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.
👨🌾 So, are you slowing down? [not!] You'll see why + Specials
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Hi Reader, "So, are you slowing down now?" It’s freezing cold today, and you’d think the farm work would ease up in weather like this. Everyone asks us this question. It never does. Winter chores always seem heavier—literally and figuratively. The pigs, chickens, and cows still need our care, and in these frigid temperatures, that means extra effort to keep them fed, watered, and warm. This week has been especially challenging because we said goodbye to our best farm worker. Our field manager, Andrés, and his family had to leave for Mexico, due to the temporary visa system for foreign agricultural workers. Read more below... BOGO on Hot drinks Tonight. We're trying out our espresso maker. 🎄 Join Us 5 - 8 Tonight for Christmas Carols! 🎄 📍 Willow Haven Farm General Store continued...They’re spending the winter visiting family on both sides, and their two children can’t wait to see all their abuelos and tíos. But their departure means more than just a gap in our workforce—it’s a glimpse into the complexities of their life. To ensure they can return in March for spring seeding and planting, I’ve already filed the first of three applications with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. While it’s good for them to reunite with family, it’s hard to see them uprooted every year. Their home is here, with us, and yet in Mexico, they live out of suitcases, bouncing between relatives. To make their situation more stable, Andrés is applying for a full-year work visa, but the process is complicated. We may even need legal help—hopefully pro-bono. Another need for their family is a reliable vehicle. It’s been a tough year for us on the farm, with nearly every vehicle breaking down at some point. When our trucks are in the shop, it adds strain—not just to farm operations but also to daily life, from grocery runs to extracurricular activities for both our families. If you know of a vehicle they could use this winter, we’d love to hear from you. Read more below... ❄️ Lehigh Valley Winter Farm To Table Eating Guide: Seasonal & Local Foods for Healthy Meals❄️ Check out my latest blog post to learn:
Please share the article on Facebook and social media when you find something helpful or interesting. This will help Willow Haven Farm lead the way in the year round seasonal local food movement in the Lehigh Valley. 👉 Read the blog now continued...Meanwhile, life on the farm keeps moving. Today, Reuben is hauling the Saturday market vegetables indoors to the Farm Store because it’s just too cold to leave them on the wagon. After jump-starting the tractor, moving hay, and finding a solution to keep the pigs from eating their own house (yes, they do that), he’ll head over to the General Store to give a free talk. Later tonight, we’ll be singing carols and visiting with all of you at the General Store. I hope you’ll join us—it’s one of the bright spots in a long winter day. Then, before the sun rises tomorrow, Reuben and our choir teens will be singing the candlelit Rorate Advent Mass at Holy Ghost Church on Carlton Avenue in Bethlehem. If you’ve never experienced this ancient Christmas tradition, you truly should. It’s beautiful. And of course, as soon as it ends, Reuben will head back to milk the cows during the “warmest” part of the day. Weekly Farmer Talk Series Schedule Join us for free talks at the Willow Haven Farm General Store! Each session is packed with actionable tips to inspire healthier eating habits.
So, are we slowing down? Not quite. But in this busy season, we’re finding moments to connect—with family, with faith, and with all of you. We'll keep farming for you! Reuben and Tessa DeMaster P.S. Please share the article on Facebook and social media when you find something helpful or interesting. This will help Willow Haven Farm lead the way in the year round seasonal local food movement in the Lehigh Valley.
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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, Setting up a thanksgiving meal in the barn may have been more work but there isn’t a more beautiful setting for our whole farm community to come together for amazing farm food. But you may be surprised that we roasted chickens and turkey, whipped the mashed potatoes and unstuffed the apple walnut stuffing 2 weeks ago when the weather was a bit warmer. (Remember the almost 60 degree days we had earlier this month?) Holidays with family get complicated, right? Each family has its own...
Hello Reader, Just a quick reminder that our DIY Essential Oil Rollers for Winter Wellness class is happening tomorrow at 1:00 PM at Willow Haven Farm! We’re excited to gather and create blends that support your immune system, keeping you and your family healthy as we head into the colder months. It’s going to be hands-on and fun, and you’ll leave with customized rollers that are perfect for winter wellness or even gift-giving! Event Details: Date: November 9th, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM Location:...
Hi Reader, Do you love pork and sauerkraut for New Year’s? I certainly do! This dish is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The tender, savory pork paired with tangy, fermented sauerkraut creates a flavor combination that warms the heart and soul. But, WAIT?! Is it too early to talk about New Years? That's three holidays away still! Keep reading... We Are Open on the Farm @7686 Herber Rd! Saturday: 9 AM - 3:00 PM Organic Sourdough...