Hi Marguerite,

  Where do you live? Are you a fiber artist?



Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the welcome!  I am hoping to one day have a small farm for my
pleasure.  I'm not quite sure what yet but my goal is to be able to grow and
raise things to live on.  Chickens for eggs, vegetables, maybe some fiber
animals.  So, I thought I'd read and learn while forming my plans in my head.



Marguerite

Life is just a leap of faith
So spread your arms and hold you breath
And always trust your cape!





To: virginiaswomeninagriculture@yahoogroups.com
From: skb.groups@...
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:03:54 -0500
Subject: [Virginiaswomeninagriculture] welcome





<MargueriteBarker@...>

Welcome to Marguerite Barker; we've slowed down to a faint trickle re.
posts. If you're looking for particular information, please ask. We've
various members who could, possibly, render assistance.

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]









_________________________________________________________________
Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

2009 Sheep and Goat Short Course
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: registration starts 8:00 a.m.
Place: WV State Fairgrounds, WV University Bldg., Lewisburg, WV Click Here
<http://statefairofwv.org/Map/Directions.html>  for Map
All interested persons welcome.
for more info, http://www.sheepwv.org





Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

<MargueriteBarker@...>

Welcome to Marguerite Barker; we've slowed down to a faint trickle re.
posts. If you're looking for particular information, please ask. We've
various members who could, possibly, render assistance.

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I saw that the Solar Decathlon where 20 college and university teams compete
to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient
solar-powered house will be open to the public on the Mall in DC Oct. 9-13
and 15-18. Has anyone been to the past Decathlons? Is it worth a 3 hour
trip, do you think?



Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Welcome, Lynn.

We're not a chatty group, mainly exchange information. If you've questions,
please ask. Also, please introduce yourself.

Glad to have you.

Sandra
Thistle Cove Farm
wwww.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Crucial Cuisine: Putting Rare Breeds Back on the Table

Friday, November 13th: Pre-Conference Clinics
Several pre-conference clinics will  be offered allowing members to
receive individualized, hands-on experience. Space for clinics is
limited, so register early!
Clinic topics include:
~Hog Husbandry-The Key to Healthy, Productive Hogs
~Breeding Rare Breed Rabbits for Productivity
~Selecting Heritage Chicken Breeding Stock for Productivity
~The Lost Art of Last Cuts-A Cooking Clinic
~Introduction to Microdairying with Sheep, Cattle, and Goats
~Breed Association Clinic

Friday Night: A Rare-A-Fare Dinner will give members the opportunity to
network while enjoying a meal featuring rare breeds. The dinner is
included in conference registration.

Saturday, November 14th:  Enjoy all-day educational opportunties. From
8:30am - 5:00pm attendees will experience plenary sessions and
break-out sessions. 14 different talks will be held throughout the day.
Some topics include:

Poultry Incubation-Hatching for Success  Finding an Outlet for the Rest
of the Beef
  Pork: The Other Red Meat  Emergency Preparedness for Rare Breed
Stewardship
  New Genetic Technologies for Breed Conservation  Demystifying Farm
Economics
  How to Work Productively with Your Processor  The Competitive Edge of
Heritage Breeds in Grass-based Systems
  Marketing Strategies for Independent Producers  Introduction to Rare
Meat Rabbit Breeds

MORE INFORMATION:
When:
November 13-14, 2009

Where:
Raleigh, NC
Clarion Hotel State Capital

Cost:
~Early Registration Special for Members - $135 by 9/30
~Member Registration after 9/30 - $165
~Non-Member Registration - $185

Accomodations:
The Clarion Hotel State Capital is offering a $79 per night rate.
(Fri. & Sat.)
Call: (919) 832-0501 and ask for the American Livestock Breeds
Conservancy rate

Transportation:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 13 miles from the host hotel.
Amtrak and Greyhound services also run through Raleigh.

Photo Contest!
Got great pictures of rare breeds that you'd like to share?
Participate in ALBC's photo contest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.
Must receive photos by Septemeber 16th. Digital format preferred.
Email digital files to editor@....
Mailed submissions will be accepted. Mail to PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC
  27312

MEMBERS - REGISTER NOW to receive the discounted rate!

