Too early to think about 2012? Not really--Farm Bill discussion happening now.

Prior to 2008 our agricultural policies and practices were already recognized as problematic and in need of change. Farm Bill 2008 presented an opportunity of fix some things but resulted in more of the same. It turned out to be good for agribusiness and processed food, but came up seriously short for small farmers, communities, and real food. The next Farm Bill comes up for vote in 2012 so the House Committee on Agriculture is soliciting feedback and collecting information right now. Go to Slow Food USA for a bit of information and submit your comments to the HCA, if you choose.

The Food Bill is complicated and impacts our lives in ways I had never imagined. It sounds so pastoral and innocuous, but it is actually industrial and has had far reaching effects on everything from school lunch to the environment to African farmers. Author Daniel Imhoff demystifies it nicely in Food Fight: The Citizen's Guide to a Food and Farm Bill. If you want to read it for free ('cause you already paid for it with your taxes) a copy is available at the library. Take an insider tip and search the catalog by author to get around the faulty catalog record.

Here's what I submitted.  I put it together in about 5 minutes so it's brief, but cut and paste all you want.

Soil, fertility, compost and cold-weather gardening class in Truckee

If you garden you know the most important thing you do is take care of the soil. In this region adding compost is vital.  Craig Witt of Full Circle Compost cooks fantastic compost!  We add a truckload to our garden every year because even though we make our own compost it isn't as nutritious as his, and we need more than we can make on our golf-course property (tiny lot and huge list of rules).  Here's a chance to learn about composting and gardening from another area expert.

From my mailbox to you:

This class will be presented by Full Circle Compost from Carson City

When: Saturday, May 22 at 2:00 pm

Place: Truckee Community Garden, Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road (behind the playground)

Cost: $10:00. Each attendee will receive a bag of Full Circle garden soil.

Brought to you by Slow Food Lake Tahoe.

Master Gardeners Plant Faire happens this weekend, Saturday May 22nd

The annual Master Gardener Plant Fair happens this weekend! In an earlier post I talked about the benefits of including locally grown plants in your garden, and this event is the perfect opportunity to buy some if you’re not inclined to grow your own.

This is the time of year Northern Nevada gardeners really start getting geared up to plant. Even if the sunny places in our houses are already filled with starts, we still feel the need to buy other varieties. Those of us who plant strictly purchased plants flock to the nurseries and hardware stores, and impulse-buy tomatoes at the supermarket. But going to the Plant Fair is way more fun than that!

The Feds want to "protect" our food supply

My first reaction to this piece of news was anger, which enticed me to go off on a sarcastic rant referencing the benefits of government regulation in the finance and oil industry. But I’ll control myself and try to present accurate information relatively free of my own baggage, so here goes…

It's Northern Nevada - snowed last week, tomato plants next week

I know it snowed earlier this week but still, in Northern Nevada it’s time to get ready to plant those heat loving vegetable plants. Plant when the snow is off Peavine, on or after Memorial Day, or after June 10th -- pick the tradition that works for you.

If you don’t grow your own transplants then you probably buy them. And likely from a big-box store - but we have better options.

Get ready to plant your own local food - River School organic gardening workshop

Tom Stille at the River School puts these organic gardening classes on every year and they're not to be missed if you want to learn to grow your own local food in this region.  This weekend he'll cover irrigation and water conservation.  RSVP, bring $20, and get ready for the planting workshop scheduled for May 22nd. And, if the weather prediction holds, Saturday will be a perfect day to be outside.

                                                                                     Saturday, May 8 at 9:00am to 12:00pm       Map


(Pic - April 2010, our organic heirloom tomato transplants)

First Tractors and Truffles event tears it up in Fallon

From my mailbox to you...

Tractors & Truffles Showcases Nevada Agriculture & Arts

Fallon celebrated its inaugural small farm agriculture and arts event Tractors & Truffles on Saturday, April 24, with a sold-out crowd who were treated to farm tours, wine tasting, gourmet dinner and a performance by country blues artist Rory Block.

