Growing up on my family's farm in Pennsylvania, I never would have pictured the life I live at Willow Haven farm. As a kid I spent summers in our large family garden we called, “The Truck Patch”. I helped mom every summer, picking beans, weeding, and cutting fruit and vegetables for the hundreds of jars of canned and frozen produce we put up. Now I spends less time out in the field and more time in the kitchen doing the same preserving for my own farm family. Farmer Reuben values my many hours doing much of the behind the scenes marketing, writing emails to cultivate customers and capturing the farm story each week. I'm always learning along the way in my quest to improve the farm experience for each of her current and future farm members in our 500+ member, year-round customized farm box delivery program. Reading our stories will connect you with your food in a way you never experienced before. Someday soon you will want to fit local food into your life and we'll be here to help you.
👨🌾 Is organic really better? Here’s what we found out…
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Hi Reader, I didn’t always eat organic. When my husband Reuben decided to start farming, he chose the organic method simply to be different from the other farms around us. At first, that was it. But as we connected with some of the smartest farmers in the world—people who had studied the land, the science, and the history—we began to uncover just how much modern farming has damaged our food… and our health. We learned that conventional farming doesn’t just spray toxins—it strips the soil, weakens the plants, and leaves our bodies more vulnerable. Organic produce, on the other hand, doesn’t just avoid harmful chemicals. It builds something better. Studies show it contains 30–40% more polyphenols—the protective compounds plants create under natural stress. When a plant grows in healthy soil, facing bugs, wind, and sun, it gets stronger. And when we eat those stronger plants? Those polyphenols go to work in us—supporting our gut health, reducing inflammation, and helping our bodies repair and thrive. But here’s something most people don’t realize: 👉 In this short video, Reuben explains what the organic label does—and doesn’t—mean, so you can shop smarter and nourish your family with confidence. Because when food is grown right, it doesn’t just feed you—it fortifies you. Come learn, create, and connect with your local farm community right here at: Willow Haven Farm General Store 🗓 Saturday, June 7 at 1 PM 🗓 Saturday, June 14 at 12 PM 🗓 Saturday, June 21 at 10 AM 🗓 Saturday, June 21 at 6 PM 🗓 Wednesday, June 25 at 5 PM 🗓 Saturday, June 28 at 10 AM 🗓 Saturday, June 28 at 1 PM 🗓 Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 AM 🌾 Come early and stay awhile—enjoy lunch, shop local, and meet others who care about good food and healthy living. Want reminders? See all our upcoming events here: We'll keep farming for you! Reuben and Tessa DeMaster P. S. Confused by organic labels? Come to Reuben’s free talk this Saturday, June 7 at 1 PM at the Willow Haven Farm General Store. Learn what they really mean—and how to choose food that truly nourishes your family. |
Tessa DeMaster
Growing up on my family's farm in Pennsylvania, I never would have pictured the life I live at Willow Haven farm. As a kid I spent summers in our large family garden we called, “The Truck Patch”. I helped mom every summer, picking beans, weeding, and cutting fruit and vegetables for the hundreds of jars of canned and frozen produce we put up. Now I spends less time out in the field and more time in the kitchen doing the same preserving for my own farm family. Farmer Reuben values my many hours doing much of the behind the scenes marketing, writing emails to cultivate customers and capturing the farm story each week. I'm always learning along the way in my quest to improve the farm experience for each of her current and future farm members in our 500+ member, year-round customized farm box delivery program. Reading our stories will connect you with your food in a way you never experienced before. Someday soon you will want to fit local food into your life and we'll be here to help you.
Hi Reader, Lisa wasn’t part of the sourdough craze during the pandemic, but when she took a workshop at Willow Haven Farm, her journey with “Frank” (her sourdough starter) began—and it’s been anything but ordinary. From near-disasters (like baking “Frank” by accident) to delicious wins, Lisa’s experience proves that sourdough making is far more forgiving—and rewarding—than you might think. Her story is full of humor, resilience, and tips for turning starter into something special. Curious to...
Hi Reader, When Devon came to Willow Haven Farm, he was blown away. His friends at the gym—our farm customers—had been telling him for weeks, even months: "You’ve got to meet Reuben and Tessa. You’ve got to get your food from them!" Now, our businesses are just around the corner from each other, and in a shocking turn of events—Reuben is actually sitting in front of a camera to interview him. (I know, right?!) I can’t wait to share it with you. You see, we truly want you to live a healthy,...
Hi Reader, The door was stuck. Arms full of warm, freshly baked pastries, I struggled to push open the glass front green door of the General Store. No luck. Then I saw the sign: "Use Other Door." Don’t you hate acting out that Far Side cartoon in real life? 😆 But don’t let that stop you—our doors are open, and it’s cozy inside! The scent of hot coffee and buttery scones fills the air, and we’ve got some delicious deals waiting for you this week. This Week’s Specials – Just for You 🍏 All Week...