Farm Fare, Artisan Producers & Delis

Adams Farm is a typical New England farm, in that its role in the past seems to run the same path the economy has taken in history. Since the Adams' first purchased the farm in 1865, the farm has continued to follow the economic trend. During the 1860's Henry and Sarah Adams fell in love with the land and its ability to produce short-term growth marketable timber, maple sugar from a healthy and abundant sugar bush, as well as enough crop land to maintain a small family farm.

In 1980, Bill and Sharon purchased their first team of Belgian draft horses from Amish country, built a small log cabin at the far end of the property from the logs that great grandpa Adams had planted, and started a sleigh ride business that would use the cabin as a place to warm up on a cold winter's night. Tourists loved it! Within three years, Bill doubled the size of the log cabin, built two more sleighs, bought four more Belgians and increased the size of his sugar grove, all in an effort to direct market maple syrup to the many visitors to the farm during the winter. In a further step into the world of "Agritourism", in 1993 Bill and Sharon's daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Carl Mancivalano, decided to open the farm to the public for a fun, interactive, educational and wholesome farm experience.

Not only did Jill and Carl want to gear the farm to offer an exceptional family experience, but also to provide a quality experience for visitors without children. They added the addition of several special events throughout the year, including evening hayrides in the summer and fondue nights in the winter. Visitors can enjoy afternoon teas, visit their popular farm shop and unique Quilt and Fibre Loft and then shop online once they have returned home.

Bradridge is a 250 acre working farm set in wonderful rolling countryside right on the border between Devon and Cornwall.

Among the many animals on Bradridge Farm, Angela has 1500 Warren Chickens freely roaming the farmland in peaceful contentment. Their delicious brown eggs can be purchased directly from the farm whenever you are in the area. Angela keeps the eggs conveniently located, with an Honour Box and a Guest Book in which to enter your name and the number of eggs you are purchasing that day.

Bradridge Eggs are also sold in Philip Warren & Son Butchers in Launceston and at The Tavistock Women’s Institute Market in Devon. Angela also supplies her eggs to many local pubs and cafes.

Just days after their wedding in 2001, Dagan and Jessy James took delivery of 21 young water buffalo bulls. Today they have nearly 180 buffalo, and their farm near Stockbridge is thriving.  Buffalos resilience make them ideal for an extensive, free-range system, and they receive no growth promoters, medicine or antibiotics of any description unless they are ill, which is rare.  Jessy describes buffalo as engaging, intelligent and docile animals.
 
Their stall at Hampshire farmers' market in Winchester every second and last Sunday of the month is always popular and they often sell out quickly. Customers are discovering the rich, beefy but lean meat which, says Jessy "is perfect for use in any beef recipe, for a Sunday roast, on the barbecue, or simply straight up steak, fried or grilled".

Jessy and Dagan encourage visitors to their farm by holding farm walks during the Hampshire Food Festival.  Says Jessy "it is always fun to see people's reaction when they first see the buffalo, and to witness their enthusiasm for the animals, the meat and also for the environmental programme we are implementing at the farm.  We also do school visits, which are great".  They are going into organic conversion in autumn 2007 and plan to develop the wholesale side of the business, and their hot food service at market.  Broughton buffalo meat is available at Winchester farmers' market, direct from the farm, and at Dairy Barn Farm Shop in North Houghton and Sunnyfields in Totton. 

The Square is one of the most attractive corners of Winchester. Facing Winchester Cathedral, you will discover what is frequently described as one of England’s finest delicatessens. Cadogan & James sells a fantastic range of unusual cheeses, rare pastas, delicious potted jams, olive oils and hand wrapped biscuits. Owner, Celebrity Chef James Martin, is a well-known face from his TV appearances. His store next door also offers a wide selection of quality cashmere clothes from around the British Isles.

James has also written two books Eating In, written in 1998, the year the deli opened and, more recently, The Deli Cookbook using products sold in Cadogan & James. James frequently appears on many TV shows and has also made his own programmes including Delicious on UK Food which featured the deli in each episode.

