Thursday, July 9, 2009

Another cloud burst at the farm. The plants this year have really had to learn how to float in order to survive! During a conference call earlier today, folks in the northeast are also being challenged on the farm by uncooperative weather. Late production, low yields and many difficulties getting hay in for the winter....for some, dairy prices that do not meet costs. I hope that the stimulus plans have room to help farmers.

Hopefully the sun will bring some encouragement later this week!

Monday, July 6, 2009

The "Blues" in Fayetteville

Here is the first post on the Red Roof Farm blog. We are a small operation in Fayetteville, WV growing fresh fruits and vegetables to support our specialty food line of relishes, pickles, jams, jellies and no sugar fruit spreads.

The owners, Ted & Ellie Martel, have been in the business for more than 25 years and moved to WV 10 years ago from their farm in Vermont. Ellie has been in agriculture all of her life beginning with the family dairy farm in Lincoln, RI. Their 3 daughters were very active in 4-H in New Hampshire and raised sheep, cattle and gardened at the "real" Red Roof Farm in Topsham, VT until their move to WV. The entire family loves their VT roots including love for Vermont's 3 most famous foods...Cabot Sharp Cheddar Cheese, maple syrup & Ben & Jerry's!

In WV, Ted & Ellie stay busy retired while spending at least 3 months of the year in Florida. They sell via mail order and attend several shows each year. We'll try and keep you updated on the farm and Ted & Ellie's travel as well as the adventures of their two grandchildren, Noah & Kasey, on this blog.

Hopefully, we'll have fun on the way and Ellie will share some of her favorite recipes with you. This evening, though, we spent an hour harvesting the ripe BLUEBERRIES!! Second picking and we had an outstanding crop this year. Also picked first zucchini squash today. By the end of the week we should have green beans and broccoli in the chiller. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!