Gaining Ground A Story Of Farmers' Markets, Local Food, And Saving The Family Farm

From 1996, when five enormous loads of grain reaped the slim profit of $18.16, to now, fifteen years later, selling crops at leading farmer's markets in DC and hosting an annual tour attended by thousands, Forrest Pritchard's journey to the top of the sustainable farming community has been extremely fulfilling. The seventh-generation farm has taken on ambitious and often hilarious endeavors in an effort to save the farm in the Shenandoah Valley. While selling firewood and straw, raising free-range chickens and hogs, or acquiring a flock of Barbados Blackbelly sheep, Pritchard runs into a colorful cast of local characters that brings the story to warm, communal life. Soon after his father's death, Pritchard is faced with the decision of whether to continue serving his community's needs, or to succumb to the exploding external demand for his wares. The reader experiences this dilemma with Pritchard through his vibrant narrative.

Forrest Pritchard is a professional farmer with degrees in English and Geology from William & Mary. His poems have been published in national literary magazines, and Smith Meadows has been featured on NPR and in the Washington Post. Pritchard is a frequent speaker at conferences and universities. He lives on Smith Meadows in Berryville, VA, with his family, and each weekend his farm serves dedicated customers at local farmers' markets.