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Superstition Farm

Before I tell you about Superstition Farm, I must mention my shock and sorrow over a tragedy that occurred here in Arizona late yesterday.

Nineteen firefighters – all members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots – an elite response team, were killed Sunday battling a fast-moving wildfire near Yarnell, marking the deadliest single incident for firefighters since the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The fire, which investigators believe was sparked by lightning, also destroyed more than 200 homes and buildings in the town which is home to about 700 people.

A photojournalist friend of mine was there and posted this on his Facebook page yesterday at 7:30 pm.

Chenco FB photo

via Chencho Flores

This morning, Chencho said it best on his Facebook post:

“Finally home after one of the longest and most heartbreaking days of my career. Say a prayer for the families of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots.”

Offering my thoughts and prayers for the heroic souls lost and the families and friends left behind. God bless them all. Absolutely heartbreaking.

superstition farm

A couple of Saturdays ago, Tram and I took a field trip out to Superstition Farm.

petting pen

Superstition Farm is a working dairy farm in Mesa, Arizona. The farm is open for family-oriented tours and is located at 3440 South Hawes Road, Mesa, Arizona 85212.

feed bin

You enter through the adorable Udderly Sweet Vintage Boutique.

tram is shocked

Tram and I had fun in the nice cool store while we waited to meet with the owner, Casey Stechnij, who was going to take us on a tour of the farm. Casey’s sister and farm co-owner, Alison, stocks the Boutique with the cutest items!

turkey

Casey and Alison Stechnij are 4th generation Arizonans and 3rd generation dairy farmers. They grew up on the family farms in East Mesa and both were active in 4-H. The State & County Fairs were a big part of their lives as they learned how to love and care for farm animals. You can feel the love and care when you visit, that is for sure!

garden gate

After we checked out the petting area and before we got to the cows, Casey took us through the Desert Willow Garden.

bottle garden fence

These beautiful garden walls are fabulous mosaic and bottle work, all recycled materials, all made through the efforts of volunteers.

tire bench

Turns out that recycled tires make great garden benches! Love the artwork of the state flag and Arizona’s Five “C’s” – Cattle, Citrus, Climate, Copper, and Cotton.

Yeah, that’s right, I remember my 4th grade Arizona history, I didn’t even have to look that up!

cows

After the garden tour, we headed off toward what we really wanted to see and do… which was to watch the cows being milked and milk a cow ourselves!

24 cows at a time

The milking area holds 24 cows at a time.

hook em up

Twelve on each side. We watched the cows happily file into their stalls, get hooked up and milked, and then file out. They stayed in line better than any 1st graders I’ve ever witnessed!

milking lesson

Then we got to go down and milk a cow ourselves! First, Casey showed us City Girls how it’s done…

milking cows

Then we each did it! Very fun… and educational.

udder delights

Superstition Farm is renowned for its award-winning ice cream, Udder Delights. You may purchase the ice cream at the Boutique or at their storefront in Gilbert at 1385 East Warner Road.

cheese

Casey is also in the process of raising funds to build a community micro-creamery. He took us into the future kitchen of the creamery and not only showed us the white cheddar cheese he’s been making but let us taste it too. Good stuff!

hungry chickens

The tour was over, but upon our request, we got to see the chickens too. That is Casey, feeding the chickens.

chicken feed

We had the best time and when the weather cools off, I’m going back out to enjoy the farm again.

pretty eggs

On the way out we made one more stop in the Boutique to taste some ice cream and buy eggs and butter.  It really was the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning, thanks to Casey, for taking time out of your busy day to show us around, and thank you, Tram, for making the trek out there with me. xoxo

Farm hours are: Tue and Wed: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Thu: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm, and Fri – Sat: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Phone: (602) 432-6865

Website: superstitionfarm.com


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3 comments

1 Marissa { 07.01.13 at 7:48 AM }

Ha love Tram’s reactions in both photos!

2 Tram Mai { 07.02.13 at 5:38 PM }

I had such a fun & educational time… And I’m not just talking about the book I read! Thank YOU Linda for the invite!! Well worth the trek and laughs!! Xoxo

3 Lyman Bass { 07.17.13 at 2:11 PM }

The Scottsdale Community Garden Club, established in 1976 at Scottsdale Community College, offers nine acres of garden plots where more than 50 members, from total beginners to master gardeners grow year round, with some growers supplying to local farmers’ markets. Sweet corn, carrots, beets, onions, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes and radishes are just some of the items you will find there.

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