The event showcased the small farm agriculture industry that is alive and thriving in Northern Nevada. Guests toured two Nevada farms and feasted on a lunch and four-course gourmet dinner prepared almost entirely from Nevada-grown foods.

Northern Nevada farm-to-plate event - Excellent!

From my mailbox to you:

Fallon hosts the perfect stay vacation for Northern Nevadans with the introduction of Tractors & Truffles, a small farm agriculture and arts event, Saturday, April 24.

The full-day event will include farm tours, wine tasting, gourmet dining and a live music performance.

Highlighting the event is a four-course dinner with wine pairing prepared by a team of award-winning chefs, including Steve Hernandez of the Slanted Porch, Mark Davis, Cordon Bleu, and Ryan Scott, Bravo's Top Chef Chicago. The gourmet dinner will be served at historic Oats Park, and it will include locally-grown beef, produce and wine from Northern Nevada farms.

The event begins with lunch and a tour of Lattin Farms, known regionally for its corn maze and on-farm bakery. The fifth-generation family farm celebrated 100 years of farming in 2009.

Wine tasting and a tour of Churchill Vineyards, Nevada's only estate winery, will follow lunch. Churchill Vineyards grows ten different varieties of fine European wine grapes and is considered a pioneer in Nevada's wine and viticulture industry. Father and son Charlie and Colby Frey established the winery on the fourth-generation farm in 2001.
Blues Music Award winner and country blues artist Rory Block, provides a nightcap to the event with a performance in Barkley Theater, considered the finest small performing arts house in Nevada.

Block has won five WC Handy Blues Music Awards, and according to the Blues Foundation, she is widely regarded as the top female interpreter and authority on traditional country blues worldwide.

"Tractors & Truffles showcases two of Fallon's greatest assets - its small farm agriculture industry and the vital and eclectic arts scene," said Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority and producer of the new event.

Tickets for the event are $100 and can be purchased by calling toll free 1-866-432-5566. More information is available at http://www.tractorsandtruffles.com/

Northern Nevada farmers market 2010 schedule

Farmers market season is just around the corner. Yippee! Go to Edible Reno Tahoe for a listing of markets in Nevada and closer California markets.

One of the joys of eating local food is the chance to know the farmers. The Dayton and Fallon markets are sourced primarily by Nevada farmers so a little extra drive time is worth the trip. You can still meet some Nevada farmer at the other markets. Just ask the market manager to point you in the right direction.

Thanks to the Edible Reno Tahoe crew for putting together a really comprehensive resource. Here's the info on the Nevada markets.

CARSON CITY, NEV.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 12 through Sept.18 at the Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market in the Third and Curry streets parking lot. Details: Carsonfarmersmarket.com or contact Market Manager Linda Marrone at 882-6741, 720-7789, or marrone2@yahoo.com .

Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. June 9 through Aug. 25 at Carson Farmers’ Market, Pony Express Pavilion at Mills Park, Hwy. 50, west of North Saliman Road. Details: Crystal Bridge Enterprises at 746-5024; crystlbrdg@hotmail.com .

DAYTON, NEV.
Thursdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. from June 17 through September at Community Roots Nursery, Hwy 50 and Second Avenue. You’ll find only local Nevada farmers this year. Details: Wendy, 250-7884; www.NevadaGrown.com .

EUREKA, NEV.
Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. July 29 through Sept. 30 at Gold Street. A market will not be held on Aug. 15. Details: Gary, 237-5326; www.NevadaGrown.com .

FALLON, NEV.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12 through Sept. 4 on Maine Street in downtown Fallon. Details: Rick Gray, Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority at 423-4556 or Wendy Nelsen from Candylicious in Fallon at 423-1100; www.NevadaGrown.com .

Tuesdays 4-8:30 p.m. June 16-Aug. 25. Closed July 7. Churchill County Fairgrounds, 325 Sheckler Road. Details: Don, 427-3428.

