Learn New Farming Techniques Every Month with Catskills CRAFT

Guest Blogger Kristan Morley is an AmeriCorps member serving as the Pure Catskills Coordinator for the Watershed Agricultural Council.

 




Are you a new farmer looking for advice, help, or just want to mingle with other farmers? Join Catskills CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) for some fun at our monthly events, which are now in full swing!

Cheyenne Miller (far right) addresses Catskills CRAFT members 
at Root 'N Roost Farm (August 2013).

During the most recent August 2013 Catskills CRAFT event, members visited Root ‘N Roost Farm in White Sulphur Springs, NY. The group of roughly two dozen people had the opportunity to experience and observe sustainable and permaculture-based methods, and no-till farming from owner operators Sean Zigmund and Cheyenne Miller. Sean and Cheyenne led a tour of their garden beds, chicken coops, pig pens, and duck ponds while explaining rotational grazing, permaculture, hugelkultur, and recycled materials. Members shared stories, asked questions, and discussed farming throughout the evening.

Jen McGlashen (far right) offers samples of her homemade sauces 
to Catskills CRAFT members (June 2013).

More and more Catskills CRAFT farmers attend each month because of the innovative and diverse farming topics covered at each farm.  Channery Hill Farm in Callicoon Center, NY shed light on food preservation with a canning demonstration from farm owner Jen McGlashen. In July, Catskills CRAFT members headed to Heather Ridge Farm in Preston Hollow, NY to learn about diversifying a farm business from farm owner Carol Clement. And of course our last event covered human and animal powered farming methods at Root ‘N Roost Farm.

Carol Clement (far left) shows off her animals at Heather Ridge Farm (July 2013)

It’s not too late to enjoy a night out at a Catskills CRAFT meeting. Join us September 9 at Dirty Girl Farm in Andes, NY to learn about goat milk and cheese. Save the date on October 14 for a visit to Rondout Valley Organics in Ellenville, NY where they will show Catskills CRAFT members a CSA model, and give a garlic planting workshop. The season ends in November with a contradance and celebration (time and place still to be determined).

People of all ages including farmers and non-farmers are welcome to attend. Please visit our website for more information on Catskills CRAFT, upcoming events, and past farm tours.

A special thank you to Channery Hill Farm, Heather Ridge Farm, and Root ‘N Roost Farm who have served as gracious hosts this year.

A young girl pets a chicken at Root 'N Roost Farm (August 2013).

Catskills CRAFT looks forward to seeing you at the next event!

Pure Catskills at the Delaware County Fair

Visit the Delaware County Fair this coming week, August 12 through 17. Along with horse showmanship and livestock on display, Pure Catskills members are sharing their products with you each day!

The Watershed Agricultural Councils is also celebrating its 20th anniversary with New York City Department of Environemtal Protection. Staff from both organizations will be on hand to answer your questions about clean water, working landscapes and recreational opportunities. Here's our activity and sampling itinerary as of today, August 9... see you at the Fair!
 

 

Monday, August 12:
11a  Tent opening ceremony with La Basse Cour baked goods and Crystal Valley Farms Cream Line milk
11:15a Aissa O’Neill, La Belle Fromage/Betty Acres Farm, Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead samples cows' milk cheeses
5p Fred Huneke presents Holstein Club award at Ag Pavilion
6p Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead Byebrook raw milk gouda cows' milk cheese with farmer Leslie Deysenroth

Tuesday, August 13:
11a  Shannon Mason, Danforth Jersey Farm, a Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead, samples with Cowbella yogurt and butters sampled on Bread Fellows specialty breads
6p Pure Catskills member Shaver Hill Farm maple candies (product available for purcahse along the Midway)

