Black Eagle Farm

Black Eagle Farm is a sustainable producer of USDA organic, animal-​friendly natural livestock products (beef, pork, lamb, goat and poultry) and the largest producer of organic eggs (marketed in stores as Piney River Organics) in Virginia. For nearly 30 years, the farm has operated as a wholesale supplier — its products are found at organic and ethnic grocery stores in the Mid-​Atlantic region and featured in various restaurants such as Washington, DC’s Zola. Late last year, however, the farm broadened its scope to also include retail sales at its Piney River, VA location.
It’s no secret that readers of Michael Pollan’s «The Ominvore’s Dilmena» or those concerned by the effects the industrial food chain has on the diet, nutrition and overall health of Americans (not to mention the well-​being of the animals themselves) are increasingly embracing and seeking out organic products. So, in addition to shopping at local farmer markets and organic grocery stores like Whole Foods and Fresh Market, these consumers are heading directly to the source.
Unfortunately, the experience can be a little intimidating. Working livestock farms are not petting zoos. Plus, many farms require that consumers buy the whole animal — and if you’re buying beef, that’s a lot of meat!
Black Eagle Farm differentiates itself by being very accessible. The super-​friendly owners, the Glatts, take time to educate customers on everything from their humane and environmentally friendly farming practices to explaining the various cuts of meat and preparation techniques. Should you desire a farm tour, they’ll gladly comply. Mercifully, you can purchase items in consumer-​sized packaging. However, if you prefer to purchase halves or wholes, they’ll accommodate your specifications.
The reward for your visit is, of course, that the meat tastes significantly better and is much healthier for you.
For residents of Central Virginia, Black Eagle Farm is an easy 40-​minute drive from either Charlottesville or Lynchburg. The entrance is the driveway directly across from Saunders Brothers orchard on Hwy 56.
While in Piney River, visit Saunders (
) during summer & fall for locally-​grown, orchard-​ripe peaches and apples. Order take-​out from Thai Siam (
) — also on Hwy 56 — for the best and most authentic Thai food in Virginia. And, before you head back home, grab a frozen cone from the nearby Colleen Drive-​In (
).
Black Eagle Farm hours are 9 – 5 Monday through Saturday. They also participate in the Lovingston Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 3 – 7.