Pigs, Wine, Chefs...and the Other Side of the River

I know , I know. This is a blog that focuses on what's going on over here on the North Bank. However, despite the multitude of folks covering the food and farm scene for our neighbors to the south, I would be remiss if I did not occasionally mention extraordinary people or events happening on the other side of the river. That's why you see links from this blog to folks like Red Pig Tools, the Urban Farm Store, Viande Meats, Steve's Cheese, and Apizza Scholls. Amazing people doing amazing things that you should know about. All folks that I have had enough personal experience with to recommend to you.

Today I wanted to let you know about a culinary tour of sorts that is coming to Portland on March 1st. It's being held at the Ecotrust building in NW Portland and will showcase the talents of five of NW Oregon's finest chefs, including Vitaly Paley (Paley's Place), John Gorham (Toro Bravo), Tommy Habetz (Bunk), and Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon), each preparing an entire heritage breed hog from head-to-tail any way they see fit. The pork will be served with five, fine Oregon wines. It's all for the benefit of the Raphael House of Portland, a shelter that has been serving the needs of women & children since 1977. Here's the link that will get you to the event website and an avenue from which you may purchase tickets:

Cochon 555

$125.00 is a steep fee for admission, but I sincerely believe that this will be a unique and noteworthy culinary event as well as a bargain for the price. Check it out.

Julia Bakery on the Web!

Nenad, baker & proprietor of Julia Bakery, launched a new website recently. For those of you who are already fans or would like to check out Julia Bakery virtually, please click on the link below:

Julia Bakery

Julia Bakery is Vancouver's only artisan, organic bakery with a retail storefront that I am aware of. Nenad is a very congenial fellow who bakes all sorts of delicious treats, both sweet & savory. If you haven't been to his bakery before, please stop by and check it out. Your tummy will thank you.

NW Organic Farm 2009 CSA info.

Greg & Joyce are a joy to spend time with and mighty fine food growers too. The Pacific NW is blessed with numerous excellent farmers, but I've found very few who can match the consistent quality of the produce I've purchased from NW Organic Farm. These folks are serious about their farming and they are working to continually expand and improve the variety of products at their farm. Still have doubts? Give Joyce a ring and set up a visit to the farm. You can also visit their website for more info.

NW Organic Farm

Here's the CSA note from Joyce:

Come Join Our CSA- Shares available for 2009

We have CSA (Community supported agriculture) shares available for the 2009 growing season. NW Organic Farm is "Certified Organic" by Oregon Tilth. We strive to use only Heirloom seeds. This assures you of a unique basket full of the best quality produce each week.

Some full share samples may include:

Spring: 1 pound sweet peas, 1/2 pound spinach, 1 bunch radishes, 1 bunch turnips, 1 bunch onions, 1 bunch kale, 1 bunch chard, 1 bunch arugula, fresh herbs, 1/2 pint strawberries.

Summer: 2 pounds green beans, 4 pounds tomatoes, 2 egg plant, 3 summer squash, 1/2 pint black berries, 3/4 pound salad mix, 1 bunch kale, 1 bunch basil, 1 bunch carrots, 3-4 peppers, 2 onions, 2 garlic, 3 cucumbers, flowers or herbs.

Fall: 4 pounds tomatoes, 1 bunch beets, 1 bunch kale, 3-4 peppers, 1 pint blueberries, 1 bunch radish, 2 broccoli, 1 cauliflower, 1 cabbage, 4 ears of corn, 3 pounds potatoes, 1 bunch leaks, 3 winter squash, 2 onions.

23 week full share $598.00 One half share $325.00

Gourmet Micro Greens is a weekly bag of fresh harvested mixed gourmet salad greens. This share insures you weekly fresh salad for our full 23 week season. One pound is only $7.50.

We also have free range eggs. One dozen $4.25.

Contact Joyce at (360) 573-4868 or Cell (360) 608-1483

Nature's Choice for the New Year

My good friends Bill & Laura Cole just sent me an e-mail over the weekend detailing their plans to make the offerings from their company, Nature's Choices, more readily available to us common folks. No longer will we have to play the waiting game to find out which farmers' market Bill will be at hocking his amazing selection of handpicked mushrooms, fiddleheads, huckleberries, and other wild foods. Looks like they'll also be regularly offering a fair portion of their selection of dried foods as well as eggs from their expanded chicken flock too. I did not attach the .pdf copy of their product list to this post, but I bet you can easily get a copy by dropping Laura an e-mail or ringing her up on the tele. Read on to get the full details on what's in store for Nature's Choice customers this year.

