News & Events mid July 2011
Berkshire Grown online
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Meet Berkshire Grown's Farmers Interns report from the farms: 
"Visiting all of Community Cooperative Farm requires a small tour of Southern Berkshire County- not because the farm itself is so large (less than 20 acres), but because it is scattered throughout the region. In turn the myriad locations lead to variety: pigs, chickens, and berries and much more," read more here by Nichole Calero 
Gina Iannitelli: "At Mighty Food Farm in Pownal, VT, family dogs run freely and playfully around the farmhands, who are laughing and joking as they load produce into a truck. Lisa MacDougall has been the head of Mighty Food Farm for five years and, since the beginning, has sustained a certified organic environment. When questioned if it is difficult to keep her produce, which ranges from "artichokes to zucchini", completely organic, she quickly and adamantly replies..." read more here  Anthony Raduazo:
"At first glance, Sweet Brook Farm (pictured on left) epitomizes the very ideal of traditional New England pastoral life. That is, until you notice the odd-looking animals grazing in the distance. With their long, elegant necks, slender legs, and shaggy bodies, the creatures look different from the standard bovine in Berkshire County. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that they are not cattle at all - they are alpaca . . . " read more here  "Gallagher and Amsden began Square Roots Farm, (pictured on the right) a small sustainable farm in Clarksburg, just over a year ago. The two are not only the owners of one of Berkshire County's youngest farms - they are also two of Berkshire County's youngest farmers. In their mid-twenties, spritely, and enthusiastic, Gallagher and Amsden are not the atypical farmers in Berkshire County . . . " read more here
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 Pick-Your-Own-Berries
Call Ahead to confirm availability Blueberry Hill Farm (in Mount Washington): PYO Blueberries starting in late July/early August. Call ahead 413-528-1479 Blueberry Hill Farm: (in Washington): PYO Blueberries opening in late July/early August. Call ahead 413-623-5859 Lakeview Orchard: Open Tuesday - Sunday at 9:00 a.m - 4pm. PYO tart cherries and red and black raspberries ! CALL AHEAD 413-448-6009 Thompson-Finch Farm: PYO blueberries, Call for hours: 518-329-7578 Windy Hill Farm: PYO Blueberries, open daily 9-4 (weather permitting) Call 413-298-3217 |
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 NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING ASSOCIATION
NOFA SUMMER CONFERENCE
AUGUST 12-14, 2011
UMASS AMHERST
REGISTER NOW!
Keynote Speakers: Eric Toensmeier, Perennial Edibles Expert, and Dr. Ignacio Chapela of UC Berkeley, GMO Activist.
Over 200 Workshops on Organic Gardening, Farming, Food Politics, Permaculture, Homesteading, Landscaping, Draft-Animal Power, Alternative Energy, Livestock, Cooking, and more! Hundreds of Vendors and Exhibitors. Live Entertainment. Children's and Teen Conference. Country Fair and Farmer's Market. Silent Auction. This year NOFA is proud to partner with the Draft-Animal Power Network. Spend the weekend or come for the day. Activities for all ages.
To register: www.nofasummerconference.org
Email: info@nofasummerconference.org
Call: 978-355-2853
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Farmers Markets are open!
Support your local farmer!
Picture of Moon in the Pond Farm at Sheffield Farmers Market 2011
MORE FARMERS' MARKETS click on
MAP-O-LICIOUS
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What We're Reading
Read about competing interests for farmland in the Hamptons, NY. The article raises issues such as the cost of land, the value of farms, and how family farms can survive longterm:
 "Betting the Farm" in VANITY FAIR here
By Michael Shnayerson Read the article here
Photo by John Huba in VANITY FAIR |
SAVE THE DATE:
 September 19th, 2011
Berkshire Grown's Harvest Supper
Celebrate locally grown food with farmers and chefs! At Eastover Hotel and Resort, Lenox, MA |
Share the Bounty = Berkshire Grown's win - win project:
Helps local farms + food pantries.
See and hear more about Share the Bounty here & here!
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Quick Bites
DISCOVER THE:
Berkshire Grown Online Farmers' Market
a 24 hour Farmers' Market!
 Berkshire Grown has created a Facebook page
called Berkshire Grown Online Farmers' Marketplace - a central place for Berkshire Grown members to congregate and talk supply and demand.
Self-propelled by Berkshire Grown members, the page will benefit those of you who choose to participate in it. Farmers and food producers can post what they have available, and chefs and community members can comment or contact suppliers directly with requests for product or more information.
Thanks for the photo to Nicole Calero, taken at Community Cooperative Farm.
Berkshire Grown offers this as a networking service and bears no responsibility for transactions.
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MASSACHUSETTS GROWN...and FRESHER!
If you are traveling through Massachusetts check out this map, support our local farmers throughout the state!
CHECK OUT MAP-O-LICIOUS FOR FRESH
LOCAL EGGS, CHEESE, MEAT & MORE
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 Stay In touch!
Berkshire Grown's e-newsletter comes out monthly. Please send information to barbara@berkshiregrown.org, thanks! Join Berkshire Grown here.
Barbara Zheutlin, Director
Sheryl Lechner, Outreach Coordinator
413-528-0041 |
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Sheep Hill, a former small dairy farm, is a unique property with stunning scenery, meadow trails, and historic barns. 