For more information about the conference, check out the conference
website.
Download the Conference Brochure
Register for the Conference



American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
PO Box 477
Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312
USA




--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

FYI -

Sandra
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


A SAOVA message to sportsmen, farmers and pet owners concerned about
protecting their traditions, avocations and livelihoods from anti-hunting,
anti-breeding, animal guardianship advocates. Forwarding and cross posting,
with attribution, encouraged.

------------------------------

  Dear SAOVA friends,



The report below is from the 2009 Animal Agriculture Alliance conference.
Among the many speakers were: Mike Adams, Host, AgriTalk Radio; Tom Field,
Executive Director-Producer Education National Cattlemen’s Beef Association;
David White, Senior Director, Policy Development & Research, Ohio Farm
Bureau and Former Executive Director, Ohio Livestock Coalition; and Dr. Wes
Jamison, Associate Professor of Communication, Palm Beach Atlantic Univ. For
more information on the Animal Agriculture Alliance visit their website:
http://www.animalagalliance.org/



Susan Wolf

Sportsmen's and Animal Owners' Voting Alliance - http://saova.org

Issue lobbying and working to identify and elect supportive legislators





*Cattle Network: Take Home Messages from the Animal Agriculture Alliance
Meeting *



7/28/2009 11:38:00 AM

Consider these facts: Ninety-five law schools now offer at least one course
in animal law. A publication exists called the Journal of Animal Law and
Ethics. The World Bank has created a publication on animal welfare.



Animal rights issues have permeated our culture, and animal agriculture is
seeing the effects. So in May, when farmers, legislative leaders,
veterinarians, issue management specialists, government officials and others
interested in the future of agriculture came together in Arlington,
Virginia, for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Stakeholders Summit, that’s
what they talked about. This year’s theme was "Politics, Activism and
Religion: Influencing the Debate on Animal Welfare in America."



*Here are some of the highlights:*



There was a warning from Wes Jamison, associate professor of communications
at Palm Beach Atlantic University: animal rights activists are using
messages with religious themes and language to advance their agenda:
vegetarianism.



Part of what makes it possible for groups to use religious language is that
so many people today have a vague and undefined religiosity, a lack of
doctrinal anchor: they are attracted to the language and the ideas. Their
lack of theological understanding makes it difficult for them to refute an
argument couched in religion. “We’re in a post theological world, adrift
without a rudder,” he said. He referred to the animal rights groups as
“meaning entrepreneurs”: their audience is in search of meaning, and the
groups are trying to fill that void.



Dr. Jamison explained two major reasons driving the activists to take this
route. The first is that people motivated by religion tend to donate money
generously; the second is that people motivated by religion can maintain the
intensity of their beliefs over time. Religious converts tend to be very
motivated – and interested in creating more converts.



This approach also allows for groups to attract bipartisan support;
religious feeling crosses party lines.



So does pet ownership, and pet owners are particularly vulnerable to the
guilt on which animal activists thrive. Pet owners have to find a way to
deal with a certain cognitive dissonance in their lives: they live with some
kinds of animals as pets/companions, while they eat other kinds.



The guilt involved in treating pets one way and food animals another way
goes to one of the activists’ core messages; people donate money to
alleviate that guilt. Other religious-themed messages relate to the value of
individual worth (God knows every animal, but factory farmers commodify
animals); asceticism (animals suffer for our gluttony); and compassion, what
Jamison called “the big message to the middle.



All religions stress compassion. God is compassionate; factory farming is
not.” The theme of responsibility – that humans should do what they can to
restore the planet – appeals to what Jamison called today’s “meism”: the
growth of narcissistic self-importance.



Bruce Vincent, a third generation logger from Montana, also gave an
impassioned talk, warning that animal rights groups thrive on conflict – in
fact, they must perpetuate conflict to survive. It is a conflict industry,
he said. "Groups involved in this industry generate cash by marketing fear.”
He warned that activist groups put before the public false choices,
especially on animal welfare and the environment (the only way to have clean
water is to eliminate animal agriculture, etc.).



Because he believes “the world is run by those who show up,” Vincent urged
people in agriculture, and other resource-based industries, to become
activists themselves: to add a line item for activism to their business
plans, ensuring they set aside both time and money to do the work.



"America is ready for a new leader and a new vision, based on hope instead
of fear, science instead of emotion, education instead of litigation and
resolution instead of conflict," Vincent said. "That new leader should be
us."