Bill Cole (the mushroom guy) and his new wife Laura here. Greetings to all our mushroom friends and locavores.

We hope that you are off to a healthy and happy New Year in spite of the many difficulties facing us all these days. We know that times are tough for many folks and we send our best wishes to all in need.

This email is to let you know what our plans are for Nature’s Choice this year, and to offer you several ways to find us and to bring home your favorite mushrooms, berries and other wild-crafted goodies throughout the year ahead.

#1 Starting this coming week, we are offering a weekly product pickup at our home. Since we do not always know if, when (or which) farmers market we may be at, many customers often call us for alternative arrangements. Having an organized effort seemed like a natural step. The plan is to send out a product list every Sunday or Monday, with the products we have for that week highlighted, and then to accept preorders that can be sent to us by email, fax or a phone call. We are requesting that all preorders be sent over by Wednesday noon to ensure delivery. The pickup time will be on Thursdays from 6:15-7:00pm. We have a very convenient location from just about anywhere, at I-205 between Mill Plain and Highway 14. Even if you have not preordered, everyone is welcome to stop by and purchase on a 1st come, 1st serve basis. We will often have wonderful items available from some of our farm friends as well. Such as raw, unfiltered honey, artisan cheeses and organic produce.

#2 Also in the works is a special CSA supplemental package of strictly wild-crafted edibles that will serve as a wonderful compliment to seasonal CSA produce and dairy packages offered by several of our hardworking local farmers. The cost is expected to be just under $20.00 per week and we will offer membership flexibility and a payment plan. A brochure on this will be available in the next few days.

#3 And finally, we are working on setting up a website and blog, so you can keep up with what’s going on in our world and the many wonderful wild foods available in the Pacific Northwest. We will also be offering some fun new products through that avenue such as t-shirts, recipe books, wild-crafted teas, dried mushrooms, jams, seasonings and gift packs that do not have strict freshness issues.

We are attaching a PDF file with our first ‘organized’ product list to get the weekly delivery system in place. If there are any goodies that you would like to request, please give us a call or drop an email by this coming Wednesday, Jan. 28th by noon or so, and then we will confirm your order and give you directions to our place for the Thursday pickup. (The fax will be installed by next week for that option as well.) We will also have some treats & a small food gift on hand for all who visit us in the first couple weeks.

If you would like to be removed from our email & mailing list, please just let us know.

We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully to visiting with some of you on Thursdays.

Bill & Laura

Laura Cole
Nature's Choice
(360) 852-7851 Phone
(360) 852-8835 Fax
www.natureswildharvest.com
laura at natureswildharvest dot com

Permaculture/Slope Terracing Workshop @ the Old Poor Farm 3.7.2009

Here's an announcement re. an upcoming permaculture related workshop on Slope Terracing brought to you by the folks @ Abundance Permaculture Consulting. For those of you who have never heard of Abundance, they not only provide permaculture consulting for folks in our region, but they were also contracted by Clark County to help develop the Old Poor Farm/WSU Extension property on NE 78th St. in Hazel Dell. You can read more about their involvement with the project here:

Ne 78th St. Project

Now for the details on the workshop from Deston Denniston of Abundance Permaculture:

Howdy Friends,

I'm happy to make official the promotion to bring Sepp Holzer to demonstrate Slope Terracing on March 7-8. This is for you farmers, or your farming friends. Please forwad this message to anyone you know who may be interested in attending this workshop on erosion free terrace construction on slopes. This workshop is valid for farmers and foresters alike. Sepp's methods have produced a veritable Eden in some of Austria's steepest forest terrain. We have a small John Deer with a bucket and are working to get a backhoe for this demonstration- as long as weather permits, this will be a hands on field day. Sepp will field questions and demonstrate use of the machinery to insure stable terrace construction. Construction of terraces is not complete without plantings, and Sepp will talk about that aspect of stabilization as well. The following weekend we are planning a workparty to fully plant the terraces with native species, fruiting cultivars and beneficial associatives.

Who is Sepp? watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw7mQZHfFVE

The location is 1919 78th Street, Vancouver Washington.
This is just 20 minutes north of Downtown Portland, 5 minutes off the highway, in north Vancouver/Hazel Dell.

Details, including map, can be found at
http://www.abundancepermaculture.com/events.html

links to the tour info and sponsor can be found at
http://www.perma-dise.com/workshop_sepp_holzer_2009

We have managed to secure Sepp at very low prices, just $150 for a two day seminar if you register before February 8, $200 after that date.

Please send check and registration info to

Perma-dise
16827 Hickory Lane SE
Yelm, WA 98597

The lunch meal will be a Brown Bag potluck; please bring casseroles, pies and other dish items to share.

