<![CDATA[Cullipher Farm Market: Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Tomatoes, Berries, Organic, U-Pick, Fruit]]>http://www.cullipherfarm.comen-ushttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssCopyright 2012Cullipher Farm Market: Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Tomatoes, Berries, Organic, U-Pick, Fruit<![CDATA[Strawberries]]>                      We have two convenient locations that offer U-Pick strawberries. We provide you with buckets for picking so you don’t even have to remember to bring your own! Picking usually starts in late April and runs until the first part of June.  Have questions or just want to check picking conditions before you head out, give us a call (757)-721-7456.

 

Cullipher Farm Market (1444 Princess Anne Road VB, VA) - Certified USDA Organic berries

7 days a week

8am-6pm

  • The only USDA Certified Organic U-Pick farm in Virginia
  • Grown on plastic, for easy picking
  • 2 children’s play areas
  • Mowed centers for easy walking
  • Picnic tables so you can bring a snack and enjoy the scenic views
  • All kids leave with a sticker and coloring book

 

Cullipher Berry Patch (772 Princess Anne Road VB, VA) – chemical-free/natural

8am-6pm

  • Hayrides on the weekends around the farm
  • Grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers
  • Grown on plastic, for easy picking
  • 2 free mazes for the whole family to enjoy
  • Mowed centers for easy walking
  • All kids leave with a sticker and coloring book
  • Located on our main farm, so pickers can look at what other things we have growing

 

 

]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:06:55 -0600<![CDATA[About Us]]>     Cullipher Farms is located in southern Virginia Beach on what is known as the Pungo Ridge. We are proud to grow the highest quality fruits and vegetables in the Hampton Road’s region. The farm is family owned and operated by fourth, fifth, and sixth generation Culliphers. The farm is comprised of a total of 250 acres. Of that, over 70 acres is in crop production and grown conventionally using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which emphasis sustainable and ecological growing practices by incorporated cover crops, crop rotations, and spraying USDA Organic approved chemicals. We currently have 15 acres of certified USDA Organic land in production. In addition we have almost an acre and a half of high tunnels (metal frames with a plastic covering) to extend our growing seasons and better controls outside variables to grow the highest quality fruits and vegetables possible. We grow with a conscious and are constantly working to improve our growing practices and improve the environment. Almost all of our 250 acres is enrolled in the City of Virginia Beach’s Agricultural Reserve Program, guaranteeing the land will never be developed and remain as farmland forever.

     We grow over 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables that are hand selected based on a variety of factors, with eating quality being at the top. Our produce is monitored throughout the entire growing process so we can ensure your family enjoys produce that meets our family’s unsurpassed quality standards. If it has our name on it you can rest assure it is grown to the highest standards possible and matched by our 100% money back guarantee.

 

 

 

]]>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:48:50 -0600<![CDATA[Farming Practices]]>Organic Production and Pesticides

          The Cullipher family utilizes both USDA organic and conventional production processes. We currently have 15 acres and counting of USDA certified organic land, certified by Quality Certification Services (QCS). While our main farm is conventional, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which emphasizes sustainable and ecological growing practices. IPM means the use of multiple methods, including biological, cultural, genetic and chemicals to control pests. We use many of the same organic products on our conventional crops. Crop rotation is a key component in our pest management. We do not use any genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) on our farm. Modern plant breeding has improved tremendously in the area of disease resistance which reduces our pesticide usage. We also plant host crops for beneficial or predator insects throughout the farm.

 Soil and Water Conservation

           Aside from family, our natural resources are our most valuable asset. Clean water and soil are keys to the sustainability for us and future generations. We have a Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation approved nutrient management plan (NMP). What that means is each year we take soil samples from every field to establish the existing nutrient levels. With that information, we determine how much fertilizer to use on each crop. We also split our fertilizer applications to match the crops’ needs as opposed to applying all of it at the beginning of the year. By doing this, very few nutrients have a chance to leach into the groundwater.

           We have also been able to reduce our fertilizer use by planting cover crops that produce nitrogen and improve organic matter. Composted chicken litter and chicken feather meal are our main organic sources of fertilizer.

Land Preservation

          The vast majority of the land that we farm was just enrolled in the City’s Agricultural Reserve Program which is designed to help keep farms viable and prevent development. The City purchases development rights of the land over the span of 25 years.  This benefits the community and the owners by minimizing the need for additional city services and a safety net to weather the tough years. We felt like this is a very important step to take to ensure the land base is secure for future generations. We are also partners with the USDA, Va Dare Soil and Water Conservation District, and Va Dept. of Game And Inland Fisheries  in several programs to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat.

