On to New Hampshire!

The last farm we visited on the Stonyfield Barnstorming Tour was Middle Branch Farm located in New Boston, NH and owned by Roger and Lori Noonan. Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to meet another friendly farming family, the Noonan’s proved me wrong again! Middle Branch Farm is a vegetable CSA that provides food for about 600 families as well as employs of Stonyfield. We were warmly welcomed by Roger, Lori, and their intern Florence. Roger showed us around, and we got to sample some veggies straight from the farm!! So exciting!!!

Have you ever had kohlrabi? I hadn’t until now, and I’m inspired to try growing some in our garden next year. I hear it is great with a buffalo wing sauce!

We also saw rainbow swiss chard, and many other great looking veggies! I asked Roger what he does to control all the weeds. His answer – “Hoe, hoe, hoe!” Let me tell you, that is a LOT of work!!!

This is just ONE of the fields, and we saw several plus there are several greenhouses, chickens, and even ducks!

I love how beautiful this beet looks! Yummm!!

We also got to sample some Tuscan Kale — it was so tasty! Again, another vegetable I’d like to try growing in our garden. According to Kristina (one of the other bloggers), this variety of kale would make fantastic kale chips!

Lori had just returned from work while we were touring the fields. She works off of the farm so their family can have health care. As we were munching on veggies out in the field, Roger commented, “We don’t have much money, but we eat well. What else is there in life?”

Florence whipped up some delicious sandwiches for us, all made with ingredients from the farm: fresh homemade bread, hard-boiled egg, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Roger and Lori graciously welcomed us into their home to eat, and the smell of fresh bread in the kitchen was sooooo inviting!

Next up, a tour of the Stonyfield plant where they make all that delicious yogurt!!