Wednesday, August 14:
All day:  Catskill Watershed Corp. answers your questions about watershed septic systems and the Catskills Fund for the Future loan program
11a  Cindy Wright, Dirty Girl Farm, a Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead, samples goat milk and goat cheeses
6p  Pure Catskills member Shaver Hill Farm maple candies
Thursday, August 15:
All day: CCE-Greene County Master Forest Owners Program with Ron Frisbee
11a  Diane Frances, La Basse Cour Farm, a Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead, samples baked goods made with local ingredients from Buck Hill farm, Cowbella and her farm
6p  Byebrook farms, a Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead, samples gouda with farmer Dan Deysenroth

Friday, August 16:
All day: CCE-Greene County Master Forest Owners Program
11a  Julianna Longo, Pure Catskills member and Catskills Family Creameries farmstead, samples Sherman Hill Farmstead cow cheese & frozen desserts
6p Pure Catskills member Slickepott fudge and caramel samples

Saturday, August 17:
All day: CCE-Greene County Master Forest Owners Program
11a  Thanya Rider of Greenane Farms, a Pure Catskills member, samples salsa and Angus beef
6p Pure Catskills Best of the Week samples

Don't Miss at the Fair....
Exotic butterfly exhibit from the Butterfly House, Oneonta
Barrel riding
4-H Swine/pig showmanship

 

"Come Travel the MilkyWay" highlight video (at left)

Farm to Market Manager position open at the Watershed Agricultural Council and taking resumes now through August 30.

 

Register online now for Clean Sweep 2013

What's Fresh from the Catskills in August? Check the webpage for recipe ideas for tomatoes, Swiss chard, watermelon and duck.

 SAVE THE DATE:

 
September 10, 8:30a-3p: Watershed Qualified Forester Training at the Agroforestry Resource Center. Cost is free; email Tom or call (607) 865-7790 x 11.

Workshop for professional foresters working in the NYC watershed to learn the programs offered by the Watershed Agricultural Council Forestry Program. Attendance at this workshop is required for listing as a Watershed Qualified Forester with our organization. Appropriate clothing and footwear is required for a field portion. Lunch is provided.

What's Fresh Now: July in the Catskills

Today on WIOX Community Radio 91.3FM, we checked in with What's Fresh From the Catskills. Visit this webpage for the local u-picks in your county.  Look for strawberries, spinach, zucchini, eggs, and goat meat at area farmers' markets and farmstands. For ideas how to prepare/combine What's Fresh, check out our Recipes Page.

 

Lucky Dog Local Food Hub: To find out more about how this transportation and delivery system works and benefits our regional economy, attend the community meeting Regional Food Hubs: Bridging the Farm to Institution Gaps hosted by Food and Health Network of South Central New York on Thursday, July 25 from 2-4 p.m. at Lucky Dog Organic Farm, 35796 New York 10, Hamden. Following a farm tour, the group will discuss the role of food hubs in the farm to institution wholesale chain. Please RSVP by Tuesday, July 23 to Erin Summerlee (607) 692-7669.

 

PURE CATSKILLS-WATERSHED POST FARMERS' MARKET OF THE WEEK: Rosendale Farmers’ Market every Sunday, rain or shine, from 9 a .m. to 2 p.m. through October 27. Located in Rosendale Community Center parking lot, 1055 Route 32, the market features conventional and organic products, free coffee/tea, and live music. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the children’s area offers hands-on activities teach kids about healthy foods, farming and the environment. To serve all community members well with nutritious, affordable food, the Rosendale Farmers’ Market proudly accepts SNAP EBT payments.

 

EVENTS:

 

Pasture Fly Control Grazing meeting TODAY Friday July 12 at the Paul Santobuono Farm, Franklin, at 1 p.m. NYS Pesticide Applicator credits will be given.

Intensive Small Grain Production Field Day on Friday July 19 at 1 p.m. This free pasture walk address winter triticale and nutrient management at Byebrook Farm, Bloomville.

