Pure Catskills

Farmer Flood Relief Fund opens second application round

2011-12-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Flood relief funding is currently available for Catskill region farmers through the Raise the Roof Donation Fund. Hundreds of community members and a dozen local organizations have contributed over $28,000 since September. These are small grants available to farms that suffered flood damage or product loss during Hurricane Irene and/or Tropical Storm Lee. A first round of $15,000 in funding has been completed. The second round of funding is open between December 15, 2011 and January 15, 2012. Applications may be obtained from the Scholarships & Grants section of the Pure Catskills webpage online at www.buypurecatskills.com or by contacting Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or (607) 865-7090.

The Raise the Roof Donation Fund is managed by a committee of local farmers and community members with administrative support from the Watershed Agricultural Council. Distribution of funding is the decision of the fund committee. Donations toward the fund will be accepted through the remained of 2011. One-hundred percent of donations will be awarded through the fund. Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to mail a tax-deductible donation, made out to the 'Watershed Agricultural Council,' to WAC, 44 West Street, Walton, NY 13856. General inquiries about the fundraising effort may be direct to Morgan George of Sherman Hill Farmstead at (607) 829-6886 or Target409@Hotmail.com.

Fall events - Columbus Day and beyond

2011-10-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

The weather forecast for Columbus Day weekend is looking fantastic - get out for some leaf peeping and harvest celebrating! We've included a few of next weekend's events since it will be the weekend again before you know it!

Taste of the Catskills

October 8th & 9th

Starts at 10 am each day

Maple Shade Farm

County Route 18, Delhi

A huge fall celebration with live music, workshops, kids activities and lots of great local food.

Pumpkin Festival

October 8th

10 am to 5 pm

Springhouse Commons

Route 97, Barryville

Fireworks, bake off, pie eating, costumes and scarecrow decorating.

Pig Roast & Fundraiser

October 8th

Heather Ridge Farm

Broome Center Road, Preston Hollow

A special lunch at this farm cafe with funds raised going to the Farmer Flood Relief Fund.

Tastings Under the Tent

October 8th

1 to 4 pm

Main Street Farm

Main Street, Livingston Manor

Sample farm-made preserves and unique pairings from Blue Moon Farm in Delhi.

Rustic Craft Festival

October 9th

11 am to 4 pm

Bethel Woods Harvest Festival

Hurd Road, Bethel

Enjoy a unique array of local crafts at this weekly harvest event.

Lactofermentation Workshop

October 9th

Noon

Callicoon Farmers' Market

Callicoon Creek Park, Callicoon

Join Slow Food Upper Delaware River Valley for a demonstration of this traditional food-preservation technique.

Fall Festival
October 15th
11 am to 4 pm
Ashokan Center
477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge
Cider making, pumpkin painting, historic building tours and live music! The Ashokan Center has generously offered to donate proceeds from this event to the Farmer Flood Relief Fund.

RSK Farm Fundraiser
October 15th
11 am to 5 pm
Blue Mountain Bistro
948 State Route 28, Kingston
All proceeds from sales on Saturday, October 15th will go to assist RSK Farm in Prattville. Online donations are also welcome at help-the-farm.org

Pig Mountain

October 15th

1 to 6 pm

Bridle Hill Farm

Hemmer Road, Jeffersonville

Celebrity chefs will cook up Catskill hogs at this feast and benefit for Farmhearts.

Cider Making

October 15th

2 to 4 pm

1300 Crystal Lake Road, Narrowsburg

Join Slow Food Upper Delaware River valley for cider press and sampling!

Annual Harvest Party

October 15th

2 to 5 pm

Sherman Hill Farmstead

County Highway 21, Franklin

Sample fresh and aged cheese varieties, tour the farm, enjoy the bonfire and bring a dish to pass!

Farm to Table Brunch

October 16th

Hills Country Inn

Hill Resort Road, Callicoon Center

Enjoy a seasonal brunch with the Early Bird Cookery gang.

Catskills farmer flood relief fund

2011-09-08T14:55:00.001-07:00

Two weeks. Two floods. It's left many communities in our region feeling helpless and looking for ways to help rebuild.

Many neighbors have contacted Pure Catskills looking for ways to help farmers directly. One of those neighbors was Morgan George, the herd manager at Sherman Hill Farmstead, who is organizing a fundraiser to do just that!

The big event, 'Raise the Roof!,' will take place Sunday, September 18th from 4:30 to 9:00 PM at the Hamden Inn, 35769 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY.

Admission to the event is offered by donation, large or small. Local musicians and writers will provide entertainment. Proceeds from the event's silent auction, featuring local artwork and products, will go toward the relief fund. Silent auction donations are still being accepted. Please contact Morgan at target409@hotmail.com or (607) 829-6886 for more information.

Every dollar gathered through the fund will be distributed to farmers in need. A diverse review panel of local farmers will oversee the distribution of need-based funding awards. The goal is to fill needs not met by funds available from Federal, State and non-profit sources. The Watershed Agricultural Council, of which Pure Catskills is an initiative, is serving as the fiscal sponsor for the fund.

Those unable to attend the fundraiser but interested in donating to the farmer relief fund may make a tax-deductible donation online at the Council's donation page. Please fill the "Designate your donation to a specific program or fund" field with "Catskills Farmer Relief." Mail checks made out to "WAC" to WAC, 33195 State Highway 10, Walton, NY 13856. Please write "Catskills Farmer Relief" in the memo line.

Mark your calendars! Spread the word! See you on the 18th!

Labor Day weekend events

2011-09-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

Main Street Farm in Livingston Manor. Hey, nice mural!

We can hardly believe it as we type it but Labor Day is here!

September 3, 10 to 11 am
Latin for Gardeners
Catskill Native Nursery
607 Samsonville Road, Kerhonkson
Phone: (845) 626-2758
We all know that once you get started, Latin names offer a surefire, easy way to identify specific plants and quickly find related ones. But how do you get started? Writer, former Latin teacher, and nursery employee John Kuhner will give a brief introductory class on Latin pronunciation, the most useful botanical Latin terms, the fun botanists have at plants' expense, and the books you need to investigate further. Bring your Latin questions, your unpronounceable plant names, and general curiosity. Suggested contribution of $5 when we pass the basket. If it rains we will hold the session in our barn.

September 3, 12 to 3 pm
Farmstock Tour - final tour of the year!
Bridle Hill Farm
190 Hemmer Road, Jeffersonville
Phone: (845) 482-3993
Western trail ride, grooming, saddling demonstrations. Presented by the Sullivan County Farm Network. Admission fee: adults $6, kids $4.

September 4, 10 am to 5 p m
Bovina Farm Day
Weber Road, Bovina
Phone: (607) 832-4418
A day of ‘down on the farm’ fun for everyone. Come and meet your local farmers. Gathering for locally grown producers to display their products. $5 per car.

September 4, 11 am to 5 pm
Tunes 'n' Tomatoes 2011!
West Kortright Centre
49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith
Live music all day! Kids activities throughout from the Oneonta World of Learning and the Dirtmeister; Uncle Rock and the Playthings’ Dance Party; hear and join in with the Delaware County Complaints Choir; the Homegrown String Band will play their acoustic roots music with step-dancing demonstrations; Story Laurie & Ira McIntosh provide music and storytelling; Jesse's Backyard Orchestra will play a mash-up of blues, Brazilian, Americana & jazz,Rob Hunt Swing Band plays favorites. Fabulous baked goods! Scrumptious food — locally grown and prepared meats by NYFarm2Door & delicious vegetarian dishes. Jam-packed silent auctions of fine art, antiques, recycled treasures, and goods! Antique appraiser on-site. $15 adults/$5 under 19/free 5 and under. Rain or shine.

September 4, 11 am to 4 pm
Bethel Woods Harvest Festival: Alpaca Festival
200 Hurd Road, Bethel
Phone: (845) 295-2448
Email: farmfest@BethelWoodsCenter.org
La Mantequilla Alpaca Fashions and Friends bring live alpacas, exhibits, spinners and weavers to the festival. A boutique will offer diverse products. Complimented by music, food and wine this event is a festival favorite to kick off the harvest season. The Sullivan County SPCA will also be on site offering information and adoption opportunities. $2.00 Parking; Free Admission.

September 4, 1 pm
'When Cauliflower was King'
Morgan Outdoors
Main Street, Livingston Manor
Join Morgan Outdoors and Main Street Farm in the village of Livingston Manor for an author discussion with local writer Diane Galusha. Her book on the cauliflower-growing industry in the Catskills will be discussed followed by local food tastings across the street at Main Street Farm.

Fundraisers to benefit Catskill farms

2011-09-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Details are emerging about upcoming fundraisers aimed at supporting Catskill farms that have been impacted by this week's flooding. We will share more details as they become available.

Please visit the individual event and business links for additional details. This list is limited to events organized by or to benefit Pure Catskills business members. A list of general relief efforts is available at the Watershed Post.

Today!
Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room, Big Indian
The restaurant will donate 20% of the night's proceeds to the MARK Project's rebuilding efforts in the Margaretville-Arkville area. Opens at 5 pm.

September 10th
Charity Chili Cook off
Andes Hotel, Andes
Sign up now for next weekend's cook off at the Hotel. Every dollar taken in will be donated at the MARK Project to help get Margaretville back on track!

September 18th
Farm Fundraiser
Hamden Inn, Hamden
An event filled with local musicians, writers and artists coming together to raise funding for area farmers. Contact Morgan George of Sherman Hill Farmstead in Franklin at target409@hotmail.com or leave a message at (607) 829-6886.

October 9th & 10th
Taste of the Catskills
Maple Shade Farm, Delhi
This annual local food celebration will add fundraising for farms affects to the weekend's program. Contact Jonah Shaw for additional details at info@tasteofthecatskills.com.

November 6th
RSK Farm Fundraiser
Global Palate Restaurant, West Park
Global Palate's chef Jessica Winchell and Michael Bernardo of Cafe Mio will be holding a benefit dinner at Global Palate for Bob and Sandy Kiley of RSK farms. The farm is located along the Schoharie Creek in Prattsville and had lost most of its topsoil as a result of flooding.

Post Irene: How to help Catskill region farmers

2011-08-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Schoharie Valley during better days.

We've been humbled by the huge interest from the regional community looking to help farmers who have been impacted by damage from this weekend's storm. What follows is a list of what we've heard from our regional business members on the assistance they need.

PLEASE share any updates you might have about farmer needs with us by contacting Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or (607) 865-7090. General community needs should be directed to the general resources listed below.

GENERAL RESOURCES - Where to go for general updates and relief efforts.

Watershed Post - Aggregated regional updates on road closures and donation/relief efforts.

River Reporter - Sullivan County updates on power outages and road access.

Irene in the Catskills - A Facebook group aimed at matching needs with supplies.

Catskills Irene Relief Resources - A clearing house for needs and resources to help our Catskills neighbors recover from Hurricane Irene.

HOW TO HELP IF YOU'RE IN...

Cobleskill/Schoharie - Red Cross establishes emergency shelter at Golding

Delaware/Otsego County - a list of suggestions from the Daily Star

Liberty - Flood Relief Drive info from the Liberty Independent

Margaretville - The Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce is sharing regular updates through their Facebook page

New York City
MANHATTAN: Drop-off point Food, clothes, supplies "Powell Communications 84 Wooster Street (between Spring and Broom)" CatskillMtnRelief@gmail.com Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM -6:00 PM
Jon and Tiffany Kalupa are co-ordinating donations for anyone in NYC at 366 West 11th Street lobby of the building. (between Washington St and Westside Hwy) They will bring up donations from NYC Thursday night and each week thereafter. If you are down state, or have friends or family that are looking for a way to help....this is a good jumping off point.
BROOKLYN drop-off point Food, clothes, supplies Brooklyn Collection Center- Red Shed Community Garden 266 Skillman Ave (at kingsland) CatskillMtnRelief@gmail.com Monday- Friday 6:00pm to 8:00pm

UPDATES FROM OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS AND PARTNERS

Cha Cha Hut in Andes:
While it important to be concerned about what has been lost - also important to consider what is still here. OPEN THIS WEEKEND: Roxbury: Public Lounge, Cassie's Cafe, The East Branch & T-Bar (guessing ), Country Store. ARKVILLE: Casey Joe's, Arkville Bread & Breakfast & Great Woods Farm (formerly the Market Basket). ANDES: Cha Cha Hut BBQ, Woody's, Andes Hotel, Tay Tea (guessing), the various Main Street Shops & Hogan's General Store. GRAND GORGE: Pizza Palace & the Country Store. STAMFORD: Kaaterskill House, TP's CAFE, Gabrielle's, john's Tavern, the Grand Union, Mac-a-doodles, Ming Moon & Peach Tree Cafe. As important as it is to help in the relief effort is is equally important to support those businesses still here... Follow live link at http://chachahut.com/opencatskills/

Greenmarket in NYC:
The city-based network of farmers' markets is gathering donations for their farm vendors affected by flooding. All who give before September 30th will receive a free Greenmarket poster.

Hillhaven Farms in Stamford:
If anyone is interested in helping us build a team of disaster relief for our good friends, BARBERS FARM we'd be more than appreciative. We'll be meeting at Jefferson Central School at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Please bring drinks/food/gloves/work clothes appropriate. Let us know beforehand because we are creating a list, and we'd only like serious initiatives only please. Call the farm at (607) 652-2274.

Lazy Crazy Acres in Arkville: REQUEST FULFILLED!
We have been bottling as much milk as we can as there is a shortage in the area. You can get some at the old Market Basket in Arkville and at Sams in Fleischmanns. Currently we are having a generator issue and working on a solution... anyone have a 24kw generator that we - along with our dairy farming friends - can use? Cows need milking. Please call Jake Fairbairn at 845.302.8016.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York:
Gathering information on farmers in need of assistance across the state and organizing crop mobs to clean up farms this weekend. Details in their latest email newsletter.

Oriole 9 in Woodstock:
If anyone would like to donate to Windham and/or Phoenicia, the people at Oriole 9 will be making a run up there at 3pm today. They'll be using the YumYum patio on Rock City Rd as a drop off center. Things they need: Non perishable food(peanut butter, canned goods etc..) Coffee, Tea, Blankets,Water, antibacterial soap, baby wipes, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.

Sap Bush Hollow Farm in West Fulton:
Goodnight Irene - An essay from farmer Shannon Hayes on the impact in her Schoharie County community.

Sherman Hill Farmstead in Franklin:
Herd manager Morgan George is organizing a flood relief fundraiser to take place somewhere...hopefully in or around the Franklin area. Organizers, writers, musicians, artists, anyone willing to help out should contact her directly. Contact me her at target409@hotmail.com or leave a message at 607-829-6886.

Water Street Market in New Paltz:
Farms and Family Benefit at Water Street Market on Monday, September 26th from 5 to 9PM. Live Music, potluck, $20 suggested donation. Anyone interested in volunteering to help get sponsorships, work the event, etc, we are having a meeting at Water Street Market Tuesday at 6PM to coordinate. If you cannot attend the meeting and still want to help, contact KT Tobin at ktobinf@gmail.com.

Willow View Hill Farm in Stamford:
If your livestock have survived and your hay has not - I have some willing to donate..training@willowviewhillfarm.com

PRESS COVERAGE

As Water Recedes, Cleanup Of A Soupy Mess Begins - NPR

Upstate Farmers Find That a Fertile Flood Plain Is a Two-Edged Sword - New York Times

Irene: Delaware County Devastation - WBNG

NY farmers hit hard by Irene assessing damage - CNBC

Irene Recovery Underway in the Hudson Valley - WAMC

Upstate Farms in Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys Devastated by Irene - Village Voice

Catskills CRAFT group to visit Mountain Dell Farm

2011-08-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 12, the Catskills CRAFT group will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mountain Dell Farm in Hancock, NY. Catskills CRAFT, or Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training, is an educational networking group for beginning farmers. Farm interns, employees and operators of recently established farm enterprises are welcome to attend the event.

For the past 20 years, Mark Dunau and Lisa Wujnovich have been supplying their customers with fresh products late into the harvest season using a floating row cover technique that extends their growing season and has increased their production by 50 percent. With just five acres in production, Mountain Dell Farm is growing 50 types of vegetables and supplying leafy greens to health food stores, local restaurants, community supported agriculture (CSA) customers and high-end restaurants in New York City.

