Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market: A Conversation with a First Generation Farmer
For today’s episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael traveled to Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market. Joining her for the Tourism Tuesday chat was Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Dayna Geraghty, co-owner of Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market. Click here to have a listen.
Dayna explained the concept of homesteading and how their farm started off as a way to simply feed their family in a healthier, more sustainable way. Their plan was to educate others by sharing their day-to-day successes and struggles in the hope that they could inspire others to grow their own food. Three years ago, it became their family business.
She told us how they came up with the term “micro farm” because their property was substantially smaller than most of the traditional farms in our community. Because they sit on only eight acres, their need to raise livestock that is more manageable and easier on the land was vital and they needed to maximize each and every square foot.
On their micro farm you’ll find several different breeds of bantam chickens, furry pigs known as KuneKune (pronounced cooney cooney) and a small herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats.
Dayna explained that unless you grow your own food or personally know your local farmer that it’s impossible to truly know what you’re eating. They are very transparent about how they raise their livestock which includes being pasture-raised on locally sourced, whole grain, non-GMO feeds.
She talked about their CSA program (community supported agriculture) and how it’s grown in the last 3 years from just six families to serving twenty six this year.
Their CSA starts in June and runs through October each year. You pay for the 20-week program in advance and then come to the market each Sunday to pick up your basket. This year’s CSA will include:
• Each box will contain roots, fruits, greens & herbs when it comes to produce.
– For example – carrots, radishes, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans/peas, corn, peppers, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, cilantro, sage, thyme, basil, etc.
• Every other box will contain a dozen chicken eggs. 10 dozen total throughout the length of the CSA.
• Every other box will contain 1 whole, pasture raised chicken. 10 in total.
• Fresh cut flower arrangements as available.
• Occasional homemade soaps as a fun add-on.
• Canned goods here and there such as salsa, pasta sauce, pickles, etc.
• Plus, you can look forward to a few other surprise items as a thank you for supporting our farm!
To sign-up (they’re almost full) visit their website by clicking here.
For peeks of activity from Geraghty’s Micro Farm & Market, follow them on Instagram, on Facebook, or visit their website: https://www.gmicrofarm.com/
The market is open every Sunday from 12pm – 4pm and is located at 1659 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Winchester, VA 22603.
City of Winchester Pipes & Drums
Our Tourism Tuesday conversation with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Center included Bryant Condrey, Pipe Major for City of Winchester Pipes & Drums.
Bryant gave us the history of the organization and told us that anyone (at practically any age) can join the band. They offer training to learn to play the bagpipes or drums and will help with choosing the proper instrument.
He also explained the significance of their kilt and told us about the sgian-dubh (skee-ən-DOO; Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: [s̪kʲənˈt̪u]) which is part of their traditional Scottish Highland dress along with the kilt.
We talked about their performances at public events such as Apple Blossom and other parades for fallen heroes. They are also available for private events.
For more information about City of Winchester Pipes & Drums, visit their website: http://cowpad.org/ and follow them on Facebook.
The Business of Tourism in Winchester/Frederick County
Our conversation with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau was all about tourism: the people, the businesses, and the data.
Justin explained who the tourists are that come to our area and why they choose Winchester/Frederick County. We talked about targeting & tracking methods that he uses to get the most bang for his marketing buck. He also told us why local, small businesses must in most cases depend on tourist traffic in order to survive & thrive.
First Night Winchester
For our Tourism Tuesday conversation today, I chatted with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and his guest, Christine Germeyer, Executive Director for First Night Winchester.
Christine told us about how to get our wristbands for this year’s event – now in it’s 35th year – as well as highlighted several of the new performers we can expect to see. She told us about the noon walk on The Trails at MSV on New Year’s Day.
First Night Winchester is announcing a major change to their admission procedure due to the ongoing pandemic. Masks will be required for all indoor venues, regardless of vaccination status. Wristbands go on sale December 21st and are $10 each for everyone; children 5 and younger are FREE. Wristbands can be reserved online now at www.firstnightwinchester.com or purchased in person at three locations: Winchester Book Gallery, The MSV, Winchester/Frederick County Visitors Center.