 

]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:44:53 -0600<![CDATA[Baked Goods]]>Throughout the season we sell seasonal, made from scratch baked goods. In 2010 Pam Walsh, a fifth generation Cullipher, decided to start MaeBelle’s baked goods. MaeBelle’s is named after Pam’s grandmothers Mae Malbon and Belle Cullipher, who taught her how to cook.  At MaeBelle’s each batch is mixed and baked by hand and use only the freshest and finest ingredients.  For special orders please call Pam Walsh at 757-721-0135.

This is just a small sampling of MaeBelle's offerings:

        Cakes:                                             Cookies:

Vanilla Pound Cake                            Oatmeal Raisin

Lemon Pound Cake                            Marshmallow

Almond Pound Cake                          Smores

Five-Flavor Pound Cake                     Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Pound Cake

Fresh Apple Cake

Fruit Cake

 

 

]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:29:20 -0600<![CDATA[Traditional CSA]]>

Summary: This is a 15 week program where members pick-up a pre-determined list of produce from our Market (1444 Princess Anne Road) or one of the 2 pick-up sites (VB Town Center and Church of the Good Shepherd in Norfolk) once a week. This program allows members to try over 50 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as cut-flowers, herb plants and canned goods. Each week members are given a range between (8-12 items) in the “basket”. This program is great for people who like to eat lots of fruits and veggies and who like to try unfamiliar fruits and veggies grown especially for this program! Each week we will also provide a detailed sheet that goes over storage of your week’s basket as well as hand selected recipes. We use ecological farming practices on everything that we grow which emphasizes cover-crops and crop rotations for optimal soil quality which promotes sustainable farming practices. We even have a portion of our farm USDA Certified Organic. The cost of this program is 410 dollars, which is less then 28 dollars per week.

Sign-up

 Detailed Description:

  • You will receive one (1) sized basket with 8-12 items each week.
  • You will pick up a basket each week for 15 consecutive weeks. The season this year will run from the week starting May 8th to August 17th.
  • You may pick up your basket at one of the following locations:

            Cullipher Farm Market (1444 Princess Anne Road VB, VA) -Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between the hours of 10am-6pm

            Virginia Beach Town Center – Wednesday from 5pm-8pm

            Church of the Good Shepherd (7400 Hampton Boulevard Norfolk, VA) - Thursday from 4pm-7pm

  •  Members choose a pick up site for the duration of the program and will not be allowed to switch once the program begins.
  • Please also pay special attention to the pickup times listed at each location.
  • The items will vary week to week depending on our harvest schedule and Mother Nature.
  • The expected items for each week’s basket will be posted each Monday on our website. You will also be emailed information that gives you tips on how to use and store your produce and activities happening on the farm. We also will include hand selected recipes so you can incorporate your week’s bounty into your cooking.
  • Please note the list is our best prediction on what we will have available, and is subject to change without notice. A lot can change from Monday to Friday in the fields but every effort will be made to include everything we can from the expected list of items.
  • One of the benefits of this program is that members get to try new vegetables and fruits. To make sure we have enough product so that all of members can enjoy the same experience, substitutions are not allowed.
  • Every effort will be made to provide a wide variety of items to include in your basket on a week to week basis. In order to provide you with the best experience possible we partner with other local growers who meet our family’s stringent standards as needed. For example we don’t live in a climate that can grow tree fruit to our standards so we have developed a relationship with a family owned and operated orchard in Pennsylvania that we source our tree fruit from.
  • All items in you basket are covered through our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will replace or refund any items deemed unsatisfactory.
  • The baskets will vary in weight each week. This variation is because of the fresh vegetables and fruits we are able to grow here in Virginia Beach. It is likely that the weight of the items will vary slightly throughout the growing season. At the beginning of the season we will have more lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, beets, peas, leafy greens, cabbage and onions. Among the next crops to come in are summer squash, cucumbers, potatoes, spinach and beans, The midsummer group of fruits and vegetables include our vine ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupes, sprite melons, watermelons, peppers and eggplants. Remember that tomatoes and sweet corn don’t usually mature until the last of June so they won’t be featured in our basket at the beginning. The early season basket will weigh less than later in the summer because the lettuces, salad mixes, broccoli and other early crops are bulky, but don’t have a lot of weight compared to tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, etc.
  • In the event we are unable to fulfill our obligations, your money will be gladly refunded on a prorated basis. As we are dealing with perishable crops planted seasonally, we may not harvest some crops we planted or may be prevented from planting because of the weather. Therefore, some of the crops on our list may never make it to your basket despite our best intentions. We will be making daily evaluations and harvesting decisions
  • If you are unable to pick up your basket please email cullfarm@msn.com at least 24 hours prior to your pick up day so you can make alternative arrangements. Any items not picked up will be donated to the Society of St. Andrews, a Methodist Network that distributes food to the needy in our community.
  • Our family grows with a conscience and is a leader in innovative and sustainable farming practices. We subscribe to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and USDA Organic farming practices. This means that cover crops, beneficial insects, crop rotations, and soft chemicals are used in our production practices. The stewardship philosophy (physiology) is used to sustain productivity and conserve the resource base. Stewardship of the resources will allow younger family members to continue producing quality produce for generations to come.
  • Payment of $410 is due in full prior to the start of the program.

