Find Your Farmer
With the COVID-19 pandemic happening, there is lots of uncertainty. It's hard to find toilet paper, kleenex, paper towels and hand sanitizer. We ran out of brown sugar last week and I have not been able to replace it. Luckily, we have lots of honey from the beehive that did not make it through the winter.
Last week, I had a friend from Boise text me and ask if I could mail her some eggs. The stores were out of bread, milk, eggs, onion, and potatoes. The other day, I saw this sign at our local Winco:
Last week, I had a friend from Boise text me and ask if I could mail her some eggs. The stores were out of bread, milk, eggs, onion, and potatoes. The other day, I saw this sign at our local Winco:
This might be a good time to find your local farmer! Here are a few options to help you get started:
Local Hens
I recently registered with Local Hens. If you go to Localhens.com and click on Find a Farmer, you can put in what products you are looking for and your zip code to find local farms selling that item. Whether you are in need of eggs, seafood, produce, meat, dairy, or honey, Local Hens believes you will feel better when you know where your food comes from.
Local Harvest
LocalHarvest.org connects people looking for good food with the farmers who produce it. Their directory lists over 40,000 family farms and farmers markets, along with restaurants and grocery stores that feature local food. Local Harvest lists both farms and farmer's markets in your area. They also have a list of Community Support Agriculture (CSA's) available in your area and give tips on finding the best one to serve your needs.
Farmers Markets
If your community has a local Farmers Market, this is an easy way to support your local farmer and get fresh food. The National Farmers Market Directory can help you find your local Farmers Market. The Directory is designed to provide customers with convenient access to information about farmers market listings to include: market locations, directions, operating times, product offerings, accepted forms of payment, and more.
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| Mark and Denise at Moscow Farmer's Market summer 2019 |
Eat Wild
EatWILD was founded in 2001 to promote the benefits—to consumers, farmers, animals, and the planet—of choosing meat, eggs, and dairy products from 100% grass-fed animals or other non-ruminant animals fed their natural diets. Today it is the #1 clearinghouse for information about pasture-based farming and features a state-by-state plus Canada directory of local farmers who sell their pastured farm and ranch products directly to consumers.
Eating local is good for you, your community, and the environment
There are lots of good reasons why eating local – or being a “locavore” – is good for you. Studies show a correlation between local foods and good health. Buying fresh local food is the easiest way to avoid eating processed food with added sugar, fat and preservatives.
Locally sourced foods may have greater nutritional value. When your food doesn’t have to travel as far, it’s likely to be fresher and have fewer preservatives. It’s also better for the local economy (by keeping dollars in your community) and the environment (by cutting down the distance required to transport food to your table).
Gardening classes are in high demand too. When Oregon State University opened up their online Master Gardening series to the public in mid-March, more than 13,000 people signed up to take the course—compared to 105 people in 2019. Even if you only have a couple pots on your patio, growing some of your own food can be a rewarding hobby.
We have a big garden and grow most of our vegetables. We have also planted, and continue to plant, several fruit and nut trees on our property for us and the animals. I just planted an almond tree and some golden raspberries. In the summer, we visit a you-pick blueberry farm and come home with about 12 pounds of blueberries and freeze them (we just ran out so we need to pick more this summer!).
We have a farmer that we get grass fed beef and pork from. Call Crow Bench Farm if you want to place an order. Click on pic for the Crow Bench Farm Facebook page:
In a couple of years, we are hoping to add some broiler chickens to our farm.
Have an eggcellent week and stay safe!
~Denise
Most food in the United States travels between 1,500 and 2,000 miles before being eaten.
~ Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University
Locally sourced foods may have greater nutritional value. When your food doesn’t have to travel as far, it’s likely to be fresher and have fewer preservatives. It’s also better for the local economy (by keeping dollars in your community) and the environment (by cutting down the distance required to transport food to your table).
Grow Your Own Food!
The Victory Garden is making a come back. I have read that seed orders are up 300% this spring. The Moment for Food Sovereignty is Now is an article by Civil Eats that explains that many seed companies had to actually stop taking orders so they could catch up! Good thing I always order my seeds ridiculously early. However, I have seen lots of seeds still available in the local Walmart and most hardware stores have seeds. I bought seed potatoes for $1/lb at the local farm store.
We have a big garden and grow most of our vegetables. We have also planted, and continue to plant, several fruit and nut trees on our property for us and the animals. I just planted an almond tree and some golden raspberries. In the summer, we visit a you-pick blueberry farm and come home with about 12 pounds of blueberries and freeze them (we just ran out so we need to pick more this summer!).
We have a farmer that we get grass fed beef and pork from. Call Crow Bench Farm if you want to place an order. Click on pic for the Crow Bench Farm Facebook page:
If you don't have the space or time to grow your own food, consider supporting a local farmer in your area!
I know they will appreciate your business!
~Denise
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