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Barnyard
Lessons
Once the backbone of American agriculture, small-scale, nonindustrial,
self-supporting farms have become an endangered species. But today, many food
experts suggest that preserving such independently owned and operated farms —
and buying local food systems going forward — is essential to stabilizing and
securing our country’s future food supply...
'The growing agritourism trend helps us — and a
lot of other farmers — keep operating,' says Marcy Tudor, president of the
Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association and the owner of Weatherbury Farm,
southwest of Pittsburgh. She and her husband, 'Farmer Dale,' raise grass-fed
beef and lamb and teach guests about farming — and invite them to help with
chores.
Farm tourism’s value extends to education, as
48-year-old University of Pittsburgh professor Joan Vondra, PhD, can attest. She
and her daughters, Miranda and Erica, have visited Weatherbury Farm for each of
the past nine summers. 'My own childhood visits to my grandparents’ farm were
idyllic,' she recalls. 'Farm-stay weekends give my kids those memories, plus
hands-on experience.'
Each morning, after waking up in one of the
restored historic farm buildings, the girls accompany Farmer Dale to feed goats,
sheep, cows and fowl.' When the girls were little, they were cautious about
feeding calves and lambs from a bottle, so I got to help,' says Vondra. 'Now that
they’re 12 and 15, they do everything themselves.'
The girls observe firsthand the food cycle, which
influences their lifestyle choices (both are vegetarians). 'They’re always proud
that they collected the eggs we eat for breakfast every day,' says Vondra. After
chores, the family relaxes, swims in the pool, and walks or runs the country
roads. 'It’s pleasant following a routine governed by the sun and the needs of
the animals,' says Vondra. 'Weatherbury Farm is my kids’ dream come true.' "