Coffee and tea will be provided.

Information about the 78th St. Site, which is quickly shaping up to be the largest publicly funded permaculture site Im aware of, can be found at the home page of our website, www.abundancepermaculture.com.

If you have questions about the site, contact me here; if you have questions about Sepp or the tour in general, please contact Mathilda at (info at perma-dise dot com)

Thank you all!

Peace,

Deston Denniston
Abundance Permaculture Consulting

Washougal Community Garden

Thanks for this info from Peter DuBois, aka Recycleman and the Sustainability Coordinator for Clark County:

Edible Clark County - Washougal Community Gardens Coming March 2009
COMMUNITY GARDENS PROGRAM A SUCCESS

The City of Washougal is jumping in to the vegetable business through their community gardens program. Following a series of public meetings and completion of an online survey, the city decided to convert an unused portion of Hamllik Park into community vegetable gardens.

The park is located near apartment complexes making it an ideal location for residents without yards to plant a garden. The community garden is slated to be operational by March 1, 2009.

You can get a truckload of great info and ideas about sustainability efforts in Clark County by checking out Pete's blog...so go check it out!

Sustainable Clark County

Oops...One More

I am hanging my head in shame for forgetting to tell you about an event being hosted by one of my favorite farm families, the good folks @ Dee Creek Farm. This will be a unique opportunity to learn about emergency & family preparedness. Here's the scoop on their upcoming class:

Hey folks! It's been so long since we did deliveries (a whopping two
weeks!) - I'm suffering from withdrawal, and so couldn't help but
plan a get-together. It should be a great workshop - I'm totally
excited! We are planning on having another similar class in the
summer, which will include a campout, with hands on experience in
some of these techniques. That class will be more spendy. Btw, I
did update the website with new blog entries this week! ~Summer

Please Join Us
at Dee Creek Farm

"Intro to Emergency & Family Preparedness"
by Summer M.
January 17th, 2008, 2pm
$35 per person

To register for the class, email me your interest,
And confirm with your admission fees (at deliveries or by mail)
Class space is limited

Emergency and Family Preparedness will focus on the skills and
supplies needed for weathering emergencies and disasters. Whether it
is a loss of a job or illness in the family, a natural disaster,
epidemic or a temproary/long-term breakdown of the food/commodity
supply chain, learn what is necessary to keep yourself and others
from panicking while coming up with practical solutions to keep
oneself, family, friends or neighbors alive and healthy.

Topics will include: how to stock your food pantry, packaging/
preserving/storing foods, preparing emergency Bug-Out bags and
equipment, storing/cleaning/treating water, catching and using
rainwater, emergency toilets, seeds for quick sprouting and planting
in 30-40 day growing cycles, putting together an emergency first aid
kit, how to dress burns, how to use an oil lamp, tips for cast iron
and dutch oven cookery, starting a fire and more!

Bring snacks just in case class heads on into evening!
(we're shooting for 4 hours)
Come, and let's learn together!

Summer M. has been a long-time customer of DCF, and a committed
Locavore in our community, with two boys needing maximum nutrition to
keep their health maintained.

I have attended several of Summer's classes, and found the shared
information and instructors input invaluable. I thought I knew
stuff, but learned quickly that I could glean many new concepts, how
and why they worked. Folks that attend are invited to join a Google
group that is full of sharing, too!

I think there is no better time than now, when the economy is
struggling, to learn old-fashioned ways of living!

Summer
Email: summer at deecreekfarm dot com
Farm Phone: 360-225-9711
Cell Phone: 360-903-6956 (no service at the Farm)

Meet the Farmers and New Series of Classes at Preserve

Happy New Year everyone! I'm back after a short holiday break and I have a couple of really exciting upcoming events to tell you about.

The first is the 3rd Annual Meet the Farmers Event:

Sponsored by:

The Vancouver Food Co-op, SW WA CSA Farmers, WSU Vancouver Public Affairs Department, WSU Small Farms Team

Details:

7:00 to 8:30 pm
January 21st, 2009
WSU Vancouver
Firstenburg Student Commons
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave

The Vancouver Food Coop in cooperation with Washington State University Vancouver and the WSU Small Farms Team will host the Southwest Washington Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farms for Meet the Farmers on Wednesday January 21, 2009. The event will feature local CSA farms from southwest Washington and a speaker from the WSU Small Farms Team. WSU Small Farms Team staff and the SW WA CSA Farms will provide information to participants on what a CSA is, how to determine if a CSA is right for you, and questions to ask farmers to find the right CSA for you and your family. A Vancouver Food Co-op (VFC) board member will be present to speak briefly about VFC and their role with local farms.