Vincent is the executive director of Provider Pals (www.providerpals.com), a
cultural exchange program that links classrooms with farmers, ranchers,
miners, loggers, oil field workers, commercial fishermen and “others who
provide the basics of everyday life.”



*Other messages:*



Mike Adams, host of AgriTalk Radio: Media coverage of agriculture is of
prime concern and importance. Look at the irresponsible reporting of H1N1 –
even the New York Times still calls it Swine Flu. More unity in agriculture
is needed to get messages out properly.



Cindy Smith, USDA under secretary of marketing and regulation: Ethical
treatment of animals creates marketing opportunities – responding to
concerns translates into a better bottom line. Well-informed consumers are
good consumers. There’s going to be a greater consumer demand for
information on where food came from.



Jim Wiesemeyer, senior vice president Informa Economics: Agriculture has not
done any analysis on climate change – e.g., what would impacts of cap and
trade be? Agriculture needs to provide vision on the issue.



Don’t make HSUS the subject. If you talk to PETA, you’ve lost.



If you think Washington thinks for your industry, think again. Bring he who
has risk in the industry to speak for you; lawmakers will listen.



Nils Beaumond, director of international relations, Interbev:  The animal
welfare movement in the European Union is extremely strong, thanks to
non-governmental organizations (NGOs). On the issue of transport, there have
been directives regarding intervals for watering, feeding, density limits,
lateral doors on trucks to access animals directly and restrictions on
environmental parameters during transport (how hot or cold it can be). A new
draft proposal reflects rising surveillance pressure, including a
requirement for live positioning.



Ed Pajor, associate professor, Purdue University: The 13 largest European
retailers plan to increase regulations on animal welfare. Meanwhile, in the
U.S., the private sector is taking the lead, with guidelines driven by
retailers/producers. The plethora of programs is now becoming a problem,
causing confusion.



Kay Johnson Smith, executive vice president of the Animal Agriculture
Alliance: Regulation will be the next step if producers don’t follow
guidelines on their own farms. Don’t tell consumers what you want them to
know – tell them about what they are concerned about. Don’t do away with the
discussion; take it over. Americans won’t put up with anything that seems
anti-animal or anti-environment.



Mitch Head, managing director, Golin Harris: There have been more state
ballot initiatives in this decade than in any other. The ballot initiative
process has populist beginnings, and the states that allow them are mostly
in the West. Their attractions: They’re cheap to get on a ballot. You get to
write the ballot language. They’re sometimes called Superman laws because
once passed by voters, they cannot be trumped by the state legislature.
Courts are reluctant to intercede. Even if they lose, they get statewide
attention.



If agriculture allows animal rights groups to start state initiative
process, they’ll end up playing defense.



The Internet may have an effect; activists have learned to use the Internet
better than industry has.



Mike Opperman, public relations director, Charleston/Orwig: Modern
agriculture is harder for consumers to understand and relate to. The
industry tends to respond to emotional issues with science, but needs to
speak to consumers’ hearts and heads.



Source: Suzanne Bopp

http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=334003







------------------------------

The message above was posted to Oregon, Washington and Alaska residents by
the Sportsmen's and Animal Owners' Voting Alliance (SAOVA) on one of ten
regional read only elists.

SAOVA is a nonpartisan volunteer group working to protect Americans from the
legislative and political threats of radical animal rightists. It is the
only national organization fighting this struggle for both sportsmen and
animal owners, natural allies, in these arenas. Visit our website at
http://saova.org for this program's goals, methodology and list signup
details.





--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From another list...

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com

URGENT Contact Your Representative - HR 2749 House Vote
on Tuesday!

The House of Representatives is scheduled for a vote on HR 2749 (The
Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009) on Tuesday, July 28 (tomorrow).
HR 2749 will be voted "on suspension", meaning that debate will be
limited to 40 minutes and no amendments will be considered. A
two-thirds vote will be required for HR 2749 to pass. The
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is asking everyone to contact their
U.S. Representatives requesting that they vote against HR 2749.

Industrial food processors and food imports need effective regulation,
but this should not be done at the expense of the 'local food system.
HR2749 will impose burdensome regulations on small farmers and local
food producers including registration fees and extensive paperwork
requirements for which many small food businesses will not have the
resources to comply. The 'local food system' is not the source of the
food safety problems in this country, small farmers and local artisanal
producers are part of the solution.

