Locally Grown Column

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Maple View Horse Farm, Salmon Brook Street

February was tough with all the snow and cold (check out the picture) even though things are less spread out here in the winter than in the summer, that’s still a lot of snow to trudge through and move. Animals and farmers are always happy to see the calendar turn to March with its promise of longer days, warmer temperatures and seeds sprouting. Even if you still get blasted with some cold, the end is in sight. We’ll start teaching beginner horseback riding lessons this month. Send us an email to schedule. We’re looking forward to finishing our new barn/garage. It will be a great place to work on equipment during the winter and lots of storage area for tools and equipment. Save the date for April 26, 12–2 p.m. for our annual free Open Barn event. You can take a tour, play a game, make a craft, and meet one of our lesson horses.

Lost Acres Vineyard, Lost Acres Road

Even though we are closed, we are still busy making wine, bottling and getting the calendar ready for 2015. Look forward to a new release of Salmon Brook Rose this spring. The first show for Lost Acres Vineyard Gallery will be the Granby Memorial High School Art Show, check out the Artist Reception on April 3. More Info

There are still spots available for our wine CSA this year, check out our website for more information. And while we are closed, you can always stock up on Lost Acres Vineyard wine from Center Spirit Shoppe. 

The snow acts as a big blanket protecting our vines root system from the cold, but temperatures below 12 degrees Fahrenheit might cause some damage to the canes. As we start pruning this spring, we will have to take special care to account for any damage to the vines.

Fiddlehead Farm, Silkey Road


We’re ready for summer, and that means we’ve got ponies for parties, and our hands-on traveling barn yard of two adorable Pygmy goats, two sweet bunnies, and two fluffy hens all for snuggling, brushing and lots of photo opportunities. We travel year-round and make the most memorable birthday parties and events—large and small—educational, fun and so unique! Fiddlehead Farm also home to the most superb Golden Retriever pups that are the ideal family companions.

Sweet Pea Cheese at House of Hayes, East Street


The Sweet Pea Cheese midwives have been very busy this month. Most does have their babies just fine, and we just try to be there and help them dry off the babies. Then we offer the mommas warm water with a half cup of molasses. They really appreciate this extra energy boost.

We have 122 kids on the ground, with a few more due the end of February and beginning of March. All the babies nurse off their mommas and we get the extra to make product. Like us on Facebook to see lots of pictures!

Sepe Farm/Pirro Farm, Broad Hill Road

We’re thinking spring and getting ready for our busiest season: shearing and lambing! Shearing starts at the end of March or early April, weather permitting, and the lambs won’t be far behind. We also spend many days on the road shearing sheep for other shepherds in Conn., ensuring their sheep get annual haircuts before the weather gets hot. We’ll use our wool to make beautiful blankets—have you seen them on www.SepeFarm.com or our Facebook page?

We’re also taking orders for lamb. Please get your order in early because special sizes go quickly! And, of course, you can always order your half or whole lamb right from the farm at (203) 470-4084.