Success with season extension through the use of row covers will be the focus of the CRAFT visit. Fabric tarps cover their fields to retain moisture and heat during the coldest parts of the growing season. The first hour of the farm visit will include a tour and discussion of these techniques. Following the discussion, the group will share a potluck meal.

Catskills CRAFT brings a national model aimed at developing beginning farmer networks across the country to the region. More details on the group and the monthly farm visits planned throughout 2011 can be found at www.catskillscraft.org. Contact Sonia Janiszewski at info@catskillscraft.org or 914-720-1020 for more information.

Seed Flats, Flameweeding and Much More with Lucky Dog Organic Farm

2011-08-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to share another report on the progress of Catskills CRAFT, a networking group for beginning farmers in our region. Sonia Janiszewski, the group's coordinator, has provided us with another summary of this month's visit to Lucky Dog Organic Farm in Hamden, NY. Cross posted from catskillscraft.org

Lucky Dog Organic Farm welcomed a dozen beginning farmers from the Catskills Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) on Monday, August 8th for a farm tour and discussion of how the farm has adapted to expansion. Kalan Joslin, the field manager, and Richard Giles, owner, led the group on a tour through the farm’s multiple greenhouses and produce fields in Hamden, NY. The group ended the evening with a potluck social.

In fewer than ten years, Lucky Dog Organic Farm has grown to encompass a farm store, wholesale operation, community supported agriculture (CSA) program, farmers market sales and two on-farm restaurants. Approximately fifty percent of their revenue comes from their CSA and farmers markets (Pakatakan farmers market near Margaretville, the Callicoon farmers market, the Cooperstown farmers market and the Socrates Sculpture Park Greenmarket in New York City). The balance is sold through regional distributors. This accelerated pace of expansion seems second nature to Richard and Holley White-Giles who have planted their family along with their crops in this small river-bottom town.

The farm is comprised of 45 owned acres and has expanded onto an additional 115 leased acres where they grow organic produce and cover crop used to enrich farm-made compost. With the increase in land came the need for efficiencies in techniques, equipment and staff.

With Kalan demonstrating, the participants were shown the unique block seeder that Lucky Dog traded in for its traditional cell seeding technique in an effort to reduce plastic waste. They begin with a soil mix and water that when fed through the block seeder, produces “flats” of seeded soil that are placed in reused plastic bread trays. This system both eliminates waste and cuts a labor-intensive farm task down to a two-person operation.

As do all organic farms, Lucky Dog battles with weeds each season. Last season, Lucky Dog was awarded a grant through the Watershed Agricultural Council that enabled them to purchase a tractor-mounted vegetable bed flameweeder. This piece of machinery burns propane fuel through torches aimed at the surface of the crop beds in order to destroy small emerging weeds either just before planting or just before the crop emerges. With this flameweeder, they are able to sweep quickly across these areas without disturbing the soil, to kill new flushes of weeds, decreasing the staff time dedicated to weeding and the fossil fuels that would be required of several high-horse power tillage trips doing the same job.

While new introductions in techniques and equipment have enabled Lucky Dog to expand through efficiencies, staffing and teaming has been a key factor in the farm’s ability to adapt. Lucky Dog employs six year round and 16 additional seasonal staff at the farm. In 2002, Kalan, the CRAFT visit’s tour leader, began working at Lucky Dog and this job became a passion. Now a truly indispensable employee, Kalan helps to manage the farm with Richard and works closely with the other crew members, training and sharing expertise.

For more information about Lucky Dog Organic Farm , visit www.luckydogorganic.com, or stop by their farm store the next time you pass through Hamden.

Catskills CRAFT visits are scheduled at a different farm each month through November. Visit www.catskillscraft.org for a full schedule.

The barn doors are open!

2011-08-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

A few members of the flock at Heather Ridge Farm in Preston Hollow.

There's lots of great stuff happening this weekend. Of particular note are the three farm tours coming up. Whether you're interested in dairy, mixed livestock or horses, you can learn about these types of farming with our member businesses!

Saturday, August 20th

Farm Tour

Calkins Creamery

Honesdale, PA

8 am to 12:30 pm

Tour the farm, see cheesemaking and enjoy a cheese tasting with a catered lunch.

$40 per person - prepay online!

Saturday, August 20th

Farm Tour

Heather Ridge Farm

Preston Hollow, Greene/Schoharie County

Starts at 10:30 am

A walking tour of the farm with a diversity of livestock and lush pastures.

$5 per adult

Saturday, August 20th

Farmstock Farm Tour

Presented by the Sullivan County Farm Network

Oak Ridge Farm

Youngsville, Sullivan County

12 to 3 pm

Phone: (845) 482-4686

Adults $6, children $4

Satuday, August 20th

Wool spinning demonstration

Catskill Harvest Market

Liberty, Sullivan County

12 to 4 pm

Learn about turning wool into yarn and meet a sheep.

Free!

Sunday, August 21st

Blackberry Preservation Workshop

Channery Hill Farm

Presented by Slow Food Upper Delaware River

1 to 4 pm

Raid the blackberry patch and then learn how to preserve the bounty!

$25 for members, $35 for non-members

Dont' forget that the Delaware County Fair in Walton continues through Saturday and the Little World's Fair in Grahamsville continues through Sunday.

Senator Gillibrand comes to the Delaware County Fair

2011-08-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sally and Jake Fairbairn of Lazy Crazy Acres in Arkville with Senator Gillibrand at the Delaware County Fair.

DAY/DATE: Thursday, August 18
TIME: 1:30-3:00 pm
PLACE: Delaware County Fair Grounds – enter through A Gate
Tent in Agriculture Awareness Display Area
Walton, NY

Senator Gillibrand will host an economic development roundtable with federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Earl F. Gohl, and local business and community leaders to discuss the latest economic development efforts for Delaware County and how they can assist and promote local growth. They will discuss ways to better access ARC programs in business development, job training, infrastructure and telecommunications, as well as other efforts to increase business opportunities and create jobs.

ARC is a regional economic development agency that helps grow local economies by improving water and sewer systems, increasing school readiness, expanding access to health care, investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, assisting local communities with strategic planning, and providing technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses. New York is one of 13 states covered by ARC, with 14 counties qualifying for their programs. Since 2006 in New York, more than $12.9 million in ARC funds have helped leverage about $86.9 million in private investment, helping create or retain over 2,100 jobs.

A summer blockbuster

2011-08-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Vegetables from Shaul's Farm on display at the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair.

This weekend's shaping up to be a summer blockbuster of farm and food events. We can hardly keep up!

Batavia Kill Stream Celebration
August 6th
10 am to 4:30 pm
Country Suite B&B
Ashland, Greene County
Come celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Catskill Mountain streams through interactive exhibits, display booths, guided stream walks, and a host of activities for children and adults alike!

Art & Soul of the Catskills
August 6th
10 am to 5 pm
Courthouse Square
Delhi, Delaware County
A fine art and craft festival featuring literary presentations, music, dance and locally sourced food, wines and beers.

From the Ground Up!
August 6th
12 to 4 pm
Domesticities & The Cutting Garden
Youngsville, Sullivan County
Sixth Annual Festival celebrating grown, created and produced in Sullivan County.

Catskill Mountainkeeper's Barnfest
August 6th, 3 pm
The Hills Country Inn
Callicoon Center, Sullivan County
RSVP here.
Featured speakers include Anna Lappe, Fred Kirschenmann and Dave Pasternack.

Not to mention county fair season! The Ulster County Fair, Schoharie County Sunshine Fair and Otsego County Fair have full event schedules throughout the weekend!

Interested in what's happening beyond farm and foodie events? Check out the This Weekend feature on the Watershed Post.

Summer news round up

2011-08-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

It's the peak of summer and Pure Catskills members are all over the regional news!

Here's the latest round up of coverage:

Callicoon Calling - New York Post

Berrying in the Far Northern Catskills - Village Voice

Local couple making ice cream down on the farm - Catskill Mountain News

Farmers are the New Artists - Edible Manhattan

Road Trip: New York's Catskills - Travel & Leisure Magazine

Weddings big business in the Catskills - Catskill Mountain News

August CRAFT visit at Lucky Dog Farm

2011-08-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 8, the Catskills CRAFT group will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lucky Dog Organic Farm in Hamden, NY. Catskills CRAFT, or Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training, is an educational networking group for beginning farmers. Farm interns, employees and operators of recently established farm enterprises are welcome to attend the event.

In fewer than ten years, Lucky Dog Organic Farm has grown to encompass a farm store, wholesale operation, community supported agriculture (CSA) program, farmers' market sales and two on-farm restaurants. With this growth, staff size has expanded to include seasonal and year-round employees. Farm staff will discuss their approach to planning for and adapting to the growth of a farm business. The first hour of the farm visit will include this discussion of planning for and adapting to growth. Following the discussion, the group will share a potluck meal.

Catskills CRAFT brings a national model aimed at developing beginning farmer networks across the country to the region. More details on the group and the monthly farm visits planned throughout 2011 can be found at www.catskillscraft.org. Contact Sonia Persichilli at info@catskillscraft.org or 914-720-1020 for more information.

From June through November, beginning farmers are invited to gather at a farm for an instructional visit. There are six Monday evening visits planned for the 2011 season. Each visit includes an overview of the farm as well as a hands-on demonstration of one or two specific topics. The end of the season closes with a final farm visit and planning session for the following year's tours. You can read about at the group's first farm visit with Willow Wisp Organic Farm here on the blog.

CRAFT host farms demonstrate the growing diversity of agriculture in the region and address a range of relevant agricultural challenges and techniques. A full schedule and host farm background can be found at www.CatskillsCRAFT.org. Catskills CRAFT is made possible with leadership support from Catskills region beginning farmers, financial support from Farmhearts, and administrative support from the Watershed Agricultural Council. For more information on Farmhearts, please visit www.farmhearts.org.

The Food and Health Network comes to Delaware County

2011-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

A Walton Community Garden photo from its Facebook page.

Please join us! The Food and Health Network (FaHN) of South Central New York will be holding its meeting in Delaware County next Thursday, July 28 from 2:00-4:00pm. We will first convene at Lucky Dog Farm for a tour and after a short "business" meeting, we will move on for a tour of the Walton Community Garden. This meeting is open to the public, and we're always eager to see some new faces in the group. Please RSVP or direct any questions to the FaHN Coordinator, Rose Zonetti, at rhsc-rf@rhnscny.org or (607) 692-7669.

FaHN is an eight-county network (Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins) that aims to create food secure communities and improve the quality of life in South Central New York by supporting practices, projects, and policies that lead to increased use of nutritious and locally produced foods. We hold a monthly meeting to gather people from all sectors of the food system throughout our region as a means of generating dialogue, sharing projects, and finding ways to collaborate across sectors and counties. Our primary meeting location is Binghamton, but in an effort to engage all areas of our region, we hold an off-site meeting every other month. www.foodandhealthnetwork.org.

2011 Product Development and Marketing Grant Recipients

2011-07-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Once again, strong member interest in the Agricultural Development Grant Program resulted in over 40 competitive proposals submitted, requesting assistance totaling over $165,000. As with much of our work, funding for this program is provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

The 12 grant awards—ranging between $2,486 and $5,000 for a total of $50,000—were awarded for product development, marketing and educational activities.

Recipients of the 2011 grant program include:

Black Willow Pond Farm, Cobleskill – $5,000 for on-farm poultry and rabbit processing

Cowbella Dairy Productions, Jefferson – $4,500 for dairy processing equipment enhancements

CYRE, Inc. (dba, Pika’s Farm Table), Big Indian – $3,500 for nutritional fact labeling

Delaware Phoenix Distillery, Walton – $3,450 for labeling and packaging diversification

Diehl’s Maple Syrup, Callicoon – $4,675 for granulated maple sugar equipment

Heather Ridge Farm, Preston Hollow – $4,155 for marketing and signage enhancements

Horton Hill Farm, Jefferson – $2,486 for honey and bee’s wax processing equipment

Maggie’s Krooked Café, Tannersville – $4,000 for storage and distribution enhancements

Majestic Farm, Mountaindale – $5,000 for on-farm livestock processing equipment

Neversink Farm, Claryville – $5,000 for post-harvest produce handling equipment

R & R Farm, Bovina – $3,234 for poultry production equipment

Stoneledge Farm, South Cairo – $5,000 for product and online marketplace development

Fun for the fourth

2011-06-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Independence Weekend Celebration at the Farmer's Museum.

The Fourth of July celebrations for this weekend are looking awesome! Spare some time between flippin' burgers and catching the fireworks show for these Catskill farm and local food events.

July 2nd, 10 am
The Herbalist's Table: Roses
Green Spiral Herbs
166 Coons Road, Huntersland
$45 per person
Roses are more than beautiful flowers - they are tasty flowers. We'll gather and cook organic rose petals for use in savory and sweet dishes. We will also gather garlic scapes (the stinking rose)for a pesto. Contact Betty Pillsbury at BPILLS@MIDTEL.NET or 518-827-8730 for more information.

July 2nd & 3rd
10 am to 8 pm
Taste of the Catskills
Maple Shade Farm, Delhi
A family friendly foodies delight summer style. Enjoy all the tastes of our area in one location from Farm to Fork! Farmers Market, local specialty products, restaurant samples, beer and wine tasting. Sample the foods, take in the scenery, and savor the day on our beautiful farm. Wagon rides, fireworks, music, and special activities make the event fun for everyone. Included in general admission.

July 2nd, 1 to 6 pm
Customer Appreciation BBQ
Catskill Harvest
Route 52, Liberty
Join the Catskill Harvest staff for the official kick-off of our 2011 summer event series, Catskill Harvest Presents... The event present you with a very special thank you for ongoing commitment and support from customers over the past four years. The complimentary BBQ in the Garden Center, will feature grilled burgers, pork and chicken, all sourced from local Sullivan County farms. We'll also serve soda and beer. RSVP to rsvp@catskillharvest.com.

July 2nd, 6 pm
Haystock
Delaware Youth Center
8 Creamery Road, Callicoon
$10 donation, please bring a covered dish to share
A portion of the proceeds to the Sullivan County Farmers Markets.
Haystock 2011 is a benefit for FARMHEARTS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping our regional farmers. Haystock will be a celebration of our rural heritage, complete with live music, theatrical performances and a potluck picnic featuring dishes prepared by some of New York City’s top chefs. Farmers' Market farmer Greg Swartz of Willow Wisp Organic Farm will speak, the NACL Theatre will perform excerpts from the “The Little Farm Show”, and five live acts will provide the music: The Haunted, Kazzrie Jackson, Elizabeth Rose, Sean Zigmund and Hezekiah Loveland.

July 3rd, 10 am
A Celebration of American Favorites: Independence Weekend
The Farmers' Museum
5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown
Concert tickets $15/student; $25 adult.
Join us for an afternoon of American Favorites – ice cream, hot dogs and jazz! Free ice cream for the first 500 visitors (sponsored by Huffs Ice Cream) and $2.00 off admission for everyone! Actual ballpark franks (with all the fixings) from baseball stadiums around the country will be on sale. Try them all and vote for your favorite!At 3:00 pm, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival presents the National Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars.

July 3rd, 12 to 3 pm
Farmstock Farm Tour
Apple Pond Farm
80 Hahn Road, Callicoon Center
$6 per adult, $4 per child over 5 years old
Presented by the Sullivan County Farm Network, this ongoing series of farm tours features a diversity of working operations. At Apple Pond, guests will be able to view goat milk, learn about chickens and tour a diversity of renewable energy systems.

June event round up

2011-06-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Whew, good thing the long days are upon us because the coming weeks are packed with a great round up of events!

Lee Reich's New Paltz garden. Part of the Garden Conservancy's
Ulster County Open Garden Day. Photo courtesy Lee Reich.

