Geraghty's Micro Farm & Market
Apr 26, 2022
We traveled to Geraghty's Micro Farm & Market for our conversation today with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Joining us for our Tourism Tuesday chat was Dayna Geraghty, co-owner (with her husband Josh) of Geraghty's Micro Farm & Market.
Dayna explained the concept of homesteading and how their farm started off as a way to simply feed their family in a healthier, more sustainable way. Their plan was to educate others by sharing their day-to-day successes and struggles in the hope that they could inspire others to grow their own food. Three years ago, it became their family business.
She told us how they came up with the term "micro farm" because their property was substantially smaller than most of the traditional farms in our community. Because they sit on only eight acres, their need to raise livestock that is more manageable and easier on the land was vital and they needed to maximize each and every square foot.
On their micro farm you'll find several different breeds of bantam chickens, furry pigs known as KuneKune (pronounced cooney cooney) and a small herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats.
Dayna explained that unless you grow your own food or personally know your local farmer that it's impossible to truly know what you're eating. They are very transparent about how they raise their livestock which includes being pasture-raised on locally sourced, whole grain, non-GMO feeds.
She talked about their CSA program (community supported agriculture) and how it's grown in the last 3 years from just six families to serving twenty six this year.
Their CSA starts in June and runs through October each year. You pay for the 20-week program in advance and then come to the market each Sunday to pick up your basket. This year's CSA will include:
• Each box will contain roots, fruits, greens & herbs when it comes to produce.
- For example - carrots, radishes, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans/peas, corn, peppers, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, cilantro, sage, thyme, basil, etc.
• Every other box will contain a dozen chicken eggs. 10 dozen total throughout the length of the CSA.
• Every other box will contain 1 whole, pasture raised chicken. 10 in total.
• Fresh cut flower arrangements as available.
• Occasional homemade soaps as a fun add-on.
• Canned goods here and there such as salsa, pasta sauce, pickles, etc.
• Plus, you can look forward to a few other surprise items as a thank you for supporting our farm!
To sign-up (they're almost full) visit their website by clicking here.
For peeks of activity from Geraghty's Micro Farm & Market, follow them on Instagram, on Facebook, or visit their website: https://www.gmicrofarm.com/
The market is open every Sunday from 12pm - 4pm and is located at 1659 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Winchester, VA 22603.