I am thrilled to present my new photographic series, Locally Known: A Photographic Celebration of Our Local Food and Folk. You can find my column every Tuesday in the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript, with an expanded column posted here on my website. My hope is that you will start a new relationship with your food, to know where it comes from and to connect with the people who provide it. I believe it strengthens our community when we have a connection with the hard-working people that provide us with a bounty of local food. And then, the next time you buy that locally baked bread, or purchase locally raised grass-fed beef or locally-grown organic vegetable, you will know exactly where it came from and who made it – how exciting is that! Come with me on my culinary journey through the foods and farms of the Monadnock Region – let’s make the choice to support the people who are genuinely taking care of our land and our dinner tables. Join me in celebrating the amazing food folk of the Monadnock Region!
real farmers. real animals. real food.
Who: Farmers Dan and Ruth Holmes, managers of organic Sunnyfield Farm in Peterborough, every aspect of their farm plays an important, valuable role in our community. Why: Through the humane handling of their animals, to a deep respect for the land and a focus on community connections, Sunnyfield Farm promotes agricultural land preservation, environmental health and real good food. What: With eggs gathered daily from their free-range chickens, and raw milk collected each morning from their pasture-grazing dairy cows, Sunnyfield produces some of this region’s best tasting and highest-quality food. Add their nutritious grass-fed beef and seasonal organic vegetables, your dinner table is complete with one stop to their farm store. By supporting your local farm, you get to know your farmer, and in turn, you get to know your food – it’s a win-win relationship.
I wish that I could clearly express what an amazing and life-changing experience it was to photograph Dan, Ruth and their wonderful animals & farm. I am already a huge supporter of farming & fresh food, particularly the organic kind, and to anyone that knows me, I have quite the soapbox I stand on about it. On this day, I woke up early (at least for me) to photograph Dan milking his dairy cows, a chilly early morning surrounded by moo-ing cows munching on organic hay. The smell of the barn was deep and delicious and watching Dan brush and milk each cow was almost a spiritual experience. To me, it was life taking care of life, with a deep respect for the awesome beings that give us nourishment. Dan and Ruth treat their animals with such care, and, they are so passionate about their work. Although, it’s hard to call it work when it’s more of a life passion, a natural way of living and providing. And, in my opinion, as it should be. Thank you Dan, Ruth and all of your animals for a day I won’t soon forget.
Peterborough photographer Kimberly Peck is delighted to present her new series, Locally Known, a photographic celebration of our local food folk. Peck found her artistic roots in organic free-range photography and she always has at least two vegetables on her dinner plate. Follow her journey here every Tuesday, and find more images on her website: kimberlypeckphotography.com.