There are a record number of CSAs in SW WA this year we are up to 18, that is from only around 3 a few years ago.

Come join others to meet many of the CSA farmers in person and sign up for CSA shares before the season begins.

“We are excited to be partnering with the CSAs for this event; we are proud to support local agriculture,” says Sunrise O’Mahoney of the Vancouver Food Coop.

For more information please call the Vancouver Food Coop at 360-694-8094 or check their website at http://www.vancouverfood.coop/. SW WA CSA Farms website: http://www.swwa-csafarms.com

The next is a phenomenal series of classes being offered by local home economics heroine and proprietor of the amazing Preserve, Harriet Fasenfest. The classes will span the better portion of the local growing season and will take you on a journey from pre-season garden planning all the way through preserving the harvest. This will definitely be one of the best home economics educational opportunities offered by anyone in our region this year and it's a bargain too. Sign up soon, because this will be a for sure sell out. For more details, please click this link:

The Householding Series: From Seed to Pantry

And for the Cliff Notes version, here's what Harriet has to say:

The Householding Series:
From Seed to Pantry

What is House Holding?

House Holding suggests a commitment and year-round process of tending our gardens, home, psyche and pantry in accordance to the logic, systems and bounty of the natural world. It supplants the full-throttle acceptance of the market economy as the engine of our survival as well as the ferocious consumer culture that fuels it. In essence, house-holding is about skills, values and processes that not only bring our own needs back to earth, but those of the planet’s as well. When combined, the information in this series will give you not only an efficient system for creating your own “stores” but, too, a sound economical one that brings the notion of local and sustainable to a whole new level. New systems need new thinking - not just smart packaging!

Series Summary

Taught once a month over the nine-month growing and preserving season, this series is intended to offer concrete tools for creating new patterns of food production, direct-farm purchase, preservation and meal planning.

Appropriate for all levels of experience but suggested for those truly committed to the process. Some previous knowledge helpful but not necessary.

The series will be presented by a number of instructors experienced in their field but who, together, offer a systematic approach to living, growing and cooking within the seasons.

This year is looking like it will be a stellar one for local agriculture, supporting the local economy, and revitalizing the art of keeping a good, healthy home. Don't let the media get you down with all of the stories of gloom and doom. As a caring, concerned community, we can and will work together to weather any storm. And we are truly blessed to have wonderful resources in our area to help us figure out how to do it.

Love your family, hug a farmer, and start planning your gardens. Talk to y'all soon.

Kill Your Television & Russell's Bread Update

Now it's even easier to turn off the idiot box and pick up a peridodical. This just in from Jessica @ Northbank Magazine!

A newsstand comes to West Vancouver! Finally...

I am so pleased to see that a newsstand has opened at the Vancouver Marketplace on Evergreen and Columbia. It's quite small and has lots of prime real estate dedicated to pulpy best sellers and magazines with Brangelina on the cover. HOWEVER, I can now buy a New York Times just minutes from my home and work from an actual person, and some Skittles, if I so desire.

Go. Read. A newspaper.

J.


Also, Marcell's Coffee House, features Russell's Bread for sale by the loaf...as well as great coffee, pastries, sandiches, friendly service, locally crafted clothing & gifts, loads of good books, and a very high level of "hangoutability". Go check 'em out at 3100 Columbia Street.

2Hand Revolution DIY Craft Show

Did you make it out to the 2Hand Revolution DIY craft show today? No? That's unfortunate because you missed one of the coolest Christmas gift shopping opportunities you'll ever find in Clark County. I found the perfect gifts for the ladies in my life, supported local artists, met some amazing people, and the things I bought would have easily cost two or three times what I paid for them in a boutique in Portland.

Luckily for you the two vendors I purchased my gifts from also sell their handiwork through Etsy. And since they live in our neck of the woods, there's plenty of time for you to place your order and have it in time for the holidays. Check 'em out:

Felted Finery - Lovely, Warm Wearables and Other Fun, Fine Felted Wool Goods

DadzDesign - Coolest Dollz Ever!

While you're at Etsy, be sure to check out the dozens of other talented, local artisans who have set up shop there. I know you'll find just the right thing for everyone on your list and you'll be putting your money back into our community.

There was an additional aspect to the 2Hand Revolution show that I wasn't expecting that's worth mentioning. The Southwest Washington CSA group was there representing local CSA farms, the Urban Farm School was well represented, and the Vancouver Food Coop also had a table there. Very cool stuff and I had the opportunity to rub elbows with some of my favorite heroes of the local agriculture scene. Thank you to all of you for being there.