June 17th

7 to 10 pm

Transition Film Series

Screening of "The Greenhorns" followed by discussion with local Hudson Valley farmers, including Aileah Kvashay, Clove Valley CSA; Chris Kelder, Kelder's Farm, Dana Gentile, Darlin' Doe Farm; Ken Greene, Hudson Valley Seed Library; Jacob Diaz, Esopus Creek Farm. Tea and coffee included; muffins, scones, and cookies for sale. Suggested donation $10, but no one turned away for lack of funds.

June 18th

7 to 9 pm

Are we betting the farm?

Andes Hotel, Andes

Screening of "The Greenhorns," a film about young farmers in America. Followed by Q &A with the filmmaker and introduced by Delaware County farmer Ken Jaffe of Slope Farms. Dinner and tavern menu available along with special featuring local ingredients. For reservations, call (845) 676-3980. Suggestion donation of $10 to benefit the National Young Farmer's Coalition.

June 19th

Farmstock

Silver Heights Nursery & Gorzynski Farm, Cochecton Center

7460 State Rte 52

Narrowsburg, NY 12727 (use this address for driving directions)

This bimonthly farm tour series kicks off at a location that houses two farm operations. Silver Heights Nursery, an organic nursery specializing in heirloom fruit and vegetables and Gorzynski Ornery Farm, a diversified fruit and vegetable farm. Organized by the Sullivan County Farm Network. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Tours run from 12 to 3 pm.

June 20th

2:30 to 5 pm

Beneficial Insects & Organic Fruit Production

Gorzynski Ornery Farm, 7460 State Rte 52

Narrowsburg, NY 12727

Part of the NOFA-NY summer field day series, this event will cover the essential use of beneficial insects at this diversified farm with over 60 varieties of apples, 12 varieties of pear and a large mix of berries. Freefor NOFA-NY & PASA Members / $15 All Others.

To register for this event, please call the office at (585)271-1979 ext 512 or visit NOFA's Online Shopping page.

June 21st

4 to 8 pm

Celebrate Summer

Eminence Road Farm Winery, Long Eddy

The farm will open up their barn as well as a few bottles of wine and share what their process is all about. There will be food and wine pairings, food and dog pairings, barrel samples, tank samples, long explanations, vineyard walks, pumpkin taunting, horseshoes and more. Drop by and find out firsthand why 2009 cabernet franc is the only wine to consider when lamb sliders are on the menu. And do all this while simultaneously supporting the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance as 10 percent of all sales will go towards their Arts Alive Drive.

June 25th

8 am to about 11:30 am

Farm Tour

Calkins Creamery, Honesdale

In the first of two walking tours of the farm and creamery operation, the Mongomery family will lead visitors through the full farm operation from the pastures to the aging caves. The tour commences with a wine and cheese tasting couple with a brown bag lunch. $40 per person. Tickets may be purchased online. Please contact us at happycow@calkinscreamery.com or call (570) 729-8103, with any questions.

June 25th

10 am to 4 pm

Ulster County Open Garden Day

Garden Conservancy

Four of the best private gardens in Ulster County will be open to the public. Unlike pre-programmed garden tours, Open Days garden tours are self-guided and flexible. You can shape your itinerary and set the pace to suit your interests. Admission to each participating private garden is $5 per person; children 12 and under are admitted free. Admission may be paid in cash or check. Tickets are not required to attend Open Days.

June 25th

12 to 3 pm

Brunch by the River

Neversink Farm, Claryville

Join us for a day at the farm. Take a tour, see the animals, vegetable fields, and then we will all dine riverside at a communal table. Chef Patrick Connolly of Bobo NYC will be creating unique dishes with organic produce from the farm. All ages welcome. Tickets Available by calling (212) 488-2626.

June 25th

5 to 8 pm

You’re invited to a Garden Party!

Domesticities & The Cutting Garden, Youngsville

Enjoy the garden while helping the DVAA to reach its goal. Wear your best garden party outfit if you like, and enter our contests for The Best Party Hat, The Best Gardening Hat and the Most Unique Hat. Prizes, Punch, and Plates with Party Food will abound. Proceeds with benefit for the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance - Arts Alive Drive.

June 25th

7 pm

Saturday Night Suppers

Early Bird Cookery

Join local chefs Amy Miller and Henning Nordanger for seasonally driven, farm fresh four-course dinners throughout the summer. We will offer dinners in the last Saturday of June, July and August at the beautiful Hill's Country Inn in the village of Callicoon Center. $50 per person, reservations required. Call (845) 932-7994.

Catskills beginning farmer group off to an exciting start!

2011-06-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to share a report on the launch of the new beginning farmer initiative in the region, Catskills CRAFT. The group offers the opportunity for young and new farmers to learn from our region's experienced growers and to get to know the Catskills farming community.

With funding from Farmhearts, an organization committed to supporting the future of Catskills farms, a fellowship position was created this spring to support the beginning farmer programming. Sonia Janiszewski Persichilli of Wildflower Farm in Delaware County has taken the reigns of the fellowship and provides us with a summary of the first farm visit.

Talkin' tractors - a highlight of the tour for many!

The 2011 Catskills Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) kicked off on June 13th at Willow Wisp Organic Farm, growers of a diverse mix of organic vegetables, herbs and cut flowers for the Upper Delaware River Valley and The Catskills. Host farmers Greg Swartz and Tannis Kowalchuk lead 30 beginning farmers on a field tour of their 12-acre farm in Abrahamsville, Penn. Participants buzzed with interest and excitement throughout the evening that ended with a potluck social.

Sharing his experiences and passion for farming, Greg took the CRAFT guests on a walking tour of his greenhouse and produce fields, providing tips, tricks and advice to the many inquiring farmers in attendance. Having spent seven years as an apprentice before purchasing and beginning his own farm in 2007, he offered a unique understanding for his audience, highlighting the challenges that have lead Willow Wisp Organic to its successes. In addition to explaining how and what was growing beneath their feet, the tour provided vendor and supplier of preferences; how specialized equipment has increased efficiencies in sowing and weed control; and how to identify and increase production of trend crops.

The sun breaks through on the main Willow Wisp field.

A short hike to a side-hill field overlooking the valley opened discussion of Greg’s personal transition to full-time farming. His adventure began with what he thought would be a six-month farm program and turned into apprenticeships at three different farms. Internships taught Greg how to learn by doing and provided numerous opportunities to manage and experiment with cropping systems. With each new project and experiment, Greg’s passion for farming grew. Thoughtfully, Greg and Tannis developed their farm business plan, purchased their farm and are investing in its future.

Attendees left with full stomachs, a good deal of information to digest, and looking forward to the next Catskills CRAFT farm tour. Direct access to mentor farmers is a necessary resource for any developing farmer. Catskills CRAFT bringing that access right to the farm.

Willow Wisp Organic Farm products are sold in equal parts at farmers' market, through their on-farm CSA and to local retailers and restaurants, within 50 miles. Greg and Tannis are committed to supporting future farmers as their mentors have done for them. For more information about their farm or products, visit www.willowwisporganic.com.

Views from the Field: Richard Giles

2011-06-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

In the most recent Views from the Field, we hear from Delaware County vegetable farmer Richard Giles. Richard received a Pure Catskills Agricultural Development last year to purchase a new tractor implement for Lucky Dog Organic Farm. Also check out the video below for the Lucky Dog crew in action.

Lucky Dog Farm, Hamden NY from VeccVideography on Vimeo.

One of the most important crops on our farm has been a washed mix of baby salad greens, which we grow on wide, flat-topped bedded rows. And because we are an organic farm, weeds have always been our greatest challenge in growing this high-valued crop. So we applied for the Pure Catskills grant to help us purchase a tractor-mounted vegetable bed flameweeder.

This piece of machinery burns propane fuel through torches aimed at the surface of our crop beds in order to destroy small emerging weeds either just before planting or just before the crop emerges. I had used similar machinery for weed control in cotton in the south, but flame weeding hasn’t been a common practice in this part of the country. One of the obstacles we encountered as we began researching the equipment was that our local propane dealers were not familiar with it, and were at first reluctant to commit to supplying fuel for the machine.

The other obstacle was money. This is a familiar problem. I think that lack of access to money for production-improving practices is certainly one of the top problems for the small diverse farms in the Catskills. In the course of our search, we found machines built by two companies that seemed to fit our needs, one of them priced at about $8,500 and the other at about $12,500. As luck would have it, the machine best suited tour crops was also build by Flame Engineering, the company with the most experience in building flame weeding equipment. And it was the lower priced machine. Even so, we would not have been able to buy the machine without the Pure Catskills grant.

We received the machine in mid-June, a little late for a full-season test, but early enough to get a lot of use out of the new weeder. I had imagined the machine mostly as a salad production enhancing tool, but as soon as we had it set up and filled with fuel, we flamed over the tops of some just –emerging potatoes in rows that were becoming fuzzy with weed seedlings. Over the course of the summer, we used it on carrots, a crop that is very slow to germinate and very poor at competing with weeds, on unplanted beds ahead of our lettuce transplanted, on potatoes again at the end of the season, after the vines had been clipped in the weedy zone before harvest and of course on our salad beds.

Because we farm in a flood plain, we will never be free of weed seed, but we are already beginning to reduce our weed load with this piece of equipment. In the spring and early summer we usually prepare quite a bit of our vegetable cropland for planting. As we work through the season planting and transplanting, some of these fields have to be reworked, by means of mechanical tillage, several times to keep weeks down. With this flamer weeder, we are able to sweep quickly across these areas without disturbing the soil, to kill new flushes of weeds. The efficiency of this method makes me happy. One of my concerns when we were contemplating this machine was that even though we would not be using synthetic herbicides, we would be burning fossil fuel to kill our weeds. We are in fact doing just this. But we have made a positive compromise, trading a swift, low horsepower trip over the field to burn weeds with propane for several high horse power tillage trips.

Catskill region farm stays

2011-06-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

Harvesting vegetables at Stony Creek Farm.

Has the recent New York Times feature on agritourism got you wondering about farms in the Catskills that offer similar experiences?

Below are our farm and food business members that offer overnight accommodations of all types, from deluxe platform tents to guest houses.

Apple Pond Farm - A guest house and farming activities available in Sullivan County.

Café Tamayo - Three guest rooms at this locally-focused restaurant in the village of Saugerties.

Catskill Rose - Four guest rooms at this locally-focused restaurant in the heart of the Catskill high peaks.

The Golden Guernsey - A renovated barn with two guest rooms located at the home of Early Bird Cookery in the Upper Delaware Valley.

The Hamden Inn - Guest rooms in this historic Inn upstairs from a locally-focused restaurant and adjacent to Lucky Dog Farm, Store & Cafe in Delaware County.

Handsome Brook Farm - Three guest rooms with farm activities available in Delaware County.

La Basse Cour - Two accommodation 'suite' options with farm-fresh foods in the Delaware County.

Neversink Farm - A renovated farmhouse located on an organic vegetable and poultry farm along the Neversink River.

Rich Farm - A country farmhouse located in the West Branch valley of the upper Delaware River.

Rolling River Café & Inn - A cafe, bar, gallery and inn with a convenient location in Sullivan County.

Stone & Thistle Farm - A guest suite co-located with Fable restaurant and working livestock farm in Delaware County.

Stony Creek Farm - Deluxe platform tents with farm and cooking activities offered at this diversified farm in Delaware County.

Turquoise Barn - Bed & breakfast and camping accommodations offered in conjunction to cooking classes at this teaching center in Delaware County.

Weekend getaway resources

2011-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Catskill Mountains and Freshwater Marsh -Huffington Post

Headed out for some Memorial Day adventures this weekend? We've rounded up some links that feature Catskill region getaways to help inspire you! Whether you're a local, second-home owner or first-time visitor, we hope these guides will help you explore the great food and features our region has to offer.

A Weekend in the Catskills - The Amateur Gourmet

'Skills Set - Tasting Table

The Weekend Escape Plan - New York Magazine (okay, so this is a winter getaway but still some good tips!)

An Over-the-Top Getaway in the Catskills - Huffington Post

Fell in Love with the Catskills - Makie Doll

Catskills Weekend Getaway: The Food - The Urban in Suburban

A weekend in the Catskills - Daily Candy

Weekend at the Catskills - Mangia Vita

Also check out the region's tourism agencies for more ideas:
Great Western Catskills
Sullivan County Visitor's Association
Ulster Tourism
Schoharie Valley Association
This is Cooperstown
Greene Tourism

And, of course!
Our own local food map will help you find your way. Or search for businesses to visit.

Views from the field: Ilyssa Berg

2011-05-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

In this 'Views from the field,' we hear from Ilyssa Berg of Painted Goat Farm in Otsego County. Ilyssa's been making some fantastic fresh and aged goat cheeses in recent years. A grant awarded by Pure Catskills supported the development of a new variety of aged cheese and improving the farm's processing equipment.

Let's hear more from the farmer herself...

Cheese ready to be sent up the 'elevator' to the aging room.

Painted Goat Farm is a small, farmstead cheese producer begun from the ground up about four years ago. With funding assistance from the Pure Catskills’ Sustainable Agriculture Development Program, we purchased and installed needed small equipment in order to create a new semi-hard aged goat cheese. This product helped us to diversify our cheese selection and to utilize our milk early in the season before the Catskill region farmers’ markets and business activity picked up.

Another view of the elevator.

Different styles of cheese have different temperature and humidity requirements during manufacturing and aging. The improvements to our aging facilities included changes to our ventilation system, the ability to monitor the temperature and humidity in the cheese make-room and caves, and installation of a freight elevator to transport the cheese to the caves below ground. We are very happy with the results from the project. Our cheese making process is improved and so has the stability of our products.

Turning wheels of cheese in the aging room.

In 2010, we sold 285 pounds of “Fighting Goat”. It is a mild, nutty, semi-hard cheese which is washed in a wonderful New York State hard cider, giving it a natural, peach-colored rind and a robust flavor. Our customers were often surprised to see and taste a hard goat’s milk cheese and promptly added it to their cheese plates. Some of our customers prefer goat’s milk cheese over others because of adverse health effects from other dairy products and so, they appreciated having more styles of cheese to eat. For others who think they don’t like goat’s milk cheeses, they were more inclined to try a hard cheese and discovered they actually like goat cheese. A hard cheese also has a longer shelf life than our fresh (think cream cheese) and soft-ripened cheeses (think camembert), which retail outlets really appreciated. But, most of all, our new product enabled us to extend our market season through the winter months when our herd was “dry”. We took the opportunity to jump into making another cheese - a waxed-rind Gouda-style cheese, which we aged over the winter. We were able to start marketing earlier this year than ever before. We have already sold out and have started filling the caves with more. We hope we will age as well as our cheeses now do.

Catskill region food blogs

2011-05-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Follow the seasons with recipes tailored to our region’s harvest. Catskill food blogs will inspire you with recipes developed by local farmers and chefs.

Our region's bloggers aren't just blessed with great cooking and writing skills - they're also great photographers. So we'll let their images speak for themselves!

Peach Johnnycake from Cheryl Paff.

atthefarmersmarket.com

Farmers' Market Manager, Cheryl Paff features creative, seasonal recipes inspired from her finds at the farmers' market each week.

Kid goats in orbit at Stone & Thistle Farm.

farmandfablemusings.blogspot.com

Denise Warren of Stone & Thistle Farm writes about sharing great organic food through farming, cooking, selling and serving.

Cumin-crusted grassfed steak from Ulla Kjarval.

goldilocksfindsmanhattan.blogspot.com

Ulla Kjarval of Spring Lake Farm specializes in recipes for grass-fed meats grown by her family and neighbors.

Ramp compound butter from Catie Baumer Schwalb.

pitchforkdiaries.com

Chef Catie Baumer Schwalb offers up a diverse mix of recipes along with professional tips for the home cook.

May days

2011-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

The growing season is upon us and with the fresh food comes some fantastic seasonal celebrations and workshops. Who needs to wait until to Memorial Day?

The table is set at a Neversink Farm barn dinner.

May 14th

Ribbon Cutting & Pig Roast

11 am to 4 pm

Larry's Custom Meats

3487 State Route 205, Hartwick

Pig Roast (picnic style), refreshments, facility tour to celebrate their NEW USDA Slaughterhouse. Visit the CADE webpage for more details on the project. Call Larry's at (607) 293-7977 for more information.

