Farm Highlight: Juniperdale Farms

True family run farms are few and far between these days. Juniperdale Farm in Nazareth is one of these few special farms that have stayed in the family for generations. In around 1934 Brian’s grandfather started the farming business milking mostly holstien cows. More recently Brian has been growing cash crops and produce to sell at their local farm stand since 1998.

Brian Fulmer one of the third generation, along with his wife Eva, sisters Betty and Susan, sister-in-law Linda and cousin Mark and family that are still striving to save the family farm. The fourth generation is also taking responsibility on the farm. Tara Lee, Crystal, Shane, Brian, Cassie and Cole all have their roles that they do with pride.

Tara Lee, for example, is in charge of their new high tunnel. If you get a chance to visit she will show you how farming under the protection of a frame of metal pipes cloaked in clear plastic keeps their crops growing longer into the fall and protects them from the torrential downpours like we have had this summer.

Tucked between the hills just off highway 33 above Nazareth, the Fulmers grow a wide range of produce. From tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini to apricots, peaches, apples and sweet corn, they try to have a little bit of everything when you visit their stand. Since everything is local, if you visit them this fall they will have only what is in season. Look for tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower this fall. A big attraction for the kids is their U-pick pumpkins.

Juniperdale will be one of the 19 farms for Northampton County Open Gate Farm tour, scheduled for October 12th and 13th. “We love to have the community out to the farm to show them where their food comes from,” Eva Fulmer says. Especially for Open Gate they will have free hay rides that will tour the farm. This is a chance for families to see a working farm in action. You will be able to take your kids out to pick their own pumpkins and visit their brand new petting zoo. Farm animals in the zoo include cute goats, donkeys a pig and their new horse.

Visit extension.psu.edu/Northampton for a full run down on the 2013 Open Gate Farm Tour.