Posted on

Meet the Only Woman Worcester’s Top Chefs Trust With Their Beef, Farmer Joan Walker

Meet the Only Woman Worcester's Top Chefs Trust With Their Beef, Farmer Joan Walker

Joan “Joanie” Walker lived in the Webster Square neighborhood of Worcester for most of her life. When she moved to her husband’s family farm in New Braintree, she weighed 250 lbs and had never dreamt of keeping cows. In 2012, Joanie began raising a small herd of grass-fed Red Devon cattle at Walker Farm known for their healthy, hearty, marbled meat. You’ve probably enjoyed the results of her love and labor at Armsby Abbey, deadhorse hill, or the International’s Fireplace Room. Her herd isn’t the only thing that has grown over the last few years (now, 60 animals strong.) Joanie’s reputation is steadfast among local foodies for producing the highest quality meat in the region. Unlike most farms that raise their cattle to be one and a half to two years old, Joanie is a patient farmer. She raises her cows until they are at their full weight and at least three years old before breeding them or sending them to market. As a result, Walker Farm’s buttery beef remains in high demand. Mass Foodies feels strongly that the superb quality comes from Joanie’s unique appreciation for each of her individual cow’s and their respective personalities.

Posted on

Start Cooking at Home with Lettuce Be Local

Sarah went live with Lynn Cheney for the first Lettuce Be Local drop off at deadhorse hill. Cheney has put a unique spin on the traditional CSA model in hopes of helping more farmers get their goods into the people of Worcester’s hands and kitchens. She has strategically selected three pickup locations at area restaurants in different neighborhoods of the city in order to foster ease and walkability for residents. In addition to deadhorse hill downtown, pickups can be made at Lock 50 in the Canal District and simjang on Shrewsbury Street. Orders can be personalized based on each member’s needs from week to week and offers accessibility to Cheney’s wide network of farms (with the exception of dairy and meat.) Enrollment is still open; a half share is $400 and a full share is $750.