News and Blog

   It is time for the holidays , friendly get-togethers and good food. Food seems to be such a rich part of times remembered. Sure there are cultural distinctions that determine flavors, recipes and special dishes but often it can be the dish or recipe that has family roots or a strong ethnic or local character nearer to your specific family. It is especially nice to find a new special dish to enlarge your family traditions.

  Perhaps we at Indigo Farms can help. The Bakery has some very good pies and desserts which many of you know about. But we are slowing adding some new items ( ones we believe will prove to be favorites ). Our pumpkin roll has been well received and we hope to add more this holiday season. We welcome your input.

     Hopefully, you were able to buy some grape juice or apple cider and put it away for the holidays. If not there may still be some for sale. Nuts are great for this of year. They make good snacks for the individuals that keep hanging around the kitchen while you are trying to cook. Greens are good also. Honey makes a great gift. You might even get a “ that is so sweet” from someone.

    There are many items from country ham, sweet potatoes, turnips, collards and leaf lettuce to choose from. There are a variety of apples as well as cranberries to make your cooking special.

Gift items are to be found as well. Whether from the produce shelves or from the Garden Center  there is an element of “down to earth” goodness.

   For many of us things are pretty tight these days but remember that it is we as individuals giving the  best of who we are that helps to create moments that are worth remembering.

   Have a good holiday season.

October 20 STOCKPIG news

    The Pumpkin Day races are where individual pigs prove themselves. With seven races, it often reveals the pig’s with the biggest "want to" as the day continues. Only 6 points separated #12 Abigail and # 18 Asa. But the green& gold #12 came out with a burning desire to get out front. Generally if this pig gets an early lead she is very hard to beat. She was 9 for 9 before #18 Asa finally won his first race of the day. By then she had added 90 points to her credit. Asa, who had finished second to Abigail in every race, failed to place in the last race and fell into a third place finish before breaking into a winning streak of his own. He went on to win four of the next five races. In other hard fought struggles #15 Rahab gets ahead of # 9 Esther while #7 Ruth creates shock across the track by not only placing second in one race but actually winning one. This little pig was considered a sure last place racer. It was a great day of racing and the pigs seemed to enjoy running all through the day.

We look forward to October 27^th races this Saturday.

#12 - 192

#18 - 156

# 15- 120

# 9- 111

#14- 108

#17- 105

#11- 87

#16- 81

#10- 72

#13- 66

# 8- 60

# 7- 57

Pumpkin day ( October 20) starts at 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM and has more costs because of what the activities are and the added expense of being able to do them. The hay ride, pick your own pumpkin, corn shelling ($.25/ear), pony rides are the same. Pumpkin painting ( $8-12 depending on size of pumpkin). $16 Pick your own pumpkin ticket gives you and your family one large pumpkin and the hay ride to and back from the field. If you want another pumpkin you pay $10 for large, $8 for next size down, $5 for med, $1 for mini sizes. This you pay at the field. These are the costs from last year and we are hoping they will be the same this year. If not, they will be close to it. Old farm games; sack races, stilts, cob throwing, pumpkin archery, little kids village ( includes box train, stick horses, little people houses, parents must watch and play with their kids ). The races are scheduled throughout the day. Pumpkin day is the climax to the series and has more races than any other time. The schedule often varies somewhat but usually rights itself because of the number of races. First race is 10, second race is 11:30, third race is 12:30, fourth race is 1:30, fifth race is 2 :30, sixth race is 3:30. If there is to be a seventh race it will be closer to 4:30. Each race has 5 sets of races. Three pigs will compete in each of the first four races. Then all 12 pigs compete in the final fifth race. The pigs that finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd get 9, 6, 3 points respectively. At the end of the season the pig with the most points wins the championship.


 Other activities: Pick your own pumpkins on Saturday mornings. October 13 & 27 Visit the barnyard, enjoy the scarecrows, the hay maze, corn stalk tipi. There should be some STOCKPIG Races at some point mid day. PYO pumpkins will be available on some Friday afternoons, call for confirmation.