I also want to give a special kudos to Jessica Swanson, the editor of Northbank Magazine. She was the mastermind behind this awesome event, the founder of 2Hand Revolution, and she did a fabulous job putting on this event. If you've never picked up a copy of Northbank Magazine and you live in our area, you really owe it to yourself to find one. It's a very slick, well-produced quarterly publication focusing on our community and the surrounding area. Thank you Jessica. It was wonderful to meet you in person.

Thank Your Mother

If you're even a little like me, you're already thinking about next year's garden. And it's never too early to start planning and searching for a source for the rare, unusual, and interesting plants you'd like to try. I love spending hours looking through the catalogs that start arriving in my mailbox this time of year. But sometimes I know exactly what I'm looking for and just want to get down to the business of buying. Now, thanks to mother Earth magazine I have a better way to get my seed buying quick fix.

Mother Earth just launched a really cool new search tool on their web site. The Mother Earth Seed and Plant Finder will allow you to search the online catalog inventories of over 500 seed companies.

Hooker's Sweet Corn - Check!
Seattle's Best of All Tomatoes - Check!
Yellow Rocoto Chile Pepper - Check!

Looks like this thing works pretty darn well. Thanks Mother Earth!

psssst...I've got a secret to tell you...

Joyce & Greg from NW Organic Farm in Ridgefield confided in me that they are going to start a CSA for next season. They may even offer a small winter CSA season if there is enough interest. There will likely only be ten shares available the first season. If you know anything about NW Organic Farm or you are fortunate enough to have spent time with Greg, Joyce, and Greg's wonderful brother Ben, then you know that the lucky few folks who jump on the CSA deal with them are going to in for some seriously fine eating.

I know Joyce & Greg haven't officially announced the CSA yet, but if I were you, I would seriously consider giving them a ring sooner than later and letting them know that you're interested in purchasing a share for next year. You can thank me later for tip...

NW Organic Farms
17713 NW 61st Avenue,
Ridgefield, WA 98642
360-573-4868

Winter Ale Tasting @ By the Bottle

Here's a little gathering that will help you chase away the rainy day blues. Thanks to the good folks @ By the Bottle.

Cold Winter Ales Are Hot at By the Bottle

Savor a few this Saturday!

Other than waterfalls starting to freeze, nothing says Winter is coming more than an awesome Winter Ale tasting. By the Bottle has taken great care to choose the best of the season, the hottest of the hot, and some off-beat weirdo uniques to get this party started.

Your Winter seasonal selection at BTB totally lives up to this. From Laughing Buddha's Purple Yam Porter to Well's Banana Bread, we's gots the goods!

Kick-off the holiday season with all of your friends and family this Saturday.

Cheers,
By the Bottle

Tasting Menu & Details

Scuttlebutt 10 Below
Imperial Dunkelweiss, a crisp citrusy aroma is a unique beginning to a rich chocolate finish, 7.4 abv

Great Divide Hibernation Ale

Elysian Bifrost Winter Ale

Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper
(all selections are subject to change)

WHERE:
By the Bottle
104 W. Evergreen Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98660 360-696-0012

WHEN: This Saturday, 11/22/08

TIME: 6pm to 8pm

TASTING FEE:
$5.00, cash only, please

PARKING:
free, ok to use lot across the street

Bring valid photo ID
Must be 21 years of age to sample

SAVE-THE-DATE!
Friday, December 12, 2008
6pm-8pm
STONE BREWING TASTING

Farm Connect/Locavore Delivery - 11.20.2008

Here's this week's Farm Connect/Locavore delivery list. Courtesy of Summer @ Dee Creek Farm.

This is the last Thursday delivery before Thanksgiving! Be sure to prepare for your holiday feast sharing! We have a dairy inspection on Friday, and if all goes well *fingers crossed*, will have chevre (and other scrumptious things) and will post a *holiday special* delivery for early next week since we will not be doing Thursday's delivery next week.

This Saturday, from 10am-2pm, Rhonda Ryder of Blue Rose Dairy in Winlock will be having a hands on class on how to make Chevre and Mozzarella (with tips for yogurt and ricotta) for $35 per person. Lunch will be served, along with other cheeses from local farms, and a dairy tour afterwards, where you can buy cheese, if wanted. If you're interested, RSVP here. We'll plan a carpool from Woodland for those who want to drive up together in our 15 person van. Let me know if you're coming aboard! ~S

*****

Grassfed Beef,
We have some Belted Galloway grassfeed beef from Dee Creek Farm available for sale immediately. If you are interested, you will need to pay for your complete order on Thursday at deliveries, minus cut & wrap (you'll pay the butcher shop this). We are guesstimating the following prices: Cow, $400/quarter. Steer, $350/quarter. If you are interested, I will email you more details, and will need a check for full payment on Thursday, so let's get this show on the road!

