Today, the boys and I met Joe Rush, owner and keeper of Rush Acres Farm. Via the Eating Local Pittsburgh mailing list, I discovered that Joe (who raises cows, chickens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep) makes deliveries to the city twice a month. I contacted him (via email and everything!), and after a nice chat, I order 5 pounds of beef, a broiler (that’s chicken), and a dozen eggs. From what I could tell from Joe’s website, he seemed to be about as close as we have to Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm in Western Pennsylvania.

So, we met him in Squirrel Hill. He was sitting in his van on the corner of Darlington and Deniston, waiting for myself and a few other to get their orders. If you saw Joe on the street, you would think “farmer.” I asked him more about the farm and it’s history, and he told me about the relationships he has with the Amish and Mennonite farmers in Somerset County and the butter, milk, and cheese they produce. He talked about how amazed he is at what the government suggests we eat, and that he is very happy that more folks have wised up and sought out local farmers like himself. From my perspective, it was quite nice to do business face to face, and be able to ask about the farm, the animals, and his methods. I can see why Salatin makes this the cornerstone of his farm.

Posted on 19 March 2009