I've been exchanging e-mails recently with Ronda Jemtegaard of Greener Pastures Farm in Camas. It seems that like many of us, the economic slowdown has affected their off-farm employment and they're looking for a way to generate some extra income. After some brainstorming with her husband, Jon Schulze, they have decided to share her Jon's extraordinary butchering knowledge with the public and generate some additional income by creating a series of classes on home butchering. They are still working out the particulars, but this promises to be a fantastic educational opportunity for anyone who wants to brush up on their butchering skills or the novice looking to learn the basics. I for one am seriously stoked about their project and look forward to attending.
More information will be coming, so check back for further details soon!
Here's a link to the Greener Pastures website if you'd like to learn a bit more about the farm, livestock, farming, or the Greener Pastures family (it's seriously chocked full of more info. than you can imagine and reading the website is an eduaction in itself!) :
Greener Pastures Farm
Lavender Seedlings. 19 Dec 24.
2 days ago
This is terrific. With so many "beginning chicken" classes all over the place, clear instructions on safe and humane slaughter are very much in demand.
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to know of a list of county whole-animal meat producers who are looking for new customers? This seems like it would be an excellent niche for producers and consumers alike for the next few years.
Rory, there is no such list that I am aware of. From what I understand local livestock owners are having a heck of a time getting custom slaughter folks out to their places these days. The economy is causing many folks to have to downsize their herds and the demand for custom slaughter has skyrocketed. Also, a combination of global, national, and state legislation has created a high hurdle of a licensing procedure in order to legally provide custom slaughter as well. Corporate ag has a heck of a lobby arm. But that's why this class is so cool. Nothing like doing it yourself...
ReplyDelete