You don't have to live here to call Sussex County...My HomeTown.
For generations, Sussex County NJ has been the place where great family memories were made. Family vacations, camping, skiing, reeling in the first "big catch", hiking, pumpkin picking, biking, the County Fair or maybe a visit to a local farm at Christmas time...Sussex County has a "hometown" place in the hearts of folks far outside Susssex County's boarders.
MY HOMETOWN, a NaturallySussex exclusive feature, hopes to share the bounty of Sussex County and spread that feeling of "coming home" with all our county's visitors.
Beginning in January 2012, the NaturallySussex crew has been heading out to all corners of Sussex County New Jersey in search of the unique history, heritage, agriculture, recreation and local businesses that make this community one terrific place to live AND visit. We post our photos to our NaturallySussex Facebook page along with some fun questions and hints before we reveal the location of our photos. You'll learn more about the our weekly discoveries at NaturallySussex.com (See My HomeTown). Throughout 2012 we'll be exploring the Bounty of Sussex County and are inviting you, our visitors and residents, to do the same by entering our monthly photo contests.
A new destination assignment will be posted each month along with the entry deadline. One winning entry will be selected and the winner will receive a prize package presented by NaturallySussex and local sponsors. The winning photo will become part of the My HomeTown feature and will be published with photo credits.
As our discovery of the Bounty of Sussex County continues, we'll continue to add new locations and businesses to our DESTINATION SUSSEX online visitors guide. This online tool will guide you to to some our county's great places to eat, shop and explore. What a great way to get acquainted with our local businesses-the folks who are the backbone of our community.
We hope you'll use the guide to check out some new places and old favorites
and when they ask you how you heard about them...
please tell them NATURALLYSUSSEX sent you!
Don't forget to "like" NaturallySussex on Facebook. Get a "sneak preview" peak of MY HOMETOWN destinations and updates on all the NaturallySussex news.
We can't wait to see where the country roads of Sussex County will take us next! Glad you're coming along for the fun!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
If you've been to a local farmer's market lately...
You've probably met Sussex County farmer Lou Tommaso of L.L. Pittenger farm. A growing presence in the local agricultural community, Tommaso didn't start to farm until much later in his career but his earlier business experience is helping him grow a successful farm business that is reaching a diverse customer base in the region. Here's his story:
"Early on we realized that our customers wanted to know where and how their food is raised, but they didn't necessarily want to see production. We opened a shop on the farm, but found better opportunity through participation in Farmers' Markets. In the past 3 plus years the number of Farmers' Markets has more than tripled." said Tommaso. "The additional markets mean more opportunities for farmers, but it also means customers have more opportunities to purchase the locally raised products they want, closer to their own homes. And as demand continues to grow, farmers will face new challenges in how to efficiently produce and sell their products."
Bringing product to the consumer, rather than having the consumer come to the farm, is a change for farmers who have been selling farm raised meat products. Beef and pork purchased directly from the farm are often sold by the whole, quarter or side. Customers purchase their share of the animal. The sections are cut to order, packaged and frozen, then picked up in bulk at the farm. Tommaso saw an opportunity (and a consumer preference) for offering individual cuts that would satisfy the changing preferences of consumer tastes and culinary trends. After months of researching the regulations and guidelines for labeling and selling individually packaged products Tommasso embarked on the task of locating a processing and packaging facility that met the standards set for Pittenger products.
Lou blazed a trail that many other farmers are now following-offering customers the best quality, best tasting locally produced meat products available in small packaged quantities. The market response has been exceptional-perhaps because purchasing meat in individual cuts is something consumers are already in the habit of doing, or perhaps because a lack of freezer space, dietary trends (and the overall economy) may make it more challenging to purchase larger quantities at one time. Individually packaged cuts of meat offer an additional benefit-allowing customers who are rediscovering culinary joy to "step out of their comfort zone" and try new recipes (and some traditionally favorites) that incorporate wholesome locally grown ingredients.
To help those navigating their way to culinary bliss, Lou also shares some of his own favorite recipes, cooking tips and tricks with his customers. Being an active member of several Farmers' Markets gives L.L.Pittenger Farm the added bonus of creating a personal connection with their customers which benefits everyone.
