Get Ready: Market Opens on Thursday!

Greetings local food lovers,

*Just a reminder that the market will be opening this Thursday, February 2nd at 5 PM! *

We just got back from the Colorado Farm to School Conference in Brighton and are full of ideas about how to make Local Farms First better and more convenient for you.

We look forward to providing you with fresh, local foods in 2012!

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Market to Re-Open Feb 2nd!

Greetings local food lovers!

The market will re-open on February 2nd, with deliveries made to you on February 8th! Finally, another chance to get fresh, local foods in spite of the cold!

This will be the only February market so be sure to stock up on what’s available.

We’ll be re-opening permanently for 2012 in March.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

LocalFarmsFirst.com - winter ordering/delivery schedule

Greetings local food lovers!

Just a reminder that we are doing limited winter deliveries – one in January, one in February and then returning to our regular schedule. Watch your inbox for market openings and ordering.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Drilling in our farmland - Can you help?

We need your letters to the BLM to stop the proposed drilling here in the North Fork Valley to save our foodshed!

Cut, paste, and CUSTOMIZE the below to these email addresses:

hhankins@blm.gov, bsharrow@blm.gov, co_ufo_leasing@blm.gov,olund@deltacounty.com, Bertram@tds.net, datchley@deltacounty.com, bhovde@deltacounty.com, alisongannett@me.com, watchdog@piceance.org

To: BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
Barb Sharrow – Field Office Manager
2465 South Townsend Avenue
Montrose, Colorado 81401

RE: Proposed August 2012 North Fork Lease Sale

Dear Ms. Hankins and Ms. Sharrow:

1. (write here about the farmers and their families from the wonderful Farmer’s Markets, and/or LocalFarmsFirst.com online market. Have you visited any specific farms, if so, describe what you value – beautiful agricultural landscapes, clean air, clean water, no traffic, no light, dust or noise pollution. Send photos if you have them!)
2. (write here about the food you purchase – what do you depend on? Why do you buy locally – health/Organic? support local economies/families?
3. (write here about why you would NOT want to purchase food from local farms if there was even a chance of health effects from air or water pollution.
4. (write here why you may no longer VISIT/vacation at local farms and wineries if there was potential of drilling effects such as visual pollution; noise pollution; traffic pollution (please name the items specifically that you don’t want to see in the North Fork Valley in Delta, County).

The BLM should withdraw all lease parcels: 6189, 6190, 6191, 6192, 6193, 6194, 6195, 6196, 6197, 6198, 6199, 6200, 6201, 6202, 6203, 6205, 6206, 6207, 6211, 6215, 6216, and 6217. Justification for removal and deferral is warranted, due to the fact that the 22-year old outdated Resource Management Plan does not take into account : Organic and chemical-free agriculture, Recreational Tourism, Agri-tourism, and Agri-education, and any new information and changed circumstances. This argument should justify the removal and/or deferral of any land/minerals leasing in the North Fork Valley until the new RMP is complete.

Sincerely,

(name and address)

If you have the time, please also send a copy via US mail to:
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
Barb Sharrow – Field Office Manager
2465 South Townsend Avenue
Montrose, Colorado 81401

Fracking in Our Foodshed

Greetings local food lovers!

Many of the farms and ranches that supply us with fresh, local foods at our farmers markets and through Local Farms First may soon become neighbors with fracking.

The BLM is proposing 20+ fracking leases in a 30,000 acre area surrounding Paonia and neighboring farming communities. Fracking could pose the following effects to Delta County farms’ operations, products, drinking water, health, safety, agri-tourism and educational opportunities:

• Tremors & earthquakes that could destabilize Paonia Reservoir & irrigation canals
• Air, traffic, visual, light and noise pollution
• Water pollution
• Chemical contamination that could hinder Organic food certification and sale
• Likely health problems for residents from air pollution: Health Impact Assessment by the Colorado School of Public Health
• Changes in animal migratory patterns (bald eagle, elk, deer, fish)

We can stop this before it happens! Our only defense is LETTERS TO THE BLM.

Petitions are nice, but not considered by the BLM.
*
Letter Instructions: *
Modify the letter template below and send to the following emails:
hhankins@blm.gov, bsharrow@blm.gov, co_ufo_leasing@blm.gov,olund@deltacounty.com, Bertram@tds.net, datchley@deltacounty.com, bhovde@deltacounty.com, alisongannett@me.com, watchdog@piceance.org

If you have time, it would really help to ALSO send this letter via the post office (must be received by Jan. 9th).

To: BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
Barb Sharrow – Field Office Manager
2465 South Townsend Avenue
Montrose, Colorado 81401

RE: Proposed August 2012 North Fork Lease Sale

Dear Ms. Hankins and Ms. Sharrow:

1. (write here about the farmers and their families from the wonderful Farmer’s Markets, and/or LocalFarmsFirst.com online market. Have you visited any specific farms, if so, describe what you value – beautiful agricultural landscapes, clean air, clean water, no traffic, no light, dust or noise pollution.

