Contributing writer Bonnie Cranmer
Come down Main Street in New Castle on any Saturday for the farmers market and a nice hometown surprise. A variety of vendors fill the spots with tasty treats, plenty of information and loads of experience to share. The corner has filled in nicely with the addition of the mural wall, stating the obvious “Craig County, Your Next Adventure Awaits.”
One of the vendors, Josh Thompson of Landis Legacy Farm, has been participating since the beginning of the market earlier this year. His Newport enterprise brings eggs, chickens, pork, and maple syrup to the market along with garden produce. Thompson has a collection of private customers in the area, and sells consistently at the New Castle market and in Giles County at the Narrows market. Thompson is expanding the work on fencing begun at his 200-acre property with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He found, as many farmers do, that three strands only keep in some animals. Adding more strands in key areas makes for safer animals.
Sally Farrell is another vendor at the market, bringing eggs and lamb. Her farm produces eggs, replacement ewes, lambs, lamb meat and mutton. Farrell faced an unexpected challenge recently, with a fox in her chickens. She found that electric netting for protection over the flock has been very helpful.
Then, there’s the sourdough. Lazywoods Homestead baker, Casey Peters, creates sourdough loaves in classic plain, Jalapeño Cheddar or Pepperoni Cheddar. Other offerings include sourdough pasta and delicious cinnamon pecan buns on occasion. “We do not add preservatives to our breads, and under the best conditions they will begin to mold within a few days,” Peters website states but the tasty goodies don’t usually last that long. Peters and her husband both work regular jobs, have children and are developing a farm business with the bakery, chickens, an apiary and small farm equipment rentals.
While this is a taste of what’s available at the Craig County Farmers Market, this is only the beginning. Supporting local agricultural business is essential to maintaining the rural character of the community. Knowing your local farmers, and supporting their efforts, builds strength and resilience. Watch for more vendors and more opportunities to participate at market events in coming weeks. The farmers market is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to pick up wildlife stickers and other items at the market to show your support for Craig County.
