A Sorgho farm is expanding its operations to add a market and a bakery next month. The Cottage Farmstand and Baking Co. is the latest addition to Knight Farms, which has been in the family since 1850.
With experience in catering, convention planning and the food and beverage industry, Marlene Knight decided it was time to try her hand at something new. She and her husband David, along with the help of friends and family, are converting their small farmhouse on KY 56 into a diversified business.
“Our family has owned this farm for 170 years,” she said. “We believe in this community and we think a lot of where we live and the people around us. Residents on the west side of Owensboro are anxious to have more food options available to them.”
With the farmhouse location opening in July, The Cottage is presently conducting business at the local farmer’s market. Their stand features baked goods and pastries highlighted by their mini muffins packaged in egg cartons, with produce coming in the near future.
“We want to promote agribusiness and showcase our local produce,” she said. “Our home-based baking business has been a hit. Selling a dozen mini muffins in an egg carton is a signature item.”
They also take orders online at cottagefarmstand.com.
The stand will also feature plants, herbs, a sunflower field with photo opportunities and locally-canned goods. Pending local zoning approval, Knight has intentions of featuring locally roasted, specialty coffee along with breakfast sandwiches in the future.
“Many live in Sorgho because they value the farming community and appreciate the work that goes into growing their food,” she said. “My dream is to provide a local place that residents are comfortable to come in and have a cup of coffee, a baked good or just stop by to purchase our many local products.”
Knight places a strong emphasis on community and reiterated the importance of sourcing all of her products locally.
“All of my products will be Kentucky Proud, and more importantly Daviess County proud. It is very important for me to buy everything locally,” she said. “We can build a closer community by getting to know our neighbors better, and what better place than The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co?”