May 19th

Farm to School Meeting

2 to 4 pm

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County

64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty

A follow-up meeting to previous discussions about sourcing local food at area school districts. Farmers, school food service directors, school business managers and interested community members should attend. Content will cover a nuts and bolts implementation guide you need to start your farm to school programs, no matter how large or small. Technical Assistance will be provided will be conferencing in guest speakers who have been successful with farm to school programs as well as reps from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets for Q&A’s. For more information, contact Nancy McGraw, Deputy Public Health Director, at (845) 292-5910 x 2242 or by email at Nancy.mcgraw@co.sullivan.ny.us or call CCE at (845) 292-5250.

May 20th

You "Can" Sell What You Grow

10 am to 3 pm

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County

34570 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY

$20 per person

Distribution and marketing of farm products have always been the most difficult part of small scale agriculture. Cooperative Extension of Delaware County is offering a program on how New York farmers are getting their products to New York tables. This program will provide the opportunity to hear directly from buyers, market managers, and other innovative individuals regarding their businesses and how local farms can either participate or set up similar models in this region. For more information, contact Janet Aldrich at jla14@cornell.edu or (607) 865-6531.

May 21st

Spring Day Lunch with Neversink Farm and Peekamoose Restaurant

12 to 2 pm

What do you get when you take a Chef who's trained at LeBernadin, Gramercy Tavern and the Hudson River Club and Neversink Farm a producer of fine hand crafted organic vegetables?Answer: A truly special multi-course gastronomic event prepared mainly with Neversink Farm's produce cultivated less than 50 feet away.Please join us for this highly anticipated collaboration of amazing talents: Conor and Kate from Neversink Farm, and Peekamoose Restaurant's very own, Devin Mills. This is local dining at its most local. Tours of the Farm will be available before the lunch.Guests will be seated communally at the farmhouse table, surrounded by the lush mountains, roaming chickens (who have escaped that day's menu) and rolling pastures. Tickets are extremely limited - additional information and tickets can be found by calling Marybeth at 845-254-6500.

May 21st

Salad Days of Spring

11 am to 2 pm

Slow Food Upper Delaware River Valley

$25 Slow Food Members / $35 non members

Take a walk with noted herbalist Nathaniel Whitmore to forage for your lunch and enjoy a bit of spring. You will bring your found wild edibles back to the Old North Branch Inn and prepare a lunch with these ingredients and others sourced by visiting chef and innkeeper Mona Jess Coade-Wingate. Enrollment is limited. Please email your reservation to upderiva@gmail.com or call (845) 866-1484.

May 23rd

Cool Aid: A Farm-to-Table Event for All

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Onteora MS/HS Cafeteria

Admission is free, hors d'oeuvres are $2 each

Join local chefs, parents and students at this fundraiser to support sourcing of local produce through the purchase of a walk-in freezer at the Onteora School District. Chefs from Bread Alone, Cucina, Emerson Resort, Mizuna Cafe, New World Home Cooking, The Peekamoose, Pika's Farm Table and The Red Onion will prepare hors d'oeuvres. For kids, there will be crafts, music and healthy snacks. Gardening and nutrition experts will be on hand with presentations. Plus a photo booth and a silent auction! For more information, contact Maxanne Resnick at MaxInMountains@aol.com.

Local food hits the airwaves.

2011-05-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Linda Smith of Sherman Hill Farmstead being interviewed by

Beth Stevens for WJFF's Farm & Country.

Hear what local farmers and advocates have to say about what’s happening in the region on Farm & Food Radio Shows. Community-produced radio is another important way to maintain your connection with your neighbors!

Thunder County

102.1 FM, Liberty

Agriculture and Garden Report

Saturdays, 6:30 am

Hosted by Mike Sakell of Thunder Country and Trish Westenbroek of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County this show features interviews on timely topics including growing and harvesting seasonal products and common landowner issues. People from across the county working in agriculture are regularly featured.

WGXC

90.7 FM, Acra

Greenhorn Radio

Sundays, 6 to 7 am

A show for young farmers, by young farmers. America’s cutting edge, under-forty farmers are interviewed weekly by Severine Fleming.

WJFF

90.5 FM, Jeffersonville

Farm and Country

Saturdays, 7:30 to 8 am

A broad cast of characters brings interviews, recipes, and more from local farmers, chefs and anyone who gets their hands dirty.

WIOX

91.3 FM, Roxbury

The Farm Hour

Mondays, 6 to 7 pm

During this hour, you can expect to hear live interviews with the farmers and producers of our region, as well as special guests calling in to share agriculture related news, products and research topics. Sometimes we bring the farm to the radio airing what we call "ON the Farm interviews" where FarmHour contributors go to the farms with a handheld recorder and take a break with a farmer or farmhand to have a conversation or get right into the swing of the operation recording the sounds of a farm with a recorded narrative of the action.

We are advocates  and we see this program as a collaboration with the farming community . You are invited at all times to generate questions, come visit, ask us to research a topic, cover something of importance.  Our approach to content is non didactic, no platforms,  no 'best practice' propaganda,  rather observations from people working the land.

Sugar Blossom Flowers will sweeten up your summer with local bouquets

2011-04-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

I don’t know about you, but there’s been so much rain lately, that we’re starting to day dream about warmer days, and dare I say it? Summer!

Speaking of … we recently came across an interesting new flower share program from Sugar Blossom Flowers and hear they are offering a bonus bouquet to anyone that signs up by May 1 (that’s this Sunday folks)! Thanks to owner Ann Manby for putting the following information together for us.

A spring bouquet featuring pink and yellow Ranunculus (from a certified organic grower) and salmon Alstroemeria

Beginning Memorial Day, Sugar Blossom Flowers will be creating hand-tied bouquets of some of the freshest, most beautiful flowers in bloom and bringing them to a market near you! We’re excited to be working with several established, talented and responsible local growers including Anne Hart of The Cutting Garden, Jill Wiener of Earthgirl Flowers and Tannis Kowalchuk of Willow Wisp Organic Farm.

Pricing starts at $15 per week, plus tax. Full Shares include 15 weeks of fresh bouquets from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Partial Shares are available by the month for June, July or August (4 weekly bouquets). You choose the most convenient pick-up location: Callicoon Wine Merchant (Callicoon), CAS Arts Center (Livingston Manor), Catskill Harvest (Liberty), Eureka Market & Cafe (Grahamsville), or Pepacton Natural Foods (Downsville).

Complete details regarding our Summer Flower Share program are posted here. You can also find us on Facebook, and we’ll be among the 50+ local purveyors at FOODSTOCK May 7 at the Villa Roma. We hope to see you there!

Spring events!

2011-04-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Come out of hibernation and head out for a variety of happenings this spring. Whether you're a farmer, a foodie or just interested in learning more about agriculture the Catskills region, there's something coming up that will pique your interest.

Get to know the vendors at FOODSTOCK with this WJFF video.

New York State Cheesemakers Guild Annual meeting

Pot Luck Lunch and Cheese Sampling

Wednesday, April 20th, 10 am to 4 pm

Kortright Creek Creamery at Stone & Thistle Farm

1211 Kelso Road, East Meredith

Hobnob with New York State cheese makers and learn about the regulatory, production and sales challenges. Get the skinny on how fast cheese makers are growing in NYS! Presentation by Dave Barbano from Northeast Dairy Research Center at Cornell University on potential legislative changes involving raw milk cheeses and on milk chemistry research. Registrants are encouraged to bring food and cheese to share. Contact Nancy Taber Richards of Finger Lakes Farmstead Cheese Company at (607) 387-3108 or nancy@fingerlakes-cheese.com

Ground Up: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture in the Catskills Region

Saturday, April 23, 12 pm

Callicoon Indoors Farmers Market

Delaware Community Center, 8 Creamery Road, Callicoon

Last spring, students and faculty from Columbia University collaborated with the Open Space Institute (OSI) and Catskill Mountainkeeper to assess the current state of agriculture in the Upper Delaware Valley. The resulting report will be shared at this event happening in conjunction with the final indoor farmers’ market of the season in Callicoon. The report presents case studies of six farmers who, through creative adjustments in both production and presentation, have constructed their own models—dynamic templates for resource protection and adaptation to changing markets.

The study concludes with a series of “what if?” scenarios: What if all available farmland in Sullivan County were in production? What if schools in Sullivan County all served local milk? As the report contemplates economic and other impacts of increased local government advocacy for farmers, the farmers believe, in the meantime, that consumers will continue to dictate the role local agricultural operations play in major metropolitan markets. Contact Emily Offen of OSI at eoffen@osiny.org or (212) 290-8200 ext. 306.

Value Added Food Classes

Each class runs from 5:30 to 8 pm

An ongoing series offered by SUNY Sullivan, Loch Sheldrake

Participants will meet regional entrepreneurs, gain access to materials on how to develop their own products and join a network that will participate in future field trips and related classes. Contact Kristin Geeslin at (845) 434-5750 x4382.

April 28th, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, Liberty

Launching and expanding a value-added food with Jill Padua of Jill’s Kitchen. Processing regulations with Paula Barber of NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets.

May 5th, First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville

Evaluating marketing channels with Trish Westenbroek of CCE-Sullivan County and distribution opportunities with Dan Young of Culinary Alliances.

Foodstock

Food & Wine Festival

Presented by WJFF Radio and Catskill Harvest Market

Saturday, May 7th, 11 am to 4 pm

Villa Roma Resort, Callicoon

Admission is $20 with wine or $15 without wine

For tickets, call (845) 482-4141 or email winston@wjffradio.org.

View registered participating businesses at WJFF's webpage. FOODSTOCK will feature

farmers, producers, specialty foods, distributors, restaurants and wineries offering their goods for sale and providing tastes for the expected hundreds of guests.

Spring job opportunities

2011-04-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and job opportunities are popping up! Here are just a few for those interested in community development, retail, restaurant and farm work.

Community Food Security Associate

2011 Farmhearts Fellowship Awarded

2011-04-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Victoria Lesser, Bruce Ferguson, Laurie McFadden, Michael Lang and Heather Carlucci of the Farmhearts Board present funding toward the Farmhearts Fellowship to WAC staff
and 2011 Fellow,
Sonia Persichilli.

We are thrilled to announce Sonia Janiszewski Persichilli as the recipient of the 2011 Farmhearts Fellowship. This position has been made possible through an award from Farmhearts, a Sullivan County-based organization with a mission to preserve the environmental integrity and economic sustainability of agricultural regions by supporting family farms. In 2011, the Fellow will work to advance beginning farmer programming in the Catskills region.

The first item of work will be the formation of a CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) chapter. CRAFT is a national model that provides networking and educational opportunities for beginning farmers. Sonia’s work will also include the launch of Catskills FarmLink, a website linking land seekers with available properties.

A Delaware County native, Sonia recently returned to the Catskills with ten years’ experience in communications, marketing and events management. As a third -generation farmer passionate about the future of farming in New York State, Sonia plans to utilize her skills actively promoting agriculture and the region’s farming legacy and opportunities. Sonia currently runs her own freelance business, working with farmers, Farm Catskills and other organizations and businesses to develop marketing and communications strategies and tactics. Throughout her career, Sonia has worked with a wide range of clients from nonprofits to Fortune 100 companies, such as BAE Systems, Honeywell, DSM and Performance Fibers.

Product development and marketing grant application now open!

2011-04-11T08:33:00.001-07:00

Members of the Pure Catskills buy local campaign are encouraged to apply for the 2011 round of product development and marketing grants. Pure Catskills members include farms, retailers, farmer’s markets, restaurants and food-related organizations that support the local food system throughout Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties.

Proposals will be accepted in two categories: Product Development and Marketing and Education. Applications are due May 20th. For full details, view the application materials. Questions regarding the application process will be accepted via email to Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org until May 10th.

In 2010, 15 grants were awarded to implement diverse projects including livestock processing, farm to school initiatives and agritourism events.

Views from the field: Gideon Frisbee

2011-04-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

The sap house at the Frisbee Farm. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Pickens.

Today's "View from the field" is a spring update from Gideon Frisbee of Riverdale Farm & Forest in Delhi. Riverdale was the recipient of a Pure Catskills grant to diversify their line of maple products through the purchase of a filter press. The farm is now able to market their syrup in a wider variety of sizes and containers.

Greetings from Riverdale Farm & Forest in Delhi NY. We’ve made it through the month of March, dodged the latest snowstorms, and are thinking SPRING! It is a busy time of the year for us in many aspects of our operation. We have two new calves in our grass fed beef herd and more to come any day. Our first batch of feeder pigs will be here this weekend and meat chickens are coming next month. Most of our time right now is spent in the sap house, producing pure maple syrup from our 800-900 taps. It has been an excellent year and it is not over yet. Many producers in the area are very happy with the season, especially after a very poor season last spring.

We are excited this year to be using our new 7” short bank filter press that we were able to purchase with the assistance of a Pure Catskills Sustainable Agricultural Development Grant in 2010. This machine has allowed us to expand our packaging capabilities to not only include our usual Catskill Mountain Pure plastic jugs but also new decorative glass containers. The use of a filter press allows us to package a beautifully clear product with no fine particles or sugar sand that could have easily been seen in a glass container otherwise. We have focused on packaging in a 250 ml size glass maple leaf which has been very popular amongst our customers. The fancier packaging is great for gifts, and our customers are buying more syrup than usual for this reason.

As we enter into April, we hope that Mother Nature cooperates and extends our already successful maple season a bit longer. If not, there is always plenty more work around the farm to be done!

Farm to Market Connection success!

2011-03-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

We are grateful to the over 150 farm and food business people who came out for this year's Farm to Market Connection. The event covered topics including buying clubs, local flour production, financing local food business and much more. We've already received some great input for next year's event and heard about business connections made!

Ken Jaffe of Slope Farms and Andrew Tarlow of Diner and Marlow & Sons speak about nose-to-tail beef utilization during a workshops session.

Dave Peake of Cowbella with Allison Bennett of Red Jacket Orchards.

Brett and Sara Budde of Majestic Farm.

Mark Harvey of Good Fields Farm with Denise Warren of Stone & Thistle Farm.

Fielding questions from the audience during the Buyer's Panel.

A great showing for "The Greenhorns" at the Catskill Arts Society.

2011-03-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

Local farmers and food enthusiasts packed the Catskill Arts Society gallery on Saturday night for a screening of "The Greenhorns." This recently released documentary film profiles young farmers across America. Check out the trailer of the film along with some photos from the event below.

Stay tuned or contact us for details on additional screenings across the Catskills region this summer and fall!

Patrick Kiley of the Greenhorns with Paul of Gorzynski Ornery Farm.

Sampling Living Leaf Kimchi with Pepacton Natural Foods.

Ann Manby with her Sugar Blossoms Flowers bouquets and Rick Pereira of

Manifold Custom Design.

Victoria Lesser of the Old North Branch Inn with Trina Pilonero of

Silver Heights Farm Nursery.

The crowd gathers around the Main Street Farm goods!

Maple Weekend and more

2011-03-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Glass bottles from Catskill Mountain Sugar House last summer at the farmers' market.

The sap is running and the region is covered in sweet events to help you connect with our syrup makers. The New York State Maple Producers Association organizes a series of open (sap) houses, demonstrations and tastings across the state as part of Maple Weekend.

Plan a visit in the coming two weekends - March 19 - 20 & 26 - 27. Follow the links for details on the dozens of participating farms in the Pure Catskills region:

Participating farms in Delaware County

Delaware County pancake breakfasts:

North Franklin Maple Syrup Company

13501 Route 357

Franklin, NY

Saturday & Sunday, 8 am to 1 pm

Both weekends

Col. Harper Grange #1508

Shaver-Hill Maple Farm

450 Shaver Road

Harpersfield, NY

Pancakes, sausage, fruit, applesauce, coffee, tea, milk, juice. Real maple syrup.