HR 2749 would reduce FDA's accountability while significantly
increasing its power. The bill would empower FDA to conduct
warrantless searches of business records without any evidence
whatsoever that a violation has occurred, to order a quarantine
prohibiting or restricting the movement of food in a geographic area.
HR 2749 also creates severe criminal and civil penalties with the
potential for substantial fines for even minor violations of the law.

Urge your Representative to vote against HR 2749 and support a food
safety bill that will target imports and industrial foods while leaving
small farmers and local food producers alone.

Three Ways to Contact your Representative:
1. Sign two petitions: FTCLDF Petition http://bit.ly/Oppose_HR2749
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102652247853&s=1401&e=001kHipKRIdvomQcV1uxBvo\
4_1NC6K5OxYdrPpJJ7zcgUpMLgYVKT51YQjcm9Uj8FMW78vyjbz2I8Fwv61ucnLVnc16lNyZ\
kQRHb1K7lxTqh7TIbSqAi8qbKg==<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102652247853&s=1401&e=001\
kHipKRIdvomQcV1uxBvo4_1NC6K5OxYdrPpJJ7zcgUpMLgYVKT51YQjcm9Uj8FMW78vyjbz2I8Fwv61u\
cnLVnc16lNyZkQRHb1K7lxTqh7TIbSqAi8qbKg==>>
and AAHF Petition http://bit.ly/g6IJT
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102652247853&s=1401&e=001kHipKRIdvonDQ3cuWliQ\
ljHKuTjH8Nxl0iQ5zc8xlzg330zgmvf_9Ck5h6ySxqqhx9dnpKbdXskFPHzD2_4SW8sMDHZ1\
baR1kUFl7fKAVzc=<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102652247853&s=1401&e=001kHipKRIdvonD\
Q3cuWliQljHKuTjH8Nxl0iQ5zc8xlzg330zgmvf_9Ck5h6ySxqqhx9dnpKbdXskFPHzD2_4SW8sMDHZ1\
baR1kUFl7fKAVzc=>
>
2. Go to "My Elected Officials" at www.congress.org
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102652247853&s=1401&e=001kHipKRIdvonLG_H2Tycn\
qm_f1KgyN61mmuJAqy2Z6G4HGIluzCmk8mqHhfhMzo3KwiCqm2p9XzBNpOFKBFVoFR2PFSra\
Lin1GrunHnp9dg70VIjZn4E9RQ==<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102652247853&s=1401&e=001\
kHipKRIdvonLG_H2Tycnqm_f1KgyN61mmuJAqy2Z6G4HGIluzCmk8mqHhfhMzo3KwiCqm2p9XzBNpOFK\
BFVoFR2PFSraLin1GrunHnp9dg70VIjZn4E9RQ==>>
and enter your zip code to find your
legislators. Call and/or send a fax.
3. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to contact your
Representative's office.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Virginia Independent Consumers and Farmers Association


17 July, 2009



WHAT:  Vilsack Town Hall
WHERE: Chatham, VA (south of Lynchburg about 50 miles)
WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2009, 1:30 - 2:30

Dear VICFA Members and Supporters,

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack will be at an open Town Hall in Chatham, Virginia
on Saturday, July 18, from 1:30 to 2:30.  Anybody may attend.  He'll be
there with Energy Secretary Chu and 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello
talking about green energy jobs.

Please go if you possibly can and ask him about NAIS (and take Farm Food
Voices flyers to distribute).  Vilsack did not attend the NAIS listening
sessions he organized.  This is probably the only opportunity for people in
VA to address him on this in person.

Please forgive the late notice.  We just learned about this Friday around 6
p.m. from a VICFA member who heard it on an NPR broadcast.

Directions
(http://chesapeakeclimate.org/getinvolved/event_detail.cfm?id=887):
The town hall will take place on the farm of Buddy Mayhew, just off of Route
29. About 4 or 5 miles south of Chatham, turn left on Carters Lodge Road
(Rt. 825), bear right at the fork and his farm will be 1.5 miles ahead on
your left.

Yours for food freedom,
Deborah Stockton, Editor
VICFA Voice
vicfavoice@...
www.VICFA.net



Virginia Independent Consumers and Farmers Association
Our purpose is to promote and preserve unregulated direct farmer-to-consumer
trade
that fosters availability of locally grown or home-produced food products.
VICFA opposes any government funded or managed National Animal
Identification System.
















