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We envision Northeast Ohio filled with thriving farming and food entrepreneurs: where farms are viable businesses, farmland is a treasured resource, and local food is commonplace.
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Join us for the 2011-2012 Winter Countryside
Farmers' Markets
Saturdays 9 til noon
Old Trail School
2315 Ira Road
Akron, OH 44333
Dec. 10 and 17
Jan. 14
Feb. 4 and 18
March 8 and 17
April 7 and 28
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Countryside U -- 2012 Classes, Workshops, & Networking
Darwin Kelsey, Executive Director
 "Countryside U" launches in 2012 -- with 15-20 classes, workshops, and networking events for new and experienced farmers and market gardeners in Northeast Ohio. CU's production and business skills training "curricula" was piloted in 2010-11 as Your Farm Business education series with support from the Kent H. Smith Charitable Trust. And the Trust will provide continuing support in 2012.
YFB classes and workshops were attended by nearly 300 beginning and transitioning farmers/gardeners -- who encouraged us to continue and expand our offerings. Hence, CU classes and workshops will begin serving an even broader range of small scale farmers and market gardeners -- in a variety of urban, suburban, and rural situations.
CU's 2012 programs are divided into four basic categories. First, Beginning Farmer/Gardener Production Skills -- getting started as a serious home or market gardener. Second, Beginning Farmer Business Skills -- business planning, funding, and securing land. Third, Intermediate and Advanced Farm Business Skills -- record keeping, taxes, budgeting, etc. And, fourth, Entrepreneur Exchange -- seasonal networking events. For a preliminary list of the 16 classes/workshops/events currently being scheduled for 2012, click here.
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The Search is on for New Peeps! Katie Myers-Griffith, Farmland Programs Coordinator
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 In case you didn't know, I am a farmer. I raise layers (hens who lay eggs), hogs, turkeys, meat goats, and veggies. This year we have had an awful mortality issue - we have lost too many animals. One peep was actually hit by a car on our road. Awful, considering there are only about ten cars that travel down South Funk Road per day.
Planning for next year, I realize we have to increase our flock, tighten our borders and plan on losing a bit of money, due to the inefficiencies that losing livestock brings.
Here at the office, I am also very concerned with increasing our flock! We are actively seeking "Peeps", people to become friends of Countryside Conservancy. Luckily, no egg laying required! If you are interested in supporting Countryside Conservancy, and having the esteemed title "Peep"... please consider a gift today!
For each donation of at least $30, we will put $5 of market money and the donors name in our Market Money Raffle (capped at $625). On January 14th, we will draw the winner's name.
When you make a donation, you ensure viable markets for farmers, education opportunities for farmers and consumers, and make our organization much more efficient!
A big THANK YOU to all that have already given in this year's campaign!
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Funding for More Vegetables = Win-Win!
Beth Knorr, Local Food Programs Coordinator/Market Manager
|  I am really excited about a new partnership that was forged over the past year. Countryside Conservancy is now partnering with Wholesome Wave in their Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP). This program- which we are dubbing "Countryside Carrot Cash," increases the fruit and vegetable purchasing power of area families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. The program enables participants to receive a dollar for dollar match - up to $20 - when they use their Ohio Direction Cards to shop at Countryside Farmers' Markets. The Countryside Carrot Cash can only be spent on fruits and vegetables, as the aim of the program is to improve the overall nutritional content of the meals of low-income families. Wholesome Wave, which fosters strong linkages between local agriculture and under-served communities, marks its first foray into Ohio with its partnership with Countryside Conservancy. Over 20 other states currently have a DVCP. The partnership with Countryside is part of Wholesome Wave's expansion of its incentive programs in as many as 30 farmers' markets across the country, with support from Oakland, California-based Kaiser Permanente. With funding from a 1.2 million grant from the non-profit health care organization, Wholesome Wave has expanded its DVCP in Ohio, California, Georgia, the Mid-Atlantic region, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and Colorado. We have been accepting the Ohio Direction Card at Countryside Farmers' Markets since 2009, and have seen an increase of 31% in those sales since the very beginning. These programs offer an opportunity to not only provide incentives for a healthy diet, but also boost our local economy since these dollars go directly to the local farmers we serve at our markets. By implementing this program we are creating a win-win situation for our community members and our producers. |
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Coming Soon -- New Farmers!
Julie Gabelman, Administrative Coordinator | |
The Count ryside Conservancy has been a busy place for the past few months. In addition to my regular duties around the office, I have been involved with our Annual Campaign and occasionally helping at the Saturday farmers' market. I have enjoyed getting to know the vendors at the market, and seeing how the change in seasons affects what they bring to the market to sell. I have also been involved with the Countryside Initiative RFP process, by way of mailing out more than 200 copies of the RFP itself, updating our web site with links to the RFP and supporting/ informational documents, taking reservations and attending the tours of the farms, and, finally, taking notes during interviews of potential lessees. Being able to witness the process from beginning to end has given me a much clearer understanding of the Countryside Initiative and what it means to become one of the CI farmers here in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is so much more than "Wouldn't it be nice to live on a farm in the Park". The proposers must clearly outline their plans for what they will be doing on the farm if awarded a lease, down to financial resources and a business plan for their farm, which is only some of the information required when submitting a proposal. The proposal review process is ongoing, and I am eager to find out who will be selected to lease the Holland and Edgar farms and become "part of the family". I plan to spend some time talking to our newest Countryside Initiative farmers once the decision has been made and then introduce them to all of you in a future newsletter. |
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Winter Squash with Browned Butter & Herbs
Adapted from: Bon Appetit - Jan. 2000
Brown butter is butter cooked to a browner, nutty-tasting stage. It adds a lot of flavor to the squash.
Step 1: Roasting the squash: Select any type of winter squash (delicata, acorn, carnival, sunshine & butternut were used when this recipe was demo'ed at a past farmers' market), cut in half length-wise, scoop out seeds and place cut-side down on a lightly oiled cookie sheet or in a baking pan. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan to allow the squash to steam while cooking. Place in a pre-heated 400 degree oven and roast until the squash is soft and there is no resistance when touched (anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the variety of squash). Allow to cool, then scoop the flesh away from the skin and mash slightly.
Step 2: Preparing the browned butter: Melt a stick of butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Continue to cook until butter is golden brown and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes (butter will go through stages). Pour browned butter into a new container to stop the cooking process and set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Final step in preparing squash: Melt one to two tablespoons of browned butter in pan and add desired amount of squash. Add a few pinches of finely chopped rosemary and/or sage. Season generously with salt & pepper.
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