Newsletter from the Davidson Farmer's Market

Join us in Bidding a Warm Farewell to Wild Turkey Farms

 

 

Lee Menius - farmer, educator, father of two boys (Rosty 11 and Charlie almost 9), and husband to Domisty - has always aimed to build his farm to the point at which he could sustain through wholesale business. "Honestly, I didn't think we would be able to do it because of our small acreage," says Menius.  But, they've done it!  "Lee's and Domisty's presence at the Market, with their wide variety of offerings, really made it sing," says Davidson Farmers Market's first ever Market Manager, Mary Jane Leach. "To me, part of what makes them special is knowing that they really care about the animals and that they go the extra mile to do things well.  I've always admired their innovative approach to managing their farm and developing great products, and they are able to cater to chefs and the public while keeping it real.  What you see is what you get, and what you get is authentic goodness."  WTF has been a part of the Davidson Farmers Market family since it opened in the summer of 2007. And the same amount of time to the Salisbury Farmers Market. Known for their numerous pork products, chicken, beef, duck, turkey and eggs, WTF has come to the conclusion that pork is the most lucrative for their business. Because WTF has a breeding herd of pigs, he doesn't have to buy babies like he does with beef, and the pigs are ready to process in eight to nine months. "Pork is the direction I knew would carry us, and it's finally time to make the transition."  In the last year, WTF's restaurant sales have tripled. Selling to numerous Charlotte restaurants, stretching to Monroe, UNCC area, Concord and Cornelius, chefs are talking and word-of-mouth has been the ticket. "Charlotte chefs visit their chef friends at their restaurants to eat and talk about the ingredients - they share information. That's how my restaurant business has increased. I've never pursued the restaurant business. Six or seven years ago I couldn't get restaurants to talk to me. Now they are coming to me." In addition to restaurants, Menius supplies whole animals to a butcher friend at Foothills Pasture Raised Meats, Black Mountain, just up I-40 on the way to Asheville. (http://www.foothillslocalmeats.com/).  While you won't be able to buy WTF protein at the DFM anymore, you'll still be able to visit the farm in China Grove. Menius sells the equivalent of a mini-market in farm sales. Simply call or text Lee (704.202.9348) to make an appointment to visit the farm or place an order and he'll leave it in the cooler for you (with your name on it).  "My seven year old Beck has spent many Saturday mornings with the WTF boys, Rosty and Charlie playing hide-and-seek, climbing trees, eating watermelon and running around with other Market and vendor kids. We will miss WTF's presence in many ways but are so happy for them that they have created a business model that will allow them to have more family time while still remaining prosperous," says Market Manager, Courtney Spear.   Best wishes Wild Turkey Farms! The Davidson Farmers Market