KATHRYN AND CHRIS MET during their undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, and after graduation and spending a year in the Northern Virginia workforce, it became clear to the couple they both desired a life closer to the land. In 2013, they moved to Kathryn’s family’s land in Louisa County and began building their own farm from the ground up. After establishing a following at the Mineral Farmers Market for their colorful, tender salad mix, they decided to devote their time and energy to growing fresh greens year-round.
Their well-maintained operation demonstrates sustainable growing practices and the importance of farm design and time-saving infrastructure, which results in the production of high quality produce. These practices landed them the Local Food Hub 2020 Innovations in Agriculture award where Phantom Hill developed a mechanical solution, creatively updating pre-existing farm equipment for easier and more efficient use. These models are easily replicable for other farms which could be accomplished with a little experimentation and some lumber. They provide their on farm and wholesale customers (including our Fresh Farmacy program) high-quality, tender salad mix, baby kale, and other delicious veggies, microgreens, and mushrooms. We loved having Kathryn join our LFH market to sell her handmade soaps and shiitake logs over the holidays.