 

The following is a list of   what may be in your basket:
 
Asparagus Beets Bell Peppers
Blackberries Blueberries Broccoli
Butterbeans Cabbage Canary Melon
Canteloupes Crowder Peas Cucumbers
CFM Canned Products Cut Flowers Eggplant, traditional and Itailian
Fingerling Potatoes (5 types) Green Beans, flat and round Green Lettuce
Herbs Honey Dew Melon Honey from our bees
Hot Peppers Kale Lettuce Mix
May Peas New Potatoes (Red White & White) Okra
Organic Lettuce Organic Strawberries Oriental Sweet Potatoes
Personal Sized Melons Pickling Cukes Purple Hulled Peas
Red Lettuce Romaine Lettuce Specialty Summer Squash
Spinach Sprite Melons Strawberries
Sugar Snap Peas Summer Squash Sweet Corn (yellow, white, bi-color)
Sweet Onions Sweet potatoes Swiss Chard
Watermelons (seedless/seeded) Wax Beans  
  Vine Ripe Tomatoes (roma, grape,, yellow, cherry and Heirloom)

 Sign-up

 
 
   

 

]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:04:00 -0600<![CDATA[Fruit Share]]>Summary: This is a brand new 15 week program specially designed for people who LOVE fruit! Each week members will be given 3-4 units of fruit. Some examples of potential units would include: a pint of blackberries, a quart of strawberries, and 2 pounds of peaches. Throughout the course of the program members will be exposed to over 15 varieties of fruits. This is a great option for people who are participating in another C.S.A. that doesn’t offer very much fruit or for those people who just really like eating fresh fruit. The cost of this program is 225 dollars which breaks down to only 15 dollars per week.

 

Sign-up

Detailed Description:

  • You will receive one (1) basket each week consisting of 3-4 units of fruit with some “extras” along the way.
  • You will pick up a basket each week for 15 consecutive weeks. The season this year will run from the week starting May 8th to August 17th.
  • You may pick up your basket at one of the following locations:

Cullipher Farm Market (1444 Princess Anne Road VB, VA) on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between the hours of 10am-6pm

Virginia Beach Town Center – Wednesday from 5pm-8pm

Church of the Good Shepherd (7400 Hampton Boulevard Norfolk, VA) -Thursday from 4pm-7pm

  • Members choose a pick up site for the duration of the program and will not be allowed to switch once the program begins.
  •  Please also pay special attention to the pickup times listed at each location.
  • The expected items for each week’s basket will be posted each Monday on our website. You will also be emailed information that gives you tips on how to use and store your produce and activities happening on the farm. We also will include hand selected recipes so you can incorporate your week’s bounty into your cooking.
  • Please note the list is our best prediction on what we will have available, and is subject to change without notice. A lot can change from Monday to Friday in the fields but every effort will be made to include everything we can from the expected list of items.
  • One of the benefits of this program is that members get to try new fruits. To make sure we have enough product so that all of members can enjoy the same experience, substitutions are not allowed.
  • Every effort will be made to provide a wide variety of items to include in your basket on a week to week basis. In order to provide you with the best experience possible we partner with other local growers who meet our family’s stringent standards as needed. For example we don’t live in a climate that can grow tree fruit to our standards so we have developed a relationship with a family owned and operated orchard in Pennsylvania that we source our tree fruit from.
  • All items in you basket are covered through our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will replace or refund any items deemed unsatisfactory.
  • In the event we are unable to fulfill our obligations, your money will be gladly refunded on a prorated basis. As we are dealing with perishable crops planted seasonally, we may not harvest some crops we planted or may be prevented from planting because of the weather. Therefore, some of the crops on our list may never make it to your basket despite our best intentions. We will be making daily evaluations and harvesting decisions
  • If you are unable to pick up your basket please email cullfarm@msn.com at least 24 hours prior to your pick up day so you can make alternative arrangements. Any items not picked up will be donated to the Society of St. Andrews, a Methodist Network that distributes food to the needy in our community.
  • Our family grows with a conscience and is a leader in innovative and sustainable farming practices. We subscribe to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and USDA Organic farming practices. This means that cover crops, beneficial insects, crop rotations, and soft chemicals are used in our production practices. The stewardship philosophy (physiology) is used to sustain productivity and conserve the resource base. Stewardship of the resources will allow younger family members to continue producing quality produce for generations to come.
  • Payment of $225 is due in full before the start of the program.