The Sussex County agricultural lifestyle which Lou Tommaso and his family now find second nature was not the norm for this native New Yorker and businessman. Brought up in the family funeral business, Lou later established several businesses of his own. Core to his business success has been a family philospohy he learned early on- always provide great customer service and be ready to respond to market trends. L.L. Pittenger Farm, established nearly a dozen years ago, incorporates that philosophy of adaptability into everything they do. This keeps their farm a constant "work in progress" as they expand and refine their livestock breed selections and management practices as well as their product lines and find new ways to bring their products to new markets.
Through the years L.L. Pittenger Farm has enjoyed a growing customer base throughout the region. Today, L.L.Pittenger Farm beef, chicken, pork and lamb can be found at six regional Farmers' Markets; Blairstown, Sparta, Old Lafayette Village, Ramsey, Morristown and the winter market in Newton. 
To keep up with the demand for his product, Lou continues to refine and evaluate farm operations always looking to improve the process and products from his livestock farm. "You never stop learning in this business." Tomasso said. "I like to gather all the information I can and then see what fits or doesn't for my operation. There are a lot of factors to consider; choosing the right breed, management practices, customer demand for the finished product. All these go into the mix before we come up what we feel is the best possible choice for L.L. Pittenger Farm. I like to do my research but in the end, I believe producing great quality meat products is a result of 25% feed, 25% water and 50% genetics."
As Lou recalled the early days of his operation he is quick to credit his farm's growth and success first, to the mentoring he received from local farmers as he began his operation, and also to the lessons he learned throughout his business career. "Never sacrifice quality and always satisfy the customer".
Now, almost a dozen years later, Lou likes to network with other farm operations who may not have the diversity or quantity of products to participate at a weekly Farmers' Market. Lou often adds some of their offerings to his market space- which helps out the farmer AND offers the consumer the opportunity to try additional locally produced items like honey, soaps and cheese. Being open and adaptable is a cornerstone of Lou's thinking-it's is also an essential component of successful farming in New Jersey especially when dealing directly with consumers.
Consumer interest and trending toward locally grown foods continues to rise supported by efforts from Buy Fresh/Buy Local and state and local agencies that are invested in connecting farms and communities. As a result, farmers have seen an increase in demand for their products and are adding value added products to their consumer offerings. But along with the growth in consumer interest and willingness to purchase locally come some new challenges.
As Lou recalled the early days of his operation he is quick to credit his farm's growth and success first, to the mentoring he received from local farmers as he began his operation, and also to the lessons he learned throughout his business career. "Never sacrifice quality and always satisfy the customer".
Now, almost a dozen years later, Lou likes to network with other farm operations who may not have the diversity or quantity of products to participate at a weekly Farmers' Market. Lou often adds some of their offerings to his market space- which helps out the farmer AND offers the consumer the opportunity to try additional locally produced items like honey, soaps and cheese. Being open and adaptable is a cornerstone of Lou's thinking-it's is also an essential component of successful farming in New Jersey especially when dealing directly with consumers.
Consumer interest and trending toward locally grown foods continues to rise supported by efforts from Buy Fresh/Buy Local and state and local agencies that are invested in connecting farms and communities. As a result, farmers have seen an increase in demand for their products and are adding value added products to their consumer offerings. But along with the growth in consumer interest and willingness to purchase locally come some new challenges.
Bringing product to the consumer, rather than having the consumer come to the farm, is a change for farmers who have been selling farm raised meat products. Beef and pork purchased directly from the farm are often sold by the whole, quarter or side. Customers purchase their share of the animal. The sections are cut to order, packaged and frozen, then picked up in bulk at the farm. Tommaso saw an opportunity (and a consumer preference) for offering individual cuts that would satisfy the changing preferences of consumer tastes and culinary trends. After months of researching the regulations and guidelines for labeling and selling individually packaged products Tommasso embarked on the task of locating a processing and packaging facility that met the standards set for Pittenger products.