Entering the shop, you feel as though you are in an Italian city delicatessen with its rustic trompe l'oeil ceiling and garlands of hops surmounting the shelves all filled with a huge variety of products from pastas to preserves, truffles, speciality teas, cheeses of every kind and freshly-made sandwiches and cakes. Yet it is here that you will also find artisan cheeses from local producers, including Old Winchester Cheddar, winner of both a Gold & 1st in the 2006 British Cheese Awards. This wonderful handmade cheese is one of many created by Mike and Judy Smales at Lyburn Farm at the edge of the New Forest.

Manager, Iaian Buchanan and his staff are very knowledgeable about their wide range of offerings and are always willing to help with any questions. A visit to Winchester would not be complete without a stop in this wondrous haven of delights.

Bespoke herb gardens and potagers.....making gardens beautiful & productive

My love affair with herbs and vegetable plots began at my grandfather’s side picking mint, popping peas and lifting Pembrokeshire potatoes for the Sunday lunch. I have long been a passionate organic gardener and more recently have taken this a step further by embracing the principles of permaculture and biodynamics in an attempt to make my gardens truly sustainable. Having spent the last twenty years cultivating even the most unpromising spaces on roofs, balconies, backyards and school playgrounds and providing plants for friends and acquaintances I decided to set up Country Gate Gardens to give everyone a taste of the good life.

We are a family business based in the medieval market town of Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire. Whether you fancy a potager or herb garden of country house proportions or a humble windowbox allotment for your flat, we design and build productive plots for any space. We’ll even provide ongoing maintenance and refill your baskets and pots if you require. We have plenty of experience of working with schools and nurseries on their gardens and latterly have been developing workplace allotments for stressed out executives. We can also work with community groups who are setting up communal growing spaces.

Please access our blog at  www.countrygategardens.co.uk for details of what’s happening on our own plot and for information on our ongoing projects.

To chat to Cally about your requirements or book an appointment call 01225 869344 (evenings) or 07913 595749 (during the day) or email cally@countrygate.co.uk

Tree Tops Farm is an 80 acre Organic farm lying in a small valley overlooking the River Brue. Here in this quiet corner of south-east Somerset 5 miles from the medieval town of Bruton, Richard and Caroline Harbord farm the land and look after their cows. They proudly hold Soil Association Organic Certification.

Daisy & Co are a herd of 40 pedigree Jersey cows. Together with their calves, their adolescent daughters and Nestor the herd bull they live out their lives in quiet contentment at the farm.

The methods used to make their cheeses have hardly changed from those used by traditional cheesemakers for hundreds of years. They offer three Handmade Organic Soft Cheeses; Goldilocks (similar to brie but stronger with subtle depths and flavours), Indian Blanket (a lightly smoked young Goldilocks) and Black-eyed Susan (a young Goldilocks rolled in black peppercorns). Corn Marigold is their first handmade hard cheese which is extremely popular with children. Full details of each product and their farm are found by visiting the website.

All products are made from organic Jersey cows' milk and are free from any artificial or modified ingredients.

Delivered by hand straight from the land, farmaround brings you the very best seasonal organic food at affordable prices.

Farmaround is a weekly home delivery service of organic produce covering North Yorkshire and the North East of England. Once you have placed an order we will deliver to you automatically each week or at your desired frequency. However, you are under no obligation to continue receiving farmaround produce and can contact us at any time to amend, cancel or suspend your order.

The contents of our bags vary each week and according to the season. We endeavour to make the selections interesting without being obscure. We use produce that is as local as possible, however it is necessary to also look further afield to bring you the wide variety of produce for which we pride ourselves. You can check ‘This Week' on our website to see the likely contents of the bags.

As a thank you to our loyal customers you will receive free organic gifts several times a year as well as a newsletter telling you about the farmers that are growing your food and what is happening on the farms as well as recipe ideas.

We are proud to support and be associated with Compassion in World Farming and their tremendous work as they strive to gain a better life for farm animals.

"If we do not permit the earth to produce beauty and joy, it will in the end not produce food either"
Joseph Wood Krutch, Naturalist 1893-1970

Based in London's New Covent Garden Market, we have been supplying thousands of satisfied customers since farmaround was established in 1994.