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

*Governor's Forum 2009*



To:              Virginia Farm Bureau County Leaders

From:          Trey Davis, Political Education & Legislative Specialist,
                    Governmental Relations

Date:           July 15, 2009

Re:              The Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidate Forum


This year the Governor's Forum will be held July 31, 2009 from 1:30-4:30 PM
at Virginia Farm Bureau Offices (12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA
23238.)  The 2009 gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell
will be on hand to answer questions from the audience relating to the
agriculture and forestry industries.  The Forum is sponsored by Virginia
Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Forestry Association,
Virginia Forest Products Association, and the State Fair of Virginia.

This will be a rare chance to hear from both candidates on issues important
to your farming operation.  There will also be time set aside to meet and
greet the candidates.  *If you would like to attend the Forum*, *please RSVP
to Debbie Evans by July 24, by e-mail at debbie.evans@... or by phone
804-290-1014.*
* *
If you would like a copy of the flyer for the Forum,  or have any further
questions feel free to contact me at trey.davis@... or 804-290-1017.
* *
* *


--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Reminder

A friendly reminder -

HOMESCHOOL TO COLLEGE PICNIC is right around the corner!

Date Sun, Jul 19, 2009

Time: 2:00 pm

http://www.mypunchbowl.com/partypage/4bf163cf55c74fab

We will never sell your email address. Read the privacy policy at
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/corporate/privacy_policy.php

Don't want invitations from this host? Remove yourself
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/remove/event/4bf163cf55c74fab


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

2009 Mid-Atlantic Grass-Finished Livestock Conference:

"Merging the Art and Science of Grass Finishing Holiday Inn Conference
Center

Staunton, VA

October 23 and 24, 2009.

Early Registration - Must be post marked by September 15, 2009

Registration Early    Late

Per Attendee $200   $300

Per Student $100     $200



For more info;   Margaret Kenny  [makenny@...]



Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Invitation

Kathryn  Russell sent you an invitation!

HOMESCHOOL TO COLLEGE PICNIC

RSVP on the website,email info@... or call me at 434-760-5514 for
more details. Go to the website for signing up what to bring ( dish to share,
beverage,accessories), and lawn chairs if desired for a fun afternoon of
fellowship and encouragement. College grads, professors, experienced and
inexperienced all sharing.

Date: Sun, Jul 19, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: 3539 Red Hill School Rd

http://www.mypunchbowl.com/partypage/4bf163cf55c74fab

We will never sell your email address. Read the privacy policy at:
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/corporate/privacy_policy.php

Don't want invitations from this host? Remove yourself:
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/remove/event/4bf163cf55c74fab

--
Punchbowl Software Inc. 873 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01701


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Invitation

VICFA and Charlottesville Chapter WAPF sent you an invitation!

FIFTH ANNUAL FARM FOOD VOICES VIRGINIA

Please RSVP and sign up for the potluck on the site so we can have a great
tasting. See what all your neighbors are bring to share! Contact Ellen Ussery at
ellen.ussery@... or Kathyrn Russell at 434-760-5514 for more details

Date: Sun, Aug  2, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Place: Monticello High School

http://www.mypunchbowl.com/partypage/6d334119f6bf32a2

We will never sell your email address. Read the privacy policy at:
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/corporate/privacy_policy.php

Don't want invitations from this host? Remove yourself:
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/remove/event/6d334119f6bf32a2

--
Punchbowl Software Inc. 873 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01701


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello all -

Here is a rare opportunity to add some critically endangered and historic breed
of sheep to your operation.

I work with the livestock department at Mt. Vernon, Virginia, George
Washington's estate.  Hog Island sheep are kept on the estate, and the livestock
department has done a super job of increasing the flock size.

Lisa, the livestock manager is ready to sell some of this flock.

If you might be interested in adding some head of this breed to your farm or
spinners flock, please contact Lisa at LPregent@....

Thanks,
Julie

PLEASE CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING ARTISAN ITEMS, TIME,  SERVICE CERTIFICATES, AND
BRING A DISH TO SHARE! WE HAVE AN EXCITING NEW FACILITY WITH MUCH MORE ROOM
AND OPPORTUNITY.





Fifth Annual

FARM FOOD VOICES VIRGINIA

FOOD TASTING AND SEMINAR



Sunday, August 2, 2009

2:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.