 Night Time Hay Rides and bon fires are by reservations. This activity is about enjoying the night and appreciating it more like the wildlife who live there do. Imagine how much you learn by visiting someone in their home or going to a grand cathedral that makes you think of something bigger than yourself. People do different things on the hay ride. Some sing, some try to take in as much of the quiet and the natural light looking for any creatures that may show up, and others may talk, joke and laugh. The bonfire is made such that you can cook hot dogs, smores or some people bring more food to eat by the fire. Some groups sing, fellowship, tell stories, share with one another. Some have even used it to pray for one another. Personally, I know that some special memories have taken place there. The cost is $7.50 /person with a $40 deposit. There is a $80 minium. The phone numbers for the farm are 910-287-6794 and 843-399-6902

If you use face book or twitter please help spread the word. Thank you !

  Pick your own pumpkins will be open this Saturday 10 am to 2 pm. The hay maze and barnyard will be open as well. 
  October 20 is Pumpkin Day!
  Night time hay rides are available by reservation. Call 843 399  6902 or 910-287-6794 

Persimmons, beans, peas, chestnuts, mustard greens and other veggies available.
The bakery has some interesting new items for the fall.
The Garden Center has mums and other Fall items in good selection.

NEWS from the STOCKYARD 600

 

 

 

It is here with a flury of speed and bold moves! Farm Heritage Day featured the first of 4 weeks of racing. This year’s pigs are very smart, level headed , quick learners and Saturday showed some early signs of racing savvy. With 6 females and 6 males making the necessary adjustments to crowds and race day routines they got down to serious running, unlike last year’s "outlaw" tactics. What makes a STOCKPIG champion is a good head and lots of heart. Some pigs get it and it can really show when it is there. From the sounds of the starting gate through the intensity of the lineup one can tell when a pig senses the thrill of a running " hog wild" moment to come. Saturday several pigs honed into that level of running. Rahab the red & blue number 15 and Ester the pink & green number 9 set their sights on the joy of speed. Abigail the green & gold number 12 was the one pig that set the bar for the season. A large solid pig, Abigail found that magic of being able to work through the crowded track to get out front and take the point lead at 63. Ester is second at 45, Rahab third at 36. The field gets tight with Jeremiah( 11) , Hezekiah (17). Lydia (14) tied at 27 points each. Mordicai (16) and Asa ( 18) tied at 24 points each. Miriam and Jehoshaphat (10) both have 18. Josiah ( 8) and Ruth (7) finished with 15 and 12 points respectively.

Abigail is an easy-going calm, very clean natured pig that will be watched closely in the October 13 races.

 

Now is the time for fall peas and beans. They are especially good this season of the year. We are harvesting chestnuts and persimmons now as well. Sweet potatoes, organic cooking pumpkins, organic peppers are coming in as well. Grape juice is available and we still have grapes for sale.

The bakery has just recently released their new pumpkin roll. It has created quite an interest and likely will be a featured item for October and November. The bakery is busy looking to create more new items.

The garden center has lots of fall plants, pumpkins, corn shocks, bales of straw, but don’t forget the mums! Please remember October 6 is Farm Heritage Day and October 20 is Pumpkin Day. Pick your own pumpkins are Saturday mornings. Check out the website www.indigofarmsmarket.com for details. Please tell your friends as well. If you use facebook or twitter please help pass the word. Thank you from the friends and neighbors at Indigo Farms.

A Day Worth Remembering?

October 6 is Farm Heritage Day at Indigo Farms. For 20 plus years we have had this event and for many, many people it has been a source of memories and remembering. If you are privileged enough to remember or if you have never known the rural roots of the area here is an opportunity to create your own memory. Reflecting on our lives and the lasting value of our lives is not often given justice in the course of weeks, months and even years. We lose so much when you realize that there actually was a time when people skillfully crafted their work to last not years but decades and in some cases centuries. If you enjoy fun, seeing others enjoy honest fun and learning while being able to take stock of your own life I believe you will find this to be a day worth remembering. Check out the website www.indigofarmsmarket.com for details. Please tell your friends as well. If you use facebook or twitter please help pass the word. For iniformation on Pumpkin Day and other activities see website or indigo farms market on facebook. Thank you from the friends and neighbors at Indigo Farms.