GARDNERVILLE, NEV.
Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 2 through Sept. 16 at Lampe Park, 328 Waterloo Park. Details: Jana, 782-9828 or Sharon Rusk, 588-4105; www.NevadaGrown.com .

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEV.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting June 19 outside of the Village Market.

MINDEN, NEV.
Tuesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. from June 2 through September at Esmeralda Avenue in downtown Minden. Details: Roxanne, 782-2444; www.NevadaGrown.com .

RENO, NEV.
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 5 through Oct. 2 at California Avenue Market, Reno Village Shopping Center at California Avenue and Booth Street.

Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June through September at West Street Market, downtown Reno on West Street between First and Second streets. Details: 334-2077.

Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8 through Oct. 5 at Shoppers Square, corner of Plumb Lane and South Virginia Street.

Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. June 16 through Aug. 25 at Somersett Towne Square, 7650 Town Square Way. Details: Linda Student, 787-4500, ext. 311; www.Somersett.com .

Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 through Oct. 8 at Tamarack Junction Casino, 13101 S. Virginia St.

SPARKS, NEV.
Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1 through Sept. 14 at United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way. Details: Everett, 358-0925.
Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m. June 10 through Aug. 19 at Sparks Hometown Farmers’ Market on Victorian Avenue. There will not be a market on Aug. 5 due to Hot August Nights. Details: Greg von Schottenstein or Andre Stigall, 353-2291; www.Sparksrec.com .

TONOPAH, NEV.
Mondays from 4 p.m. to dusk from July 6 through Oct. 5 at Hwy 95, Main Street at Pocket Park. Details: Mary, 482-3118.

WINNEMUCCA, NEV.
Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. from July through September next to the community garden. Details: Ed, 623-8413.

What's it like to "grocery shop" at a 4-H auction?

The Fallon 4-H kids will be auctioning off the animals they've raised soon, so it's a good time to buy beef, pork, or goat meat. Our family cowpools so I know about buying and storing in bulk, but our farmer takes care of everything for us; we just take delivery of the boxes and put the meat in the freezer. So I need to know: How does the animal get from auction yard to the freezer? How would a buyer know if the meat is pasture or grain fed, organic or conventionally raised? Who does the driving?

First thing, talk to the farmer, or in this case, the 4-H'er. They'll be able to tell you all about their animal and will be available all day Friday and Saturday up until auction time. When you find one raised according to your values, for example, grass versus grain fed, conventional or organic, bid on it. Next question...

Food...as it goes in Washington, so it goes here. Help make something good happen!

I try to keep this blog focused on local issues and food, but the more I learn about the direction our food system is going the more I understand that being passionate and hungry is not enough.  I have to be willing to get involved at a national global level.  Since it's highly unlikely I'll quit my day job and try to go up against the B-guys (Big Ag, Big-Biotech, Big-etc.) on K street, I make my positive, yet passionate voice heard online.  Here's your chance.

Finally the government is talking about the corporatization of the food system, but neither farmers nor consumers are invited to the table (pun intended) for the discussion. It’s all big ag! Now's our chance to tell the USDA and the Department of Justice we expect our food choices to be made by someone who cares about our families, rather than the contents of our wallets. And yes…I'm feeling snarky this morning! Sign the petition and tell your friends and family.

Thanks to our contribution the NDOA Plant Industry escaped budget cuts -- for now

A huge "Good on ya!" to everyone who contacted their Nevada Senate and Assembly representatives and told them it is important to save the Nevada Department of Agriculture Plant Industry (read the original post). For now, this really important government service escaped full closure. Time to be happy!

However, it is also time to get ready for the next round. The last emergency legislative session was charged with addressing a 1 billion dollar deficit -- according to the word I hear from people closer to the process the next session will involve a 3 billion dollar shortfall. Hard decisions will have to made, so we'll all have another chance to step up.

Woo hoo! Go foodies!

