Thursday, August 19, 2010

Farm Inspections August 19, 2010

I am getting close to finishing up my farm inspections for this season. To date I have visited 80 farms since April 1st. Today I visited Pumpkins Etc. and Grandma Dings Fudge which is located in Platt City, Mo. The fudge part of the business is ran by Kathy and Bill Wright and their daughter Jane or as they are known at the market, "The Fudge People". Kathy and Bill were on vacation so their daughter Jane showed me around. Jane was just starting to determine what fudge needed to be made for the weekend. My favorite is rocky road and their hand made turtles but I think most children enjoy their fudge cones.

If you want to purchase fudge you will have to get it within the next few weeks since the Wright's will be away from the market getting things ready for their annual pumpkin patch. The mums are almost in bloom so we must be getting close to the end of summer. In addition to fudge Bill and Kathy also grow blackberries,tomatoes , green beans, herbs, summer squash, lettuce, greens and cucumbers. Most of these items are already done for the year. If you would like more information and directions to their pumpkin patch visit their web site at www.pumpkinsetc.com.

Although I am only checking two farms today I have quit a drive since the second farm is in Rayville, MO, just east of Excelsior Springs.If you are looking for a great place to get a fire oven pizza, try a little local wine and have a beautiful view Van Till Family Farms & Winery is the perfect place. When I first started visiting Cliff and his family in 2004 they had just built the bakery, since then they have added a restaurant, covered patio, vineyard and have started making wine. Today they were busy building a small walking bridge which will be perfect for wedding pictures and will lead visitors out to the pond. They were also busy harvesting their Mars and Reliance table grapes. Although they have expanded into great pizza and wine they have not forgotten how they started by making wonderful artisan breads. For more information visit their web site at www.vantillfarms.com.

The weather will be heating up again tomorrow so plan to visit the market early on Saturday morning and bring your reusable bags.

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