March 26th 9am-4pm

March 27th 9am-4pm

Greene County pancake breakfast:

Sugar Moon Maple

West Kill-Lexington Community Center

141 Spruceton Road

West Kill, NY

March 27 only

Participating farms in Otsego County

Participating farms in Schoharie County

Schoharie County pancake breakfasts:

Maple Hill Farm

Maple Syrup & Organic Pancakes at Grapevine Farms

2373 State Route 7

Cobleskill, NY

Serving Pancakes every weekend in March from 9-3

Phone: (518) 234-9148

Stone House Farms

305 Lynk Road

Sharon Springs, NY

Saturday & Sunday, 8 am to 1 pm

both weekends

Phone: (518) 284-2476

Participating farms in Ulster County

Located in Sullivan County? Slow Food Upper Delaware River Valley has organized a tour to five farms in the county on March 19th. The tour includes Porkupine Lodge, Muthig Farm, Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup, Catskill Mountain Sugar House and Thunder Hill Sugar Shack. Each stop along the way will include demonstrations and tastings. The event fee is $20 per person or $30 per couple. All proceeds will benefit Community Unity. For more details, contact Clair Sullivan at (845) 557-3642 or upderiva@gmail.com.

In the Hudson Valley? Check out the Hudson Valley Food Network's guide to Maple Syrup Festivals.

Now's the time to join a CSA

2011-03-01T07:58:00.001-08:00

Tannis Kowalchuck of Willow Wisp Organic Farm with her fantastic cut flowers.

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is an increasingly popular way to grow your connection with a farm in your community. Members of a CSA receive a regular, often weekly, box of vegetables after purchasing a share in the farm each spring. Many farms offer optional add-on shares of local products including fruit, flowers and eggs. Additional contact information and details on each unique share programs are in links included below.

Learn more about joining a CSA from Local Harvest.

GORZYNSKI ORNERY FARM, Cochecton Center -- Pick up at the farm. Contact John or Sue at (845) 252-7570.

LUCKY DOG FARM, Hamden -- Pick up at Lucky Dog Farm Store. Certified Organic. Optional egg share. Contact Holley at (607) 746-8383 or haw@delhitel.net.

MOUNTAIN DELL FARM, Hancock -- Pick up on the farm and in Hancock. Farmer’s Pledge. Contact Lisa or Mark at (607) 467-4034 or mldunau@tds.net.

NEVERSINK FARM, Claryville -- Pick up at the farmstand on Saturdays. Certified Organic. Optional flower and egg shares. Contact Conor at (845) 985-2519 or farmer@neversinkfarm.com.

RUSTY PLOUGH FARM, Ellenville -- Multi-farm collaborative; choice of pick-up locations in Ulster and Sullivan counties. Certified Organic. Online buying club arrangement with weekly customer choice of products. Also offering seedlings, crafts and pastured pork shares. Contact Oleh at (845) 647-6911 or rustyplough@earthlink.net.

STONELEDGE FARM, South Cairo -- Pick up on the farm and at additional regional locations. Certified Organic. Optional of low-spray fruit, honey and maple shares. Contact Kathleen at (518) 622-9963 or kokeefe@mhcable.com.

STONY CREEK FARM, Walton -- Pick up locations in Oneonta, Franklin and on the farm. Optional working share. Contact Kate at (607) 865-7965 or kate@stonycreekfarm.org.

BIG SKY FARM, Schenevus -- Pick up in Cooperstown. Optional egg, meat and cider shares. Contact Vali or Marybeth at (607) 638-9016 or info@bigskyfarm.org.

WILLOW WISP ORGANIC FARM, Damascus, PA -- Pick up on the farm. Summer shares (June to November) and Winter shares (December to May) available. Certified Organic. Contact Greg or Tannis at (570) 224-8013 or greg@willowwisporganic.com.

The Farm to Market Connection is coming

2011-02-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

Tasting and talking during the trade show at last year's conference.

March 27th, 9 am to 5 pm

CVI Building, One Cablevision Center

Liberty, NY

It's that time of year again! Our big annual conference and member gathering is just over a month away. It's a day of networking and education for business people involved with local food in the Catskills region and beyond. Last year's attendees came from four states and all across New York State.

Dozens of past attendees have told us about lasting business connections they have made as a result of attending. Buyers of all scales will be present from local retailers to regional distributors. Educational topics will suit the interest of vegetable, livestock and dairy producers.

We've convened a sold out crowd at this event for the past three years. So if you're a farmer, retailer, restaurateur, specialty food producer, distributor, farmers' market staffer or working to support agricultural economic development reserve your tickets today!

Visit our Eventbrite page for purchasing details.

Cure the winter blues

2011-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Who says nothing is happening during the winter? The February calendar is filling up with farm and food events that will put an end to your cabin fever!

Upper Delaware River Roundtable

Thursday, February 3, 1 to 4:30 pm

Tusten Town Hall, Bridge Street, Narrowsburg

The February meeting of the Roundtable will focus on agriculture with speakers from numerous organizations and agencies in the Delaware Valley region. Contact roundtable@upperdelaware.com or Laurie Stuart at (845) 252-6626.

Farm to School/Institution meeting

Saturday, February 12, 1 to 4 pm

SUNY Delhi, Delhi

Organized by Farm Catskills, this meeting will convene farmers, cafeteria/dining program directors, school board members, parents and community members to discuss the expansion of farm to school connections.

Knitting & Crocheting

Saturday, February 12, 10 am to 3 pm

Delaware County Historical Association, Delhi

Adults and children alike are encouraged to come learn to knit or crochet or refresh their rusty knitting or crocheting skills. Registration required by February 5th. Cost $35.00 per person. Contact (607) 746-3849 ordcha@delhi.net

Being Green, Making Green

Tuesday, February 15, 7 pm

Okun Theatre, Farrell Student Center, SUNY Delhi

The Food for Thought committee presents a panel discussion on local food as a business; how & why people get involved; the challenges & rewards; why it's important; & the future. Free event! Contact Mary Pysnik at (607) 746-4783.

Wholesale Success Workshop

Thursday, February 17

Teleconference locations at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange and Ulster Counties

A one day event exploring successful wholesaling techniques for small and mid-sized farms, including a "Meet-the-Buyers" session. A farmer-friendly overview of current food safety issues included as well as information on the certification process presented by Cornell's GAP expert, Betsy Binh. Contact Michael Morris at (917) 838-2309 ormmorris@greenmarket.grownyc.org to register.

A Talk with Joel Salatin and Hudson Valley Farmers

Saturday, February 19, 10 am - 2:30 pm

Woodstock Elementary School

Cost: $25, including lunch

Presented by the Woodstock Land Conservancy and the Woodstock Farm Festival. Mr. Salatin will discuss why food, farms and eating local matter with a panel of local farmers.Register online or contact mreynolds.wlc@gmail.com or (845) 679-5345.

Seed & Sow Skill Share

Sunday, February 20, 11 am to 3 pm

Hodgson Farm and Garden Center

Organized by the Hudson Valley Food Network, this skill share will include talks on raising chickens, mushroom propagation, organic gardening, sausage making and fermented sodas. Contact Meghan Murphy at hvfoodnetwork@gmail.com.

Don't forget that Winter Farmers' Markets are still happening! Check our webcalendar for upcoming dates.

Diggin' the Sullivan County Farm Network

2011-01-28T06:29:00.000-08:00

Sonja Hedlund of Apple Pond Farm shares the story behind the recently formed Sullivan County Farm Network with us today. This diverse group of farmers is working to organize the agricultural community in the county through events and advocacy. To learn more about the Network, follow them on Facebook or join in the discussion at the next Delaware Valley Roundtable. The February 3rd meeting of the Roundtable which will focus on agriculture is taking place at the Tusten Town Hall in Narrowsburg from 1 to 4:30 pm.

Farm Network members meet to learn about microcreameries.

A small group of energetic, dedicated farm women got together last spring to promote farming in Sullivan County. They formed the Sullivan County Farm Network. The mission of the Network is to increase farming activities in Sullivan County and strengthen communication between those who grow food and those who eat it.

Projects we have worked on alone and with others include include: FARMSTOCK 2011 agri-tourism program, winter farmers' market in Callicoon, meat producers list, a workshop on setting up a micro dairy, WJFF Radio's new 'Farm and Country' show, database of farmers in the county, 'You are what you eat' workshop, and new farm to school programs in three local schools.

Of equal importance is work to present an agricultural perspective at public meetings on economic development. Attending meetings of IDA/the Industrial Development Authority has resulted in more attention to agricultural issues and to follow through on long awaited projects like the red meat slaughter plant in Liberty. Similar interactions have happened at the newly formed Economic Development Corporation. At the County level, speaking at open meetings of the legislature, the Network has advocated for hiring an ag economic development specialist.

The Network's meetings are now attracting a wide variety of farmers, citizens, not - for profit agencies and those with public sector jobs related to agriculture, tourism and economic development. These may well be the only place in Sullivan where people sit at the same table to address issues related to food and farming.

Views from the field: Michelle Premura

2011-01-27T09:05:00.001-08:00

Pure Catskills members receive support for business development through our Education Scholarship Program. Michelle Premura of The Turquoise Barn in Bloomville attended the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) Conference in Saratoga Spring last weekend and shares her thoughts with us here.

Michelle with fellow farmer Terry Hannum of Abundance Farms.

This is a review of the NOFA conference I attended in Saratoga Springs January 21-23; a truly inspiring educational event. This will have been the 3rd time I’ve attended over a period of 5 years. Each year there is always something new to learn. What makes this conference such a great educational experience is that the learning takes place not only during the workshops, but throughout the entire weekend. There are group meals, lectures, book signings and trade shows throughout the hotel all weekend.

The theme this year was “Diggin Diversity”. Quite appropriate I thought. There were people from a variety of backgrounds with various levels of experience participating in and facilitating the conference. What’s interesting is that, despite age, race, experience, socio-economic background, everyone has a similar interest in sustainability, preserving the art of agriculture, and a mutual respect for individuals and the earth. The workshops & events also cover a wide area of interests and are, for the most part, on the cutting edge of what is happening not only in New York State but on a global level.

I attended classes on food preservation with a specific interest in fermentation. This is one of the main methods I use to preserve vegetables from the garden. Besides being a practical & simple way of preserving, there are also numerous health benefits associated with fermentation. My intention is at some point to produce on a small scale, jars of preserved veggie blends from the garden using this method. So this class was on the top of my list to attend.

I also attended a workshop on internships, apprenticeships, & hiring staff. Since we do have a number of volunteers each year on our farm, this gave me a clearer understanding of the difference between volunteers, internships & apprenticeships.

Some of the other courses I attended were managing compost, no till gardening, & business taxes. There were also keynote speakers presenting inspiring & motivating talks not just about farming/gardening but about the impact and important role that food plays on many levels in our society. Of specific interest was Malik Yakini’s presentation on urban farming in Detroit. Malik’s enthusiasm, perseverance as he articulated the importance of community working together toward a common goal, was inspiring.

Another prime benefit of attending the conference is networking. I was able to make connections with a number of people that I will be discussing the possibility of future work together at Turquoise Barn. And even more exciting is the possible opportunity of being able to attend next year as a presenter giving food demos.

Beginning Farmer Fellowship Available

2011-01-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce a new position opening here at Pure Catskills. It is the result of a collaboration with Farmhearts. This organization is working to preserve the environmental integrity and economic sustainability of agricultural regions by supporting family farms. The position will take the form of a fellowship opportunity for a beginning farmer working in the Catskills region.

The fellow will work with the Farm to Market Program and focus on beginning farmer programming. The Farm to Market Program administers the Pure Catskills buy local campaign, organizes events on value added production, and facilitates business connections between farm and food businesses. Over 200 businesses from Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties participate in the Pure Catskills campaign. The fellow will focus on supporting the launch of Catskills Farmlink and a Catskills CRAFT group in collaboration with numerous partners across the region.

Eligible candidates include apprentice farmers, proprietors of recently established agricultural businesses and emerging professionals in the local food marketplace. Individuals may apply by providing a personal statement and a resume. The statement should be limited to one page and address agricultural experience, communications skills, familiarity with the agricultural community in the Catskills region and the individual’s future goals related to agriculture. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2011. The anticipated start date for the fellow is late February.

A position description and fellowship information are available at the Scholarships & Grants section of www.purecatskills.com. All applications and inquiries should be directed to Challey Comer, Farm to Market Manager at ccomer@nycwatershed.org. No phone calls please.

Views from the field: Sarah Budde

2011-01-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Pure Catskills members receive support for business development through our Education Scholarship Program. Sarah Budde from Majestic Farm in Mountaindale recently attended a conference with her husband Brett as part of the program. She shares a report on their trip here!

Sarah in the fields at Majestic Farm.

The Young Farmers Conference was a two day conference held at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Tarrytown NY. The conference ranged in subject matter from integrated pasture management and technical aspects of farming to government policy to work songs. It included over fifty workshops. In addition to the workshops the conference offered keynote talks from farm heavyweights such as Bill Niman and Dan Barber. Attendees of the conference ranged from college students enthusiastic about permaculture and biodynamic farming to seasoned farmers looking to connect with contemporary practice. Mostly it was a young, progressive crowd of excited young farmers with a couple more or couple less years experience than us.

A pair of hogs from the Majestic herd.

Together Brett and I covered about fourteen courses in all. These courses were informative and inspiring. After each course we would get together and giddily discuss what new facts we had found out, what type of information the presenters were giving and what new practices we may translate to our own farm. Particularly of interest at the conference was Stone Barns own practice of raising pigs in forestland. We spent time during the social hours seeking out various young farmers who were doing similar things as well as meat producers and packagers, USDA officials and restaurateurs. The conference further encouraged our own aspirations to put in a 20-C kitchen, add hoop houses and diversify our current operation. We received literature on organizations we intend on joining and future workshops and conferences we hope to enjoy.

Terra Madre thoughts and images

2010-12-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

In October, we announced a third delegation of Catskills farm and food producers was selected to attend Terra Madre, an event held biannually in Turin, Italy. Over 6,000 delegates from over 150 countries participated in workshops, tastings, regional meetings and a marketplace of sustainably produced foods. Slow Food organizes the event and selects delegates for sponsorship.

In selecting this year's delegation, we called upon the twelve past delegates to nominate and select peers they felt would most benefit from the experience. The group did an excellent job selecting a diverse group from three counties in the region including Paula Allen of Thornwood Farm, Kendall Craig of the Masonville General Store, Sonja Hedlund of Apple Pond Farm, Marybeth Mills of the Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room and Mary Tonjes of Tonjes Farm Dairy.

Delegates shared the following thoughts and images for us to share with the Pure Catskills community.

Catskills delegates Paula Allen (fourth from left) and Kendall Craig (second from left) gather with fellow producers outside Terra Madre.

“As I stepped off the bus, the realization sank in, what an immense undertaking to nurture and coordinate such an event. And people the world over had responded, showing up, standing together in common-unity for a positive declaration of good, clean and fair food. People had journeyed long and far, proudly representing their regions and sharing their wares at this global, yet intimate convergence. It is a powerful thing to witness and recognize, the potential of looking forward together in this good way. Living on the ‘frontier’ of rural New York has an element of isolation, so the sheer numbers of Terra Madre is a memory that will sustain me.”

Kendal Craig – Masonville General Store, Masonville

Panelists including Alice Waters discuss Farm to School projects. Photo by Marybeth Mills.

“We attended a seminar, geared towards the educators in attendance - about living and teaching the principles of the Slow Food movement. Teachers from around the globe got up and shared their stories about how to bring this manifesto to life for their students. Many of these dedicated professionals told amazing stories about their commitment to interacting with children - helping the children learn about their cultural roots in food production. Many of the students in their classrooms heralded from different regional groups within their country. Since we've been back, Devin and I have visited Phoenicia Elementary School and have spent the day in their 'Community Garden' - their very own edible schoolyard. Each grade was asked to come in and harvest crops for us to cook. The children would bring their bounty to Devin, wash it, and Devin would prepare salads, grilled vegetables, soups for the children to sample. We were even impressed with how many children were excited about a kale salad - not often considered an exciting vegetable - at least from the under 10 year-old crowd.”

Marybeth Mills - The Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room, Big Indian

Ah, variety! A display of Italian cheeses. Photo by Marybeth Mills.