 

 

The first bin of pumpkin arrived last week, along with corn stalks, pansies and mums. We also have wheat straw and ornimental gourds for fall decorating.

 

 

All mums are budding, and most are showing good color.

 

 

The pumpkins are deep orange with nice strong stems.

Corn stalks are sold in bundles of six to eight stalks.

 

 

Pansies varieties are limited right now, but will increase in the next two weeks.

 

 

 

 

¡@

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Fall Tours 2012

 

What is  a hinney? Well , come find out. Have you ever seen cotton that isn’t so white and fluffy ? How about cotton with color? Ever wondered what a turkey from a hundred years ago may have looked liked? Besides unusual farm animals and plants, you will have an opportunity to learn about many of the classic farm animals and plants.

We are offering tours with different emphasis depending on age or interest. This means we will spend more time where we think your class can get more out of the tour. If you are interested in a particular aspect let us know ahead when you book your tour and we can emphasize that for your tour.

¡@

 ¡@

TAKE A HAY RIDE AROUND THE FIELDS AND THROUGH WOODED TRAILS.

ƒ³

LEARN ABOUT AND EXAMINE DIFFERENT KINDS OF GRAINS. WHAT ANIMALS EAT AND PEOPLE EAT.

                                                                                                                                                                                       

ƒ³

VISIT FARM ANIMALS: PIGS, SHEEP, HORSES, GOATS, A HINNEY, ETC. AND VARIOUS FOWL. LEARN WHAT EACH ANIMAL WOULD EAT.

ƒ³

TAKE A LOOK AT FALL CROPS: CORN, PUMPKINS, PEAS, INDIGO,

SUGAR CANE, COTTON.

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE IN THIS AREA. SEE OLD FARM EQUIPMENT, PLOWS, WAGONS, ETC.  this is optional depending on time..

ƒ³

VISIT THE CIDER PRESS & DRINK APPLE CIDER ( pasteurized)

ƒ³

SEE THE SCARECROWS, CORN STALK TEEPEE, AND HAY MAZE. PEOPLE LIKE TO MEET THE SCARECROW CHARACTERS ALL AROUND THE FARM!

YOU MAY WANT TO BRING A CAMERA OR A CAMCORDER

In addition to tasting apple cider, each child will take home a mini-jack pumpkin (in case we run out we may substitute a gourd or Indian corn) and an INDIGO FARMS 16 page coloring book designed to reinforce the learning experience. It has a $2.00 coupon inside.

Each class will receive a Teacher’s guide and a Teacher’s copy of the coloring book. You can use this to discuss the trip in the classroom. Each class gets a pumpkin for their classroom. (Homeschool groups & some very small groups may be considered as one class.

 

)

¡@

             

 

 

Time:

 

The tour takes about 1-1.5 hours. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE ON TIME! We are trying to avoid having too many people on the farm at the same time. When you are late we have to take less time on your tour.

 

DATES:

The tours begin October 8 through November 16.

Price:

The price is $ 7.00/PERSON. 1 teacher / class is not charged. For public Primary schools one teacher’s assistant is not charged.

Special

needs classes and very young children who need parents please let us know when you call.

 

 

Rain:

Call before you come if you have concerns. We’ll try to reschedule if necessary.

Cancellations:

It is very important that you call and contact the office (843-399-6902 or 910-287-6794) to let them know you are not coming at least 24 hours in advance of a scheduled tour.

NO SHOWS:

Due to the time and cost of guides you will be billed $20.00.

Reservations:

Call 843 -399-6902 or 910-287-6794

Ask for Tour Reservations.

The address is

FALL TOURS , INDIGO FARMS,

1542 HICKMAN RD NW

CALABASH, NC 28467

Hwy 57 2000 N

Little River, SC 29566

 

 

 

Farm Heritage Day is October 1. That means the whole month of October is under way. I must say it begins with full momentum.

Please help spread the word by telling your neighbors, by face book or twittering your friends.

The schedule for Farm Heritage Day looks like this.
9am hay rides begin when enough people fill the wagon.The exhibits will be available during most of the day.

