Category Archives: VVR

With family on my mind this week, here is a flash back to a memorable #cleanlocalplate at #sintravirginia this Summer. Greens, beans, and tomatoes from @tlberries with fresh #tidewatervirginia tuna and new potatoes, and #heritageeggs from the @vernal_vibe_rise hens. The #niçoiseolives were—obviously—not local. If you have a lead on local olives, let me know—@acornucopiaproject ? #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

With family on my mind this week, here is a flash back to a memorable #cleanlocalplate at #sintravirginia this Summer. Greens, beans, and tomatoes from @tlberries with fresh #tidewatervirginia tuna and new potatoes, and #heritageeggs from the @vernal_vibe_rise hens. The #niçoiseolives were—obviously—not local. If you have a lead on local olives, let me know—@acornucopiaproject ? #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

For those of you who did not see my #guerrillasignage at the @wvuextension #smallfarmconference this year, I want to initiate conversations about race and farming in West Virginia. Our state nonprofit Boards (including the @wvfma_ —on which I serve) are far too white. Most of the farmers I know are white. I know that there are #pocfarmers in West Virginia. I have been making the effort to connect with #farmersofcolor in our state and with white farmers who want to do the work to shift the balance of power in our agricultural circles. Do you want to talk about this? Do you have ideas? Do you know people who are already doing this work? #permacultureisaboutrelationships#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #mindfulness #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

For those of you who did not see my #guerrillasignage at the @wvuextension #smallfarmconference this year, I want to initiate conversations about race and farming in West Virginia. Our state nonprofit Boards (including the @wvfma_ —on which I serve) are far too white. Most of the farmers I know are white. I know that there are #pocfarmers in West Virginia. I have been making the effort to connect with #farmersofcolor in our state and with white farmers who want to do the work to shift the balance of power in our agricultural circles. Do you want to talk about this? Do you have ideas? Do you know people who are already doing this work? #permacultureisaboutrelationships#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #mindfulness #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

Yesterday’s rainy-day #familyfeed included @wildunicornfarmstead butternut squash, @vernal_vibe_rise kuri squash, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and #ossabawlard + #bellsvalleyfarm #englishroastbeef + bay leaves from #dildahliefarm and some I brought back from #zagrebcroatia + the essential @jqdsalt #cleanlocalplate #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

Yesterday’s rainy-day #familyfeed included @wildunicornfarmstead butternut squash, @vernal_vibe_rise kuri squash, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and #ossabawlard + #bellsvalleyfarm #englishroastbeef + bay leaves from #dildahliefarm and some I brought back from #zagrebcroatia + the essential @jqdsalt #cleanlocalplate #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

I am having a tricky time deciding if this is a food post or an art post. Golly, these #pacchoi are beauts, @tlberries –and beyond delicious. Thank you for sharing your incredible #midwintergreens with me.⁠⁠#feedyourfriends⁠#provision⁠#ecopackaging⁠#gettingwiser⁠#learnasyougo ⁠#mindfulness ⁠#theproblemisthesolution ⁠#designforthefuture⁠#permaculturefarm ⁠#healthyfarmer⁠#selfcarewhilefarming⁠#truesustainability⁠#permaculture⁠#permacultura ⁠#observeandinteract ⁠#practicalreflection

I am having a tricky time deciding if this is a food post or an art post. Golly, these #pacchoi are beauts, @tlberries --and beyond delicious. Thank you for sharing your incredible #midwintergreens with me.⁠⁠#feedyourfriends⁠#provision⁠#ecopackaging⁠#gettingwiser⁠#learnasyougo ⁠#mindfulness ⁠#theproblemisthesolution ⁠#designforthefuture⁠#permaculturefarm ⁠#healthyfarmer⁠#selfcarewhilefarming⁠#truesustainability⁠#permaculture⁠#permacultura ⁠#observeandinteract ⁠#practicalreflection