“A special encounter with young American farmers and old farmers (like me!) was organized by Slow Food USA. About 100 new farmers gathered for small group sessions. . Twelve of us old timers from all over the USA had a chance to describe their farms, what worked and did not I was the only farmer that had expanded into on farm renewable energy systems. My suggestion to the new farmers was to make personal pleasure and play a regular day of their farm work.”

Sonja Hedlund - Apple Pond Farm, Callicoon Center

A decorative fruit carving in the Salone de Gusto. Photo by Kendal Craig.

A display of Italian peppers in the Salone de Gusto. Photo by Kendal Craig.

Scholarship recipients announced

2010-12-02T11:27:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the latest round of our Education Scholarship Program. These awards are offered to Pure Catskills members on a competitive basis for educational expenses related to developing new products or improving production methods. The average award is $350 with funding offered to cover registration and travel expenses. Program details are available at the Scholarships & Grants section of our main webpage.

Paula Allen

Thornwood Farm

2010 Annual Conference, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

Brett Budde

Majestic Farm

Young Farmers’ Conference, Stone Barns Center

Mark Harvey

Good Fields Farm

Nutrient Dense Crop Production Training

Terry Hannum

Abundance Farms

2011 Annual Conference, Northeast Organic Farmer's Association of New York

Joseph Lennon

Sullivan County Farmers’ Market Association

Profession Farmers’ Market Manager Training Program, Farmers’ Market Federation of New York

Loren Pola

Rusty Plough Farm

Online Courses for Beginning Farmers: Financial Record Keeping and Evaluating Land Resources, Cornell University Small Farms Program

Michelle Premura

Turquoise Barn

2011 Annual Conference, Northeast Organic Farmers Association of New York

Abby Wilson

Maple Shade Farm

Annual Conference and Convention, North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association

Countdown to Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T06:59:00.001-08:00

Count on our local farms and businesses to make the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving meal!

Looking for a last minute local turkey?

Delaware County

Maple Shade Farm, Delhi

Just three birds are left! Each about 20 pounds. Pick up before 11 am today or tomorrow.

Contact Abby Wilson at brannenab@hotmail.com or (607) 746-8866

Schoharie County

Heather Ridge Farm, Preston Hollow

Two birds still available! Pick up at the farm store.

Contact Carol Clement at (518) 239-6234.

Sullivan County

Snowdance Farm, Livingston Manor

Freshly processed birds available in a variety of sizes. Pick up at the farm.

Contact Marc Jaffe at mjaffeus@yahoo.com or (845) 439-5561.

In search of a top notch pie to finish things off?

Delaware County

Good Cheap Food, Delhi

The Farmer's Wife will deliver pumpkin, apple and pecan pies. Call to reserve if you want to ensure you get the flavor you're looking for!

The store number is (607) 746-6562.

Sullivan County

Catskill Harvest Market, Liberty

Offering pies and everything else to prepare your pantry for a big day of cooking.

Contact the store at (845) 292-3838.

Flour Power Bakery, Livingston Manor

The bakery will be open Thanksgiving week on Wednesday from 1-6 pm, Thursday from 9 am-1 pm and Friday from 9 am - 1 pm.

Call JR at (917 ) 747-6895 to order your pies,cakes,cookies,breads and savories.You can pick up in Callicoon on Wednesday or at the shop anytime

Perhaps you prefer to eat the big meal out?

Ulster County

Aroma Thyme Bistro, Ellenville
Open from 1 to 6 pm serving a full meal as well as filling take out orders.
Call (845) 647-3000 to place a take out order to make a reservation.

Peekamoose Restaurant, Big Indian

Special prix-fixe menu at $36 per person with a portion of each meal benefitting the Hudson Valley Food Bank.

Call (845) 254-6500 to make a reservation.

Meat buying resources

2010-11-22T11:41:00.001-08:00

The fall is the season to purchase local meats that have grazed their way through the season up here in the mountains. Packing the freezer with unfamiliar cuts and planning winter cooking can be a daunting task for some home cooks. These resources will ensure delicious eating for months to come. Search the farms section of the Pure Catskills directory to find meat producers near you.

Iowa State University - Whole Animal Buying Guide

This comprehensive guide describes each cut of pork and beef a customer might get when making a whole animal purchase. It also includes tips on handling, processing and storage.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County - Learn More About Local Meats Guide

Matt LeRoux of CCE answers common questions about livestock terminology, production methods and processing in this guide for consumers.

Hudson Valley Food Network - Split n' Share

Find neighbors looking to share meat from a whole steer, hog or lamb. This is also a great resource to swap excess produce from the growing season.

Gift Local!

2010-11-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Duke Pottery.

Gift locally this holiday season. Festive holiday markets are popping up all over the calendar. Here's a list of the ones we've tracked in the Pure Catskills region:

November 21

Saugerties Farmers' Market

Thanksgiving Market

12 to 4 pm

207 Market Street, Saugerties

November 21

New Amsterdam Market

Pure Catskills wool vendors

11 am to 4 pm

Peck Slip, New York City

November 26 (10 am to 7 pm) & 27 (10 am to 4 pm)

Christmas at the Creamery

Bovina Creamery

County Route 6 and Creamery Road, Bovina

Contact Abby Wilson at mapleshade@hotmail.com for more information

November 26 - 28

Turquoise Barn & the Carriage House

Holiday Sales

11 am to 5 pm

8052 County Route 18, Bloomville

November 27

Pakatakan Farmers' Market

10 am to 2 pm

Round Barn, Route 30 Halcottsville

November 27 & 28

Duke Pottery

Handmade for the Holidays

11 am to 4 pm

855 County Rd. 93, Roscoe

November 27 & 28

Crafted

10 am to 4 pm, Historic Cottekill Reform Church

167 Cottekill Rd, Cottekill, NY (between Rosendale and Stone Ridge)

December 1 - 3

Maple Shade Farm

Holiday Wreath Making

2066 County Highway 18, Delhi

December 3

Aroma Thyme Bistro

Holiday Marketplace

3 to 6 pm

165 Canal Street, Ellenville

December 4

AgroForestry Resource Center

Harvest and Holiday Farmers' Market

10 am to 1 pm

6055 Route 23, Acra

December 4

Olive Free Library

Annual Holiday Craft and Gift Show

10am to 5pm

4033 Route 28A, West Shokan

December 4 & 5

Duke Pottery

Handmade for the Holidays

11 am to 4 pm

855 County Rd. 93, Roscoe

December 4 & 5

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

The Holiday Market at Bethel Woods

11 am to 4 pm

2oo Hurd Road, Bethel

December 5

Sullivan County Farmers' Market Association

Callicoon Holiday Market

10 am to 2 pm

Delaware Youth Center, Callicoon

December 5

New Amsterdam Market

Pure Catskills wood products vendors

11 am to 4 pm

Peck Slip, New York City

December 19

Saugerties Farmers' Market

Christmas Market

12 to 4 pm

207 Market Street, Saugerties

December 19

New Amsterdam Market

Pure Catskills wool vendors

11 am to 4 pm

Peck Slip, New York City

December 22

Cooperstown Farmers' Markets

9 am to 2 pm

101 Main Street and Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown

Terra Madre Potluck, November 21st

2010-11-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Local chapter Slow Food Upper Delaware River Valley has organized a community event to celebrate our local Terra Madre delegates. On Sunday, November 21st, a potluck gathering will take place in the Beechwoods area of Sullivan County. The luncheon will also include a discussion of Slow Food events to occur in the coming year.

Date : Sunday, November 21st
Place : Beechwoods area. 77 Toad Road, Callicoon - a dirt road off of Gable Road in the Beechwoods. We will have a large sign at the top of the driveway/dirt road.
Time : 1:00

Please RSVP and do share this with anyone who might be interested in attending and/or getting involved. The luncheon would be a potluck and we ask that you bring a dish featuring a local ingredient.

For more information or to RSVP, email upderiva@gmail.com.

Views from the field: Conor Crickmore

2010-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Views from the field is a series of essays from our business members on the experience of farming and producing local food. Here we learn about the experience of raising "slow grown" chickens from Conor Crickmore of Neversink Farm in Neversink, NY. The farm was a recipient of a Pure Catskills Sustainable Agriculture Development Grant earlier this year. With the funding provided, on-farm poultry processing equipment was purchased for their flock of slow growers.

Neversink Farm has the only slow grown organic chickens in the northeast. As a reformed vegetarian of 20 years, having broilers was a hard decision but how to raise them was not. Our philosophy from the start has been to produce the best possible food while doing it in a way that felt right and to sort out the costs later. We will put the chickens on pasture early, let them roam freely, and feed them GMO-free organic local whole grains ground fresh on the farm.

The problem was we didn’t see the sense in putting birds bred for factory life on pasture. In a quest for raising poultry cheaper the fast growing chicken was created and is now used almost universally. A fast growing hybrid chicken grows from egg to slaughter in six to seven weeks. This fast growth results in difficulty walking and standing. That growth rate just didn’t sit right with us. It gives the bird no time on pasture and a quality of life that we wouldn’t feel good aboutInstead we found a French variety of chicken that can easily forage and be outside from two weeks old. These birds take 12 weeks to mature, giving them ten weeks on pasture.

The common pasture cage was also not an option for us so we built a moving shelter that allowed true free access to roam the pasture and eat fresh grass and clover. When it comes time for slaughter, we wanted to do it in the most humane way we could using professional equipment on the farm, by us and in the open air. The cost of professional equipment for our small farm was prohibitive and the grant from the Watershed Agricultural Council enabled us to bring this improved product to market. We will also provide a means for other local farmers and homesteaders to rent such equipment. We feel that our slow grown, certified organic chickens that are raised on pasture are very content and are also the best tasting.

The expanding market season

2010-10-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

This winter will see the expansion of year-round farmers’ market opportunities in the Catskills. Over the last few years, Cooperstown and Saugerties have kept their markets going through the winter months. This year, they’ll be joined by Callicoon and (just across the river…) Rhinebeck. Most markets will take a bi-monthly approach to their events by setting up stalls every other weekend. Saugerties will capitalize on monthly holiday weekends to promote their Sunday market with programming highlighting everything from St. Patrick’s Day to Passover. Expect to find featured products such as prepared foods, dairy, storage crops, baked goods, meat and crafts. Nearly every market will offer special events at their markets. Community groups will share information and skills, local chefs will demonstrate cooking techniques, and musicians will entertain the crowd. Most market managers tell us that their markets have developed due to customer demand. Communities are looking for a way to stay connected with farmers and an opportunity to socialize with their neighbors during the long winter season.

CALLICOON Delaware Youth Center

Creamery Road, Callicoon

December through April, 11am to 2pm

Dates include December 19; January 2, 16 & 30; February 13 & 27; March 20; April 10 & 23

(Note, April 23 is a Saturday market)

email: manager@sullivancountyfarmersmarkets.org

www.sullivancountyfarmersmarkets.org

COOPERSTOWN Pioneer Alley

101 Main Street, Cooperstown

1st and 3rd Saturdays through April, 9am to 2pm

Contact Lynn Weir at lyn@lynweir.com

www.otsego2000.org/farmersmarket

RHINEBECK Rhinebeck Town Hall

80 East Main Street

Alternate Sundays through April, 10am to 2 pm

Contack Cheryl Paff at info@rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com

www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com

SAUGERTIES Saugerties Senior Center

207 Market Street

Holiday weekend Sundays through May, noon to 4pm

email: contact@saugertiesfarmersmarket.com

www.saugertiesfarmersmarket.com

Meet the Delegates

2010-10-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

We couldn't be prouder to announce that Pure Catskills will sponsor its third Catskills delegation to attend Terra Madre in 2010. The group will head to Turin, Italy this Wednesday to spend five days meeting farmers and food producers from around the world. Over 5,000 delegates will be present from over 100 countries. The event includes workshops, tastings, regional meetings and a marketplace of sustainably produced foods.

Slow Food International organizes the event every two years. Slow Food USA selected our delegation through a competitive application process. Slow Food will provide housing, meals and transportation to the delegates during their time in Italy. Partial funding for travel from New York to Italy have been provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection through the Watershed Agricultural Council.

The Catskills region has been represented at this biannual gathering since we sent our first delegation in 2006. A group of farmers, chefs, retailers and advocates have attended each year. The delegates return to their businesses inspired by the experience. Delegates have made real changes in their operations as a result. Some have added new livestock varieties while others have grown their relationship to their neighboring businesses and community members.

Thornwood Farm eggs at the Larchmont Farmers' Market.

Source: Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch

Paula Allen, Thornwood Farm

Sidney Center, Delaware County

Thornwood Farm is a small family run farm that offers all natural pasture-raised eggs, chicken, pork and turkeys for Thanksgiving. All animals are raised antibiotic and hormone free. Paula travels to farmers' markets near and far including those in Franklin, Liberty, Callicoon and three in Westchester County-Armonk, Larchmont and Scarsdale.

Inside the Masonville General Store.

Source: Gimme Coffee! blog

Kendall Craig, Masonville General Store and Crescent Wrench Cafe

Masonville, Delaware County

The Masonville General Store strives to weave community, environment, and ingenuity together in an ethical and conscious manner. The store offers a fantastic and diverse selection of local and regional products that exemplify quality, health, and sustainability. Kendall educates her customers about the impact their choices make when shopping for food. The shop has been providing a location for rural residents to access healthy, delicious food since 2006.

Sonja handing milking one of her goats.

Sonja Hedlund, Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Center

Callicoon Center, Sullivan County

Apple Pond Farm produces lamb, goats, eggs and wool and dairy products. They are also very active in offering agri-tourism programming and educational workshops to locals and regional visitors alike. Visitors can spend time in the guest house on a farm stay. The farm is a showcase of renewable energy practices including solar, wind and bio-diesel.

Marybeth with her husband Devin and their daughter Madeline. Devin, chef at The Peekamoose, will also attend Terra Madre!

Source: Return to Bohemia

Marybeth Mills, The Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room

Big Indian, Ulster County

The Peekamoose Restaurant features an ever-changing menu inspired by the farmers and artisans of the Catskill region. Chef Devin Mills, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, hails from some of the finest restaurants in New York City. Marybeth manages the front of the house and so much more! The restaurant has become a gathering place for locals and visitors to taste the best of Catskills farm products.

Mary Tonjes with her husband Tim in their cheese plant on the farm.

Source: Times Herald-Record

Mary Tonjes, Tonjes Farm Dairy

Callicoon, Sullivan County

Mary manages Tonjes Farm along with her husband Tim and numerous family members. The farm is a grass-based dairy specializing in farmstead artisan cheeses, raw milk cheeses including 'Beachwood Blue,' made and aged in their underground cave. Fresh cheeses and bottled milk are made with morning milk: Mozzarella, Ricotta, Fromage Blanc, Yogurt, Kefir, and Buttermilk. Whole milk gently pasteurized. The products are sold at regional farmers' markets and retailers.

Keep an eye out for a wrap up of the experience next month. A special event is also in the works for the delegates to share their experiences (and some delicious food!) with our community in mid-November.

A fall visit to Heather Ridge Farm

2010-10-14T14:52:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about the Catskills are all the down to earth spots to grab a great bite to eat. Sure, you might need to head a little off the beaten path - around the bend, down the valley. But the trip is worth it since there's always something great to eat and welcoming people at the end of the road! Your meal will be filled with the kind of food you would make if you had the time, the know-how or the amazingly fresh ingredients only found on a local farm.

The Bee's Knees Cafe at Heather Ridge Farm in Preston Hollow is just such a place. Sitting on a sunny hillside in southern Schoharie County, their menu offers up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Farm raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, eggs, garlic and honey are all highlighted in the menu.

Inside you'll also find the farm store. Products offered include the farm's own meat and honey as well as regional products such as wool, mushrooms (in season) and specially products like olive oil and coffee sourced directly from farmers abroad.

From mid-October through the spring, the farm is open Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm. The farm is located at 989 Broome Center Road in Preston Hollow.

Farmer-in-chief Carol Clement
on the front porch of the farm store.

Farmer John presses wild apples gathered on the hillside property.

Some of Heather Ridge's, dare we say, famous Lemon Honey.

Linda Hahn with the Euphoria Olive Oil she imports from a farm family in Greece.

Beautiful yarn in vibrant colors from Kate Henderson of neighboring farm, Sheepy Valley.

