Farms or schools in Wheatland?
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Here is a sketch of these operations:
* Potomac Vegetable Farms, run by Ellen Polishuk, grows vegetables for a stand and farmers markets (including the Purcellville market) and runs a CSA or farm-share service.
* Wheatland Vegetable Farms consists of three independent businesses using the same land, equipment and facilities: Chip and Susan Planck, the owners, continue to grow vegetables. Ali Moussalli and Lisa Steinbrueck, former workers of the Plancks, and recently married on the farm, raise vegetables and pastured chickens for eggs. Zach Lester and Georgia O'Neal, of Tree and Leaf Farm, have grown vegetables elsewhere in Loudoun for several years before relocating to Wheatland. They, too, grow for markets and a CSA, and have as well a landscape business in Waterford. Using the 1993 hamlet ordinance, the Plancks have placed 95 percent of their land under open-space easement while creating seven clustered residential lots on 2 acres of their 60-acre farm.
* Moutoux Orchard, run by Charles and Sue Moutoux and their son Robert, raises peaches and other tree fruit. Rob is producing bio-diesel fuel for himself and the neighboring farms.
* Kathy Broaddus and Lani Newcomb, the owners of Broad Run Veterinary Service, keep horses and raise broilers.
* Greenstone Fields Farm, run by Barbara Lamborne and Dennis Fuze, raises small fruits, flowers and mushrooms. Barbara sells at the Leesburg farmers market.
* Howard Herman, who lives in Falls Church and manages that city's farmers market, produces honey.
Collectively, these eight operations have sales of more than $750,000. In contrast to much of American agriculture, output is not subsidized. We are growing things people will pay for.
County policy is to promote viable rural economic development. County policy is that whenever possible, schools should be located within existing communities. The farmers at Wheatland -- population 100 or so, with guests -- support the county in these two commitments.
Chip Planck
Wheatland Vegetable Farms
Purcellville
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