Farmaround recently introduced our Credit-Crunch bag, specifcally designed to help those who want to buy organic but who are feeling the financial pinch.

Farmaround specializes in the weekly home delivery of assorted selections of organic fruit and vegetables. We have Standard Family Bags, Mini Bags for single people, Mediterranean Bags, Salad Boxes, Luxury Bags as well as a selection of Vegetable Modules that you can combine. We also have Standard, Mini and Luxury Fruit Bags and an organic grocery range.

With no costly outlets to maintain, we eliminate the long supply chain that decreases shelf-life and increases price. By following nature's seasons and bringing produce from the farm straight to your door, we offer excellent value for money.

We pride ourselves on the flexible and personal service that we offer. You will be assigned your own driver who will make all your deliveries and our friendly knowledgeable customer service staff are only a phone call or email away. Our newsletter keeps you in touch with farmaround growers so you know who grows your food and where.

Farmaround have only ever sold organic food and are certified by the Organic Farmers and Growers Association. We are committed to the principles and development of organic agriculture and to buying locally wherever possible.

We deliver to your door in central London and in the North of England

We are proud to support and be associated with Compassion in World Farming and their tremendous work as they strive to gain a better life for farm animals.

www.farmaround.co.uk

Simple good food produced naturally with integrity, style and good taste

“Farming has always been my passion, and farming organically is, in my experience, the most gentle and kind way to produce our food. That doesn’t mean to say it’s easy-we have our problems like any farm and we are always learning new ways of improving what we do.

What I like most is the way wildlife has flourished on the farm, the fact that we employ so many local people and, if I ever feel a bit low, our piglets scampering around clover-rich fields always makes the day brighter – even in the middle of winter!

We have a great team here and everyone works to ensure that the careful husbandry of our animals is reflected in the quality of the products you buy. I hope you enjoy eating our food as much as we enjoy producing it for you!”
 Helen Browning, Organic Farmer  -  Eastbrook Farm

From Wild Boar and Organic Ducks to Extra Matured Chickens. Not ones to rest on our laurels, we are planning lots of new flavours and treats in the coming months.

Please access our website links for full information about our wide range of organic meat and poultry. Shop Online, Monthly Meat Boxes ~ all delivered directly to your door. Why not join The Flying Pig Club?

I am delighted to announce the launch of Izzy Lane, a clothing label in which I combine my passions for great clothes, animals and Britain. Sarah Banks has designed our range of skirts and jackets and Gabbi Carter, our knitwear.

Izzy Lane has a network of handknitters, mainly from North Yorkshire, who lovingly knit the Wensleydale garments. Most of them have been knitting all their lives and are delighted to now be producing garments in Wensleydale, arguably the best wool in the world. The pleasure to knit the garments has been enhanced by the knowledge that the sheep are being lovingly cared for and will live out their natural lives.

Our flock of Wensleydale and Shetland sheep comprise mainly of animals that would have been sent to slaughter for being male, missing a pregnancy, being a little lame, being too small, being too old or having imperfections such as a black spot in a white fleece. We pay equal and better prices to save them. They are living out happy lives in our Sheep Sanctuary. As a longstanding vegetarian I have always been confronted with the argument that sheep would not exist if we didn’t eat them. Izzy Lane hopes to demonstrate an economic model whereby sheep can exist, be valued and have a place in our world without becoming meat. It offers another way.

Lyburn farm lies on the northern edge of the New Forest, straddling the small river Blackwater, and has been farmed by the Smales family and Mike and Judy in particular for the last 36 years. The name Lyburn is derived from the Scottish, lye 'born', and burn 'river', 'borne by the river', and with the Blackwater on either side we certainly are.

Lyburn farm makes a variety of different hand made cheeses, all of which are made from our own cows milk. Although they are pressed, these artisan cheeses do not resemble a UK cheddar cheese. They are a softer and a more continental type of cheese.

British Cheese Awards 2007
Old Winchester, Gold in the Export Class
Old Winchester, Bronze
Winchester, Bronze

Visit our stall at Hampshire Farmers’ Markets and our farm shop at Lyburn Farm. When we built the new creamery, we made an allowance for a very small shop area to serve the needs of the local community and passers by. At the same time, we put windows in the side of the cheeseroom walls so that those who come to visit us have the opportunity to watch the cheese being made.

