Page 42 - August Sun Rays_Flipbook

owned ranch located 12 miles north of
Thrall. Calvin and Rosalie Jechow have
188 acres on which cattle, pigs and nu-
merous chickens live. Every product is
antibiotic- and pesticide-free, and features produce or the selection of other products.
no added growth hormones. Their soil
has been organically treated since 1903,
providing their cattle, pigs and poultry
with organically grown grass on which
to graze. Properly grazed grasslands such
as those found at 6J Ranch can sequester
more CO2 than the rainforest, helping to
counter the effects global warming.
Lee Harris of Bird Song Lavender Farm
travels 50 miles to sell everything lav-
ender from soaps and oils to bundles for
smoking meat, fruits and vegetables,
incense, sachets and teas. Lavender is
known to calm the mind and relax the
body and has antiseptic and anti-inflam-
matory properties.
These are just a few of the many vendors
who come to Sun City Texas. Each week,
shoppers can find familiar faces as well
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
as a few new ones. No matter what time
of year you choose to shop at the Sun City
Farmers Market, you will not be disap-
pointed in the variety and freshness of
Some prices at farmers markets can be
a little higher than at supermarkets, but
shoppers don’t seem to mind as evidenced
by bags bulging with purchases. As one
shopper put it, “Where can I shop that is
so conveniently located, with such fresh
and tasty produce at prices I can afford?”
The farmers market is a vital and impor-
tant community hub. It’s a place to slow
down, support local businesses, buy the
freshest, healthiest food available and ex-
perience the small-town feel in the midst
of a big city. Next Tuesday, be sure to grab feed. Farms must pay to be certi-
a friend or neighbor and go experience the
Sun City Farmers Market.
To learn more about Georgetown Farmers
Market, go to www.farmergeorge.market
or visit the market in person at 2 Texas
Drive every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon.
PHOTO BY JAIME CALDER
Food Labels: a Guide
The recent proliferation of food la-
bels can leave even the most con-
scientious consumer confused.
Here’s a brief summary of some of
the most commonly seen terms.
Certified Organic – A USDA ac-
credited organization has verified
that goods from this farm meet
the USDA’s standards for organic
goods. No synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides or herbicides are used
and produce is grown from seeds
which have not been genetically
modified. Livestock are free of an-
tibiotics and growth hormones
and have consumed only organic
fied, and violations can result in
fines up to $11,000.
Organically Grown – A farm which
cannot (or has not yet been able
to) afford USDA certification but
still adheres to the same – or
stricter - government standards.
Grassfed – Any cattle, sheep or
other ruminants raised on grasses
instead of corn or grains, which
their digestive systems are not ca-
pable of properly digesting. Beef
which has been allowed to graze
naturally can have up to six times
the healthy omega-3 fatty acids
than their conventionally raised
counterparts.
Cage Free – Generally implies that
fowl were not kept in crates or
cages. The term is not regulated
and practices can vary widely.
When purchasing eggs or poul-
try with this label, ask the farmer
how the birds were raised.
Heirloom – A plant or seed which
has never been selectively bred
by humans.
Sustainable – Produced in a way
which eschews chemicals, mini-
mizes impact and promotes ethi-
cal treatment of land and animals.
Local – Grown, raised or produced
within a 100 mile radius. Local
goods are fresher and travel few-
er distances. Money put towards
local goods directly benefits the
surrounding community.
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