Harmony Ridge Farms

Harmony Ridge Farms will be providing their fresh, local, and seasonal vegetables to our chefs for the four-course dinner at Community Table this year.  On a recent visit to the farm the tables inside the barn were loaded with colorful vegetables and fruits.  Green and red apples, the last of the summer peaches, peppers, squashes, freshly dug potatoes, plums, yellow and red cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob, multi color carrots and more.  Below, meet Isaac of Harmony Ridge Farms.

I was able to visit with Isaac as he tended the farm store on his family owned farm.  Issac and his Dad, Kevin started the farm 10 years ago this fall.  They first started with a CSA as they were “green” in the farming business.  Issac explained that, “around year four and five we began to find how to grow stuff right”.  He followed up with, “always biting off more than we could chew”.

Expanding the CSA and adding a nonprofit program called Farm Fresh Healthy Living (providing weekly CSA shares to low income families with children in Forsyth County), in addition to serving restaurants and local farmer’s markets became the new norm.

The life of a farmer is not easy.  Isaac’s day consists of planning out the day’s/week’s tasks, logistics, record keeping, planning and executing all produce crops, inventory, filling orders, sales, sourcing and communications.  His Dad, Kevin along with one other, manage the field crew, all husbandry, tractor work, maintenence, fencing and pastures, and help with most everything else.  Father and son still like each other and try to lead semi-normal lives outside of farming.

When asked what his favorite crops to grow are Isaac said, “I most enjoy growing root crops especially beets, turnips, radishes, and potatoes because they are hearty, relatively easy to grow and store well. Carrots fall into the mix as well but they are challenging and some days I can’t stand the throught of pulling another weed crowding them out.  However they are the most rewarding when done right. ”

If you want to experience some of Harmony Ridge Farms fresh food don’t forget to order your tickets for Community Table 2019, Modern-Southern.  It takes place on Sunday, September 29 at Cadillac Service Garage.  We have a few tickets left – secure yours today to enjoy local food prepared by the Triad’s finest!  Tickets are available at Triad Local First.