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Greetings this Midsummer Day!
It is officially Midsummer - the celebration that we named our farm after! And although we've had some 'bumps in the road' with a dry hot spell last month, it has been a really great growing year so far! So we have a lot to celebrate and appreciate!
Although we got overwhelmed with the farming the past couple months and haven't been able to offer workshops, we are planning a whole bunch including some new ones for August and September! Please scroll down to see the descriptions and the schedule.
We will be doing many of the requested favorites as well as some new workshops including an advanced holistic poultry workshop and a cooking workshop for the exhausted gardener!
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A new line of eggs at Midsummer Farm!
 We're planning to start offering a soy-free line of eggs this upcoming Spring 2013.
A note on laying hens and grains: Although cows and other ruminants do best and produce the healthiest dairy and meat on 100% grassfed diets, chickens are true omnivores and need a high level of protein in their diets as well as grass and greens. The protein should be derived from bugs and worms and seeds or grains.
Our hens spend most of their lives outside in the organically managed fenced in areas of the farm - we provide them with access to pasture as well as to woods and riparian areas so they can explore a variety of food and foraging options. This usually works out great in the summer when there is a huge amount of diverse food for them to forage. But much of the year around here just doesn't have that much available for forging, and we then turn to a super high quality certified-organic grain mix - Nature's Best Layer Pellets. This feed is expensive, but we feel it is necessary to use certified organic grains in order to avoid genetically modified grains - specifically soy and corn...
We love our current eggs and we're really proud of them. But recently we've been getting a lot of requests from people who are looking for eggs from chickens not fed soy. Soy has been a bit of a controversy in natural food circles for some time. I try to avoid it, as I just feel that there is too much of it in the food system these days. And as with wheat and gluten, some people are developing soy sensitivities or other issues.
We recently found a soy-free certified-organic source for grains, and we have excitedly switched one of our flocks over to it. So next January/February when the young pullets start laying, we will start selling soy-free eggs!
The price will be higher than our usual price of $8 per dozen, as the food and shipping is more expensive and egg production tends to be lighter in soy-free fed hens.
We are interested in what you think... how important are soy-free eggs to you? |
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In celebration of the prolific summer squash this year, here's a fabulous recipe for using some of these great squash! It works with any summer squash - not just green zucchinis ... but you can use yellow squash, patty pan style or even trombincinos!
And if you are interested in more summer squash inspiration, check out our Too Many Zucchini! Cooking Workshop below ...
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RECIPE: Greek Style Zucchini Salad
1/2 pound zucchini (grated)
1 tablespoon mint (chopped)
1 tablespoon dill (chopped)
1 green onion (sliced)
1/4 cup feta (crumbled)
1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic (grated)
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Mix the zucchini, mint, dill,green onions and feta in a large bowl.
2. Mix the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Toss the salad and the dressing.
4. Chill in the fridge for several hours to overnight before serving.
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Late Summer Workshop Schedule
Backyard Organic Poultry Rearing Workshop
Friday August 10th
11 am - 1 pm
For anyone who has dreamed of walking out to your own chicken coop and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, this course will guide you through starting up your own flock and in organic and natural rearing methods. We will discuss all of our secrets to Organic chicken care that we have discovered over the years. Chickens are wonderful stewards of the earth; and kept in proper conditions, chickens are valuable assets to the garden, lawn, and compost pile. They also provide backyard joy. They are easy to take care of, are not noisy or smelly, and are an important part of the Organic garden. This is a great time of year to plan for chickens for next Spring. (Please be sure to check with your town to make sure that chickens are allowed where you live.) Workshop takes place mostly outside at Midsummer Farm (dress appropriately - wear boots) and is weather permitting. Cost is $36 | Registration closes 8/7/12
Backyard Organic Poultry Rearing Workshop
Saturday August 11th
10 am - 12 noon
For anyone who has dreamed of walking out to your own chicken coop and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, this course will guide you through starting up your own flock and in organic and natural rearing methods. We will discuss all of our secrets to Organic chicken care that we have discovered over the years. Chickens are wonderful stewards of the earth; and kept in proper conditions, chickens are valuable assets to the garden, lawn, and compost pile. They also provide backyard joy. They are easy to take care of, are not noisy or smelly, and are an important part of the Organic garden. This is a great time of year to plan for chickens for next Spring. (Please be sure to check with your town to make sure that chickens are allowed where you live.) Workshop takes place mostly outside at Midsummer Farm (dress appropriately - wear boots) and is weather permitting. Cost is $36 | Registration closes 8/8/12
 NEW! Advanced Natural Poultry Rearing (Backyard Chickens Part 2)
Saturday August 11th
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