Pastured Poultry
Turkey for Thanksgiving - SOLD OUT
For those who have ordered turkey and have made arrangements, this reminder to come to deliveries to pick up!
Stewing Hens - $3/lb, minimum order of 5
If you're looking for some stewing hens, we are selling them in fives. Estimating $30-$35 per order of 5 chickens.

Cheeses,
Aged Feta, $5.50/container retail, $5.00/container CSA - block or crumble
Creamy block or crumbles of unpasteurized aged feta from DCF. Try in rice dressing, warm pasta dishes, pear & hazelnut salad, deviled eggs, bowl of beans.

Eggs,
$4/dozen retail, $3.75/dozen CSA
We will fill DCF egg CSA's first (and will get everyone!). Please recycle your DCF egg cartons with us! Will have extra available through Angie's usual deliciousness & Nature's Choice this week, too - who feeds certified organic feed and kitchen scraps! First come, first served!

Apple Butter, $5/half-pint (spiced, or rum-spiced)
This yummy apple butter was made at DCF with apples from our nearby families spray-free trees.

Pepper Jelly, $6/half-pint
Made with peppers from Dee Creek Farm and from Red Basket Farm in Battle Ground, this jelly is delicious with cream cheese atop crackers!

Raw Honey,
Gallon/$32, Half-gallon/$18, Quart/$12, Pint/$7
Raw honey in glass (sometimes plastic) jars form Honey House Farm in Brush Prairie - super local! Great for allergies!

Produce,
NW Organic Farms (certified organic) in Ridgefield will bring:
Salad Greens, $6/lb
Kale, $1.50/bunch
Butternut & Cabasa Squash, $.75/lb
Garlic, $2.50/lb
Apples, $1.50/lb

Wild & Naturally Preserved Eats,
Mushrooms, Fresh - 1/4 lb bags
Organic Shitake, $3/bag beautiful med-large size (not buttons)
Cultivated Maitake, $4.00/bag
Mushrooms, Dried –
Porcini ½ pint 5.00
Chanterelle ½ pint 5.00
Mushrooms, Vacuum packed Frozen – 1/4 lb packs
Porcini 4.50
Chanterelle 4.00
Berries, Vacuum packed Frozen – 1 lb packs
Elderberries 5.00
Wild Himalayan Blackberries 3.50
Wild Huckleberries 9.00
Dried Snack and Meal Helpers -
(Already chopped, diced, sliced, portioned, and packaged just right for 1-2 meals)
Org. Walla Walla Onions (great for snacks, sandwiches, salad toppings...) $1.25
Org Red Onions (great for stir-fry, burgers, sandwiches, macaroni & potato salads...) $1.25
Org. Green Garlic (a spring culinary treat - more delicate mild flavor than raw garlic...) $2.00
Org. Heirloom Tomatoes (snacks, great for pasta or rice dishes, saute` w/vegs...) $2.00
Wild Elderberries 2.00
Just in time for Holiday meal planning . . . don’t forget mushrooms for your dressing, or huckleberry pie, or berry topped cheesecake (yum!!), the above comes from Nature's Choice, a Vancouver business, operated by a couple who collects & sells wild eats, and prepares naturally preserved foods.

*****

Remember that in an effort to be more efficient, and less wasteful, we're going to stop writing individual receipts, and instead keep a book. If you specifically want a receipt, please let us know when you place your order, if possible.

Anyone and everyone can order from our deliveries, not just "subscribers"! To any newcomers on the e-list, welcome! Also rest assured that all farms contributing to our deliveries all meet several standards: chemical-free, sustainable, natural, family farming... If you have questions about any of them, don't hesitate to ask, or check them out yourself! ~S

To order, click here and specify what you would like.
All checks go to "Dee Creek Farm", or bring cash.

**BRING YOUR OWN BAG**

We fill pre-orders first, then it’s first come, first served!
We do mostly pre-orders at deliveries, rather than Farmers Market style.
Please help us in this by pre-ordering what you can!

Summer
Email: summer@deecreekfarm.com
Farm Phone: 360-225-9711
Cell Phone: 360-903-6956 (no service at the Farm)

So You Want To Be A Farmer Take II - UPDATE

Last week I told you that David Knaus from Fresh Earth Gardens would be teaching a Modern Organic Farming Methods class at the Old Poor Farm on 78th. I promised I'd let you know as soon as there was more information available so here's the lowdown on the class.

