Broccoli Farm Discovered in Ararat, VA on The Dan River
October 16, 2009
Broccoli and Cilantro is grown in Patrick County, VA by the Puckett Family of Ararat, VA. This another small business helping economic development and keeping jobs in Patrick County.
News report from the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce
Doe Run Farms-Broccoli and Cilantro
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009
Doe Farms and Corn Maze in Ararat, VA grows fields of broccoli and cilantro. This is a relative new agriculture crop for Patrick County, VA.
Buddy and Jeannie Puckett grow a variety of products including watermelon, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkins and corn.
This year they have planted a crop of cilantro and broccoli in behalf of Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc. of Columbia, SC. Rawl is the largest producer of greens in the US.
Their broccoli crop was produced and harvested in both the spring and fall, and produced a beautiful product. (11 acres in the spring and 9 acres in the fall). Five acres of cilantro is harvested in the fall. The farm is located on Ararat Highway, near the “Bateman Straight� and the Dan River low water bridge.
The soil is bottom land that holds moisture good and lies next to the beautiful Dan River.
The broccoli is boxed in the field and made ready for shipment to Rawl & Sons. Rawl uses it for mixed salad sold in grocery stores. The broccoli stalk is chopped up into slaw.
Their farm employs about 15 local residents from the Ararat community.
Other products grown include 2 acres of watermelon, 2 acres of cauliflower, 5 acres of cabbage, and 1 acre of pumpkins. Pumpkins include the decorative pumpkins used for fall displays and the small sweet pie pumpkins.
In addition to running a so-called “truck farm�, the Puckett’s operate a Corn Maze in September and October and brings visitors from throughout the region. The Corn Maze is located on Marigold Lane, in the Ararat community. Entertainment includes, exploring the corn maze, the hay maze, hayrides, volleyball, picnic tables, farm market and snacks. Picnic tables are provided for the convenience of relaxing and enjoying the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountain in the distance.
This year’s Corn Maze design is the logo for “Virginia Grown�, representing the agriculture industry in Virginia. Previous year’s Corn Maze designs have been, “USA Decision 2008� the year of the Presidential Election, 400th Anniversary of Jamestown in 2007, and Field of Dreams in 2006.
Local grown produce is sold at the Corn Maze site, such as apples, peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes.
Article written by Tom Bishop
