Here's how the farm's founders describe their approach on the farm's web site:
“We raise beef the way your ancestors did and simply try to make the cows a working part of the natural ecosystem they are in. We allow a very low stocking density so there is plenty of room for the animals to roam around and graze in spring, summer, and fall and hay from the same farm in the winter. We never use growth hormones or antibiotics in our herd and check them daily to ensure health.
“We always treat them humanely so we do not de-horn our cattle or use brands, whips, or prods. … Our cows live out in the sun on a rotational grazing program and are never fed any grain.”
Carroll Creek Farms founder Jess Campbell said she and her husband “have always wanted to be in the 2nd Street Market, because we sell primarily in the Dayton market, and it is the premier market.”
The beef vendor’s offerings include ultra-lean ground beef, a variety of steak cuts, brisket, stewing/kabob meat, short ribs, and a variety of roasts.
Another local vendor, Now and Zen Terrariums, will join the market as a three-day (Thursday-Friday-Saturday) vendor, moving from the pavilion, where it has set up shop for two years. The vendor allows customers to create their own terrarium in the Now and Zen booth.
The 2nd Street Market is located in a renovated freight house at 600 E. Second St. at Webster Street, just east of downtown Dayton, and features a variety of local growers, producers, artisans and prepared-food vendors. It was named the "Best Farmers Market" in the 2016 Best of Ohio Readers' Ballot conducted by Ohio Magazine. The market is open Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Last month, Five Rivers MetroParks' 2nd Street Market celebrated its 15th anniversary by honoring its original 15 vendors, all of which are still operating at the public market.
RELATED: Dayton wins big for food/drink in Ohio Magazine readers’ poll (Dec. 2015)
RELATED: 2nd Street Market celebrates 15 years with 15 of its original vendors
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