My #karakachan livestock guardian dogs get all of the meat scraps from the @vernal_vibe_rise kitchen. When I am washing up from a meal, I usually grab the #cleanestdirty bowl and use that for any bones or bits of gristle that the pups would enjoy. Sometimes, that vessel, licked clean by the pups, is the container on hand when I have a few more eggs than I can reasonably carry down the hill post-chores. Which is why, in the historical style of my contradictory life, I sometimes end up with a crystal berry bowl filled with fresh-from-the-coop eggs on my gatepost, to be ferried down to the house.#gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #delawarechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

My #karakachan livestock guardian dogs get all of the meat scraps from the @vernal_vibe_rise kitchen. When I am washing up from a meal, I usually grab the #cleanestdirty bowl and use that for any bones or bits of gristle that the pups would enjoy. Sometimes, that vessel, licked clean by the pups, is the container on hand when I have a few more eggs than I can reasonably carry down the hill post-chores. Which is why, in the historical style of my contradictory life, I sometimes end up with a crystal berry bowl filled with fresh-from-the-coop eggs on my gatepost, to be ferried down to the house.#gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #delawarechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

Today, I feel thankful for this magical maple: the dry seat that its base provides while I picnic, the shade from its just-budding branches. I am often amazed by how busy and happening even a small city like Charlottesville can feel after a couple weeks’ stretch on @vernal_vibe_rise with only the animals and an occasional visitor to break my solitude. #urbanedge#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

Today, I feel thankful for this magical maple: the dry seat that its base provides while I picnic, the shade from its just-budding branches. I am often amazed by how busy and happening even a small city like Charlottesville can feel after a couple weeks’ stretch on @vernal_vibe_rise with only the animals and an occasional visitor to break my solitude. #urbanedge#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

Two of the wisest bitches I know. I walk into this New Year with an open heart and the clear intention to learn as much as I can from these two gals, along with the rest of my sisters. I am so grateful to feel surrounded by full-force feminine energy as I stride into this new decade and, nearly, into age 35. Life is beautiful. #staygrateful #2020#learnasyougo #mindfulnesspractice #peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

Two of the wisest bitches I know. I walk into this New Year with an open heart and the clear intention to learn as much as I can from these two gals, along with the rest of my sisters. I am so grateful to feel surrounded by full-force feminine energy as I stride into this new decade and, nearly, into age 35. Life is beautiful. #staygrateful #2020#learnasyougo #mindfulnesspractice #peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

You have five more hours to order @vernal_vibe_rise goodness via the @turnrow.farms delivery route this week.If this is your first time, know that it is easy to sign up and a simple platform to navigate. Delivery is available in Charleston, Lewisburg, Talcott, Greenville, and Huntington. #feedyourneighbors #cleanlocalplate#feedyourfriends#provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #theproblemisthesolution

You have five more hours to order @vernal_vibe_rise goodness via the @turnrow.farms delivery route this week.If this is your first time, know that it is easy to sign up and a simple platform to navigate. Delivery is available in Charleston, Lewisburg, Talcott, Greenville, and Huntington. #feedyourneighbors #cleanlocalplate#feedyourfriends#provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #theproblemisthesolution

One @vernal_vibe_rise #dominiquechicken nearly laid this warm egg in my hand today. Let me know if you want to try the best #beyondorganic eggs around. I offer an Egg Share subscription program and home delivery for two or more dozen within a reasonable distance/Lewisburg area. $8/dozen and worth it!#eggshare #gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

One @vernal_vibe_rise #dominiquechicken nearly laid this warm egg in my hand today. Let me know if you want to try the best #beyondorganic eggs around. I offer an Egg Share subscription program and home delivery for two or more dozen within a reasonable distance/Lewisburg area. $8/dozen and worth it!#eggshare #gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

