Maloney Farms opened their first store after having success at the local farmers market. Pictured are (l to r) Sheena Maloney holding Anna, Carolyn Maloney, Patrick Maloney and Kevin Maloney holding Charles.
I work at the FSA office in Delaware County, Iowa, and many of my friends are farmers. It was only recently that I seriously thought about USDA’s Know Your Farmer Know Your Food promotion. Last summer I became a big fan of our local farmer’s market. There, I found a huge selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, jellies, breads, soy candles and much more. I was very excited since I knew most of the vendors. One vendor, Pat and Carolyn Maloney, who I served with on the Delaware County Cattlemen’s Board, are marketing a variety of meat products at the farmer’s market.
I found that I was able to purchase the cuts of pork that my family likes from the Maloney’s each Saturday on their farm where the couple raises hogs and beef cattle. For several years the Maloney’s have been selling their pork under the Maloney Farms Label, but last year they decided to make a little extra money at the local farmer’s market in Manchester, Iowa. After having success at the farmers market, the couple decided to open a store selling their own meat. The store, called Maloney Meats, offers beef, pork and other local farm products.
Pat and Carolyn Maloney have been farming since they were married in 1971. They started with 120 acres that they rented from Carolyn’s parents. Initially, they had a small operation with a few cows and pigs. By 1978 they bought the family farm, sold the dairy cows and started raising more hogs and beef cattle. Today, they have 24,000 hogs and 40 beef cows. They are proud that their products are locally born, locally grown and locally processed. They have worked hard as a family to make this possible. Not only has this been extra income, but it has been fun and rewarding as well.
Everyone should look around their area and communities to really “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food.” It is great to buy from neighbors. As it states on the USDA Web site, “every family needs a farmer, do you know yours?” I most definitely know my farmers in Delaware County and I know a lot more about my food.
Learn more about the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative.
—by Tammy Eibey