2. (write here about the food you purchase – what do you depend on? Why do you buy locally – health/Organic? support local economies/families?

3. (write here about why you would NOT want to purchase food from local farms if there was even a chance of health effects from air or water pollution.

4. (write here why you may no longer VISIT/vacation at local farms and wineries if there was potential of drilling effects such as visual pollution; noise pollution; traffic pollution (please name the items specifically that you don’t want to see in the North Fork Valley in Delta, County).

The BLM should withdraw all lease parcels: 6189, 6190, 6191, 6192, 6193, 6194, 6195, 6196, 6197, 6198, 6199, 6200, 6201, 6202, 6203, 6205, 6206, 6207, 6211, 6215, 6216, and 6217. Justification for removal and deferral is warranted, due to the fact that the 22-year old outdated Resource Management Plan does not take into account: Organic and chemical-free agriculture, Recreational Tourism, Agri-tourism, and Agri-education, and any new information and changed circumstances. This argument should justify the removal and/or deferral of any land/minerals leasing in the North Fork Valley until the new RMP is complete.

Sincerely,
(name and address)

Thank you for all your help!

Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Last chance to order local in 2011!

Greetings local food lovers!

Don’t forget to place your order for this week and the weeks ahead by tomorrow (Monday) at 7am.

This will be the last market of 2011! The market will reopen once in January and once in February.

To keep fresh, local foods in your diet through the winter months, consider processing or preserving! Or, if you don’t have the time, buy some of Ellen’s Pickled Products.

Here’s an easy applesauce recipe to make Paonia’s delicious fresh apples last through the winter:

• Peel (or leave skins if desired) and core 8-12 apples
• Chop into 1 inch cubes
• Toss with 1/4 cup brown sugar, pinch of salt and 1 cup of water or juice in large saucepan
• Add 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 tsp lemon zest
• Cover and cook at medium high heat 20 minutes until apples begin to break down, stirring occasionally
• Process in food processor or food mill until smooth
• Stir in 1 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves and any other desired seasoning

NEW PAONIA PICK UP LOCATION WILL BE AT THE TRADING POST.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Weblog Entry

Greetings local food lovers!

The market is OPEN – don’t forget to place your order before tomorrow (Monday) at 7am this week.

This will be the last market of 2011 so make sure you stock up now for holiday cooking.

New this week: Gift certificates! Give the gift of local, delicious foods…

Local Farms First now has gift certificates for $25, $50 and $100 that you can purchase on the market for family and friends, with the cost applied to your total order. Perfect for the holidays, for birthdays or for the foodie/cook in your life.

NEW PAONIA PICK UP LOCATION WILL BE AT THE TRADING POST.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Weblog Entry

Greetings local food lovers!

The market is OPEN – don’t forget to place your order before tomorrow (Monday) at 7am this week.

This will be the last market of 2011! The market will reopen once in January and once in February.

So, it’s time to think ahead!

• Potatoes will last 4 months in darkness, 40 degrees and 100% humidity (crawlspace, anyone?)

• Onions will last 3 months with darkness, 50 degrees, and no humidity (think cold closet)

• Carrots will last 3 months: tear tops off, place in non-airtight plastic container inside refrigerator

NEW PAONIA PICK UP LOCATION WILL BE AT THE TRADING POST.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Weblog Entry

Greetings local food lovers!

The market is OPEN – don’t forget to place your order before tomorrow (Monday) at 7am each week.

Recipe of the week:
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
1. Wash and peel squash
2. Cut squash into 1/2?×1/2" cubes
3. Toss squash in 1/8 cup olive oil or melted butter, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp hot sauce & spices (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt & pepper to taste)
4. Spread across lightly oiled baking sheet and bake 45-50 minutes in middle rack at 425 degrees until soft and lightly browned

BONUS: Roast squash in bottom section of a roasting pan and cook poultry or meat above to coat the squash in drippings!

NEW PAONIA PICK UP LOCATION WILL BE AT THE TRADING POST.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com

Localfarmsfirst.com - Market is open!

Greetings local food lovers!

The market is OPEN – don’t forget to place your order between Thurs 5pm-Monday 7am each week.

Featured this week:
Chocolate ginger truffles, homemade at Hardin’s Natural Foods. 100% organic! Ginger, coffee, orange & more. A most excellent holiday season gift for the chocolate lovers in your life.

Farmer Story of the Week: . Farmers from Montrose County and the greater Western Slope area gathered together in downtown Montrose today for the Valley Food Forum. The attendees explored the topics of marketing & distribution, labor & regulations, mobile meat processing and community education through panelist presentations and work sessions. Local Farms First presented about its ordering & delivery system and there was great interest in bringing a similar program to Montrose.

NEW PAONIA PICK UP LOCATION WILL BE AT THE TRADING POST.

Thanks for supporting local family farmers!
Chelsea Bookout
Market Facilitator LocalFarmsFirst.com – a 501c3 non-profit
303-775-5318
click here to start shopping on the website
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com