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Jesse Straight working with chickens. Whiffle Tree Farm “I grain fed toward the end so there is more intense white marbling,” he explained. The white marbling is technically flecks and streaks of fat within the meat that adds flavor to the beef. Henry’s cattle are sold in portions, like in halves, and customers can choose their options for processing. A personalized experience, customers can work with the processing company to choose cuts, leanness and pounds per package for hamburgers. “You can split the half with your neighbors, friends or family,” Henry mentioned. The benefit in purchasing directly from a farmer is quality and peace of mind in knowing where your food came from.
described above. They don’t use any chemicals including antibiotics, chemical wormers or chemical additives to their meats.
“It’s a lot better to have them [chickens] moved twice a day on fresh grass because it allows them to have palatable “The number one benefit when you purchase a cow from a greens and removes them from their manure which keeps farmer is the hamburger, it’s coming from one source meaning their immune system stronger,” Jesse explained about his that one animal is choice, grain-fed,” Henry started. “Whereas farming practices. if you go to the store you get a blend of meat [more than one In addition to raising their own meats and eggs, the animal] to make the hamburger.” Straights have opened a Farm Store on the property that supports locally grown food and products. Henry mentioned more so now, than ever before people are interested origin source, which is good for him and any of “We’ve realized that we can’t do it all and yet we want our local farmers. If you’re interested in learning more about to eat it all and so do our customers,” Jesse said. “We’ve just his cattle operation or want to place an order give him a call. started to organically grow into sourcing from our local friends who raise in a way that is up to our standards.”
JESSE AND LIZ STRAIGHT WHIFFLETREE FARM (540)349-3099 jessestraight@gmail.com www.whiffletreefarmva.com
These new-age farmers have worked their roots deep in Warrenton and continue to provide a holistic approach to farming, meet Jesse and Liz Straight of Whiffletree Farm. They practice intensive rotational grazing that allows their animals to grazing in lush areas daily while providing natural fertilizer for the pastures. The constant movement creates an active partnership between the farmers, the animals and the land. “We kind of stuck with staple meats and eggs,” Jesse mentioned. Whiffletree Farm raises chickens, eggs, turkeys, freeforaging pork and grass-finished beef using the method 54
Their network of friends are talented farmers and crafters that bring to Whiffletree items like raw unpasteurized milk; apples as well as apple products like cider and sauce, raw honey, sour dough bread, organically grown herbs, baked goods, tea, kombucha, lip balms and even soap. The items in the store will continuously change with season and availability but its purpose to bring the community together around the table will faithfully remain the same. “I’ve kind of figured out over my life that farming really fits with a holistic family life and community life that is really appealing to me,” Jesse explained. “Farming really integrates ones work, community and home life…you walk out your front door and there is your office.” If you’d like to get in touch with the Straights about Whiffletree Farm or the Farm Store, give them a call, shoot them an email or check out their website. Warrenton Lifestyle