Explore Loudoun Official Visitor Guide - 2025 Explore Loudoun Official Visitors Guide
Legacy of the Land
2025-02-06 08:34:09
Loudoun is a rich tapestry of family farms embracing sustainable agriculture and ethical grazing and growing practices that nourish the soil – and the soul. We profile two families leaving a legacy.
THE ZURSCHMEIDE FAMILY, GREAT COUNTRY FARMS
Agritourism pioneer Bob Zurschmeide started selling vegetables out of a truck in western Loudoun in the 1980s. Today, his descendants oversee 300-acre Great Country Farms and its winery, brewery and cidery spin-offs. “At GCF we practice full circle farming,” farmer Andrew Taylor, Bob’s grandson, said. “Acres of fruit and veg provide a nutrient-rich orchard floor for the sheep, cows and chickens – and fresh produce for customers. Visitors can pick their own or buy from our farm market while leftovers are used for composting or feeding pigs to complete the circle.” Agritourism and education is a big component of GCF, with thousands of tourists, students and campers visiting each year.
THE WISCH FAMILY, LONG STONE FARM
Casey and Justin Wisch’s grass-based, pesticide-free livestock operation produces beef, pork, lamb, chicken and eggs. “We focus on natural grazing, letting the animals do the work,” Casey said. On top of operating two farm stores in Loudoun and a small-batch cider and wine business, Blue Wall, they host “Sunday Suppers” May-October: farm tours followed by a meatcentric four-course dinner. “If I can get my kids to develop a passion for farming and why eating organic meat and looking after the land is worthwhile, I will be proud,” said Casey.
Sustainable FAMILY FARMS
Gathering Springs Farm: The regenerative farm of Pamela Jones and Sarah Wainwright grows organic veggies and fresh eggs for CSA.
Brookfield Dairy Farm: The multi-generational farm of the Harrison family produces butter and raw milk for local milk shares. They sell ice cream too.
Double 8 Alpaca & Llama Ranch: The Kittrell family raise llamas and alpacas, harvesting the fleece to make hats, gloves and felt scarves.
Potomac Vegetable Farms: This long-established “ecoganic” farm grows everything from arugula to eggplant to tarragon for farmers markets and CSAs.
Georges Mill Farm: Historic Lovettsville farm of the Kroiz family where they make artisanal goat cheeses from a free-ranging herd of Alpine goats.
Fireside Farm: Unique family-run vegetable and grain growing operation where the grain is transformed into wood-fired pizzas, topped with their own veggies and local cheeses and sold at various Loudoun locations.
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