Modern Organic Agriculture Class

Also, David has a very nice new web site up and running. I've updated the Fresh Earth Gardens link in the Local Farms section on the lefthand sidebar, but you can also visit the site by clicking here.

While you're there, check out the Opportunities page of his site. He's looking for interns/apprentices to work at his farm. This would be a unique opportunity to get a serious hands-on education from David.

10 Reasons To Buy Local Food

Here's another version of the Top Ten Reasons To Buy Local Food list that many of us have seen before. I felt obliged to post this for two reasons. One, it was composed by Brenton Johnson, an organic farmer from my home state of Texas (yes, there are actually a few folks down there that don't dance to the Bush beat).

The second reason relates to number 8 on the following list. Please pay close attention to reason number 8. There are numerous studies that have been done to prove this fact, including this list of Cost of Community Services surveys from across the nation. The surveys were conducted by the Farmland Information Center. Check it out. Despite what the developers and politicians say, suburban sprawl places a significantly greater strain on taxpayers and public services than farms do. The argument that building more subdivisions, Big Box stores, and strip malls creates a stronger local economy is a combination of flawed logic and creative accounting. Human beings do not need giant flat screen TVs, a 3000 sq. foot house in a gated community, or a Starbucks on every corner to survive. However, we do need to eat. We do require clean, wholesome food to stay healthy and curb our medical expenses. And all members of our community deserve easy access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food. The best ways to ensure these objectives are met are to not only preserve our existing farmland, but to encourage and support an increase in local food production through sustainable farming practices and an increase of added value products being made with ingredients that are locally produced.

My family, and especially my two year old daughter, thanks you for supporting and protecting sustainable local agriculture.

Here's the list:

Why Buy Local?
by Brenton Johnson, Johnson's Backyard Garden

Locally grown food tastes better. Food grown in your own community is usually picked within the past day or two. It’s crisp, sweet, and loaded with flavor. Produce flown or trucked in from Florida, Chile, Mexico, or Holland is, quite understandably, much older. Several studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles. In a week long delay from harvest to dinner plate, sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality

Local produce is better for you. Studies showed that fresh produce loses nutrients quickly. Locally grown food, purchased soon after harvest, retains its nutrients.

Local food preserves genetic diversity. In the modern industrial agricultural system, varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen simultaneously and withstand harvesting equipment; for a tough skin that can survive packing and shipping; and for an ability to have a long shelf life in the store. Only a handful of hybrid varieties of each fruit and vegetable meet those rigorous demands, so there is little genetic diversity in the plants grown. Local farms, in contrast, grow a huge number of varieties to provide a long season of harvest, an array of eye-catching colors, and the best flavors. Many varieties are heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation, because they taste good.These old varieties contain genetic material from hundreds or even thousands of years of human selection; they may someday provide the genes needed to create varieties that will thrive in a changing climate. Local food preserves genetic diversity.

Local food is GMO-free. Although biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialize genetically modified fruits and vegetables, they are currently licensing them only to large factory-style farms. Local farmers don’t have access to genetically modified seed, and most of them wouldn’t use it even if they could. A June 2001 survey by ABC News showed that 93% of Americans want labels on genetically modified food - most so that they can avoid it. If you are opposed to eating bio-engineered food, you can rest assured that locally grown produce was bred the old-fashioned way, as nature intended.

Local food supports local farm families. With fewer than 1 million Americans now listing farming as their primary occupation, farmers are a vanishing breed. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middle man and get full retail price for their crops - which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm, doing what they love.

Local food builds a stronger community. When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection between the eater and the grower. Knowing the farmers gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. In many cases, it gives you access to a farm where your children and grandchildren can go to learn about nature and agriculture. Relationships built on understanding and trust can thrive.

Local food preserves open space. As the value of direct-marketed fruits and vegetables increases, selling farmland for development becomes less likely. You have probably enjoyed driving out into the country and appreciated the lush fields of crops, the meadows full of wildflowers, the picturesque red barns. That landscape will survive only as long as farms are financially viable. When you buy locally grown food, you are doing something proactive about preserving the agricultural landscape.

Local food helps to keep your taxes in check. Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates in taxes, according to several studies.

Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife. A well-managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued. Good stewards of the land grow cover crops to prevent erosion and replace nutrients used by their crops. Cover crops also capture carbon emissions and help combat global warming. According to some estimates, farmers who practice conservation tillage could sequester 12-14% of the carbon emitted by vehicles and industry. In addition, the habitat of a farm - the patchwork of fields, meadows, woods, ponds, and buildings - is the perfect environment for the many species of wildlife including owls, hawks, blue herons, bats, and rabbits, and foxes.

