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The 12th Annual High Country Farm Tour in Ashe County is July 14

 

Heritage Homestead

 

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is excited to present the 12th Annual High Country Farm Tour with some new and fun twists!

This year, let us take you on a guided afternoon bus tour that will allow an engaging story to unfold about our High Country local food system and the passion and diligence that drives our local farmers. Mark your calendars for this inspiring adventure that will feed your belly and your soul!

On Saturday, July 14th, the day will include close encounters with favorite farm animals such as cows, pigs, goats, and chickens, walks through beautifully sculpted farmland with sustainable practices such as permaculture techniques, and a sneak peak into the practices of cheese making, fermentation and more!

The Ashe County Farm Tour will also conclude with an on-the-farm pizza party at Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy, featuring fresh local farm ingredients and locally fermented beverages such as beer and cider.

Why a Bus Tour?

At the conclusion of every tour, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture gathers survey data from both farmers and tour-goers. “We have been paying attention to what folks have been saying and this year we decided to switch things up to meet the goals of farmers and tour-goers,” said Courtney Baines, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture’s Executive Director. “This redesigned tour will provide a more intimate experience with each farm and farm family, reduce the likelihood of getting lost due to GPS confusion, and treat participants to a delicious, farm-fresh meal prepared onsite by local growers and chefs!” said Baines.

Over an afternoon of visiting 4 sustainable agriculture farms, participants will be able to connect in a meaningful way with other folks who are passionate about supporting local farm families. Did we mention that you will get to eat delicious food?

Ashe County Farms

Little Peak Creek Farm, located on a sprawling 68-acre farm in Jefferson is an adventure for families, schools, and young children. Little Peak Creek Farm has features chickens, donkeys, ducks, geese​, goats, horses and plants on their farm where they teach folks how to live sustainably. *Lunch available for purchase at this first stop.

Healing Springs Farm is a first-generation, female-owned and operated farm. The Certified Animal Welfare Approved farm produces pastured pigs and poultry and 100% grass-fed beef. Healing Springs Farm also features the original cabins from the historic Healing Springs health resort, which are available to visitors to rent. Their farm store features on-farm products and locally-made goods from the High Country.

Molley Chomper makes hard cider in Lansing from heirloom apples grown in the High Country of North Carolina and Virginia. The cidery works with small orchards that grow heritage cider and dessert apple varieties. The apples are harvested at peak ripeness and pressed at the cidery each Summer and Fall.

​Molley Chomper is run by a small, hard-working, fun-loving team of cider makers. Kate and Tim Arscott founded Molley Chomper in 2015. They live on a farm nearby, where they raise two boys, two formerly-stray cats, a flock of chickens, bees, a well-fed herd of deer, and a growing cider orchard (1,000+ trees at last count). Tim and Kate learned to make cider at home, harvesting apples from old trees on the farm and from generous friends and neighbors. Before launching Molley Chomper, they learned the technical aspects of cider making through the Cornell and Washington State University extension programs.

Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy is nestled on 17 acres in the mountains of Ashe County just outside of Jefferson. Since January, 2009, Heritage Homestead has been a licensed goat dairy, raising Saanens, Alpines and a few Nubians. The goats’ wonderful sweet milk is made into farmstead cheese and sold at local farmers’ markets and select retail shops.

The farm property contains numerous unique features including a metal smithing shop, refurbished 19th century cabin, mast forests and a full milking and cheese-making parlor. *On-the-farm artisan brick oven pizza dinner served

Tour Date & Tickets

Ashe County Farm Tour

Date: July 14th, 12pm-7pm

Tickets: $65, which includes an on-the-farm meal at the conclusion of the tour

Learn More and Purchase Tickets

Visit: www.farmtour.brwia.org

Call: 828-386-1537

Email: farmtour@brwia.org

 

Healing Springs Farm