Join Tracy Toth on a visit to family-owned Koch’s Turkey Farm to learn more about raising antibiotic-free turkeys — including an all-natural vegetarian diet and providing lots of room to roam.

If there’s one common element that links all of the folks I’ve met on the series, it’s passion. And Mark Lopez is a prime example.

The number of registered Ayrshires in North America has declined significantly over the past 30 years. See the ALBC website for more. www.albc-usa.org/

Mark is a husband, father, veterinarian, and dairy farmer—but not just any dairy farmer. He harvests raw milk from his heritage breed Ayrshire dairy cows. His time, energy, years of education, and love for his herd come to focus upon ensuring the quality of his dairy products. The herd grazes naturally on grass and enters the barn for milking twice a day, every day. Each individual in the herd is known by her name and sweet, subtle quirks.

Mark’s passion is not only for his beloved Ayrshire but also for the dairy operation itself. Harvesting and public sale of raw milk require the maintenance of strict standards in the collection process as well as throughout the collection areas.

Wholesome Dairy Farms is a special place; I’m glad it’s part of the ag community in this valley.

My dear friend, Lisa, has lived in London for many, many years and returns to the area four times a year to visit her father. I don’t have to ask anymore, enroute from the Philadelphia International Airport, if she’d like to stop for groceries for her dad—it’s just routine now. Our pit stop? Kimberton Whole Foods.

I first heard about KWF a few years ago, after we’d moved to the area. An actress-colleague of mine came to work and told me she’d discovered this wondrous grocery. I stopped in and found the selection and quality unbelievable; exclusively organic produce (local, when possible), a variety of natural and organic groceries, and an amazing selection of body care. I’m not the only one moved by KWF; the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture acknowledges their vision as well. See www.pasafarming.org

Lisa loves KWF and I love stopping to shop there! Established in 1986, KWF has grown to become the largest independent natural foods retailer in eastern Pennsylvania.

Please visit their website www.kimbertonwholefoods.com and be sure to subscribe to their newsletter!