“Follow the Food” highlights the journey that produce takes from the auction floor to homes, restaurants, healthcare providers, colleges, and hungry mouths across the region.
On Saturday, May 20, strawberries in their peak of freshness and deer tongue lettuce from the Chesterhill Produce Auction made it’s way to the Whole Farm Field Day at Homecoming Ranch in Nelsonville, OH. John and Margot Baker, farm owners and operators, hosted Rural Action and other community members on their farm, sharing with us their regenerative ranching practices and the importance it plays in nutrient-dense, whole foods – something that the CPA sees a lot of!
After taking us on a hike through their pasture, where we were able to get a close look at their highland cattle, hair sheep and goats, John grilled some Homecoming Ranch beef burgers for us to taste the difference that regenerative agriculture practices make. Along with some fresh goat cheese also made on-site that morning, Rural Action brought fresh fixings for salad from the auction! Big, juicy strawberries that blow away any grocery store alternative are a favorite for those who frequent the CPA, a highlight of the early auction season.
Just as these strawberries completed this nourishing, delicious meal, the health of Southeast Ohio communities depends upon our local farmers that bring homegrown food to the region. That’s what the Chesterhill Produce Auction is all about! Making fresh, local food accessible to our community.
Emily Elam is a Hocking College graduate and the current Chesterhill Produce Auction/Sustainable Agriculture Community Development AmeriCorps Member at Rural Action.
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