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Watch 8 Year Old Boy That Knows His Stuff When It Comes To Tractors

This 8 year old boy knows his stuff about tractors. In fact, it’s almost as like he is a grandpa living in a little boy’s body.  We need more Jackson’s…

John Deere Classic - Round Two

SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 09: John Deere equipment is seen around the course during the second round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on July 09, 2021 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

This 8 year old boy knows his stuff about tractors. In fact, it's almost as like he is a grandpa living in a little boy's body.  We need more Jackson's in the country, a boy who likes to get his hands dirty on the farm. A boy who loves farm equipment more than anything. He sports his John Deere hat and a button down shirt that is neatly pressed and tucked into his jeans. He has a phone case on his belt and work boots on his feet. A real farm boy!

It is refreshing to see a youngster that is so enthusiastic about something other than video games. It seems to me that this boy is being raised in a great way by his parents. We don’t know too much about him other than he clearly knows his stuff when it comes to tractors.

We can assume that he has been raised down south (his accent gives him away) and he has spent some time around tractors and farm equipment.

It would appear that he has grown up with a certain sense of responsibility and work ethics. That is something we need more of in today’s society. Heck, just seeing a boy who likes to go outside and do chores is almost shocking to our eyes.

American children need to get their hands dirty in the literal sense. Playing video games and spending endless hours on their cellphones is not a good way to develop healthy work habits.

Las Vegas Hosts Annual CES Trade Show

More kids need to get on tractors

Wouldn’t it be great to see our youngsters on tractors and lawn mowers doing farm work? When I was a boy growing up on a farm in Maine, I learned to drive a lawnmower in 7th grade and a tractor in 9th. I spent many summer days on a tractor mowing and bailing hay.
When I tell my kids this, they think I was a victor of child labor abuse, but that’s not true at all.

I look back fondly on those days and have a sense of pride for my younger self. It was the best way to learn so much about responsibility and work ethic and ultimately, confidence.

Perhaps that’s why I’m so taken with young farm boy Jackson.

Best Farm Stands Near Me in Massachusetts

Where are the BEST Massachusetts Farm Stands Near Me?

Yes, that picture of the cute kid it is US, every single summer since we were her age. There is NOTHING better than that first bite of sweet, delicious locally grown corn on the cob! THIS is the time where the best freshest, tastiest corn can be found. It almost softens the blow that end of summer is near, when we know we can hit are favorite local farm stand for the golden kernel gifts from nature!

This begs the question, how to you cook your corn: grilled or boiled?

Corn: Grilled or Boiled?

I’m not going to lie. My experience with grilling corn, is zero. Therefore, I had to go to the airwaves for help. I’ll share that recipe in a moment. I had grilled corn awhile back at a party. We found it took too long, and ended up not being cooked enough. Now, these days, my brother Paul, is a grilled corn expert, so he says. He refuses to eat corn on the cob that is boiled, claiming “you lose all the sweetness!” Why is he such a corn fanatic? It’s this discovery.

Could THIS Be The Sweetest Corn Ever?

Here in Western Massachusetts is God’s gift to corn. One of my favorite famous local farm stands near me is called Breezy Gardens.

Breezy Gardens is known for their special blend of corn that is the SWEETEST that I have ever enjoyed. It’s called MIRAI pronounced me-rye. It was a blend developed by accident in Ohio. Here’s the story from ParkSeed.com:

Every once in a while a true plant phenomenon comes along, and Corn Mirai™ is just such a miracle. This amazing Corn is so sweet and tender that it has captured the Japanese market. 

So our pals at Breezy Gardens discovered this Mirai seed, plant and hand pick it here! It really is the sweetest corn I had ever had. The color of the corn is almost orange.

On The Grill?

Until now, cooking corn on the grill posed a problem for me. I did not want to buy an extra grill. So, I did what I always do: ask you, our brilliant listeners for help. Almost immediately I received this step by step tutorial from listener Jim:

I was listening to this afternoon’s show when you mentioned your friend who suggested that you grill sweet corn in the husks. This is the only way I ever prepare sweet corn. There is no substitute. It’s easy, and actually doesn’t get in the way of grilling other items for your meal.

Here’s how to do it. Grab a cooler. Any standard type of cooler will do. Place the corn in the cooler and fill it with water, or until the corn is thoroughly submerged. A half hour in water is more than sufficient but longer doesn’t hurt. Once soaked, throw the corn on the hot grill and turn it every 5-10 minutes until the shucks are golden brown. This usually takes 20-30 minutes. Once you’ve removed the corn from the cooler, pour out the water. When the corn is completely cooked, place the ears back in the cooler (it now become the warmer). Any good cooler will keep the corn hot in their shucks for several hours. This allows you to cook your normal grill items without worrying about the corn. It’ll be ready when you are.

Aww…..Shucks

Now comes one of the best parts of cooking corn in its shucks. The shucks peel back easily as compared to the typical approach to shucking corn. Plus, the shucks provide a handle for eating the corn without other utensils. In my opinion, the flavor of corn steamed in its own shucks on the grill is incomparable to any other approach for preparing sweet corn. It’s just that easy and tastes great!

