Barstow’s May Newsletter 2018

Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery and Barstow’s Longview Farm are located in the historic Hockanum Village in Hadley, MA. Our motto is “Looking Forward Since 1806” and we’ve been taking great care of our dairy herd and of the 450 acres of land we farm for 212 years. Farm and Store are family owned and operated by 6th and 7th generation Barstow’s. We raise a herd of 550 for dairy and beef. We are committed to sustainability, green power, local food, and building a relationship with our community.

Pasture Day

Saturday, May 5 | 12:30-3:00pm

After this very long winter in the barns, the girls will be frolicking their way into spring! Grab some lunch and watch these lovely ladies make their way into the front pasture of Barstow’s!

12:30pm – arrive early to get an ice cream cone and claim a spot on the hill

1:00pm – cow release time

2:00pm – free wagon ride farm tour

12:30-2:30pm – live music on the porch by Old Country Road

Compost for the Green Thumb

Your spring garden is in need of nutrient rich, farm fresh compost! Barstow’s compost contains cow manure, horse manure, and any food scraps or compostable eating-ware from Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery – healthy and sustainable! Pick up a couple of 1.5 cubic foot bags for $6 at the farm sign on Barstow Lane. Bulk $30 per yard; $20 per ½ yard. Delivery is available: call 413-586-5584 and leave a message for delivery fee.

Free Anniversary Farm Tours

Thurs May 10 | 10am, noon, 2pm

2018 marks our 10th Anniversary at Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery! On the 10th of each month this year we will be hosting a series of mini events in celebration! On Thursday, May 10, join us for free walking tours of our farm at 10:00am, noon, and 2:00pm. Tours begin and end at Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery and take about 1 hour. Family friendly! Good walking shoes recommended. Read more.

April by the Numbers

40 acres of corn rotated to hay

135 yards of compost sold

15 salads on the menu for May – (National Salad Month!)

6 heifer calves born

Ms. Leslie was our highest producing cow in the month of April! She produced an average of 162.5 lbs of milk per day or 18.9 gallons per day!

Quick and Dirty

What’s up on the Farm

Spreading manure
Planting field corn
Climate control
Bringing out the picnic tables and porch furniture at Barstow’s
Business as usual

Grad Party Season

Congrats Grads! Order graduation cakes, desserts, salads, and platters to make your grad party special, simple, and delicious! Check out our cakes, party platters, and prepared foods on our website! Don’t see what you want? Just ask!

May Burger Night

Tuesday, May 22 | 5pm-7pm

Burger Night is BACK! Join us for our first Burger Night of the year on May 22!
Born and raised right here on Barstow’s Longview Farm, our burgers are as fresh and local as it gets! Grill is runs 5pm-7pm and Barstow’s kitchen is open until 8pm.
Enjoy live music by Old Country Road on the porch from 5-7pm and a sunset ice cream cruise (wagon ride) around the farm leaving at 6:30pm(ish).
As with all Barstow’s events, bring your own adult beverages! Lawn and board games are welcome. This event is family friendly! Full event info here.

June is Dairy Month

Each year Barstow’s celebrates with education of our industry, discussions about local food, and ice cream (well duh!). In June you can look forward to:
The Dairy Crawl | a partnership of 6 local farmstands to raise awareness of dairy in our community.
The Dairy Month Lecture Series | free, educational discussions with dairy and ag experts in the field (get it?!)
Ice Cream One Up Day | order a small, get a medium! Order a medium, get a large! In honor of our 10 Year Anniversary!

April News Roundup

Here are a few articles the Barstow family was reading this month:

For you, Mom

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13! Order a custom cake, picnic salad, or platter for a gathering with Mom! Check our porch for hanging flower baskets from local Four Rex Farm. Browse gifts from local artisans, choice steaks from the farm, or pick up a gift certificate for a local lunch at Barstow’s! Visit our blog for 8 great gift ideas for Mom.

Memorial Day Picnicking

Spring made it (finally)!! Bust out the grill for Barstow’s farm raised beef burgers and steaks this Memorial Day Weekend. Order cakes, pies, picnic salads, side dishes, and party platters by May 25! Don’t see what you want? Just ask!