Ridge Meadows Farm is a small grass-based farm on 31 acres of farm and forest land in Randolph Center, Vermont. We raise and sell at our farm 100% grass-fed beef and lamb and pasture-raised pork, chicken and turkey which receive antibiotic-free and hormone-free grain. We also sell beautiful farm fresh eggs from our free-range chicken flock. Our gardens are growing and recently constructed hoop houses are allowing us to grow fresh greens, tasty tomatoes, and other organically-grown vegetables for market.
Our Farm Philosophy
We realize that many Vermonters are looking for healthy, nutrient-rich food choices that are grown in their local community. Our goal is to grow the best tasting and healthiest food we can to feed ourselves, our families as well as our neighbors, friends, and community members.
We grow what we are good at and enjoy eating, what we get pleasure from doing, what our land best supports, and what our customers claim is the best they have ever had!
A favorite day for Dan and I would be spent outdoors moving fence for the animals, out in the gardens working the soil, or harvesting a finished product and preparing it for a customer- whether that happy consumer be us or you! Â Â
We love being active, producing something healthy to eat, and always feel the greatest satisfaction when we share something truly tasty with others. I know we love the family holiday meals best when we can provide our farm-raised ham at Easter, fresh eggs and greens on July 4th, tomatoes for summer weddings, turkey and home-grown fingerling potatoes at Thanksgiving, and a savory roast for Christmas dinner. We feel fortunate to grow and share each of these meals with those we love. We hope to provide you with the opportunity to do the same!
History
At Ridge Meadows Farm we primarily sell grass-fed meats, grown and raised on our small grass farm overlooking the White River valley. We started more than five years ago as a hobby farm selling beef to family and coworkers and have grown over the past few years to raise other pasture feed meats - lamb, pork, meat birds, and turkeys- in additional to our top-quality beef.
Our beef and lamb are raised solely on high quality forage- rotationally grazing on our 12 open acres during the growing season and consuming hay produced on the farm during the winter season. Our poultry and pork are raised in an open-air environment, on pasture, food scraps, and grain. The laying hens forage freely all-year round in the barnyard and adjoining woods. None of our livestock are fed antibiotics or hormones. Instead, our small-scale farming operation is committed to producing healthy, local food, grown sustainably from our land, with the help of family and friends - and Mother Nature of course!
Fresh, organically-grown vegetables are our newest enterprise on the farm. We have always grown enough vegetables and fruits to feed our families year-round. Since our farm has beautiful soils, perfect aspect and desirable day length to extend the growing season, we are stepping up our production levels. We have one hoop house and plan to build another this summer that will afforded us early and late season greens- lettuce, spinach, and kale- and will be a nurturing environment for growing our various tomato varieties throughout the summer. We will continue to update our customers on the varieties and volume of fresh garden produce available.Â
How We Plan to Grow
Balancing a work schedule and life hurdles off the farm with on-farm responsibilities has always been our challenge. This year, we have made a serious commitment to making farm endeavors a more significant part-time job. With more time focused on the farm we are developing this website, expanding our marketing avenues, increasing the number of animals on the farm, and adding commercial vegetable production to the daily duties. As we have barely been able to meet the demand and interest from our existing customers, this growth is necessary and pleasantly received. We are expanding because you like what we grow, the meats we produce, and the practices we use.
Over the next year, you will spot more cows and calves on pasture, lambs frolicking in net fenced pastures, numerous poultry groups traveling around in their ‘chicken tractor’, and see our gardens swell with produce. Our markets are expanding as well. Our farm retail market will continue to service those customers wanting the true on-farm experience, which almost always includes a farm tour. But in addition, we will have product for sale at the Vermont Technical College Farmer’s Market on Wednesday 3-6 pm starting May 19th. Wholesale marketing to the local coops and area restaurants is also in the works- so keep you eyes out for Ridge Meadows Farm fresh eggs and pasture raised meats at your favorite markets in the greater Randolph area.
We hope to see you soon and thank you.
Sincerely,
Abbey Willard and Dan Koloski
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