Good luck. Hope you like it. Best, Jim.

Thanks Jim! I now have my answer on the question: corn: grilled or boiled?

Now that I’m starved, let's go find BEST Massachusetts Farm Stands Near Me, and you! We did our best to pull from the best, north south, east and west. Thanks Yelp!

Red Apple Farm Cambridge

Four and 1/2 stars on Yelp. They are known for their Apple Cider donuts. More sweet after sweet corn!

Pemberton Farms-Cambridge

These guys get FOUR stars from Yelp

Wilson Farm-Lexington

Four star reviews, with many "best place ever" comments.

Wright-Locke Farm-Winchester

FIVE STAR review.

Check out this review:

I grew up in Winchester.  I drove by this place a million times.  I had no idea anything of note was up here.  Only recently has this place been able to "commercialize" on it's success.
-
The Wright-Locke Farm is a working farm right in Winchester.  There are no other working farms left in Winchester.  I'm sure this is the last one.  Here you can:
- Walk the trails - they're open to the public for free!
- Watch out for the free-range chickens walking around!
- Buy stuff at the farm stand
- Rent out their barn and area for private events
- Take a school field trip here to learn about the farm

Union Square Farmers Market-Somerville

FOUR star with 58 reviews. "The folks were all very pleasant, I was able to use my card seamlessly, and even the traffic cops helped me park my car."

Davis Square Farmers Market

FOUR 1/2 stars. "Do you crave FRESH FRUIT?
How about some BAKED BREAD?
Really love your FARM RAISED MEATS?
Then go to the Davis Square Farmer's Market!"

Allandale Farm-Brookline

Four stars! "Absolutely love having this fantastic little farm nearby my house! They always have a cool variety of interesting veggies, lots of meats, flowers, snacks and other things as well."

Johnny D's Fruit & Produce-Brighton

Four 1/2 stars: "My favorite place in Brighton! The store always has in season produce for the lowest costs and by far the best quality in the area."

Central Square Farmers Market-Cambridge

Four stars! "The pasta/ sauce/bread were reasonably priced, and were excellent! All the people working at the stands were SO nice, they made me want to hangout there all day."

Volante Farms-Needham

Four Stars: "Quite the extravaganza in the warmer months: a full supermarket, a fully staffed (and busy) sandwich counter), and a large greenhouse with tons of plants. As for the produce, much of it is local, if not house-grown, and the selection is quite large and extensive."

Belkin Family Lookout Farm-S. Natick

Four Stars: "Food and beverage is better than any other venue I have been to recently. The beers are delicious and I am told the ciders were great, too." This place has everything for adults and kids, with train rides, activities for kids, and a variety of produce. 

Lamberts Rainbow Market-Westwood

Four stars: Family owned in since 1959 from four brothers. Can't beat that!

"I've been coming here since I was little. Best salad bar. The hot food is also delicious. Never disappointed. I've never grocery shopped just came for lunch!"

Wagon Wheel-Lexington

Four Stars: "As a student in Waltham, Wagon Wheel is an absolute staple - with lots of good sandwich options in the are (trust me, I've made it a point to try them all) this one is my favorite." Also, very cool, you can order mulch on-line, and they deliver to 50 towns. 

Russell Farms-Woburn

Four 1/2 stars: "This farm stand is always well stocked and the produce is fresh and delicious. The employees are pleasant and check out is quick." Farm stand is better reviewed than their landscaping service. 

Boston Hill Farm-North Andover

Four 1/2 stars:

Jacob M.

A glorious sunny day, went for a hay ride, picked some apples, some pumpkins, and bought a fresh Apple Pie." They need to update their Yelp reviews, but all are very positive. 

East Street Farm-Tewksbury

BIG FIVE STARS: "This is my favorite local farm stand. I love the variety of seasonal produce, delectable home baked goods and local honey."  The reviews look impressive. 

Berberians' Farm-Northborough

Four stars: I have alot of personal experience at this farm. It was one of my Dad's favorite's. One of the more popular in Metro-West!

Gove Farms-Leominster

FIVE STARS: This guy LOVES the corn:

Ok, so I lost count...is this my 2rd? Or 3rd review?  I was in the area and there's no way I  would pass up a visit to the farm!
I drove up and saw the sign everyone's been waiting for ; SWEET CORN.  Other veggies are also listed. But once the corn's this place becomes insane .. it's THAT good."

Taft Farms-Great Barrington

Four 1/2 stars: "This was a fantastic small grocery store/farmers market.  They had a surprisingly large hot food section that churned out delicious hot sandwiches for great prices."

Bartlett's Orchards-Richmond

Four 1/2 stars: All great reviews, for this familiar name.

"Bartlett's Farm not only offers pick-your-own apple orchards between Labor and Columbus Days, but also has a year-round store offering baked goods (including cider donuts), whatever apples are left, house-canned jams, spreads, and honey, and even products from other local businesses like SoCo ice cream."

White Barn Farm-Wrentham

FIVE STAR: This person reviewed it this week!

"Fresh organic and locally grown vegetables and fruits, serves the community. We have a CSA share that brings us a "basket" of what is in season that week. Gets us to try some new vegetables in our meals."

Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.