Please call us first to ensure your visit coincides with opening hours at the shop and for the best days and times to watch our cheese making process.  Visit our website to learn more about the process from start to finish and about our farm's history.

Established in 1980, Newton Forge takes its name from its location, the small country town of Sturminster Newton in Dorset. The forge stands on the edge of the town, overlooking a rural panorama of fields, trees and hedgerows. The company thus has the hallmarks of the traditional village blacksmith – superb craftsmanship combined with aesthetically pleasing designs.

However, although we still like to think of ourselves as the local smithy, we also sell our products throughout the U.K. We take great pride in both what we produce and our personal service to all our customers, whether they place their orders in person or by mail.

Everything produced at Newton Forge is hand-wrought to the Company’s own designs and specifications. This makes every item unique, because it is individually crafted by one person, using traditional blacksmith’s tools and practices. In fact, many of our products are made to order and we can manufacture items to your own design if necessary.

We welcome your visit or contact to discuss your requirements.  Please visit our website for full details.

The diverse and extensive range of offerings at Penyrallt’s Farm Shop eliminates the need for you to battle your way through the inside of a supermarket ~ almost everything you need is available right here! The majority of the products in the shop come directly from their farm; the milk is supplied from their organically certified dairy herd, the eggs from their flock of laying hens.

Their herd of Traditional Hereford Cattle and flock of Speckled-face Sheep are reared on a totally organic system and produce the meat sold under the TEIFY VALLEY ORGANICS label. Recyclable packaging is used, added proof of their commitment to environmental and health issues affecting all consumers.

A selection of freshly home-baked cakes, scones and bread created with organic and fair-trade ingredients can be ordered in advance and ready for your arrival. A selection of local, organic and fair-trade groceries and luxury frozen foods are also available.

Please visit their informative website for additional information about the extensive offerings in the shop and view their additional listings in our B&B/Self-Catering Category for information about their Holiday Cottage allowing you to spend time with this wonderfully unique shop nearby as well as their Educational Farm Visits listed in our Education Category.

Diversification for farmers is increasingly becoming a crucial way of continuing the life they and their family know and love. For farmer, Sandra Morton, the inspiration and answer to her quest to find a new and unique direction began with her search for a luxurious pair of bed socks for her daughter one Christmas. This led her to a local breeder of British Alpaca and finally to the creation of her company, Perilla.

Perilla is home to a magnificent range of the finest quality British alpaca socks - the ultimate treat for feet.

Hilary Shenton, a local breeder of British Alpaca has collaborated with Sandra to enable her to present a range of luxury items that includes socks to fit every need from sleeping comfort to outdoor pursuits as wide-ranging as fishing and sailing. Alpaca's unique hollow fibre is incredibly lightweight and warm. These high insulating properties make them perfectly suited for outdoor clothing.

Second only to silk for strength, alpaca is comparable to the luxurious softness of cashmere yet more durable than both. Hypoallergenic qualities with no lanolin content make alpaca ideal for babies and sensitive skins. All items are machine washable and instructions are provided on the site.

On this Online Shop you will discover a wide selection of Alpaca wraps, scarves, gloves and wristwarmers in addition to the extensive range of colourful socks.  Cashmere scarves and a range of handbags by London designer Louise Hempleman and Lie Down I Think I Love You are also available.

All items, with the exception of laptop bags and holdalls, are sent out in a beautiful bespoke handmade box manufactured in England. Please access Perilla website link for full details about their unique and diverse offerings. Sandra’s son Tom is shown wearing socks from The Country Sock Collection.

Charles and his wife Kate work closely with their winemaker, Zeke to produce an ever-increasing range of Sparkling Apple Wines, Cider and Alcohol from the extensive range of apples grown on their farm. At a recent judging in May 2006 at The Big E Northeastern Wine Competition, their 2004 Apple Maple was awarded "Best Vermont Wine".

