Sugarloaf Parkway Is Not As Sweet As It Sounds
Hello Everyone,
Stokes Family Farm has entered into a new phase as progress turns our pastures into asphalt. From the shade of a towering birch tree I can hear the distant music of bulldozers as Sugarloaf Parkway comes ever closer. The county has purchased all the land right up to the edge of our farm, so I guess we are the final obstacle as the new road rushes to merge with GA 316. Unfortunately negotiations are going very slowly. I can't go into much detail at this point but will let everyone know when the situation is resolved.
The engineers have told us they will be taking or disrupting about 5 of our 21 acres. It is an enormous loss to an already small farm and our beloved pond will disappear into history. Additionally we will be coping with a giant embankment blocking the rising sun until nearly noon much of the year, because that dandy new road will tower above our birch trees. On a positive note the engineers have assured me that all runoff will be diverted into retention ponds to keep our remaining soil clean and unpolluted.
The good news is that Stokes Family Farm will continue to provide delicious and healthful grass fed beef and pastured pork to our customers. The bulk of the herd will be in Monroe at my business partners farm. I confess his grass is much better than ours, and it just makes better tasting beef anyway. We'll keep a few cattle, pigs and chickens at the current farm for visitors to experience and learn about. The garden is unfortunately closed for the foreseeable future as a result of a knee injury I had recently in England. I'll share more information about the changes at Stokes Family Farm as I'm able.
Best regards,
Anthony Stokes
Posted by Stokes Family Farm at 7/23/2010 3:16 PM 
Categories: Farm Update
Tags: grass fed beef beef pork farm chicken
Categories: Farm Update
Tags: grass fed beef beef pork farm chicken
So sad to hear about your farm losing land, & the knee injury too. You & yours are in our thoughts & prayers!
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Anthony, I want you to know how much my family appreciates what you are doing. That last batch of steak we bought were the best I've ever eaten, including those purchased at fancy steak houses. Marinating the meat in brine was the ticket. The steaks were tender and perfectly seasoned.
My granddad and uncles were farmers. It isn't an easy life. We are so grateful that you and your family have the calling to till the soil and raise animals in the way God intended. Your efforts are a blessing, and we thank you.
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Anthony,
I am so sorry to hear about your leg accident! I actually found your while researching heirloom seeds. I have a niece (Pam Custer; Custer Family Farms) who also works with holistic farming methods, raised beds, moving pig pens, as chicken pens.
I am especially saddened for your loss of your farm for your whole family by a super road! After we have paved, cut, and polluted everything perhaps we will figure out we need to dig up the asphalt, replant, and nuture our home! Hope you new venture works well for you!
Warnly,
Andrea
PS. Love the recipes as I am an avid cook!
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