3 minute read
Grassroots Gourmet: Bringing the Garden back to the Garden State
Diane Vogel, RWV Land & Livestock, Contributing Writer
When people think of New Jersey, the bustling Manhattan skyline and highways lined with puffing smokestacks on the New Jersey Turnpike often come to mind. But those images overlook the state’s quieter side—its green fields, farms, and livestock. It’s not called the “Garden State” for nothing.
Jeff and Diane Vogel, owners of RWV Land and Livestock in Central New Jersey, are helping to reshape that image. As second-generation farmers, they could have continued raising full-sized Herefords like Jeff’s father, Roger. Instead, they chose a smaller path, opting for miniature Herefords. The breed’s gentle disposition, lower impact on pastureland, and the rising interest in sustainable, small-scale farming made it an easy choice.
After nearly fifteen years of raising their herd and selling shares to family and friends, the Vogels expanded their operation. They found a USDA-certified butcher to sell individual cuts of their beef, creating a farm-to-table experience for their local community. This meant longer trips for processing, with the closest butcher over two hours away—but the Vogels knew it would be worth bringing their beef to more people.
Earlier this year, the Market at RWV opened its doors, offering locally raised beef straight from the farm. The response was overwhelming. Customers, young and old, came for different reasons. Some wanted to support a local business, and others were drawn to the idea of eating beef from animals raised with care—free from the crowded conditions common in industrial farming.
Demand skyrocketed. The Vogels had sold out within three weeks and scrambled
Lady Farmer’s After Chore Cocktail Recipe
-Cranberry Juice -Splash of Sprite -Shot of Peach Schnapps to arrange another butcher appointment. “We had no idea how crazy it would get,” Jeff admits. “One customer bought every rib-eye steak we had. Now, I make sure to keep a few cuts for my own grill,” he laughs. For Jeff and Diane, it’s a welcome challenge, one that reflects a growing desire for sustainably sourced, locally raised meat.
-Shot of mango rum -As much vodka as you need!
The Market at RWV is located in Jackson, NJ—far, far away from the smokestacks. Visit their farm or follow them on Facebook at The Market at RWV Land and Livestock.
This edition’s Grassroots Gourmet brings a fun twist from Diane Vogel of RWV Land and Livestock and The Market at RWV! Diane steps out of the kitchen and into the evening with a refreshing “after-chores” cocktail, perfect for winding down after a long day on the ranch. Her recipe blends cranberry juice, a splash of Sprite, a shot of peach schnapps, a shot of mango rum, and “as much vodka as you need.
Here’s to the hardworking women of mini Herefords! #ladyfarmerneedsacocktail
Cheers!