And here's the money shot! Fresh pork and chicken fill the cooler.

The hard working kitchen staff after a busy lunch service.

Mustards using the farm's honey.

The wonderful view from the top of the ridge.

Prezorski's Pumpkins

2010-09-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

We received some great fall photos from the Prezorski Family in the Schoharie County hamlet of Lawyersville. They operate Cold Spring Farm and have a bumper crop of fall ornamentals including mums, Indian corn, corn stalks and pumpkins of every type! Their farmstand is two miles north of Cobleskill on Route 145 and open 8 am to 6 pm.

Catskills vendors featured at New Amsterdam Market

2010-09-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Catskills farms and food were highlighted on September 26th at the New Amsterdam Market in the South Street Seaport neighborhood in Manhattan. Products featured included cow and goat milk cheeses from Farm Catskills, Main Street Farm with a wide array of local items, Summer’s End Orchard with preserves and produce and Early Bird Cookery with seasonal ice creams. The Village Voice even covered the event!

Many thanks to Alex Jagendorf for the great photographs.

Jon Westergreen of Main Street Farm from Livingston Manor.

Amy Miller of Early Bird Cookery scoops seasonal ice cream flavors.

Amy Kenyon of Farm Catskills share samples of local cheeses.

Gregory Meyding of Summer's End Orchard of Unadilla.

New video on Spring Lake Farm

2010-09-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

Delhi's own Spring Lake Farm is highlighted this week in a video on food.curated. The farm's grass-based production is highlighted through interviews with Ingimundur Kjarval and his daughter Ulla.

Spring Lake Farm: Inspiring the Grass Fed Movement in Upstate New York from SkeeterNYC on Vimeo.

Rusty Plough Farm readies for market

2010-09-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

We stopped by the fields of Rusty Plough Farm on a recent Friday afternoon. Farmers Oleh and Nadia Maczaj were picking for Saturday morning's Kingston Farmers' Market. We were able to get in a few shots of their lovely little corner of the world!

Farmer Oleh with a bright row of calendula.

Heads of lettuce that will be ready for next week's market.

The last of this year's green beans.

Interns hard at work harvesting.

Kauneonga Lake Farmers' Market

2010-08-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

We stopped by the Kauneonga Lake Farmers' Market last Friday for a great afternoon of shopping! The market has a great mix of vendors from baked goods, maple, vegetables, meat and fruit. Check it out through September 4th, Fridays 3 to 6 pm on Route 55.

A busy market pavilion!

Beautiful fruit from Trapani Farm.

Market Manager Allison Ruef with the crew from Beaver Dam Brook Farm.

Syrup and honey from Catskill Mountain Sugar House.

Heirloom potatoes from Neversink Farm.

The crew from Neversink Farm at their stand.

A sunny afternoon at Catskill Perennials

2010-07-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Located in the hills of the Beechwoods area of Sullivan County, Catskill Perennials provides a great mix of locally grown plants. Offering a mix of the newest varieties and old standards, the garden setting is filled with shrubs, herbs and grasses. Plants for specialty gardens such as those to attract butterflies, feature native plant and or create a shady respite are marked by handmade signs.

These photos are from a recent sunny afternoon. The flowers were all in bloom and we could resist taking a few shots!

Catskill Perennials is located at Tonjes Farm Dairy, 163 Tonjes Road in Callicoon. Just two miles from the village of Jeffersonville. The garden is open May through September. Contact Mary Tonjes at (845) 482-4514 for more information.

Community Gardens Take Root in the Catskills

2010-07-12T12:02:00.001-07:00

Corn and cabbages thrive at the Walton Community Garden.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Morgan

A new aspect of the local food movement has come to our region. Dozens of community vegetable gardens have developed in recent years with support of neighbors of every stripe. From the largest towns to hamlets in rural valleys, these projects are proving to be an important means of gathering neighbors around food. As Halcott Center Community Gardener Sheila Reynertson puts it, “Community gardens are an great way to catch up with neighbors and learn from each other. We tend to so much more than our vegetables when we get the chance to garden together.”

Long a presence in urban landscapes, community gardens serve rural communities by creating places for children to learn about nutrition and for adults to share skills. Many of the Catskills gardens have been headed by individuals with farming backgrounds. Lisa Wujnovich of Mountain Dell Farm helped start the Hancock Community Garden last year. Rebecca Morgan grew up on a dairy farm in Walton and started a garden there last year in her father’s hayfield. In Halcott Center, the DiBenedetto and Johnson families have been donating lumber, compost and time on the tractors from their dairies to the community gardens just down the road.

Transplanting with help from Barthel’s Farm Market staff at the Aiyana Community Garden in Ellenville. Photo courtesy of Jen Pineda

Keeping rural communities healthy is another focus of many garden projects. In Ellenville, local not-for-profit Family of Ellenville has been enhancing the Aiyana Garden for three years. The garden project adds to their many human service efforts including transitional living and employment programs as well as adolescent services. The garden has also donated produce to local food pantries. In Oneonta, the Parent-Teacher Organization at the Greater Plains Elementary School has been working with a group of parents to develop a garden on the school grounds. High school students from the Walton Central School are growing vegetables for sale at the local Big M Supermarket. Some projects have received nutrition-focused funding from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eat Well-Play Hard campaign.

A unique approach to weed control at the Halcott Center Community Garden.

Photo courtesy of Sheila Reynertson

The quantity of these projects has become significant in just a few years. In Greene County, four gardens have been supported through the local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office. Sullivan Renaissance has supported the development of gardens in Hurleyville, Loch Sheldrake, Livingston Manor, Liberty, Monticello and Woodbourne. The Sullivan County projects are engaging students and faculty from Sullivan County Community College, staff and residents at the Federation for the Homeless, and village community development corporations. Such collaborations demonstrate a garden’s potential to make connections between our local food system and new members of our communities.

Help us create a complete list of the garden projects in the region! Email Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or call (607) 865-7090 to share details about your garden.

Hobart Community Potluck Supper

2010-06-18T06:32:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Hobart's Agricultural Heritage this Sunday

at the Community Potluck Supper!

June 20, 2010

3pm – 6pm

Hobart Community Center

Bring a DISH. MEET and mingle with your neighbors. Bring RECIPES to swap. Share your PASSION for canning, preserving, cooking. Exchange SEEDS and gardening tips. Door PRIZES. EVERYONE is welcome. A great idea for Father’s Day.

There will also be a discussion of a farmer's market in Hobart. Farmers are encouraged to come and bring samples and literature to share with the group.

For more information, contact Andrew Flach at andrewflach@yahoo.com.

Denniston Hill film series

2010-06-15T09:37:00.001-07:00

Four films will be presented as part of "The Secret Life of Plants" series at Denniston Hill at 43 Denniston Hill Road in Glen Wild. Each evening screening with be held outdoors and be accompanied by other elements including music and, of course, local food! There is a suggestion donation of $3 per screening.

June 19th

7:30 pm - DJ Josh Druckman with Music for Plants

9 pm - "The Secret Life of Plants" (1979, 76 min)

August 7th

8 pm - "Our Daily Bread" (2006, 92 min)

August 28th

8 pm - "Some Like it Raw" (2009, 11 min)

8:30 pm - "Fresh!" (2009, 72 min)

For more information, contact Denniston Hill at info@dennistonhill.org or for directions, visit www.dennistonhill.org.

Enjoy lunch with the winning team!

2010-06-11T07:46:00.001-07:00

SUNY-Delhi's Culinary Team has conquered this year's state and regional culinary arts competitions. They've appeared on national television and even star in their own documentary! Now they're now preparing for the National Culinary Championships in Anaheim, California and need some local gourmands to help in the preparation.

Make a reservation now for a practice lunch with the Culinary Team. Each meal starts at 12:30 pm and is a steal at $30 per person. Make a reservation by calling Delhi's Center for Business & Community Services at (607) 746-4545.

Available dates include:

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Check out the team in action in this trailer for the Kent Garrett documentary, "Mise en Place."

2010-06-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Another delicious dinner from the ongoing Farm to Fork series at Cafe Devine! Reserve your tickets now before there are no seats left at the table...

Join us for our Farm to Fork dinner featuring local and seasonal farm products! Presented by Cafe Devine and Willow Wisp Organic Farm. Farm products from Lucky Penny Farm, Calkins Creamery, and Halloran Farm.

MENU

First Course
--------------
Arugula Salad with Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Brie Crostino

Second Course
-----------------
Roasted Free Range Chicken with Parsnip Custard and Organic Greens

Dessert
---------
Early Bird Coffee Ice Cream with Almond Tuille

Columbian French Roast Coffee & Selection of Teas

Many Thanks To: The Callicoon Wine Merchant, Flour Power Bakery
Early Bird Cookery, Lee Hartwell Antiques, MidWest Construction

DETAILS
$60 per person (includes gratuity)

-payment is required in full to confirm reservation
-cash, check, visa, mastercard, american express accepted
-no refunds
-reservations are transferable

RSVP by June 2nd. For reservations call 845.887.3076 or email patti@pattidevine.com.

Food film screenings in celebration of Schoharie Watershed Week

2010-05-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Map of the Schoharie Watershed from catskillstreams.org.

In celebration of Clean Drinking Water Month, the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting Schoharie Watershed Week. From May 15 through 29, various activities will be held in honor of our region's water, the Schoharie Watershed, Basin and Reservoir.

Just one of the components of the week's many events is the Mountaintop Film series - a series of six FREE screenings of film focused on environmental and water quality subjects.

The Watershed Agricultural Council is sponsoring two screenings of films that focus on food and the environment:

Big River - the Catskills Debut! - and FRESH!

Saturday, May 22nd, 7 pm

Doctorow Center for the Arts, Main Street, Hunter, NY

FREE!

"Big River," the companion film to "King Corn," investigates the impact of runoff on water quality in the Midwest.

Check out the trailer:

FRESH! is more than a movie, it’s a gateway to action. Our aim is to help grow FRESH food, ideas, and become active participants in an exciting, vibrant, and fast-growing movement.

Check out the trailer:

Grant recipients announced!

2010-04-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC), with funding from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, has awarded $50,000 to 15 farm and food Pure Catskills member businesses through the Sustainable Agriculture Development Program. Part of the Pure Catskills Buy Local Campaign, this program works to support the economic viability of regional agriculture.

The 15 grant awards, ranging between $945 and $5,000, were awarded for product development, marketing and educational activities. The highly competitive grant offering received 60 project proposals requesting $307,000 in funding. By category, this year’s funding allocated $34,885 to product development, $3,170 to marketing and $11,945 outreach and education. Recipients of the 2010 program include:

Delaware County:

Byebrook Farm, Bloomville – Marketing: farmstand improvements $1,200
Fable Restaurant at Stone & Thistle Farm, East Meredith – Product Development: seasonal, local, organic meat specialty products $2,740
Farm Catskills, Delhi – Outreach and Education: “Food for Thought” farm-to-school events $5,000
Good Cheap Food, Delhi – Product Development: local soup $5,000
Lucky Dog Farm, Hamden – Product Development: salad green improvement $5,000
Riverdale Farm and Forest, Delhi – Product Development: maple syrup $1,200
Sherman Hill Farmstead, Franklin – Product Development: aged goat cheese $3,692
Thornwood Farm, Sidney Center – Product Development: poultry processing $5,000
Taste of the Catskills, Delhi – Outreach and Education: 2-day local food event $5,000

Otsego County:

Greater Plains PTO Garden, Oneonta – Outreach and Education: Local Food Festival $945
Painted Goat Farm, Garrattsville – Product Development: semi-hard goat cheese $3,767

Schoharie County:

Elderberry Herb Farm, Sharon Springs – Product Development: elderberries $5,000

Sullivan County:

Bethel Farmer’s Market at Kauneonga Lake, Kauneonga Lake – Marketing: farmer’s market and local restaurant promotional campaign $1,970
Farmstock, Callicoon Center – Outreach and Education: eight farm tours $1,000

Ulster County

Neversink Farm, Claryville – Product Development: livestock processing $3,486

May Day Festival at Stony Creek Farm

2010-04-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

A newborn Belted Galloway calf at Stony Creek Farm.

Celebrate spring at Stony Creek Farm this coming weekend. There will be a lot happening - hayrides, a farm tour, kids’ farm games, samples of local foods, baby animals to be held and fed, and dancing to live folk music!

Don't forget about the great food -

soups and bread from Lucky Dog Farm Store, Hamden, NY
goat cheese from Sherman Hill Farm, Franklin, NY
quiche with our eggs and vegetables from local farms
pulled pork from our own pasture raised pigs
and other delicious treats!

The festivities are May 1st from 1 to 5 pm. The farm is located at 1738 Freer Hollow Road in Walton. All are welcome to the event with donations suggested.

Questions? Contact Kate or Dan Marsiglio at (607) 821- 4089 or info@stonycreekfarm.org.

Local sources for raw milk

2010-04-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Grazin' ladies at Byebrook Farm.

We're pleased to see the recent article on raw milk from Edible Hudson Valley contributor Anne Dailey.

New York Magazine is also reporting on the, "Rise of the Raw Milk Revolution."

Here in the Catskills, our opportunities to purchase from farms licensed to sell are expanding with each coming season!

In Delaware County, find raw milk at:

Byebrook Farm

Pick up in the farmstand

Products: raw cow's milk, farmstead Gouda cheese, eggs and hydroponic lettuce

7531 County Highway 18

Bloomville, NY

Contact Gwen or Paul Deysenroth at (607) 538-9796

Moo Juice Farm

Pick up from 7 - 10 am and 5 - 7 pm daily

Products: raw cow's milk

Otego Road

Franklin, NY

Contact Ronan Robinson at (607) 829-3420

Stone & Thistle Farm

Farm store open 7 days a week

Products: raw and pasteurized goat's milk, grass fed meat and poultry, goat milk yogurt and on-farm dining at Fable Restaurant

1211 Kelso Road

East Meredith, NY

Contact Denise or Tom Warren at (607) 278-5800

In Sullivan County:

Dirie Dairy Farm

Pick up in the milkhouse any time

Products: raw cow's milk, free-range eggs

1345 Shandelee Road

Livingston Manor, NY

Contact MaryAnne or Richard Dirie at (845) 482-4301

Mark your calendars for Foodstock

2010-04-22T07:51:00.001-07:00

WJFF RADIO and CATSKILL HARVEST MARKET present FOODSTOCK

a festival of fine food and wine

Saturday, May 8, 11AM – 3PM

Golf Clubhouse, Villa Roma, Callicoon NY

Tickets: $20 ($15 without wine)

Join WJFF and CATSKILL HARVEST MARKET for a celebration of fine food and beverages as you feast on samples from dozens of local farmers, growers, purveyors, distributors, restaurants and wineries. Taste, sip and savor the very best our region has to offer!

Click Here for Directions!

A partial list of the FOODSTOCK who's who —

more and more are joining every day!

Anthill Farm

Apple Pond Farm

Aroma Thyme Bistro

The Bake House

Bake You Happy

Bashakill Vineyards

Beach Lake Bread

Blue Earth Local Natural Foods

Brimstone Hill Vineyard

Buddhapesto

Café Devine

Calkins Creamery

Callicoon Wine Merchant

Cascade Mountain Winery

Catskill Harvest Market

Catskill Mosaic

Catsmo Artisan Smokehouse

Dutch Desserts

Flour Power Bakery

Formaggio Italian Cheese Specialties

Hahn Brothers Farm

Halloran Farm

Hilly Acres Farm

Inn at Starlight Lake

Jam Thyme

Jill's Kitchen

Journey's End Farm

Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup

Kacer's Homemade Kielbossa

La Bean Coffee

Lantzsch Farms

Lazy Beagle Pub & Grill

Lenny Bee Smoked Fish

Lucky Chocolates

Main Street Café

Monique's Boook Boutique

Narrowsburg Roasters

Pampered Chef & More

Pazdar Winery

Pine Island Herb & Spice Co.

