At Harvest Market, we are fortunate to have personal relationships with the many farmers who supply our food. These farmers are dedicated to sustainable farming practices that promote the health of the land, the economy, the animals and the people. As venders and consumers of food, we all have a vested interest in the health and future of local family farms.
We have the largest selection of local pasture raised meat and dairy products in the area. Grass-fed meat and dairy products are known to be higher in CLA, Beta-Carotene, Vitamins A and E, and have a healthy ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids. Eggs from pastured poultry are rich in vitamins and minerals, have beautiful orange colored yolks and taste delicious.
One of our main suppliers of grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, turkey and eggs is Rumbleway Farm, a 62 acre certified organic family farm in Conowingo, Maryland. A family farm run by Mark and Robin Way and their three children, Rumbleway Farm uses sustainable farming practices to raise their livestock. The animals spend at least half their lives outside, enjoying fresh air and access to pasture. The chickens are processed on the farm in a USDA certified processing area and commercial kitchen. Beef and pork is processed at a local USDA certified processing facility.
While the beef and pork products are available year round, fresh Rumbleway pastured chickens are only available in spring, summer and fall. Any seasoned Harvest Market shopper knows what it means when the signs go up saying that it’s “Rumble Time!” This means that it is time to pre-order your fresh Rumbleway chickens, delivered fresh to the store on a bi-weekly basis. Unless you have raised your own, you have never tasted a fresher or more flavorful chicken.
To kick off the spring season, Mark and Robin are hosting their annual Open House, on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22nd, from 1-4 pm. The day, which happens to correspond with Earth Day, is a great opportunity to visit a farm that is using sustainable farming practices. Get a first hand understanding of how pastured poultry is raised. There will be farm tours and plenty of samples of farm products from Robin’s certified kitchen.
In the fall, Rumbleway Farm will host their annual Farm Day. This free event, which falls on the last Sunday in September, is a fun and educational day featuring an all-ages fishing tournament, a pie eating contest, games, food, crafts, pony rides, wagon rides, and of course all kinds of animals.
In the winter months you can visit Rumbleway for “Dinner at the Farm”, a four course meal featuring meats and products from the farm. These scrumptious dinners, prepared by Robin, are served family style at 7 pm, most Saturday nights from December to April. Reservations can be made by phone or on line.
Knowing the source of what we eat, how it was grown, and who grew it connects us to our food, our earth and each other. Like most small sustainable farms, the Ways welcome visitors to the farm, so they can see first hand where their food comes from. This can be an invaluable experience for adults and children alike, helping us understand the relationship between stewardship of the land, the humane treatment of farm animals and a vibrant healthy diet.
Visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday from 9am - 7pm. It is best to call first (410-658-9731) so that you are greeted upon arrival. You can also find more information about Rumbleway Farm at their website, www.rumblewayfarm.com.