Eating Local - Creating a Dynamic Economic Community: where to go, how to
help

Featuring a special screening of the new movie FRESH!





About Farm Food Voices: This exciting annual event brings the spotlight to
current agricultural and local foods issues.  Visitors can bid on the many
silent auction items donated by local businesses and producers; browse
information booths and book tables; enter to win one of several amazing
grand prizes; chat with local producers and business owners; and listen to
dynamic speakers, including Tom Perriello, Richard Morris and Richard Bean.



Culinary tastings from local restaurants and producers will highlight the
availability, affordability, and flavor of local food offerings. Childcare
provided.



Where: Monticello High School.  1400 Independence Way, Charlottesville, VA
22902.

1 mile south off I-64 off Rt. 20, right on Mill Creek, Monticello HS on
right.



Sponsored by: Virginia Independent Consumers and Farmers Association and the
Weston A. Price Foundation, Charlottesville Chapter.



Contributors and Donors: click here for a list of businesses and producers
supporting this year's event.  Browse now to prepare for the silent auction!



Interested in Donating or Becoming a Sponsor?



If you would like to support Farm Food Voices with a financial sponsorship,
by hosting a food sampling station, contributing an item for the silent
auction, or purchasing a program advertisement or booth space, please
contact Laura Russell at  <mailto:laura.o.russell@...>
laura.o.russell@... or by telephone at (434) 882-0300.







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wanted 2 Full size goats, preferably wethers, willing to take weaned kids
but would prefer older. For pasture maintenance, will have good fencing.
Call  John Watts

  home 823-5809 Cell 540-569-0035

$50-90 @ willing to pay





Kathryn Russell

www.MajestyFarm.com



The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price,
peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft
living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.
Theodore <http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/theodorero164291.html>
Roosevelt





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

shearing school in WV

Date: April 16th
Location: WVU Reymann Memorial Farm, 1695 SR 259 N Wardensville, W.Va. 26851

More info;

http://www.sheepwv.org/calendar.html



Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.





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Available at  http://www.campaign
<http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=14468>
forliberty.com/blog.php?view=14468



For those who do not know, Debbie is a VICFA Board member, VICFA VOICE
editor and publisher, and an avid homestead goat lady and locavore. I am
proud to say that she was introduced to VICFA by yours truly, and has been
an incredible asset to freedom of choice in eating, raising animals, and
watchdogging issues important to all Americans.



Kathryn Russell

  <http://www.majestyfarm.com/> www.MajestyFarm.com


"The only thing we learn from history, I am afraid, is that we do not learn
from history." -Ron Paul



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WHAT: Glenn Beck show, Fox News

WHEN: Tonight, Friday March 27, 5:00 EASTERN TIME

WHERE: Your Fox News channel

WHY: To discuss HR 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009



Deborah Stockton, representing NICFA, and Tim Wightman from FTCLDF will be
on the Glenn Beck show tonight to discuss the potential ramifications of
HR875.



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Ron Paul is attempting to end the ban on raw milk by introducing HR 778 a
bill "to authorize the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk
products that are packaged for direct human consumption."

For more information, see
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/02/26/will-ron-paul-end-\
the-ban-on-raw-milk.aspx

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


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This is disturbing news; anyone know more? Please distribute widely.


--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


HR 875 The food police, criminalizing organic farming and the backyard
gardener, and violation of the 10th amendment

http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=12671

This bill is sitting in committee and I am not sure when it is going to hit
the floor.  One thing I do know is that very few of the Representatives have
read it.  As usual they will vote on this based on what someone else is
saying.  Urge your members to read the legislation and ask for opposition to
this devastating legislation.  Devastating for everyday folks but great for
factory farming ops like Monsanto, ADM, Sodexo and Tyson to name a few.

I have no doubt that this legislation was heavily influenced by lobbyists
from huge food producers.  This legislation is so broad based that
technically someone with a little backyard garden could get fined and have
their property siezed.   It will effect anyone who produces food even if
they do not sell but only consume it.  It will literally put all independent
farmers and food producers out of business due to the huge amounts of money
it will take to conform to factory farming methods.  If people choose to
farm without industry standards such as chemical pesticides and fertilizers
they will be subject to a vareity of harassment from this completely new
agency that has never before existed.  That's right, a whole new government
agency is being created just to police food, for our own protection of
course.

