Farmer Forrest leads the tour on Farm Day
We are living, working farm where animals are raised in as natural an environment as we can provide. Forrest Pritchard has worked years with his family and farm apprentices to create a system to rotate chickens, pigs, beef cattle, and sheep so that they are always on a fresh piece of pasture. When patrons visit the farm, they are always amazed at how beautiful it is, and how well the animals live. You are welcome to our farm any day of the week. The store is open from 10am-5pm, but you can also come to stay longer.
Betsy and Ruth run an historical bed & breakfast in the family manor house that dates to 1824. It is a Federal Style structure with an elegant columned front porch, 5 acres of gardens, well appointed rooms with comfortable beds and large bathrooms with antique claw foot tubs. It is easy to spend a relaxing weekend on the farm after a delicious 4 course gourmet breakfast made from our farm products and locally raised produce.
For a more comprehensive look at how the farm works, we host Farm Day every three years in May when the farm is at its best. The next one is scheduled for 2014. On Farm Day patrons come to our farm to see all the animals in their natural habitat and to learn how we raise the food we bring to farmers’ markets each week. The tour of our 500 acre farm takes almost 2 hours because there is a lot of ground to cover and many animals to visit. We begin in the garden behind the B&B where we have a chance to say hello and have a snack. Black Dog Coffee is served along with our home made ham biscuits while we introduce our family. For two years Bar C Ranch has set up a small petting zoo where children can interact with the animals. Then we all go for a delightful long walk. After visiting the pasture raised broilers, laying hens, sheep, pigs and cattle it’s time to come home for a catered lunch. Mr. B’s BBQ of White Post, VA does a wonderful job preparing our pork and beef, which is accompanied by a fresh salad made with local greens. In the afternoon guests are invited to our farm store and kitchen where there are cooking demonstrations. May is a beautiful month on the farm. Everyone walks away with a better understanding and deeper appreciation of farming.
Smith Meadows Farm Store
Thank you to all of our loyal patrons who come to visit us. We enjoy being able to show you what local and sustainable agriculture can be. Although we won’t give you a guided tour of the farm every day, you are welcome to visit us throughout the year. Below are slide shows from past Farm Days.