Platte Clove Naturals

Popie's Olives

Rolling Hills Farm

Rolling River Cafe

Samba Juice Bar

Sara's Gourmet

Sara's Sugar Shack

Sherman Hill Farmstead

Slickepott Fudge Sauce

Snowdance Farm

Sonoma Falls Cider Mill

Tea Thyme Herb & Fruit Farm

Tonjes Farm Cheese

Two Birds in the Kitchen

Verde & Company

Willow Wisp Farm

It's time to Get in the Guide!

2010-04-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

Memberships are now being accepted for the 2010 Pure Catskills Guide to Farm Fresh Products!

Farms, farmers markets, restaurants, retailers and community organizations that are connected to buying local farm and food products in Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties are invited to join the Pure Catskills Buy Local Campaign before May 26th. Now actively enrolling business members for the sixth year of publication, this economic initiative is well known for its annual Pure Catskills Guide to Farm Fresh Products.

Benefits to membership include:

• a listing of business contact information and product descriptions in the Pure Catskills Guide,

• an online listing at purecatskills.com,

• discounts on Pure Catskills events throughout the year,

• eligibility for product development and event grants,

• access to the Pure Catskills logo for use in marketing materials and point-of-purchase branded materials.

Membership fees are just $35!

The 2009 Guide included 200 regional businesses. In July, 30,000 copies of the Pure Catskills Guide will be distributed to hundreds of locations across the region.

Members are encouraged to enroll online at purecatskills.com or to contact Challey Comer at (607) 865-7090 or ccomer@nycwatershed.org for materials. Members are encouraged to support the publication by taking an advertisement through our project partner, Luminary Publishing. Eva Tenuto of Luminary may be contacted at eva@chronogram.com or (914) 299-2363 for details.

Pure Catskills Photo Contest - post your photos now!

2010-04-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Highlight your business or photography skills in upcoming print and online Pure Catskills publications by entering our photo contest. Up to a dozen winners will receive a gift basket and recognition with each use of their photo.

Each photo entered will:

• Feature a local farm and/or food theme

• Feature a location or a business in Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan or Ulster County

• Be submitted electronically through the Pure Catskills Flickr group. Photos must be tagged with ‘PhotoContest-PureCatskills’

Deadline for photo submissions is May 10th. All entrants should provide photo caption, name, email and phone contact information. All entrants retain the ownership right to their images, but grant Pure Catskills the right to use images in future publications for free.

Finalists will be selected by members of the public using voting on the Pure Catskills Flickr account and Facebook group. Community members are also encouraged to enter!

Questions? Contact Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org.

Apply now for product development and promotion funding

2010-03-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Apply now!

Product development and promotion funding
available for Pure Catskills members

Applications due April 15th

Visit the Scholarships & Grants section of www.purecatskills.com for application materials

Farm and food businesses focused on the development and promotion of local products are encouraged to apply for funding through the Pure Catskills Sustainable Agriculture Development Grant Program. This program is sponsored by the Watershed Agricultural Council and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in order to advance the WAC's mission to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City Watershed region.

Funding will be awarded in three categories:

1. Product development: purchase and installation of equipment and supplies for activities related to adding value to a local farm or food product.
2. Marketing: promotional expenses related to sales of local farm and food products.
3. Outreach and education: public events and activities that educate the regional community about local farm and food products.

Eligibility requires a current membership in the Pure Catskills buy local campaign. Pure Catskills members include farms, retailers, farmers' markets, restaurants and food-related organizations that support the local food system within Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Up to $5,000 is available to each applicant with a 25% match required. Projects and events of diverse scale and scope will be considered; large production volume or event attendance will not make individual applications more apt to receive funding.

Request for Proposals are available through the Pure Catskills website, www.purecatskills.com. Applicants are strongly encouraged to access application materials online. Grant proposals must be received by April 15, 2010. For more information, contact Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or (607) 865-7090.

Watershed Post coverage of the Farm to Market Connection

2010-03-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to our friends at the Watershed Post for their great coverage of our annual farm and food business get together!

Check out their event recap - the title captures it pretty concisely - Farmers Wanted.

Find out about the process behind the products from business gal extraordinaire, Jill Pauda - Open Sesame.

Or hear about where we're coming from in the planning of the event - To market, to market.

Now's the time to join a CSA!

2010-03-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

Get connected with one of these local farms and receive a weekly delivery of fresh produce beginning this spring!
Learn more about how Community Supported Agriculture memberships work from Local Harvest or the Robyn Van En Center.

Cochecton Center/Multiple Locations, Sullivan County

Gorzynski Ornery Farm
Pick up at multiple locations in Sullivan County
Optional addition of dairy share from Tonjes Farm Dairy in Callicoon
Contact John at (845) 252-7570 or gorzynski@citlink.net

Cooperstown,Otsego County

Susquehanna Valley CSA Project
Big Sky Farm
Pick up in Cooperstown
Optional addition of egg, meat and cider shares
Contact Vali or Marybeth at (607) 638-9016 ormvargha@wpe.com

Damascus, Wayne County (Pennsylvania)

Willow Wisp Organic Farm
Pick up on the farm
Contact Greg or Tannis at (570) 224-8013 or greg@willowwisporganic.com

Deposit, Delaware County

Mountain Dell Farm
Pick up on the farm
Contact Lisa or Mark at (607) 467-4034 or mldunau@hughes.net

Ellenville/Multiple Locations, Ulster County

Rondout Valley Organics
Rusty Plough Farm
Multiple pick-up locations in Ulster/Sullivan area
Unique Buying Club arrangement with minimum order of $250 with customer choice of products
Optional addition of seedlings, honey or pastured pork
Contact Oleh or Nadia at (845) 647-6911 orrustyplough@earthlink.net

Harris, Sullivan County

Thanksgiving Farm
CSA details
Pick up at the farm
Contact Gregory at (845) 707-8384 or gyork@sdtc.org

Hamden, Delaware County

Lucky Dog Farm
CSA details
Pick up at Lucky Dog Farm Store
Optional addition of flower share
Contact Holley at (607) 746-8383 or haw@delhitel.net

South Cairo, Greene County

Stoneledge Farm
Registration brochure
Pick up on the farm
Optional addition of low-spray fruit, honey or maple from Bearkill Road Maple Products
Contact Kathleen at (518) 622-9963 or kokeefe@mhcable.com

Walton, Delaware County

Stony Creek Farm
Registration brochure
Pick up on the farm or at the Franklin Farmer's Market
Contact Kate at kate@stonycreekfarm.org

Photos from the Farm to Market Connection

2010-03-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

This year's Farm to Market Connection was a great success! A sold out crowd of over 120 farm and food business owners gathered in Liberty, NY on March 21st. At the end of the day, many attendees headed home having made valuable sales connections.

The crowd gathers at the tradeshow.

The grower's panel featuring Mike Kokas of Upstate Farms, Mike Yezzi of Flying Pigs Farm, Greg Swartz of Willow Wisp Organic Farm and Kevin Engelbert of Engelbert Farms.

Gary Redmond of Regional Access and Anne Saxelby of Saxelby Cheesemongers speak on the buyer's panel.

John Bouno and John Rota of Foodtown Supermarket after the buyer's panel.

An Editorial by Richard Giles

2010-03-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Richard Giles of Lucky Dog Farm submitted this excellent editorial on how Community Supported Agriculture can support a truly working landscape in this quarter's The New Franklin Register.

Community support of agriculture is an idea that makes sense to most of us. We agree to discount farmland tax rates in our towns in order to help farms stay afloat. And farms give the Catskills that Catskills Look that we like so much, not to mention the flavor advantages of fresh local food. In a recent survey in my town of Hamden, the residents who responded chose “working farms” as the thing they like most about the town. Overwhelmingly. The next most-liked feature of our town received only half the votes. Who could be against food, right?

And yet our food purchases overwhelmingly tell a different story. We don’t purchase much of our food from local farms. Most of our food travels many, many miles, and we have heard this so often lately that we’re tired of hearing it. Even so, those far-off farmers in California or Chile don’t get the most of our food dollar. Transporters, oil companies, and the distributors and handlers higher up the food chain get most of it. It is likely, in fact, that we waste more in the transportation of food than the food is worth. How does this make sense? And if we so love our local farms, why aren’t we putting our money where our mouths are?

The simplest answer is that the supply of local food just isn’t here to be bought. We might talk about the way the false economy of our industrial food system conspires against production of local food, or about how even the small farms of our area have been lured, over several generations, down the dead-end road of commodity agriculture. But let’s talk about those things another time. Much more interesting is a discussion of ways that it is possible to rebuild a

local food system.

For ten years I have operated Lucky Dog Organic Farm in Hamden, and so I would seem to be part of the problem and maybe part of the solution to this local food dilemma. If you want to eat more local food, I have to grow more local food. And each year we do grow more at Lucky Dog. About half of our dollar sales are wholesale to downstate, and the other half is divided among sales in local farmers’ markets, sales in our own store, and sales through a Community Supported Agriculture program to which our neighbors subscribe in order to receive a weekly box of in-season vegetables.

This last program, called CSA for short, is a popular plan across the country and may be the most direct way a community can support local farms. At its best it provides a direct connection between farmer and eater; at its worst it provides these same things--a real community. Our farm gets operating money early in the season when we most need it, and our customers get local organic vegetables through the growing season at a wholesale price. When there is a

flood (as in 2006) or a hailstorm (as in 2009), our CSA customers feel the loss directly, and in both cases this group was the block of our customers most supportive in getting our farm back to production. When there are too many collard greens and not enough tomatoes in the season’s shares, we hear about it from our CSA members. That’s community support.

Expansion of this part of our sales makes sense for our farm, and these sales have the potential to replace some of our wholesale sales to New York City. We also look forward to extending the season of this program with stored crops and with meat and dairy products grown by other local farms. There are, however, some challenges for a small farm operating a CSA. The buying members reasonably expect to have generous quantities of a broad variety of vegetables

and they expect to have quite a bit of variety in the share from week to week. This means we must plant and tend moderate quantities of many crops. And this often means more labor, and more anxiety. What do we have for that sixth item in the CSA boxes this week? And in enough quantity to give to everyone? Another challenge for our farm is that the size of our CSA group changes more from year to year than do the sales through our other outlets. So we have to

be light on our feet, which isn’t always easy when your boots are muddy.

While the CSA plan offers much hope for sustaining this farm in this community, it probably can’t solve the larger problem we are talking about. Rebuilding a local food system that has been deeply damaged and often abandoned, is a larger challenge, a community capital challenge. For most of us now farming in this community the urgent need is for money to continue operating from month to month. To imagine rebuilding a community food system is, on the other hand, to think hard about land, about efficient labor, about good machinery, about local movement of food and fertility, and about processing and storing what we grow and eat. And to talk about these things is to talk about long-term money. We might begin this conversation at any moment.

Students in Delhi are treated to a local lunch

2010-03-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our friends at Farm Catskills for their successful event this week at Delaware Academy in Delhi. The Daily Star has the full story.

Here's more from one of the event organizers, Faiga Brussel proprietor of Good Cheap Food in Delhi:

" On Wednesday morning, high school students got to see the film "Food Inc." about factory farming in the USA. Afterwards, they were treated to a lunch made from local ingredients: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, beet salad, yogurt, apple crisp....The ingredients were provided gratis or purchased from local and regional growers. An army of volunteers from the community peeled a ton of potatoes and a hill of apples for the event. And kids helped out during study halls.

After lunch, there were classroom meetings of students and teachers with community members involved in local food issues. The film and the issues it raised was discussed, and the students were encouraged to make suggestions about what individuals and the group could do to support local agriculture.

The student group I participated with was lively and well informed. A pleasure to be with. And they all raved about the meal.

Final act of the afternoon was all the groups convening in the auditorium to share the goals of each group and engage in a Jeopardy type contest between grades with the questions relating to food and farming. The seniors won, and their prize was to be apple pies served to them today during school.

Some of the recommendations that the kids came up with were: local food lunches at school weekly (they said they would peel the potatoes) , a garden at school, buying more local foods from farmers markets and growers both as individuals and as an institution.

All and all it was an inspiring day. A wonderful group of volunteers from the community, dedicated staff members and students who persevered to make it happen. Now we just have to figure out a way to keep the positive energy flowing and keep the students engaged in these issues."

Columbia University studies the Catskills foodshed

2010-02-15T08:32:00.000-08:00

Urban Design Lab map of the NYC foodshed

The Sullivan County Democrat highlighted a collaboration between Catskills organizations and Columbia University in last week's paper. In the article, "Columbia grad students studying local foodshed," we learn about the meeting of upstate and downstate over food. Catskill Mountainkeeper has organized the connection and will be helping the students on a publication about the agricultural landscape focused on the Delaware Valley in Sullivan County.

The Columbia University Urban Design Lab is behind the work. Have a look at their foodshed initiative.

Valentine's Sale at Flour Power Bakery

2010-02-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

Valentines Weekend Jewelry Sale Brunch and Fundraiser

Saturday & Sunday

February 13 & 14
11 am - 2 pm
Flour Power Bakery & Cafe
87 DeBruce Road
Livingston Manor, NY
917 747 6895

Shop for your sweetheart or yourself.

View the many pieces of jewelry from both local artists and yesteryear.
Current styles and vintage goodies will be setup at Flour Power Bakery & Cafe for this two day event.

You'll feel great about shopping while supporting your local community.

A portion of our proceeds will be donated to the Catskill Mountainkeeper.

Exhibiting artists include: Joanie Nicole Schafler, Karin Houland, Theo Johnson, Jill Wiener, and Madame Fortuna....

Flour Power Bakery will be serving a Mimosa Brunch so you can also
get a bite to eat or just have a great cup of coffee or hot cider while choosing
that great Valentine Gift.

Please contact Jill Wiener for further information and additional photos
845-482-4976

Babies in the barn

2010-02-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

While most people are inside hiding from the cold this time of year, many sheep and goat farmers are in their barns overseeing the births of kids and goats. The folks at Apple Pond Farm were kind enough to let us take a peek at their new kids on the block!

Farm to Fork Dinner at Cafe Devine

2010-01-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Save the date for a great looking winter meal at the Cafe Devine in Callicoon.

Catskill Regional Conference a sold out success!

2010-01-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

A huge thanks to the over 125 farmers, educators and residents who came out for the Catskill Regional Dairy and Livestock Conference last week. We were thrilled to see the amount of interest in our workshops on the dairy industry, livestock processing and renewable energy. Get more details in the coverage by the Daily Star.

Tom Recinella of the SUNY-Delhi Culinary Program speaks in the Livestock Track.

Barb Hanselman of Del-Rose Farm gave a moving lunchtime keynote address.

Michael Pollan dines on Catskills foods in NYC

2010-01-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

Grub Street has posted a New York Diet from Micheal Pollan's week promoting his new book in New York. We're pleased to see he's a fan of the Catskills! He name drops Murray's Chicken, Snowdance Farm, Violet Hill Farm and dines at Bubby's - a committed buyer from Slope Farms.

Here are a couple highlights:

"Dinner, I had a book event downtown at Barnes & Noble and afterward we went to Bubby's. I had a salad and pulled barbeque pork butt. The reason I had that was I had met the owner earlier in the day and I’d learned a lot about how he sources his meat; I know he's getting really good pork from small farms who are growing it sustainably, Snowdance Farm. Normally I don't have meat in restaurants unless I know that kind of information. The pork was excellent. It had been very slow cooked, eighteen hours or something, over applewood."

"If I lived in New York I'd probably not eat very much chicken and what I did eat I'd probably get at the farmers' market. If I recall, there was a terrific producer at the Union Square Farmers' Market, Violet Hill; I remember having one of his chickens once and being kind of blown away. You don't get all this right every time you eat."

Read more: Michael Pollan Forages for Chanterelles, Doesn’t Sweat Unsustainable Sushi

Passing the farm on the next generation

2010-01-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today's Daily Star features an article on an exciting happening for our region - a new dairy farm! It's a great story on a partnership formed between a young couple and retired farmer.

Read the whole story: Family lives dream of owning dairy farm

Members in the news: Delaware Phoenix Distillery

2009-12-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Cheryl Lins of the Delaware Phoenix Distillery in Walton on her recent feature in the New York Times. Check out the full-length article and great photos: “A Unique Spirit, and So Is Her Absinthe” or visit the distillery webpage for more details.