Their wine, in its distinctive dark blue bottles, are found on the wine lists of many of Vermont's top restaurants. They are available for sale in local village shops in the area and through distributors. Their tasting centres at local shops and Scott Farm, a National Trust Property, are very popular with visitors who not only enjoy the opportunity to experience the diverse offerings, but also the chance to learn about local apple varieties unique to Vermont .

For additional information, Telephone: (802) 387-4610 or Fax:(802) 254-6061

One of the best known traditional trout smokeries in the country, River Test Smokery was set up by Jeff Hounslow in 1987.   Situated in Chilbolton, in the heart of the Test Valley, alongside the legendary River Test, the smokery was intended originally to provide a service to local fly fishermen, but it was soon swamped by anglers and fisheries, wanting Jeff  to smoke their fish for them.

The smokery’s  reputation was built on Jeff Hounslow’s firm belief that nothing beats the old fashioned method of cold-smoking trout, and his conviction was demonstrated by customers coming from as far away as the Falkland Islands.

Up to the end of 2002 the smokery had operated on the basis of two traditional kilns, each capable of smoking 50 average sized trout, which turned out 8000 fish in 2002.   Plans are now in the pipeline for a third, larger, kiln – with a view to improving turn-round times for the company’s many faithful customers,  and the introduction of other local products, such as smoked eels.

Nick Richard, Smokery Manager, offers expert fly-fishing advice and assistance as well as both private and group instruction. Please see site for further information.

The Robb Family Farm was established in 1907 by Thomas and Christine Betterly, Hermon Robb's grandparents. The large barn was moved from Halifax in 1912 and the farm house was built in 1914, both are still in use today.

The farm is currently run by Charles Sr., Helen, Charles Jr., and Karen Robb. They farm on 420 acres and have a herd of 110 Holstein cows, of which about half are milkers.

The sugarhouse is a special feature of this six generation farm. Built in February 1998, to replace the old 1920's sugarhouse that "gave up", it was decided to make it a little more accessible to the road.

At this busy family farm, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic Vermont landscape from the back of a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh depending upon the time of year. Each 35 minute ride meanders through the fields and into the woods. Visitors listen to the peaceful sounds of the evening woods as they return to warm themselves beside a roaring bonfire and enjoy a warm cup of chocolate and Helen's homemade doughnuts. The Vermont Country Shop at the farm is The Home of fine Vermont Crafts. The Robb Family produces the purest maple syrup and offer a large assortment of fine handcrafted treasures from local artists and craftsmen. There is now an extensive range of offerings that can be ordered online. Helen reports that they are presently overwhelmed by orders for their new unique range of wedding favours!

Every year the farm holds a couple of very special events that highlight a particular aspect of country living. The Robb Farm is a working dairy farm and operates year round in all weather conditions. Winter and Spring mean the snow and rain have come bringing mud and "cows do, well, what cows do". With this in mind they recommend to all visitors that boots should be worn when visiting the farm.

The majority of our countryside is devoted to farming. From the highest peaks where sheep graze, to the lowest valleys where crops are grown, the land is farmed. Farmers have created the countryside we see around us. This means that we have a special responsibility to both the people who love the countryside and the wildlife that lives there.

Here at Manor Farm we take that responsibility seriously. We look after our crops with the utmost care and all decisions are taken with wildlife and the environment in mind, ensuring our products are grown to the highest standards to create the highest quality food.

The hedgerows at Manor Farm are of the utmost importance to us and are looked after with great care; they need to be otherwise we wouldn’t have any sloes (the fruit of the blackthorn shrub) to cover in chocolate! And, there wouldn’t be anywhere for birds to nest and hedgehogs to forage.

Please visit our website for a list of Sloe Motion stockists throughout the country in England, Scotland and Wales; please note that not all of them carry a full range of our products and we encourage you to check for availability. However, for your convenience, all items are available from our Online Store where you can view each one ~ your taste buds will tingle as you struggle to make your selections.

Vintage Tractor Engineer is brought to you by tractor enthusiast brothers Steve and Ian Ridsdale, providing tractor maintenance and repair advice. There are a range of reference articles such as serial number data, wiring diagrams, torque settings etc.

http://www.vintagetractorengineer.com  

Passionate about Alpacas