Catskills CRAFT Meeting on August 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Majestic Farm, 134 Majestic Road, Mountain Dale 12763. This free farm tour is open to those interested in farming, beginner to expert. Majestic Farm grows pasture raised pork, lamb, and poultry using sustainable practices and will give a farm tour and discuss “Farrow-to-Finishing” pig breeding. A potluck supper will follow and transportation is available. Contact Eleanor Blakeslee-Drain, Farmhearts Fellow.

SAVE THE DATE: Delaware County Fair August 12 - 17 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Pre-purchase your weekly tickets for $18 at the JC Penney Catalogue Store, main Street, Walton or online.

OF INTEREST: Greater Binghamton Regional Farmers' Market to be built this summer at Otsiningo Park and open in 2014. Answer this survey if you want to provide input on products, hours of operation, etc.

OTHER GROUNDSWELL WORKSHOPS sponsored by Food and Health Network of South Central New York:

• Workshop July 15: Selling Your Farm Products to Local Businesses and Institutions
• Conference July 16 & 17: CaRDI Community Development Institute
• Meeting July 17: NYS Council on Food Policy Annual Summer Meeting
• Webinar July 18: Healthy Food Retail in Rural Communities
• Workshop July 22: From Recipe To Market
• Workshop August 3: NYS Nut Growers Association Summer Meeting - Hazelnuts
• August 7: Farm Credit East Seminar on Healthcare Reform
• August 11: Healthy Food For All Harvest Dinner at Rememberance Farm

GRANT: Northeast SARE Research and Education Grant

Preproposal Deadline: July 29, 2013

The Research and Education program funds outcome-based projects offering research, education, and demonstration projects that benefit farmers and explore new sustainable farm practices. Projects should be directed toward research results that will translate quickly into farmer benefit, and farmers, extension staff, and other stakeholders should be involved in planning project content. Visit the website to learn more about the preproposal process and to apply.

 

GRANT: Regional Economic Development Council - Consolidated Funding Application (CFA)

Deadline, August 12, 2013, 4:00PMIn addition to funding through the Regional Economic Development Councils, several funding opportunities are available to apply for through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). For an overview of the resources available, check here. For a detailed list of all resources and directions on how to apply, view the CFA resource manual and the CFA application guide.

GRANT: Aetna Foundation Regional Grants Program

Deadline, September 15, 2013

The 2013 focus is on the following categories: Healthy Food Choices grants support programs that provide nutrition education and help increase the availability of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved communities. Healthy Activity grants support programs that provide opportunities for physical activity in underserved communities. Applications that focus on healthy food choices and physical activity through a racial and ethnic health equity lens will receive priority consideration. Visit the Foundation's websiteto submit an online application.  

 

Tune in every other Friday for the Watershed Wake-Up Call on

WIOX Community Radio 91.3 FM.

22 Farmy Things in 14 Days

Many of us are taking this week off. Some are living large and taking next week out of work, too. Here's a cool 22 Farmy Things (and some not so) to keep busy this week when gardening, B-B-Q-ing, and snoozing in the hammock become mundane. 

Day 1 (Tuesday, July 2): Mentor + Mentee Art Exhibit from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. at the Walt Meade Gallery, Roxbury.

Sidney Farmers' Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Video Entertainment parking lot. 

Day 2 (Wednesday, July 3): Learn the Basics: Canning at Home from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center, Liberty. Food preservation at home CAN be easy and fun with a little instruction! All class materials are covered with a registration fee of only $25. Calling (845)292-6180.

Day 3 (Thursday, July 4): Holiday Pop-Up Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hanford Mills Museum, East Meredith. Sponsored by the Greater Stamford Area Chamber of Commerce, this market "pops up" again on July 7, indoors at Antique Car Show at Stanford's Cyr Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Day 4 (Friday, July 5): Come Travel the Milky Way from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find out how butter, gelato, cheese and yogurt are made. Catskills Family Creameries open their barn doors with farm tours, cost is free.

Day 5 (Saturday, July 6):   Annual BBQ, Art, and Music Splash! at Root 'N Roost Farm. $25 per person gets you all of the above! Kids 5 to 10 are just $10, under 5 free! RSVP to attend.

