Diverse Offerings Becoming More Prominent at Local Farmers' Markets

Adams County Farmers' Markets are beginning to gain momentum and when most people think of farmers markets they think of bounties of fruits and veggies. Fresh strawberries are peaking and in the coming weeks salad greens and other berries will be harvested. But, these days local farmers’ market vendors are also looking to fill the center of the consumer’s plate with high quality meats.

Fridays Farm Fresh Market at The Outlet Shoppes in Gettysburg has two vendors that offer premium beef and pork products at the same stand. Sheppard Mansion Farms, located on the border of Adams and York County, sells 9 standard cuts of hormone-free, grass-fed, Highland Beef along with 2 or 3 weekly specials. Highland Cattle produce a lean cut of beef due to a thick hide and less subcutaneous fat.

Rettland Farm, located in Gettysburg, specializes in Berkshire pork, a heritage breed that is known for its gourmet taste and texture qualities. The pork products that they are selling at the market include loin, rib chops, bacon, various sausages, and ground pork. On top of that, they also have whole, pastured broiler chickens and pastured veal cuts while current supplies last.