins, muscadines and poinsettias, offers seasonal pick-your-own strawberries, muscadines and pumpkins. We have an on-farm market, and offer many educational field trip programs for children, in addition to weekend family activities. Children will enjoy the petting farm, playground, and picnic areas. Ice cream sold on the tour!

Products: jams, jellies, seasonal produce.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM  

Our family farm, established in 1996, grows grassfed cattle and pastured pork without the use of hormones, steroids, chemicals or antibiotics. The entire family can enjoy a hayride to see the pigs and cows…there may even be some newborn calves!

Products: beef, pork, frozen blueberries, jams, gluten-free products, plants.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

This 4th generation family farm raises 100% grass fed Angus beef and lamb the natural way...free of antibiotics and hormones. Children will enjoy a free petting zoo and pony rides. Beef and lamb sliders and drinks available for purchase. Bring your cooler...

Products: beef, lamb, local pork, Coastal Seafood shrimp & Sweet Escape baked goods.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Poplar Ridge Farm, est in 1995, is a small family owned/managed USDA Certified Organic farm. We are a Community Supported Agriculture farm serving Charlotte metro area families and restaurants. Children can feed the horses. Attend chef demos at 2 PM, enjoy music and meet our farm staff!

Products: produce, fruit, chicken, cheese, flowers, baked goods.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM 

We raise Certified Organic, 100% Grass Fed beef on our Animal Welfare Approved farm. Join us to walk through the pastures as we explain discuss how organic beef is raised differently. We'll meet the horses, see the chickens, ducks and guineas, and the learn about mob grazing cattle. Bring the kids! They’ll enjoy fishing in the pond and playing in the playhouse.

Products: beef.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

We are a small scale off-grid family farm located in Ellenboro, NC. We are focused on sustainability. The cornerstone of our operation is top-quality pasture raised poultry.

Products: fresh poultry.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

This small, sustainble farm specializes in grass fed beef, hydropoinic lettuce and vegetables. They have solar panels on their cow fields, making them 75 percent carbon neutral! Children can also enjoy feeding goats and planting a fall garden.

Products: hydroponic lettuce and herbs, eggs, beef, breads from freshly milled wheat berries.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

We are a fruit and vegetable farm that has a u-pick operation for blueberries and blackberries in the summer. In the fall we will have pumpkins and fall squash. Children can feed and pet the chickens.

Products: seasonal vegetables, eggs, honey.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Spellcast Farm is a small, diversified, sustainable farm located in Western North Carolina. We specialize in pastured heritage breed meat rabbits, heritage breed poultry, ADGA-registered dairy goats, working Border Collies and organic vegetables. We are an Animal Welfare Approved farm and children will enjoy our Border Collie herding demos.

Products: rabbit, chicken.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Heritage is our mission at Stowe Dairy Farms! Children will enjoy playing on hay, riding a farm wagon, interacting with farm animals, and weighing on the farm scales. Relax at the picnic tables, and learn about our sustainable practices for Black Angus beef, free-ranged hens, and vegeetables. And check out our Christmas trees for your next visit!

Products: beef, eggs, vegetables, sorghum cookies.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

We offer 100% GrassFed, Grass Finished Beef, Pasture Raised Pork and Chicken. We also have Free Range Eggs. Children will enjoy horseback riding ($), hay ride, and small petting area. We will also be offering our pastured chicken fresh the day of the tour….if you’ve never tasted a fresh chicken, now’s your chance!

Products: beef, pork, chicken, eggs.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

We're a 3 acre produce farm and 4 acre vineyard specializing in sustainable agriculture. We'll have produce and value-added goods for sale along with wine for tasting.

Products: produce, canned goods.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Of our 63 acres, the largest part of bottom land is devoted to forage crops currently served to the happy cows at Mary L. Farm. Our vegetable garden is small but bountiful. We use sustainable methods only, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Relax in a hammock hildren can join in tug o’war or bocce, or paint a watercolor.

Products: jams, pickles, salsa, notecards, photo art, pottery.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

Come to Wild Turkey Farms and visit the pasture raised Berkshire pigs, Angus cows, lambs, rabbits, chickens, and turkeys. Guided tours provide a chance to interact with the animals and get a feel for everyday life on the farm. Children will love our sheep “Ice Cream” and “Cupcake.”

Products: pork, beef, lamb, rabbit, chicken, “WTF” shirts and aprons.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Windcrest Farm is a USDA Certified Organic farm and greenhouse supplying farmers and home gardeners with over 300,000 heirloom vegetable, flower, medicinal and culinary herbs and fruit plants each year. We grow fresh produce for local farmers markets and restaurants. We also conduct on-farm classes.

Products: baby ginger, herbal teas, plants, wreaths, seasonal produce.

SATURDAY, Sept 15, 1-6 PM   

This small, family-owned and operated farm focuses on producing quality, chemical-free products using sustainable farming practices. Their critters enjoy life outdoors on pasture and are allowed to behave naturally. Don’t forget a cooler!

Products: chicken, pork, duck, lamb, beef, eggs.

SUNDAY, Sept 16, 1-6 PM  

Learn about wood-fired pizza ovens and how they are made. We will be cooking pizza during the day showing our brick ovens , using as much produce from our fields as we can. Children will love the chickens, ducks, and donkeys while they wait to sample the oven-baked pizzas.

Products: pizza ovens, seasonal produce.