Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Know your farmer, trust your food... and experience the BACON



If you have been keeping up with international news, you’ve probably been seeing a lot of headlines about other countries banning GMO (genetically modified) crops and rejecting such imports from the U.S.; meanwhile on American soil an increasingly loud cry from consumers continues to grow over farming and food labeling practices that seem bent on keeping us in the dark regarding the types of food we are purchasing and eating. 

In the wake of this increasingly controversial topic, I decided to visit Gilmer County’s oldest operational dairy at Mountain Valley Farm to check out their all-natural way of doing things. I had been hearing good things about this farm store for a while, so the hubby and I packed up the whole family and invited some friends along for a bonafide summer outing.
               
 After a nice drive down a country dirt road, we arrived. Bunnies hopped around in nearby grass, goats and cows and pigs and horses were relaxing under the shade of towering Weeping Cherry trees, and there was no charge to visit with the animals. The kids squealed and giggled, and we spent a good half hour just wandering around outside enjoying the sunny afternoon. I was mesmerized with the grounds to be sure.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed hanging out on the grounds of Mountain Valley!




But after entering their farm store, I was equally mesmerized with their many products; the clean store was stocked with grass-fed, free range, no-hormones-added selections of beef and pork, fresh eggs, raw milk (for pet consumption), cheeses, and creamery butter. According to owner Suzy Wright, other farmers often stop by and sell fresh breads, vegetables and other deliciously local-grown foodstuffs. It’s a beautiful picture of farmers working together to help each other.

In fact, I ran into Sarah Burnett of Holden Creek Farms while there. (Holden Creek specializes in non-GMO pastured chickens), and it was a real pleasure chatting with her about the large selection of grass-fed meats offered at the Mountain Valley Farm Store. "And what about the bacon?" I asked. She just smiled widely and explained, "It will keep you coming back!" I decided to purchase two pounds, as well as some ground beef, to give it a try.

As the demand for non-GMO, grass- fed and free-range food skyrockets, I feel blessed that I only need to take a short drive for access. According to Suzy, nearly 80% of their customers drive between one and two hours just to visit, often from Atlanta and Chattanooga. And that means that these customers are passing by Ellijay's beautiful orchards and vineyards, the Cartecay River, cabin rental businesses, and our incredible mountain scenery. I can't help but wonder how much reverting to more traditional, natural techniques could help other farmers and craftsmen in the area and positively impact commerce for our county. The demand is there, and Mountain Valley has shown that folks are willing to travel.                
                 
As I was discussing all of these things with Suzy, she agreed that her operation was only one type of success that this demand could create. “Our family operates seven farms to meet the demand. Our store has grown, and we are now open seven days a week from 10-6. But, I think a big part of the reason our customers recommend us and keep coming back is the fact that we educate them about how we raise all of our own animals freely and happily (it takes about twice as long to raise a grass-fed and finished cow than your average supermarket cow.) And we also take the time to educate customers about how to cook these special, healthier meats.”

The Farm Store!

Their sustainable methods, personal interaction with customers, and the joy of successful farming keeps Suzy smiling. She has the privilege of “raising happy animals on a small scale, working with a wonderful, indispensable support staff, and contributing to the advancement of agriculture in our area.” It’s worth noting that now all of Mountain Valley’s meats are USDA certified, so for all of you locals out there who have considered giving grass-fed meats a chance, now is your time.

And as a side note, I can attest that their bacon is in fact the best I’ve ever tasted. Ever. And Sarah was right, I will be returning soon to purchase more.

If you are interested in visiting Mountain Valley yourself, visit www.grassfedgeorgia.com or call 706-889-0999 for directions and more information. Don’t forget the weekend farmer’s market in downtown Ellijay is also back up and running! Happy shopping and healthier eating!