Lou blazed a trail that many other farmers are now following-offering customers the best quality, best tasting locally produced meat products available in small packaged quantities. The market response has been exceptional-perhaps because purchasing meat in individual cuts is something consumers are already in the habit of doing, or perhaps because a lack of freezer space, dietary trends (and the overall economy) may make it more challenging to purchase larger quantities at one time. Individually packaged cuts of meat offer an additional benefit-allowing customers who are rediscovering culinary joy to "step out of their comfort zone" and try new recipes (and some traditionally favorites) that incorporate wholesome locally grown ingredients.
To help those navigating their way to culinary bliss, Lou also shares some of his own favorite recipes, cooking tips and tricks with his customers. Being an active member of several Farmers' Markets gives L.L.Pittenger Farm the added bonus of creating a personal connection with their customers which benefits everyone.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Birders take advantage of the mild weather and Head to Sussex County
When you head to Sussex County- You head home happy!
January has brought many days of exceptionally mild weather to Sussex County and has encouraged a migration to the great outdoors for hikers, bikers and birders who don't usually get to enjoy their favorite hobbies in January!
With miles and miles of trails and acres of state parks, Sussex County is a haven for outdoor recreation and year round enjoyment-but typically during the winter months, it's cross country skiers and ice skaters who are braving the elements to enjoy their favorite pass times. Not so this year.
Hiking, biking and riding trails throughout Sussex County have been dotted with visitors and birdwatchers who are usually spotted during the spring and fall bird migrations, have grabbed their binoculars and are headed to Northwest New Jersey. The beauty of the County's winterscape has offered an added the bonus for birders- increased visibility. This is making it easier to spot some feathered visitors who generally make a migration to the Jersey Shore, where food is more abundant this time of year.
Amazing photos are turning up on birding sites and even in the press and backyard birders are enjoying the activity around their birdfeeders.
If you're a birding enthusiast or a backyard birder AND would like to share your birding photos, NaturallySussex.com invites you to email them to shopkeeper@naturallysussex.com. Include "Publish my bird photo" in the subject line of the email. If you photos is approved it will be added to our beautiful Sussex County photo gallery- a permanent feature on our website.
The photo must belong to you and have been taken in Sussex County.
We encourage young photographers to add their work BUT if you're under 18, we'll need a release form signed by your parent * see photo release section of our website
By submitting your photo, you are granting NaturallySussex the right to publish and use your photo on our site and in promotion. We'll always add photo credits to entries we use so be sure to include your name when sending us your favorite photos.
January has brought many days of exceptionally mild weather to Sussex County and has encouraged a migration to the great outdoors for hikers, bikers and birders who don't usually get to enjoy their favorite hobbies in January!
With miles and miles of trails and acres of state parks, Sussex County is a haven for outdoor recreation and year round enjoyment-but typically during the winter months, it's cross country skiers and ice skaters who are braving the elements to enjoy their favorite pass times. Not so this year.
Hiking, biking and riding trails throughout Sussex County have been dotted with visitors and birdwatchers who are usually spotted during the spring and fall bird migrations, have grabbed their binoculars and are headed to Northwest New Jersey. The beauty of the County's winterscape has offered an added the bonus for birders- increased visibility. This is making it easier to spot some feathered visitors who generally make a migration to the Jersey Shore, where food is more abundant this time of year.
Amazing photos are turning up on birding sites and even in the press and backyard birders are enjoying the activity around their birdfeeders.
 |
| captured this image. A Snowy Owl that has made the Merrill Creek Reservoir in Warren County her home for the past 7 weeks perches on a rocky slope by the reservoirs southern dam. Naturalist at the site say that the young female bird seems to be healthy and is feeding on what she catches in the area. |
If you're a birding enthusiast or a backyard birder AND would like to share your birding photos, NaturallySussex.com invites you to email them to shopkeeper@naturallysussex.com. Include "Publish my bird photo" in the subject line of the email. If you photos is approved it will be added to our beautiful Sussex County photo gallery- a permanent feature on our website.
The photo must belong to you and have been taken in Sussex County.
We encourage young photographers to add their work BUT if you're under 18, we'll need a release form signed by your parent * see photo release section of our website
By submitting your photo, you are granting NaturallySussex the right to publish and use your photo on our site and in promotion. We'll always add photo credits to entries we use so be sure to include your name when sending us your favorite photos.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)