September News from White Oak Pastures

It's been a busy September, as always, here at White Oak Pastures! We thought we'd take a minute to fill you in on some of our newest updates and events from the farm.

The Georgia Conservancy's ecoBenefête

Each fall at the Georgia Conservancy's ecoBenefête, the organization honors the achievements of a great Georgian who improves our lives through the conservation and protection of our environment. We are so honored that the Georgia Conservancy has chosen our very own Will for the award of 2012 Distinguished Conservationist. 

The event will be held on Thursday, October 11 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta and the public is welcome to attend to celebrate this special honor with us. Please visit the Georgia Conservancy online for more information about tickets and the award itself. 

Puppy Update

There are more than just farm animals being born here at White Oak Pastures! Regal (Jenni's Boxer) and Ox (Will's Pit bull) are delighted to announce the birth of seven beautiful puppies! The litter had two boys and five girls. They have all found happy new families, except for one we kept who we have named CUD! Raising the puppies was a family affair. The old saying "It takes a village to raise a child" has never been more true!

Calving Season

We are very excited that calving season has begun at White Oak Pastures. This is a very special time on the farm. From now until the first of the year, about 650 baby calves will be born here!

AGLA Acceptance

Congrats to Jenni, who was just accepted to the AGLA  (Advancing Georgia's Leaders in Agriculture) program a couple of weeks ago! It's a two year commitment and she is really excited about it.

Advancing Georgia's Leaders in Agriculture develops individuals within agriculture and natural resources to become more effective spokespeople for their industries, establish strong allegiances across the state and nation and further develop their leadership skills.

Participants are selected through nominations, applications and interviews. A class will have up to 30 individuals diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, geographic location, professional background and level of experience.

These participants will be engaged in approximately 52 days of leadership development including national and international experiences. The class is spread out over a two-year period.

Tanning Hides

Hilary Halford, our Office Manager here at the farm, has taken our vertical integration to another level. Over the past five months, Hilary has been learning how to tan hides naturally! She has plans to sell these hides in many different styles and ways. Her first handbag is underway, and she has already perfected the can koozie! 

These items will be one of a kind in many ways, but just to name a few: raised and processed humanely at White Oak Pastures, never having left the farm - ever. They will all be tanned naturally on the farm as well as designed and made right here! Stay tuned, because you will be able to purchase these items in our online store soon.

Welcome Great Pyrenees

This is our newest guardian member, Little Will, who will be responsible for warding off predators and keeping our chicks safe!

Farm House Progress

We are proud of the progress that has been on the farm house. An 11' porch will soon wrap the entire house where Will was raised. The house was constructed in the early 1900's out of poplar and will soon have a new tin roof, too.