  DO NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, READ THIS LEGISLATION FOR YOURSELF.  The more
people who read this legislation the more insight we are going to get and be
able to share.  Post your observations and insights below.  Urge your
members to read this legislation and to oppose the passage of this
legislation.

Pay special attention to

    - Section 3 which is the definitions portion of the bill-read in it's
    entirety.
    - section 103, 206 and 207- read in it's entirety.

Red flags I found and I am sure there are more...........

    - Legally binds state agriculture depts to enforcing federal guidelines
    effectively taking away the states power to do anything other than being
    food police for the federal dept.
    - Effectively criminalizes organic farming but doesn't actually use the
    word organic.
    - Effects anyone growing food even if they are not selling it but
    consuming it.
    - Effects anyone producing meat of any kind including wild game.
    - Legislation is so broad based that every aspect of growing or producing
    food can be made illegal.  There are no specifics which is bizarre
    considering how long the legislation is.
    - Section 103 is almost entirely about the administrative aspect of the
    legislation.  It will allow the appointing of officials from the factory
    farming corporations and lobbyists and classify them as experts and allow
    them to determine and interpret the legislation.  Who do you think they are
    going to side with?
    - Section 206 defines what will be considered a food production facility
    and what will be enforced up all food production facilities.  The wording is
    so broad based that a backyard gardener could be fined and more.
    - Section 207 requires that the state's agriculture dept act as the food
    police and enforce the federal requirements.  This takes away the states
    power and is in violation of the 10th amendment.
    - There are many more but by the time I got this far in the legislation I
    was so alarmed that I wanted to bring someone's attention to it. (to the one
    person who reads my blog)

Didn't Stalin nationalize farming methods that enabled his administration to
gain control over the food supply?  Didn't Stalin use the food to control
the people?

Last word...... Legislate religion and enforce gag orders on ministers on
what can and can't be said in the pulpit, instituting regulations forcing
people to rely soley on the government, control the money and the food.
  What is that called?  It is on the tip of my tongue..........

I haven't read any of the Senate's version of the bill as I have been poring
thru the House's version.  Here is the link and I hope some of you can take
a look and post your observations and insights below.  One thing I am pretty
sure of is that very few if any Senator's have actually read the legislation
and when it comes up for a vote they will more than likely take someone
else's word on how they should vote.  The other thing I am pretty sure about
is that the legislation was probably written by lobbyists and industry
experts.

S 425  http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:s425:
<http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:s425:>

Things you can do

    1. Contact your members at 202-224-3121 and ask them to oppose HR 875 and
    S 425.  While you are at it ask them if they personally have read the
    legislation and what their position is? If they have not read the
    legislation ask them to read it and politely let them know that just because
    other representitives are not reading the legislation and voting on it does
    not mean they can do the same.
    2. Get in touch with local farmers and food producers by attending a
    local farmers market and asking them how business is.
    3. Attend a local WAPF meeting, this is a good start to learning about
    what is going on in farming and local & state initiatives .  The website is
    http://www.westonaprice.org/localchapters/index.html
    4. Check out the Farmers Legal Defense Fund at
    http://www.ftcldf.org/index.html
    5. Find out who sits on your states agriculture and farming committee and
    contact them with your concerns.
    6. Continue to contact your elected officials and let them know your
    position on legislation and why.
    7. Get active at the local and state levels, this is the quickest way to
    initiate change.


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I just got off the phone with a young man who will be in the VA/WV area the
2nd week of March. He would like to pick up a few more flocks on his way
back to MI. If you know anyone who is interested, contact him at;



William Rick

989 433 6069

  [sarinhighwind@...]





Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.





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There will be 2 shearing schools in WV this spring;



March 20th & 21st, 2009 at WVU Animal Sciences Farm, Stewartstown Road,
Morgantown, WV



April 16th at WVU Reymann Memorial Farm, 1695 SR 259 N Wardensville, WV



For more info, see; http://www.sheepwv.org/calendar.html

Or contact Sara Hare, Assistant Director West Virginia Small Ruminant
Project at: sara.hare@... or at 1-304-876-3561



Another item that might interest you is 2009 Appalachian Grazing Conference:

Date: March 6-7, 2009
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday
Location: Lakeview Resort, Morgantown, West Virginia
Advance Registration: Contact Becky Casteel, WVU Extension Service
P.O. Box 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108
(304)293-6131 or becky.casteel@...