Rise and Shine Farms has a new buying club program -- maybe now I can get a duck!

Here's the thing...I've been wanting to try to prepare charcuterie, specifically duck confit, at home but haven't been able to buy just one happy duck. I found a great charcuterie cookbook at the library but couldn't find a local happy duck.  Now Rise and Shine Farms offers a buying club so I can pay a small membership fee and buy their products (including a duck) outside of a CSA system.  From my mailbox to you:

Northern Nevada gets its own local food magazine

Local folks who love food and have a warm place in their heart for local food have been working hard to develop a new facet to the local scene, and soon we’ll reap the benefits -- a magazine focused completely on food in the Reno Tahoe area. March 6th is the launch date for Edible Reno Tahoe. Check out the food and fun filled launch weekend schedule; get yourself an annual subscription, or sign up for updates.


Washoe County Library System will also have a copy on the shelf at the Downtown Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Incline Village, North Valleys, and South Valleys branches. Stop by to take a peak at the Spring edition.

USDA closes big-“organic” dairy loophole and makes a step in the right direction for small farmers

Look at this...a heartening story about organic diary.  The USDA has made a decision that is good for small dairy farmers and consumers. 

Thanks Mom, for sending me the story!

Important! NV State Legislature will consider cutting an important NDOA program

This is so important -- to farmers, to the economy, and to us!  The Nevada Legislature will soon consider cutting a department that is vital to all  food  grown and sold in Nevada. It looks like the NDOA programs that our local farmers are affiliated with are once again in danger of being eliminated. Food grown and sold by local farmers is integrally tied to this program, and therefore also to anyone who values local food and a local economy.  Please read the entire post and take a few minutes to contact your assembly and senate representatives today.  We've heard they'll meet to discuss this on February 23rd.

We've included some important talking points to cut and past into emails, and contact info is included.

New CSA program for lucky Northern Nevada families

We have a new CSA option in Northern Nevada! Curtis and Anna Bateman of NanaDew Herb Farm in Fallon are now the proud purveyors of NanaDew Herb Farm CSA. Curtis and and Anna have been growing food in our region for some time and have been part of the farmers market and CSA scene for a while. Now they're putting together their own CSA, which will include certified organic or naturally raised food. And this CSA program offers add-ons so families can tailor their basket to their needs/wants and receive other products like goat milk soap, honey, and whatever else is seasonally available. Lovely! They're ready for 2010 signups now.

CSA farmers are ready to hear from their 2010 CSA families

This is the time of year our local farmers ask us to enter into CSA partnerships.  The cool weather crop growing season is just around the corner so CSA farmers are planning and paying for supplies now. The Great Basin Basket CSA is ready for 2010...are you?  If Great Basin Basket is the program for you, sign up now!

Nevada Small Farm Conference - meet and mingle with the people who grow our local food

Wow! The 2010 Small Farm Conference  looks to be packed with great speakers.  Getting to know the people who make fresh local food happen is one of the best feel-good aspects of eating close to home.  The Small Farm Conference provides everyone (all are welcome) an opportunity to meet the farmers and the people who advocate for a local system.  The conference runs two days, March 12-13, and includes a line-up of sessions dealing with subjects ranging from seed production to marketing to hoop houses. There's something for everyone! Sign up by March 2nd to get the early-bird discount.

Could 2010 be a tipping point for local food in Northern Nevada?

 Interest in local food has reached a point where some farmers are actually able to expand their operations. Great Basin Basket is making value-added products like soup and bread CSAs and jams available during the winter months. NanaDew Herb Farm, which previously contributed to a collaborative CSA, is now spearheading a new program. Rise and Shine Farms had to order more chickens to meet the demand.  And Grow For Me is introducing a personal farmer program to our list of local food options.

For weeks I've been chatting with people looking for advice on how to cowpool, wanting to talk about CSAs, and asking about seasonality and cooking at home.  And they're loving it.

I've said it before....Woo Hoo!