A Happy Cow is a Healthy Cow

Lowfields has been a farm since the revolutionary war. It became clear that we were caretakers of many acres of land and it made sense to us that the farm should actually BE a farm.

Cue the cattle!!

Black Aberdeen Angus

Most cattle are a mixture of all types of breeds - it is the difference between a mutt and a Show quality AKC registered Golden Retriever. 

At Lowfields Farm, we raise Registered Black Aberdeen Angus. This means that they are genetically superior in temperament, size and quality. They have been raised for centuries and my husband Charles became interested in them on our many trips to Scotland, where they originated. They are undisputedly the best beef on the market.

Charles gave up golf for his new love of cows. He has become an expert cattleman doing everything from artificial insemination to the castration of bulls. We constantly are among the cows checking on their welfare.

Our main goal at Lowfields is to produce healthy cattle on healthy soil.  We believe that good animal husbandry and the old natural ways of farming are sometimes the best and the most sustainable. Newborn calves are raised and fed along side their mothers in the open pasture with access to clean re-circulating water, swimming facilities and shade and shelter. Spoiled? You bet!  A happy cow is a healthy cow!

Momma & her calf

Because of this focus on quality, we have been selected as a producer for Whole Foods. We went through a rigorous evaluation process that they do on a yearly basis to make sure your commitment to quality doesn't wane. We are proud to report every audit has given us the top scoring marks. Whole Foods’ commitment to their customer’s health makes them the perfect partner for Lowfields Farm beef.

Bedside Bouquets

Many years ago, when I really began a serious garden, I started the habit of putting a small bouquet by my husband's bedside. He always noticed and always commented..

Now, the first thing I do when we get to the farm on Friday evening is pick a small bouquet while I look over the garden and put it at it's proper spot beside the bed.  I also expanded the tradition to include all the bedsides of our guests at Lowfields.  

In the summer, there is ton of different options from all the perennials.  In the fall, the bouquets are lovely with the addition of seed heads and bright leaves. Spring is glorious with herbs blooming and lots of bulbs. And even in the winter there is always something in the garden -  rosemary, hellebores, or even holly berries make it quite festive! 

July 4th at Lowfields

The 4^th of July is not just a summer holiday at Lowfields, but a holiday comparable to Christmas & Thanksgiving.  This is because not only celebrate our nation’s independence but the birthdays of Sister and her son, Michael. 

This particular 4^th was especially special because for the first time we had my mother, CoCo and the new baby of the family, Nutmeg & Michael’s son, William aka Cutty, who is 7 months old.  Sister will now sometimes also be known as Whimsey - her grandmother name, and  Charlie & I are now christened as Uncle Angus and Picnic Aunt!  


We spent a lot of time outside in the pool or quilt-rolling under the trees by the James River.  We barely stayed awake to see the fireworks in surrounding towns…  

Cutty quilt rolling

Enjoying the 4th with Family

4 Generations at Lowfields - CoCo, Whimsey, Michael & Cutty

It's not a celebration unless we are eating...

Our family loves to celebrate and what's a celebration without FOOD!  Our July 4th menu consisted of traditional summer fare with a family twist…  

Hot Dogs and homemade French fries with Nanny’s Pink Sauce, Top Beverage with Fresh Garden Mint, Apple Crumble Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Lowfields Country Meatloaf (of course made with Lowfields Beef) with a salad of mixed greens & CoCo’s Best Ever Dressing and much more. 

We are excited to share with you some of the old family favorites (and some new ones)!

Nanny's Pink Sauce
My aunt always made this sauce for shrimp and oysters. When I was vacationing in the south of France, I dipped my frites in a wonderful aioli and fell in love.  We use Nanny's Pink Sauce for this same purpose when we make our homemade french fries!    

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup mayo

1/4 cup mustard

1/4 cup catsup

Squeeze of lemon

Hot Dogs & Homemade French Fries with Nanny's Pink Sauce

Top Beverage

Sister is the supreme mixologist in our family, the combinations are not always evident  to the untrained eye but for some reason her concoctions are always delicious!  Several years ago during one of her summer holidays at Lowfields, Sister was enthralled with reading and watching Bridget Jones Diary. In the book the main character mentions a drink being "Top Beverage".  Inspired by the huge patch of mint in the garden, her version of Top Beverage is below! 

Fresca Regular flavor

Fresh mint

Lime

Tequila

In a chilled glass, crush mint in bottom. Add Tequila, Fresca and the juice of 1/2 a fresh lime. Stir and garnish with more fresh mint and a wedge of lime.  

Top Beverage

CoCo's Best Ever Dressing

Mamma has made this salad dressing for years and people were always begging for the recipe, even those who did not like blue cheese dressing. You make it in a pickle jar at the beginning of the week and it lasts for many days. It is good on plain greens or a mixed salad.

Blue cheese , or any cheese of your preference (gorgonzola, chevre, feta, etc) can be used.

1 wedge maytag bleu cheese

1 cup canola oil

3 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped

3 tpsp Pickapeppa sauce

2 tbsp grainy mustard or Grey Poupon

Crumble bleu cheese in jar.  Add chopped garlic, Pickapeppa sauce and mustard and fill with canola oil. Stir with spoon and then shake in jar before use.

Ingredients for CoCo's Best Ever Dressing

Ready for salad!