Pakatakan Farmers' Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Round Barn, Halcottsville. Find bedding plants, shrubs, trees, fresh produce, baked goods, homemade crafts, jewelry, furniture, meat, eggs, fish, maple products, honey, wool and leather items. Rain or shine. Free. No dogs.

Day 6 (Sunday, July 7): Foxtail Community Farm Workshop Series from
12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Workshops introduce practical homesteading skills involving growing, preparing and preserving food. Participants will leave with a practical skill and a share of the goods produced. $10 for CSA members; $20 for non-members.

Franklin Farmers' Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in front of Chapel Hall and across from the Franklin Central School on Institute Street, this open-air market offers meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheese, maple and honey products, breads, baked goods, plants, coffee and special events.

Day 7 (Monday, July 8): Catskills CRAFT Meeting at Heather Ridge Farm, Preston Hollow from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. Free with a potluck supper to follow. Owner Carol Clemente will discuss diversifying a farm business and participating in cooperative ventures to further the farm's mission and goals. 

Songwriting Workshop with Story Laurie from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Kortright Centre, East Meredith. Do you love to sing your heart out? Have you ever wondered what it's like to write an actual song? Designed for ages 6-9, 5-week session costs $90/$75 WKC members.

Rock n' Pop Theater Camp from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 76 Main Street, Stamford. Campers ages 8-13 build their creative, acting, singing, and music skills as they take part in a musical and a concert performed before an appreciative audience on Friday, July 12.

Day 8 (Tuesday, July 9): Young People's Theater Arts Workshops: Shakespeare with Olivia Briggs at the West Kortright Centre, East Meredith. For ages 13–19, these multi-night workshops through August 2. Cost is $400/$350 WKC Member with scholarships available.

Day 9 (Wednesday, July 10): Sheep Goat Producer Group tour of Southwind Farms, Gilbertsville from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Transportation available. 

Delhi Farmers' Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Delhi Courthouse Square. Sponsored by the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce, this market features fresh locally grown vegetables, fruits, various meats, cheeses, eggs, maple syrup, cut flowers, hanging baskets, fresh bread, wine, baked goods, annual and perennial plants and potted herbs.

Day 10 (Thursday, July 11): Farming with Kids at Apple Pond Farm from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children do some farm chores (activities vary): milking goats, feeding chickens, gathering eggs, grooming horses, etc. Adults: $5; children (age 4 and older) $4. Minimum of 5 people. No reservations needed.

Day 11 (Friday, July 12): Hobart Community Farmers' Market from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Hall Green, Maple Avenue. Local and regional vegetables, fruits, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, eggs, meats, baked goods, crafts.

WAC-CCE Catskills Grazing Group meets to discuss Invasive Pest Management of flies at a Franklin farm TBD. Pesticide credit available. Contact Kim Holden (607) 865-7090, ext. 241 for more.

Day 12 (Saturday, July 13): Oneonta Farmers' Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Street Plaza.Open-air farmers' market offering local foods, including fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, poultry, eggs, cheeses, maple products, honey, chutneys and sauces, preserves, baked goods, and unique handmade crafts and jewelry. Live music, free tastings and special events. 

Day 13 (Sunday, July 14): Sullivan County Farmers' Markets Association at Callicoon Creek Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Day 14 (Monday, July 15): Writers' Evening at 7 p.m. at 76 Main Street,  Stamford. Local writers present new works in progress to an audience of supportive fellow writers and community members. Free.

Monticello Farmers' Market take place every other Monday at the Government Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Part-timers can stock up on their way home while full timers can fill the frig after weekend guests with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, coffee and eggs.

You have something to share? Leave it in the comment section below. Need more? Check out the events calendars at Pure Catskills and the Watershed Agricultural Council or look in the 2013-14 Pure Catskills Guide to Farm Fresh Products.