Whenever I am off-farm for more than a few days, I return to a pile of eggs, thanks to the robust #dominiquechicken hens here. Often, there are more than a handful that are not sale-perfect, and those are the best eggs for me to enjoy on @vernal_vibe_rise —this basket has been perfectly hard boiled and is ready for peeling and pickling today. The rest of the harvest gets delivered to my regular #eggshare customers, and offered for sale at #swiftlevelfinemeats and @turnrow.farms online. Both are great options for the next few weeks, as SLFM is now offering a drive-through pickup service at the shop in Fairlea and Turnrow offers delivery to several towns across the state. #staypositive #healthyfood #feedyourneighbors #feedyourfriends#provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #theproblemisthesolution

Whenever I am off-farm for more than a few days, I return to a pile of eggs, thanks to the robust #dominiquechicken hens here. Often, there are more than a handful that are not sale-perfect, and those are the best eggs for me to enjoy on @vernal_vibe_rise —this basket has been perfectly hard boiled and is ready for peeling and pickling today. The rest of the harvest gets delivered to my regular #eggshare customers, and offered for sale at #swiftlevelfinemeats and @turnrow.farms online. Both are great options for the next few weeks, as SLFM is now offering a drive-through pickup service at the shop in Fairlea and Turnrow offers delivery to several towns across the state. #staypositive #healthyfood #feedyourneighbors #feedyourfriends#provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #theproblemisthesolution

This is a friendly farm #publicserviceannouncement —Wash Your Tools When You Finish Using Them. I have been digging holes and otherwise playing in the dirt for more than a couple of decades, and doing it professionally for a full decade. As of the past several months, I can now report that I wash mine every time I finish using them. And it feels so good.#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #toolcare #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

This is a friendly farm #publicserviceannouncement —Wash Your Tools When You Finish Using Them. I have been digging holes and otherwise playing in the dirt for more than a couple of decades, and doing it professionally for a full decade. As of the past several months, I can now report that I wash mine every time I finish using them. And it feels so good.#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #toolcare #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

These days, I just carry one bag of firewood at a time—and I am proud to admit it. I used to live to push my body to the limit in every way. Less sleep, longer work, harder push, faster rush, whatever. Today, life looks different on purpose.Can I carry two forty-pound bags of firewood at once? Of course. Is that the best choice for my bones, mind, and the rest of me? Probably not. When I give myself permission to farm—and otherwise live—in a way that does not involve the constant maximum, I give myself the gifts of longevity, serenity, and the option to stay mindful longer—while making two trips to the house, carrying a gentler load. Let’s call it efficiency of spirit. #gettingwiser#learnasyougo #mindfulness #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

These days, I just carry one bag of firewood at a time—and I am proud to admit it. I used to live to push my body to the limit in every way. Less sleep, longer work, harder push, faster rush, whatever. Today, life looks different on purpose.Can I carry two forty-pound bags of firewood at once? Of course. Is that the best choice for my bones, mind, and the rest of me? Probably not. When I give myself permission to farm—and otherwise live—in a way that does not involve the constant maximum, I give myself the gifts of longevity, serenity, and the option to stay mindful longer—while making two trips to the house, carrying a gentler load. Let’s call it efficiency of spirit. #gettingwiser#learnasyougo #mindfulness #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

The #tallowtexture on this pot of #boileddinner is worthy of a curious @artyqueue post. That said, it is #bellsvalleyfarm #brisket + @wildunicornfarmstead taters + @goransonfarm carrots (hauled South from Maine) + @vernal_vibe_rise Spring onions + @tlberries collards + @jqdsalt —so I guess it just belongs here instead.#edibleart #stayhealthyyall #feedyourfriends⁠#provision⁠#kitchenjoy#gettingwiser⁠#learnasyougo ⁠#mindfulness ⁠#theproblemisthesolution ⁠#designforthefuture⁠#permaculturefarm ⁠#healthyfarmer⁠#selfcarewhilefarming⁠#truesustainability⁠#permaculture⁠#permacultura ⁠#observeandinteract ⁠#practicalreflection

