Today was supposed to be Pasture Day…
But it’s been added to the long list of events across the nation postponed, canceled, or changed as we know them. But because we need some things to stay the same, some things to look forward to, and some things to celebrate; the theme of this blog post is Things NOT CANCELED:
Pasture Day
Pasture Day is one of the best days of the year, and COVID19 won’t change how the cows feel about it! However, as a family we have made the sad and difficult decision to postpone and transition Pasture Day to a virtual event this year due to the ongoing health emergency.
In an effort to minimize gathering, we will announce the virtual event, day-of, via social media and this newsletter. For your health and safety, we encourage you to enjoy Pasture Day from the comfort of your own home – and visit us another time to greet the heifers and enjoy some local ice cream!
Mothers Day
Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery continues to take special orders for all occasions. Pick Mom or Grandma up a cake, some pastries, or a home-cooked meal. We also have local hanging flower baskets, beautiful cards, and gift certificates to her favorite local dairy farm.
Barstow’s is open regular hours on Mother’s Day, 8am-4pm for drive thru service. We are wishing all of the moms, grandmothers, and mother-in-laws in our community a very special day!
Spring
Does anyone else feel like time has slowed down? Pandemic time has a strange way about it, but it’s almost like spring is lollygagging. We’ve been relishing the unhurried pace of the season this year with green-yellow leaves unfurling and the cover crop just starting to take off.
The cows have been loving the mild temperatures and the farmland birds have been singing away! This weekend will warm the ground! The farm is on schedule for spring planting and the first hay harvest this month. Be aware, tractors and trucks will be out on the road (though it might not matter as much with everyone working remotely!)
Hiking Near Home
Quarantine has given many of us the opportunity to rediscover nature nearby. Pick up a picnic lunch before your hike at Skinner State Park or stop by for an ice cream sandwich to end your adventure. We encourage you to call your orders ahead for the fastest service.
We are lucky to live in a place where the conservation of open space, farmland, and forests is a community priority. Check out these tips from your local land trust about caring for yourself, others, and the land while out on trail.
Victory Gardens
Americans have stocked up on toilet paper, bakers yeast, and also, seeds! Are you planting a ‘pandemic garden’? Fill-your-own container with compost at Barstow’s, pick up in bulk, or call 413-586-5584 for delivery. We anticipate seeing many people this weekend for compost.
Please note the best time to come for bulk loading is 8am-noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Full details here. We are a working dairy farm, sometimes farmers are unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your flexibility!
Local Food
People may be panic buying seeds, but the food system is strong here in the Pioneer Valley. Local farms are gearing up for another season of local food. You can look forward to fresh asparagus and rhubarb (and strawberry rhubarb pies!) coming to Barstow’s SOON!
And some things are always in season: milk, cheese, beef, honey, maple syrup, and Shannon’s chicken pot pies to name a few!
Farm Raised Beef
We had promised in in for next week, but the beef fairy came early! Barstow’s is restocked with our farm raised beef steaks, burgers, ground beef, kabobs, beef sausage, and soup bones. Get creative and get cooking! Spring time is perfect for grilling on the porch or barefoot in the driveway.
Although May Burger Night won’t happen at Barstow’s this month, why not throw your own? And your Memorial Day Weekend might be a little more low-key – kick it up a notch with farm fresh steaks for the fam.
Local Dairy
Dairy farmers across the country are facing challenging times. With schools, institutions, and restaurants shuttered, 50% of the dairy market has vanished. All farms have been asked to reduce the amount of milk they produce to better match supply with demand, including Barstow’s Longview Farm.
The best way to support local dairy farms in this uncertain time is to buy direct, buy local, and/or buy Cabot! Here’s a list of 9 ways to support your local dairy farm. And another list: 10 ways to support Barstow’s during COVID19.
Shopping Local
We are glad to be your local lunch/breakfast/bakery/grocery spot close to home. Calling ahead to check inventory and place orders remains the most efficient way to get your goodies from Barstow’s. Thank you for working with us to better serve you! And thank you for buying local!
We are all eating more meals at home. Stop by for butter, cheese, milk, and eggs for cooking or baking. And when you get tired of cooking, pick up prepared foods and lunch items to go!
Naming the Calves
Life on the farm is largely the same. The farmers have been practicing social distancing their whole lives, spending time in the barns and away from the public…ha! There continues to be farm projects, routine chores, and, of course, new life! Our spring babies need names!
Visit the Name the Calf Contest page on our website to name new calves and see previous winners. Right now, our “G” girls need names and you can help them out here.
Spring Hiring
Finally, the last item that’s ‘not canceled’ is that Barstow’s is hiring! We are looking for upbeat, motivated, organized people to join our herd! We are hiring Customer Service Associates and Dishwashers. Please submit applications via email or at the drive thru window.
Full position descriptions and the application are on our website here.