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McCords's producers enters its 13th season on the farm

June 30, 2009|By Rachel Parsons

The McCord family's farmers market started out simply enough. After years of canning and freezing their homegrown vegetables, Joe and Shiela McCord decided to set up shop right in their front yard. For 13 seasons, loyal customers have made the trek to the McCord farm on Lexington Road for fresh-picked produce and a visit with the extended family.

"We've always done vegetables, and the kids always helped me freeze and can when they were home," Shiela said. "We just sold out in the front yard for a while, then we converted a horse barn into an open air market stand."

The McCords certainly know a thing or two about farming. Joe has lived on Avalon Farms his entire life and is a full-time farmer. Their grandchildren are the sixth generation to live on the farm, and they love to help out at the market when they can.

"They've all grown up and are growing up here," Shiela said. "We've got the best of both worlds. I can stay here and watch them swim and run my business. When they aren't here, people ask about them."

Over the years, the McCords have tried their hand at a lot of different things. They have raised cattle, sheep, freshwater shrimp and even quail on their farm, and grown tobacco and hay. Joe also sells his handmade furniture, Avalon Woods Custom Homemade Furniture.

"We've gotten away from the tobacco, cattle, hay and sheep. We're down to the other things. Full-time farmers are unique," Sheila said.

Sheila said their market also is unusual, consisting of only their homegrown products.

"We're a little different than some of the other markets in that we sell what we grow," Sheila said.

Customers of McCord's Produce can buy vegetables by the bushel, the pound or the piece. Sheila estimates that last year alone they sold over 200 bushels of beans.

"Joe grows it, and I sell it," Sheila said with a laugh.

People seem to appreciate the McCords' approach to their business. Sheila said customers come in from all around the region, and regular customers even call in their orders.

"The people are the best part, besides the vegetables. We appreciate them taking time out of their day to stop by and chat," Sheila said.

While Joe is a lifelong farmer, Sheila was raised in town, and she admitted that it took her awhile to adjust.

"I couldn't do squat," she said.

But after years of canning and working with Joe on the farm, Sheila looks and sounds like a natural.

Both Joe and Sheila said they would love to see their children or their grandchildren continue the family tradition in the coming years, but they know that may not happen. Right now, though, they are enjoying their time with their family on the farm, and their customers.

"She's always jabberin'," Joe said.

"You love the talking as much as I do," Sheila piped in.

And they both really love their life on the farm and building their business together.

Beginning July 7, the market will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. The McCords' produce also will be available at the Clark County Farmers Market and the Lexington Farmers Market.

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.

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