The #tallowtexture on this pot of #boileddinner is worthy of a curious @artyqueue post. That said, it is #bellsvalleyfarm #brisket + @wildunicornfarmstead taters + @goransonfarm carrots (hauled South from Maine) + @vernal_vibe_rise Spring onions + @tlberries collards + @jqdsalt —so I guess it just belongs here instead.#edibleart #stayhealthyyall #feedyourfriends⁠#provision⁠#kitchenjoy#gettingwiser⁠#learnasyougo ⁠#mindfulness ⁠#theproblemisthesolution ⁠#designforthefuture⁠#permaculturefarm ⁠#healthyfarmer⁠#selfcarewhilefarming⁠#truesustainability⁠#permaculture⁠#permacultura ⁠#observeandinteract ⁠#practicalreflection

The Way To Be GMO-free

Just as we (humans) are what we eat, so are the animals that we raise here on Vernal Vibe Rise. As a result, we believe that it is truly worthwhile to go to great lengths to make sure that our animals have access to the cleanest, most nutrient-rich foods available to us.

GMO-free feed in truckEvery few weeks, we make the trip to neighboring Virginia to purchase GMO-free feed for our animals. It involves an entire day, significant expense, and intense physical effort, but what is farming if not comprised of those things already?

GMO-free feed on truck

Much of the GMO-free swine feed is contained in this one-ton tote, which needs to be secured carefully before the two-hour drive on the highway back to VVR.

GMO-free feed in/on truck

Here is the (rented) truck of the week, all loaded up for the drive back to Renick. My dear truck, the Dumpin’ Doggie, is a 1969 F100 and isn’t well-suited for this type of trip, so she stays at the farm during feed runs.

GMO-free corn

The GMO-free whole corn, which serves as a supplemental feed for VVR poultry, and as a snack for swine and sheep. The clean feed that we offer the animals here on VVR makes them healthier, which in turn ensures that their meat and eggs are tastier and safer to eat. We thank all of our customers for caring enough about the health of our environment to make the choice to purchase VVR’s GMO-free products.

 

If you have ever spent time in the @vernal_vibe_rise kitchen, you know that there are many, many jars of fermenting fruits, beverages, vegetables, and other sundry bubbling concoctions in this space. With health in mind and a little time on my hands, I chose to unpack some of the vessels #fruitvinegar from last autumn—and a few potent batches from the year before. The great news is that I now have lots of #livefermented #beyondorganic vinegars available (soon to be listed on @turnrow.farms ) and I am happy to leave a bottle on your doorstep on Monday if you arrange it with me ahead of time. I love using these fruits to their fullest, giving them space to create #wildvinegar , and then sharing the vigorous solids with my eager #pasturedhens —and they then contribute to the soil, aiding the orchard to produce more. Nature continues to provide.#wildfermentation#applecidervinegar#persimmonvinegar #peachvinegar #culturehealth#feedyourfriends#provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #theproblemisthesolution

If you have ever spent time in the @vernal_vibe_rise kitchen, you know that there are many, many jars of fermenting fruits, beverages, vegetables, and other sundry bubbling concoctions in this space. With health in mind and a little time on my hands, I chose to unpack some of the vessels #fruitvinegar from last autumn—and a few potent batches from the year before. The great news is that I now have lots of #livefermented #beyondorganic vinegars available (soon to be listed on @turnrow.farms ) and I am happy to leave a bottle on your doorstep on Monday if you arrange it with me ahead of time. I love using these fruits to their fullest, giving them space to create #wildvinegar , and then sharing the vigorous solids with my eager #pasturedhens —and they then contribute to the soil, aiding the orchard to produce more. Nature continues to provide.#wildfermentation#applecidervinegar#persimmonvinegar #peachvinegar #culturehealth#feedyourfriends#provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#permaculturewomen #theproblemisthesolution