Local food is about the future. By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow so that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful, and abundant food.

Vancouver Food Coop Owners Brainstorming Session

Brainstorming session--VFC Owners
Thursday, November 20, 2008
7:00pm - 8:30pm

BRAINSTORM TO GET VFC WORD OUT

Where: Felida neighborhood (email for address and directions)
RSVP: outreach@vancouverfood.coop

VFC needs your ideas and positive experiences. VFC tells the community we exist through our public presence at community gatherings. Often, we set up a table at Vancouver Farmers Market, local festivals and fairs, and other events. We distribute literature, and talk with as many folks as possible about VFC. This is how we expand membership and involvement.

The time has come to ramp up our visibility, to put some more sparkle in our efforts. We have more volunteers and increased enthusiasm that make these efforts timely.

Let's get together, share our experiences and ideas about the look of our table display, materials we hand out, etc.

Coordinated by: VFC Owners and volunteers--Patty P. and Marj C.

Permaculture Tour 11.29.2008

Bev's Place Permaculture Tour

Bev demonstrates sustainable living on a 90'x110' suburban lot. She shows how to harvest rain water, recycle auto glass tiles, make worm bins, 5 kinds of composting, four seasons raised vegetable beds, native plants, and lawn alternatives. Bev's Place has been certified as a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary.

Beverly Doty offers a pethora of local information to expand your knowledge of organic gardening and permaculture. You owe it to yourself to learn what you can do on your own corner of the world. Bev's tours are free, but reservations are required. The next tour is Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 720 NW 9th St., Vancouver.

To reserve your spot, call Bev at 360-574-1343, or email at bevesalt@pacifier.com

The Heirloom Apple Tasting Revisited

Here's a cool, nicely produced little video piece on the Heirloom Apple tasting that happened last month in Venersborg. Check it out!

Have A Unique Thankgiving Experience @ Friendly Haven Rise Farm

I am personally acquainted with the Freeman's and I GUARANTEE you will have the time of your life if you choose to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with them at their farm. And only $500 for the experience...it's a freakin' bargain. Give Joseph or Jackie a call and book your seat at their table before they're all gone.

Here's the deal straight from the turkey's mouth:

Thanksgiving at the Farm: for 2 to 8 people

Holidays are times of great family traditions. We invite people who are friendly and interesting to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years with us on our biodynamic farm. The harvest is in, the gardens have been put to bed for the winter and the fruit, meat and vegetables have been preserved, dried, canned and frozen for the coming seasons. Now we're settling in to our roomy farmhouse to share our joy and knowledge with good people: Farm skills like milking a cow, tending chickens, making cider, learning about bees, and cooking up great meals made with healthy, organic ingredients.

The first offering is for Thanksgiving. You're invited to arrive Wednesday evening in time to bake a few pies with us. Thursday we'll dig potatoes, make fresh butter, cook turkey and the fixings and eat, eat, eat. You're welcome to create your own family favorite for the meal, too.

Friday we'll introduce you to our cows and you can try your hand at milking, play with the baby calves, collect eggs, make eggnog and yogurt, take a hike to the waterfall. Bring a favorite game for evening.

Saturday we'll teach you all about bees, honey skin care, bake some rustic tarts, chop firewood if you feel so inclined, and participate in talent night that evening. Bring a poem to read, art to show, song to sing, dance for/with us or just watch and applaud. Sunday is the classic "day of rest." Sleep in and lounge about or help out with our daily farm chores.

Sound like fun? We've got four bedrooms in the farmhouse so we have room for up to four couples (preferred) or singles who want to share a room. You can be all eight together or you can come on your own. A farm with a houseful of goodhearted people is a happy farm. We'll also offer this for up to eight people for the four-day weekends around Christmas and New Years. No pets (we have PLENTY of animals). This is family style so expect to make your own bed and help with dishes. Still, our intent is that this time be relaxed for all and full of laughter.

Cost is $500 per person from Wednesday night to Sunday afternoon and food is included. We ask that you pay half when we reserve your spot and then pay the other half when you get here.

If you'd like to see more of our farm, visit http://www.FriendlyHaven.com (lots of pictures) or see what we're up to on our blog http://www.blog.FriendlyHaven.com

Our experience tells us we get along best with easy-going people who are interested in good health and have a well developed sense of humor. If you're like that and wish you had a farm to go home to for the holidays, pop us over an email at
FriendlyHaven@gmail.com or call us at 360-687-8384

Warmly,

Jacqueline & Joseph Freeman
Friendly Haven Rise Farm