Rachel Louchen reports from Great Barrington. What better way to to start off our local growing season (and bid good riddance to a painfully long winter) than a brunch sourced from many of our area's farms? Fresh eggs and bacon, crisp greens and even local coffee (courtesy of Barrington Coffee Roasting Co.) were served on Sunday, April 27 at Prairie Whale as Berkshire Grown celebrated the beginning of the growing season. The brunch was an opportunity for the Berkshire Grown team and area farmers to discuss ways the community can help support the growth and sustainability of our farms, all while enjoying a feast expertly prepared by Prairie Whale staff. The meal, featuring greens from The Berry Patch and other area farms, gave a foretaste of a fresh and colorful season. Above left, Executive Director Barbara Zheultin with Jessica Camp of MX Morningstar Farm in Copake, and Berkshire Grown Board President Allison Rachele Bayles.

Cathy Aldrich with husband Rich Aldrich of Salisbury Bank; Berkshire Co-Op's Merchandising Manager Ted Moy and Emily Bronson, program coordinator at Berkshire Taconic Foundation.

Dale-Ila Riggs and Don Miles of The Berry Patch Farm with Brandon and Sandy Pantorno; Prairie Whale's proprietors Mark Firth and Bettina Schwartz with staffer Joe Scully, who also works at their farm, Chestnut Hill in Monterey.

Peter Zheutlin came out to support his cousin, Barbara, here with Bettina Schwartz and author Judy Gelman.

Farmers Scottie Mills and Scott Mckenzie; Heidi Frye and Max Frye, who live in Miami and have a home in Lenox.

Mark Firth with R. Allen Cockerline and Robin Cockerline of Whippoorwill Farm in Lakeville; Norman Rockwell Museum'sPatricia Hubbard with Cailin Rocco.

Jacob Robbins, Berkshire Grown's Board Vice President Laurily Epstein, Allison Rachele Bayles and board member Ariel Bock.

Share this post

Written by
Editor