    

                       The following is a list of fruit which may appear in your box:

USDA Organic Strawberries                                      3+ varieties of raspberries      

Chemical-Free Strawberries                                        Yellow Flesh Peaches

Chemical-Free Blackberries                                        White Flesh Peaches

Blueberries                                                                  Nectarines                                                    

Pears                                                                            Figs

Cantaloupe                                                                  3+ varieties of plums

Seeded/Unseeded Melon                                            Cherries

Honey Dew                                                                 Grapes

7 varieties of specialty/Tuscan melons                        5+ varieties of apples

 Fruit Jams and Perserves

Sign-up

]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:02:40 -0600<![CDATA[Cost Share Program]]>Summary: This program offers an alternative for those people who want to experience the savings and value a C.S.A. offers but like to have more options in what they get each week. Members in this program have a money allowance they can spend over the course of 15 weeks, which entitles them to purchase anything anytime from any of our locations. Below are the pricing levels we offer:

 

                        You Pay                                             You Get to Spend (Allowance)

 

                           $450                                                                    $500

 

                           $275                                                                    $300

 

                           $92.50                                                                 $100

 Sign-up

All purchases are tracked through a debit card we distribute to you that gives you up to date account balances.

 

Detailed Description:

  •  You will have 15 weeks to spend your balance beginning on Monday, May 8th at 8am and ending on Sunday, August 17th at 6pm.
  • Your purchases will be tracked using a debit card which will give you up-to-date account balances.
  • You may make purchases at Cullipher Farm Market, Cullipher Berry Patch, or any of our satellite farmer’s markets. Please check our website www.cullipherfarm.com for current hours of operation and market schedules.
  • Your balance can be spent on produce, canned goods, baked goods, flowers, plants, peanuts, or anything that is available for sale during your visit.
  • For any large or unusual request please email cullfarm@msn.com 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.
  • In the event you do not spend all your money in the designated time frame the balance will go to Cullipher Farm’s Inc.
  • Payment is due in full prior to the start of the program.

 

Sign-up

]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:40 -0600<![CDATA[Pungo Stand]]>Location: 1444 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach VA 23456

Cullipher Farm Market opened in 2005 and serves as our retail headquarters. The “Stand” as we call it, is filled with old-tyme family antiques and heirlooms. At the Stand we sell handpicked fruits and vegetables picked fresh that morning.  

You can also enjoy other local fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, relishes, dressings, Mae-Belles baked goods, cheese and butters, peanuts, bedding plants and much more.

While visiting the stand you will feel like a member of the family and treated to the best service, from friendly and knowledgeable staff and members of the family.

Hours: 9 a.m. - 6p.m.

Phone: 757- 721-7456

Opening date: late April

Closing date- August 19

*During the fall and winter months we are only open around the Holidays.*

]]>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:20:01 -0600<![CDATA[Canned Goods]]>We offer a wide variety of canned goods at the Stand for purchase. All have met our stringent standards, and passed grandma’s taste test. We are proud to carry locally made and sourced jams, jellies, and butters when in season along with other products from Mom and Pop’s family owned canning operations from North Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

We also carry local honey and peanuts when in season.

Our inventory is constantly changing to reflect seasonal availability, so stock up while it’s on the shelves. Contact Us to order a case of your favorite jams and jellies or to check current availability. 

]]>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:19:02 -0600<![CDATA[Fruits]]>We grow over 10 varieties of fruits on the farm, growing all varieties to meet USDA Organic standards and have our strawberry and blackberry crops USDA Certified Organic by Quality Certification Services (QCS). We grow with a conscious and are constantly working with researchers from NC State and Virginia Tech to develop improved growing techniques.

We concentrate on growing the following fruits:

          Spring: Strawberries

          Summer: Blackberries, Specialty Melons, Figs

We are currently running experimental trials and field tests on Blueberries and Raspberries and hope to bring them into full production by 2013!

Our climate and soils are great for growing lots of fruits, but tree fruits are not some of them. Since we do not live in a climate suitable for growing top-notch tree fruit we have developed a very close relationship with several Orchards along the East Coast to bring you the freshest, highest quality, tree-ripened fruit possible. All the fruit has passed our strict quality and growing standards and backed by our money back guarantee.

]]>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:18:54 -0600