Exhibits include; 
 Indigo dyeing, Indigo dyeing and the history of indigo are particularly interesting for this area.

Meck Hartsfield, a true master black smith who loves to interact with people about his art is back this year. Here is an opportunity to ask questions and learn a lot!

Indigo Dyeing is sone this year by Cathy Sweatt & friends. WIth a background in schooling they are prepared to introduce you to colorful world of indigo and it's deep rooted history. If you have never seen indigo turn color before your own eyes it is something to witness.

Walter Hill and the Horry County Museum will be on hand to operate teh 1915 vertical engine & 1920's grst mill. The museum can introduce you to even more information on the region's past. Be sure to check this out.  

 

Paper making, Barbara Fyre has been making paper for quite some time. Some of her work may interest you as stationary, cards, etc.

Weaving

 Beth Miller , Barbara and Cathy have encouraged each other for many past event days. So even with Cathy Perry moving away we are thankful to have Barbara and Beth to help continue the quality the three of them have given in the past.

Becky Long will be sharing her families deep roots in the area and helping people see how profoundly our past heritage is woven into the character of the people in the area.

Old tools display by Mr. Horace Butler. Mr. Butler is a bit of a living legend. A man whose life is tied closely with the trees and woods of southeast NC. He and his dad were on the last of the logs to be sent down the Cape Fear river. His first hand knowledge of the history of timber, logging trams and the network of rails feeding virgin trees to large lumber mills is something to learn about. Such timber companies as the Jackson Brothers and the Hammer Lumber Mill in Little River neck.. After ninety years his experiences and his strong faith are quite worth hearing. We just learned that Mr.Butler wil not be able to be with us this year due to health reasons. We will certainly miss him.

The

1920's grist mill being demonstrated by the Horry County Museum. This grist mill was owned by Mr. Otha Ploughton Bellamy who milled grain for the community.

The mill is turned by a 1915 Morse-Fairbanks hit & miss vertical "t" engine. Learn about the history of this engine from the Horry County Museum. Mr. Walter Hill is an incredible source of experience and knowledge for his age. Not only is he the director of the Museum but a first class blacksmith whose work graces many of the plantations such as Brookgreen Gardens and Weymouth plantation in Georgetown. But that is not all, his roots tie into some of the most interesting histories of the Horry and Georgetown Counties. From knowing people who ran barges of fertilizer up the Waccamaw River, to hunting wild hogs, to working tobacco, to local lore and interesting individuals that have given the area it’s flavor; there is much you can learn from him.The area is very fortunate to have a passionate museum director whose roots go hand in hand with the history of the area.
The Waccamaw Tractor club will be exhibiting some of their restored tractors. More important than their tractors are the stories they can tell that go with the tractors. Along with the time and energy to restore these tractors are the memories of using tractors like these. As a club they enjoy sharing their experiences with one another. But you will find new interesting things as you talk with them.

Wayne Skipper and his mother, Mrs. Skipper will be doing horse drawn demonstrations and making sugar cane syrup, respectively. He will be turning the sugar cane mill part of the time as well. Wayne’s experience with horses has taught him many life lessons. He shares a strong belief as Walter Hill does that young people miss out so much because they don’t have this kind of relationship with "real life" interactions. Learning the "how to" from a mentor and then learning to respect and learn from horse or mule to create a harmonious working relationship changes a person. Just ask Wayne Skipper or Sam Bellamy. Sam Bellamy hopes to be able to do some Horse demos as well, hopefully, enabling some youngsters to put their hands to the plow themselves.

STOCKPIG Racing, The Stockpig racing series at the STOCKYARD 600 will be getting the season off to the 2012 start.  Look for updates on the series and learn a little about the inside life of a STOCKpig racer and how the point system works. The races are scheduled throughout the day. Most likely 10:00, 12:00, 1:30, 3:00, 4:00 .

Hay rides, pony rides, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Hay maze will be on going throughout the day.Many thanks go out to these folks and many others who have volunteered to help. Special recognition to the Horry County Museum, the N C Forestry Museum, The NC Cooperative Extension. We encourage you to visit and be involved in helping bring out the history of the area by discovering the ways local museums are seeking to do this.