Fresh From the Catskills: 5 Things to Look for This Week June 14

It's Here! The Pure Catskills Guide to Catskills Products arrives today. We're featuring images of members from a variety of value-added products, like wool fibers, fudge and caramel and sides of beef. Eight local producers, growers and artisans are featured within this 64-page directory of everything Fresh From the the Catskills. Featured regional businesses include Slickepott, Fieldstone Farm, Elderberry Herbs and Tabitha Gilmore Barnes Studio. Find your copy at hundreds of locations or contact Kristan for your mailed copy (607) 865-7090.

FARMERS' MARKETS: Curious where to pick up this week's farm fresh products? Pure Catskills teams up with the Watershed Post each week to highlight one of the area's hot markets. This week, check out Lexington Farms' Market on Route 42. Open monthly on the first Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and the third Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, you'll find a variety of Greene and Schoharie County Fresh from the Catskills products. Find out which local farmers and vendors will be on hand here. You can also visit the Pure Catskills running list of regional farmers' markets here.

WALTON REGIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW: This free event is the season opener for youth showmanship. Swine, beef, goats and sheep (and their handlers) take the center ring this weekend, June 14 to 16, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Walton.

FOLLOW THE MILKY WAY: Catskills Family Creameries is opening their barn  doors on July 5 for a peak into what it takes to make butter, milk, gelato and cheese. Free and open to the public, bring the family, meet the animals, see the magic of transforming dairy into something else even yummier!

GET INSIDE A LENDER'S BRAIN: The Watershed Agricultural Council is offering two Financing Your Business workshops to improve your chances of qualifying painlessly for financing:

• July 10 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Sullivan County Soil and Water Conservation District office, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty REGISTER ONLINE HERE FOR LIBERTY 
• July 11 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at  Brooks' House of B-B-Q, 5560 NYS Highway 7, Oneonta REGISTER ONLINE HERE FOR ONEONTA. 

To register by phone, call Marilyn Wyman, CCE-Columbia/Greene Counties at (518) 622-9820. Each evening workshop costs $20 and includes dinner. For five good reasons to attend the workshop, read "The 5 C's of Obtaining Credit" on the Pure Catskills blog.

Tune in to WIOX-FM 91.3FM every other Friday at 7:15 a.m. for Watershed Wake-up Call to find out what's Fresh From the Catskills.

The 5 C's to Obtaining Credit

Guest blogger Josh VanBrakle is the Wood Products Utilization and Marketing Specialist at the Watershed Agricultural Council. Here, he shares with you five reasons why you need to get inside a lender's brain and the workshop solution. 

For small businesses, getting financing is a pain. There’s no escaping it, especially when you’re in a rural industry like farming or logging. Lenders see small businesses as risky, and farming and logging as riskier still. Add to that the general reluctance of banks to make loans following the Great Recession, and it’s a wonder anybody gets money to do anything.

But you’re an entrepreneur. You’re not going to let a bunch of bankers keep you from fulfilling your dreams. You’re going to get the money you need to start or expand your business. The only question is how.

Successful bids for financing start long before you enter a bank. As you prepare your loan application, put yourself in the lender’s shoes. Suppose they came to you looking for the same amount of money you’re requesting. What would you require from them? What interest rate would you charge? Would you lend them money at all? Why or why not?

When lenders ask these questions, they answer them using five categories – the “Five C’s” of credit. If you want financing, be prepared to address them all:

1.  Character – an examination of your managerial ability and credit score.
2.  Capital – lenders want to see a net worth - what you own minus what you owe - greater than 50% of total assets. Growth in net worth over time is also a plus.
3.  Capacity – historical gross and net income as well as future projections. This is where a business plan comes in handy; it makes the case that your projections are realistic.
4.  Collateral – an identified source of repayment if your income projections don’t work out.
5.  Conditions – if there are weaknesses in any of the first 4 C’s, lenders may impose conditions such as requiring a co-signer or additional collateral, among others.