And lastly, I urge all shepherds to Vote "YES" in the American Lamb
Referendum through 2/27/08

Voting on the lamb referendum is underway at county Farm Service Agencies
(FSA) around the country during the month of February.
If we don't promote our own product, who will? Vote 'yes' on the lamb
referendum to continue the work of the American Lamb Board and to continue
the promotion of U.S. lamb!



Martha McGrath

Coopworth Sheep in WV    www.DeerRunSheepFarm.com
<http://www.deerrunsheepfarm.com/>

Click on the yellow button at www.thehungersite.com  and give a cup of food
to the hungry at no cost to you.







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If you're in the greater Richmond area, there's a great writing for your
website workshop coming up this week. Information below, please contact them
for more information; NAYY.
--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com

http://www.vectec.org/education/petersburg.php
*Date:* Thursday, February 12
*Time:* 9:30 a.m. to noon
*Where:* Petersburg Chamber of Commerce - 325 E. Washington Street,
Petersburg, VA 23804
*Instructor:* Mark DiVencenzo
*Cost:* $15 made payable to Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
*Description:* Writing isn't easy. In fact, it's downright difficult. But
YOU can write a website for your business that has all of the qualities of
your favorite store - a place where you love to browse, where you often
spend money and where you leave knowing you'll return. This course provides
step-by-step instruction on what to do before you sit down in front of you
computer to begin writing as well as a long list of practical tips to help
you while you write. Make no mistake: words can attract, inspire, inform,
entertain, and sell. The information you receive during this workshop will
help you write a website that has the potential to be superior to any of
your competitors' sites, giving you an advantage in the electronic
marketplace.


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http://www.firsttracts.com/property-09165-single_family_homes-155-12-12.html

A lovely farm for sale; located in Randolph County, WV on the next mountain
north of Snow Shoe.

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


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There's a listing of shearers at http://www.livestockshearing.com/ . I've
never done business with them and can't find a e-mail contact to change
incorrect information. The link to join is working however. Fleeces will be
for sale, also roving and yarn. All products 100% virgin wool.

Sheep Shearing Day @ Thistle Cove Farm is 4 April 2009; we start around 9
a.m. and the shearer finishes around 1:00 p.m. Lost Arts Guild members will
demonstrate and sell traditional Appalachian crafts such as iron works
(courtn' candles), baskets, brooms, yarn.

For directions, see www.thistlecovefarm.com or e-mail me.

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com


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Kathryn sent this to another list; please read and act upon.Sandra @ Thistle
Cove Farm


HB 1612 Community College Scholarship Match Program;

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+HB1612

This scholarship does NOT included home educated persons, and it should be
brought to the attention of the legislators that giving money away
discriminatorily is not appropriate.

Delegate Rosalyn R. Dance is the patron--(804) 698-1063

email: <mailto:DelRDance@... <DelRDance%40house.virginia.gov>>
DelRDance@... <DelRDance%40house.virginia.gov>


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Hi 'Michelle,
I am Mary Martin and live near Bluefield, VA.  Not sure where you are from.   I
have alpacas, six boys.  I have them for the fleece and am learning how to
process and spin the fleece for yarn.
I have had my boys for 11/2 yrs.  They range from 6-2years old, part are gelded
and the other half are not.  I am not into the breeding as 1).  I don't have the
land and 2) females and breeding are expensive.  Also I am not in for showing
the alpacas either. 
I am not the expert on alpacas, but am willing to answer your or your son's
questions.  I really enjoy the "boys", they are easy to care for and low
maintainence.   I read a lot before deciding to get them, plus visited a farm
and spoke with the alpaca owner.  One websit is alpacanation.com.  It is full of
infomation, farms, and etc.  You may want to browse.  Anyway feel free to email
and I will try to help.
Mary Martin

--- On Sun, 12/28/08, Michelle <williebirdie@...> wrote:

From: Michelle <williebirdie@...>
Subject: [Virginiaswomeninagriculture] Alpaca's
To: Virginiaswomeninagriculture@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, December 28, 2008, 8:39 PM






Hi All,

Does anyone in the group raise Alapaca's?? My son has expressed an
interest in raising them but I do not know anyone locally who has
experience. He has some questions which I cannot answer.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Michelle


















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