Eat the View a huge success!

This year’s annual fundraising feast brought together hundreds of CISA supporters, foodies, and farmers for a celebration of another bountiful harvest and another successful year in the life of the organization. CISA extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended or donated time, talent, or funds to this wonderful occasion. Check out our photo gallery to see some pictures of the night.

Janet Tucker with Michael Tucker, President
of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, a prime sponsor of Eat the View

75 seniors tour farms that grew their food all summer

On September 19 and 21, over 75 seniors from Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield toured two farms that provided them with fresh vegetables and fruits all summer—Riverland Farms in Sunderland and Red Fire Farms in Granby.

The seniors take part in CISA's Senior FarmShare program, which gives 325 low-income senior households free weekly “shares” of the summer harvest during the height of the farming season. CISA purchased the shares from twelve Local Hero Farms in the program, and coordinated distributions at 17 sites in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.

“The biggest success of our FarmShare program is that it addresses two critical needs in our community: connecting people with high-quality foods and supporting local farms,” says Claire Morenon, who coordinates the program.

“For many participating seniors, this program is their only access to fresh produce,” adds Morenon. “When this season started, one senior told us, ‘Now I can eat healthy all summer.’”

For more information about the program, please contact Claire@buylocalfood.com.

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Blue Ribbons Abound

CISA claimed first prize at the Franklin County Fair for best farm display. Not to be outdone, Annie Cheatham and Ann Gibson won "Best in Show" for their Bread and Butter pickles. Congrats to all!

Put a cow on your license plate, help CISA save a farm

This August, state officials unveiled a line of "agriculture specialty license plates," announcing that a portion of proceeds from the sales of the will go to benefit agricultural organizations—including CISA.

Designed by Susan Bergeron West, graphic designer and longtime CISA collaborator, the so-called “Ag Tag” portrays a bovine beauty surrounded by picturesque local fare—cranberries, apples, corn, and geraniums.

Under a state law 1,500 of the agricultural plates must sell before the state Registry of Motor Vehicles will start producing them. Click here to reserve now!

Acting Agriculture Commissioner Scott Soares told Springfield Republican reporter that he expected sales of the plate to bring in around $60,000 a year. Click here to read the complete August 17 Springfield Republican article, which quotes CISA’s Mark Lattanzi.

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LOCAL HERO NEWS

Keep the Valley green: Buy local wood

Those of us who heat with wood know local farmers and foresters sell cordwood. But cordwood is just the 'tip of the tree' when it comes to locally grown forest products. Local Hero farmers and foresters manage thousands of acres of local forest lands and create products to meet many of the needs of local homeowners, builders and architects. At the same time, these Heroes keep our Valley green by cultivating forest areas and resisting sprawl.

Local wood is available year-round, covers 60 percent of the land in Massachusetts, and, right now, most of it gets shipped to Canada. Help keep the Valley green—and keep more green in the Valley—by consulting with a Local Hero business first when you are building a home, re-flooring your living room or taking on any construction project.

Whether you are looking for post and beam timbers, patterned siding, or unique flooring, the following businesses offer forest products that will meet your needs—and reflect your values.

Cinda Jones of Cowls Lumber and Sawmill built her home (left) of locally grown woods from Cowls forest land.

Apple Valley Galloway Farm, Ashfield, 628-4773. Cordwood.

Cowls Lumber And Sawmill, Amherst, 549-0001. Timbers, lumber, patterned boards and siding. American Tree Farm System Certified sustainable forestry practices.

Local ash flooring from Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative

Cozie Nook Gardens, Ashfield, 628-3254. Lumber, custom portable sawmilling.

Foxbard Farm, Shelburne, 625-4604. Cordwood, lumber.

Heyes Forest Products, Orange, (978) 544-8801. Lumber, molding, siding, flooring.

Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, S. Deerfield, 397-8800. Timbers, flooring, lumber. Forest Stewardship Council green certified forestry practices.

Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst, 537-7262. Cordwood, contract horse logging.

Northwoods Forest Products, Northfield, 498-5335

Rock Ridge Farm, Northfield, 498-5520. Cordwood.