For the experienced poultry enthusiast ... Discussions will include herbal remedies, nutritional issues, whole grain and soy-free feeding programs, flower essences, natural preventative measures, holistic land stewardship, organic certification, things to consider when expanding your flock, and more. Part of the class will take place in the farm kitchen, where we will mix up some herbal remedies including an antibiotic ointment and elecampane tea. Come prepared with your questions and current flock issues for personalized attention and discussion. Workshop takes place at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 8/8/12
Backyard Organic Poultry Rearing Workshop
Sunday August 12th
10 am - 12 noon
For anyone who has dreamed of walking out to your own chicken coop and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, this course will guide you through starting up your own flock and in organic and natural rearing methods. We will discuss all of our secrets to Organic chicken care that we have discovered over the years. Chickens are wonderful stewards of the earth; and kept in proper conditions, chickens are valuable assets to the garden, lawn, and compost pile. They also provide backyard joy. They are easy to take care of, are not noisy or smelly, and are an important part of the Organic garden. This is a great time of year to plan for chickens for next Spring. (Please be sure to check with your town to make sure that chickens are allowed where you live.) Workshop takes place mostly outside at Midsummer Farm (dress appropriately - wear boots) and is weather permitting. Cost is $36 | Registration closes 8/9/12
 NEW! "Second Spring" Planting in Midsummer for Fall Harvests!
Sunday August 12th
1 pm - 3 pm
If you missed planting your veggies and greens this spring, you have a second chance! Right now is the prefect time to plant many of the cool-season vegetables and greens for harvesting in the fall. The window opens again for sowing broccoli, carrots, beets, spinach, lettuces, radishes and so much more! We'll go over fall garden planning, seed starting, productive fall crops, season extending options and tips, and more. Workshop takes place at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 8/9/12
NEW! Advanced Natural Poultry Rearing (Backyard Chickens Part 2)
Friday August 17th
11 am - 1 pm
For the experienced poultry enthusiast ... Discussions will  include herbal remedies, nutritional issues, whole grain and soy-free feeding programs, flower essences, natural preventative measures, holistic land stewardship, organic certification, things to consider when expanding your flock, and more. Part of the class will take place in the farm kitchen, where we will mix up some herbal remedies including an antibiotic ointment and elecampane tea. Come prepared with your questions and current flock issues for personalized attention and discussion. Workshop takes place at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 |registration closes 8/14/12
Making Herbal Infused Salves, Ointments, and Lip Balms
Sunday August 19th
10 am - 12 noon
With a focus on organic, fair-trade, medicinal herbs and spices, we'll construct a variety of healing and soothing salves and lip balms. We'll also discuss different types of healing herbs, what they can do for us, and where to get them. You'll never want to be without a jar of Anti-itch salve made with white willow bark and plantain or Dry-skin healing Calendula salve made with self heal and chickweed once you see how fun they are to make and how effectively they work. A great autumn/winter project for making use of the herbs in your garden. Workshop takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 8/16/12
 Too Many Zucchini! Cooking Summer Squash Workshop
Friday August 24th
11 am - 1 pm
Too Many Zucchini?!?! By popular request - I'm doing a workshop on what to do with all your summer squash. I also used to feel overwhelmed and even bored by summer squash, but now I can't wait to get my hands on as many as possible! I have a wide range of truly delicious recipes that I am thrilled to share with you so you too can fully enjoy all those zucchini you're pulling out of your garden this time of year! You'll take home a variety of recipes and building outlines for creatively designing your own meals. Workshop is hands on and tasting is encouraged - it takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 8/19/12
NEW! After Gardening: Quick and Easy Comfort Foods
Saturday, August 25th
10 am - 12 noon
Do you find that after you spend the day gardening and come inside with an armful of harvest you are just too tired to creativity cook? And then you just crave comfort foods... Well, I experience that same feeling every summer, and I have been working on a series of recipes and preparation techniques to address the 'summer cooking slump' and make great use of your harvest whether it is from your garden or the farmer's market. The recipes are designed for summer cooking - to comfort, relax, rejuvenate. And they are easy and quick! Workshop is hands on and tasting is encouraged - it takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 8/22/12
Legumes!!! The Bean Workshop 
Friday August 31st
11 am - 1 pm
Beans are one of those things that can make a huge difference in your health and well-being just by adding them to your weekly eating plan. And we'll go over a bunch of different ways to integrate them into your every day life easily. This workshop will lead to better overall health. Beans have been missing from the typical American diet and people have strange opinions of them, but they are delicious, easy to digest when prepared properly, and nourishing on many, many levels. We'll do a selection of fabulous bean dips, refreshing bean salads (great for packing for work or school lunches), and a big variety of other recipes which will integrate beans in easy and tasty ways! Workshop is hands on and tasting is encouraged - it takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 8/28/12
Dark Leafy Greens - The #1 Missing Ingredient in Today's Diets!