More than any “C’s,” the most important thing to remember when seeking financing is that you’re building a relationship. At the least, you’ll be making payments, and ideally, you’ll be coming back for additional help as your business grows.

A great way to begin building that relationship is to meet lenders and learn what they want to see in applicants. The Watershed Agricultural Council is providing just such an opportunity in July – a pair of workshops called “Financing Your Business.” These workshops will feature regional lenders and provide forum time when you can ask questions and get feedback from other business owners.

The same workshop will be held twice, on consecutive days at different locations:

July 10 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Sullivan County Soil and Water Conservation District office, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty 12754  REGISTER ONLINE HERE FOR LIBERTY

July 11 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at  Brooks' House of B-B-Q, 5560 NYS Highway 7, Oneonta 13820  REGISTER ONLINE HERE FOR ONEONTA 

Use the links above or call Marilyn Wyman at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties at 518-622-9820. Each evening workshop costs $20 and includes dinner.

Top 10 Reasons to Be a Pure Catskills Member

With just days to go to "Get in the Guide," we took a page from late night television to inspire you to renew your membership to Pure Catskills. The deadline to sign up is fast approaching -- April 20.  So, riffing on Dave Letterman's take, here are the Top 10 reasons why you should be a Pure Catskills member:

10) The New Member Goody Bag: Or call it the Insider's Schwag Bag, the Pure Catskills Welcome Kit includes promotional materials highlighting the advantages of buying local. Point of purchase materials include a Pure Catskills member sign, bumper stickers, oak tags for pricing and hang tags. (Kits to be distributed in May and June.)

9) Cheerleader Pom-Poms: Not quite, but upon request, we will send you an Event Promotion Kit to highlight Pure Catskills to your event. We'll send you rack cards, a Pure Catskills banner, giveaway items, and other "stuff" to liven the festivities.

8) A Reason to Boast: Don't be bashful with shameless self-promotion -- a 50-word description about your business -- over 250 others are proud to be in the Guide to Catskills Products, too!

7) Bragging Rights x2: Expand that shameless self-promotion with more details online within the PureCatskills.com searchable web directory.

6) We Are the World, um, the Catskills: When you use the Pure Catskills logo to enhance your marketing efforts (like the Member web badge at left), you'll get the recognition you deserve through brand unity!

5) Your Personal Cheering Section: Our staff is out there rah-rah-sis-boom-bah-ing your products and businesses, and providing promotional support through events, print media, advertising, social media and other targeted campaigns, like Fresh From the Catskills.

4) Online Shopping Portal: Need an online shopping cart? Use ours! Sell your products through the web-based shopping portal, Pure Catskills Marketplace, and move your retail products to consumer markets easily online.

3) One Voice: Pure Catskills members with similar businesses are featured within the printed Guide in specialty sections for Beef, Botanicals, CSAs, Farm Accommodations, Farm & Food Organizations, Restaurants & Lodging, Farm & Food Radio Programs, and Activities & Tourism.

2) The Choir: Spin-offs sing in other forms like the Pure Catskills Holiday Gift Guide, county-specific Farmers' Markets rack cards, and articles in the Catskill Mountain Region Guide.

1) Your Marketing Hub: Use the PureCatskills.com website to promote your business, sure, but you can also use our events calendar to get the word out on your business's events, workshops and activities. We'll even give you a plug on the Pure Catskills Facebook Page. We're here to help you move your marketing efforts in the right direction. Need help? Just ask.

    Need more reasons to be a Pure Catskills member?  Register online by April 20 or contact Tia Blaber at ColorPage (the Guide publisher) at (845) 331-7581 x10.

    One more reason...Tell your own story: Each year we include images of our landscapes, farms and other businesses on the pages of the Guide. We know you've been out there taking some great shots! Whether in the field, barn or cafe, atop a tractor or at market, your photo could be part of the 2013-14 Guide. Send your high-resolution, original photo to Pure Catskills. If selected for publication, the photographer and location will be credited.