Friday, September 7th
11 am - 1 pm We will demonstrate a wide range of ways to use dark leafy greens of all
types. You will leave feeling empowered to live more healthily with a solid
collection of great recipes. Workshop is hands on and tasting is encouraged - it takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 9/4/12
 Making Homemade Cat and Dog Food
Saturday, September 8th
10 am - 12 noon
Featured in the NY Times! Check out the article here! Healthier, Economical, Delicious. Either as a supplementary meal or as your pets' regular diet, homemade food is better, safer, and easy to make. We will mix up a batch of balanced food using raw chicken as a base. We'll go over tons of options in food bases - raw vs cooked, various nutrition additions, dogs vs cats, special needs pets, and discuss the wide range of commercial diets and brands. You'll take home recipes, a clearer knowledge of the commercial pet food available, and resources for suppliers. We'll also make up a wonderful whole foods supplement that you can add to a commercial diet using higher quality ingredients and for a lot less money than the fancy brand names. Even if you're not ready to switch over completely to a homemade diet, you'll get a lot from this workshop. Workshop takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 9/5/12
Backyard Organic Poultry Rearing Workshop
Saturday September 22nd
10 am - 12 noon For anyone who has dreamed of walking out to your own chicken coop and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, this course will guide you through starting up your own flock and in organic and natural rearing methods. We will discuss all of our secrets to Organic chicken care that we have discovered over the years. Chickens are wonderful stewards of the earth; and kept in proper conditions, chickens are valuable assets to the garden, lawn, and compost pile. They also provide backyard joy. They are easy to take care of, are not noisy or smelly, and are an important part of the Organic garden. This is a great time of year to plan for chickens for next Spring. (Please be sure to check with your town to make sure that chickens are allowed where you live.) Workshop takes place mostly outside at Midsummer Farm (dress appropriately - wear boots) and is weather permitting. Cost is $36 | Registration closes 9/19/12
 NEW! Advanced Natural Poultry Rearing (Backyard Chickens Part 2)
Saturday September 22nd
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm For the experienced poultry enthusiast ... Discussions will include herbal remedies, nutritional issues, whole grain and soy-free feeding programs, flower essences, natural preventative measures, holistic land stewardship, organic certification, things to consider when expanding your flock, and more. Part of the class will take place in the farm kitchen, where we will mix up some herbal remedies including an antibiotic ointment and elecampane tea. Come prepared with your questions and current flock issues for personalized attention and discussion. Workshop takes place at Midsummer Farm | cost is $36 | registration closes 9/19/12
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Please check out our website for more info! Or email us!
info@midsummerfarm.com
Very best and thanks,
Barbara and Mark
Midsummer Farm
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Disclaimer
� Copyright 2012 Barbara Taylor-Laino, HHC / Barbara Taylor Health. All Rights Reserved. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Barbara Taylor Laino is required.
This information newsletter is designed as an educational tool for better health. Recipes and information are included as examples for you learn from; they are not diagnostic or prescriptive. Everyone's health needs are different. This newsletter is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider. The entire contents of this newsletter and the websites of Barbara Taylor Laino and Midsummer Farm are based upon the opinions of Barbara Taylor Laino, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author(s), who retains copyright as marked. The information on the www.midsummerfarm.com website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Barbara Taylor Laino. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us!
Midsummer Farm Contact Info:
Barbara and Mark Laino
Midsummer Farm
156 East Ridge Road
Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-9699
info@midsummerfarm.com
Holistic Health Counseling Contact Info:
Barbara Taylor-Laino
Barbara Taylor Health
156 East Ridge Road
Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-9699 info@midsummerfarm.com
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