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CISA creates online marketing tip sheets

CISA has created four tip sheets to help Local Hero members and others understand the pros—and cons—of on-line marketing. The free tip sheets are available at the CISA Web site, and they are full of useful real-life experiences from Local Hero farmers, some of whom attended CISA's 2007 'e-Business' class and went from 'Net newbies to proud creators of their own Web sites and blogs!

Looking for more help? Local Hero members can call Member Services Manager Mark Lattanzi for one-on-one consultations at 413-665-7100.

Ready for a change?

Has your Local Hero bumper sticker seen better days? We’ll gladly send you a new one so you can keep spreading the word that local is better. Just e-mail Tracie Butler-Kurth at tracie@buylocalfood.com to request a new bumper sticker. Be sure to include your mailing address and phone number.

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FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

THIS WEEKEND: Nuestras Raices Farm - Festival de La Cosecha

September 29 from 12-6 visit to this family farm were you can immerse yourself in an ideal Caribbean country experience. Check out the Caribbean-themed petting zoo for children, Paso Fino horse demonstrations for pony rides, and a nature trail by the Connecticut River and around the farm. There will be live music, dancing, roast pork and coconut ice cream.

Nuestras Raices is a grassroots organization that promotes economic, human and community development in Holyoke, Massachusetts through projects relating to food, agriculture and the environment. For more information about Nuestras Raices and its projects click here.

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THIS WEEKEND: Alpaca Farm Celebrates “National Alpaca Farm Day”

Craigieburn Farm Alpacas is participating in the first ever “National Alpaca Farm Day.”

On September 29 and 30, alpaca breeders from across the United States and Canada will invite the public to come to their farms and ranches to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Craigeburn Farm will welcome guests to join them for activities including a farm tour, alpaca fiber presentation, and weaving demonstration, all free!

This Local Hero farm is located at 243 West Pelham Road in Shutesbury, about 7 miles east of Amherst center off of Main St. A farm store located on the premises has alpaca yarn, rovings and a variety of finished products made from alpaca.

Mass Woodlands Cooperative Showcases Sustainably Harvested Wood

A Local Hero member representing forest agriculture in Western Mass, the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, is a proud sponsor of the 2007 NESEA Green Buildings Open House tour. Its HomeGrown Wood™ floors can be seen on the tour at the Topia Inn in Adams, MA and the newly completed Wendell Free Library in Wendell on October 6. HomeGrown Wood™ is a sustainably harvested wood flooring, composed of wood grown and milled all within a 50 mile radius. Get information on the tour here.

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Pumpkin Festival

Hanging Mountain Farms in Westhampton will celebrate its 2nd annual pumpkin festival on October 6 & 7. Come for the pumpkin decorating contest, bring your children for face paining and pony rides at this beautiful Local Hero farm. For directions, click here.

CiderDay


Celebrate all things apple at CiderDay, November 3 & 4! Pick-your-own apples, press cider in New Salem, take a cider-making workshop in Colrain, attend a locally-grown fall feast and cider and cheese tasting in Deerfield or an apple pancake breakfast in Greenfield. Or do all of the above—and more! Most activities are free and all take place throughout the wonderful countryside of Franklin County.

Wassailling at New Salem Orchards to ensure a bountiful harvest.

A limited number of tickets are available for the CiderDay Dinner and Sunday's cider and cheese tasting. Visit the CiderDay Web site for the schedule, map, and ticket information. http://www.ciderday.org.

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EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Hatfield Harvest celebration

On Saturday October 13th, from 1-4 PM, Hatfield will celebrate the farming season at the Mary Lou and Robert Cutter Barn Museum just off Main Street behind the Library. There will also be a 5K Farm Trail Race starting at 10:00AM from the same location For more information call: 413-247-3232.

Book Reading

On Wednesday, October 10, at 7PM Eric Toensmeier will read from and sign his new book, Perennial Vegetables: from Artichokes to Zuiki Taro, A Gardener’s Guide to Over 100 Delicious, Easy-to-Grow Edibles.

Imagine growing vegetables that require just about the same amount of care as the flowers in your perennial beds and borders. No annual tilling and planting. In Perennial Vegetables, author and plant specialist Eric Toensmeier introduces gardeners to a world of little-known and wholly under-appreciated plants. Ranging beyond the usual suspects (asparagus, rhubarb, and artichoke) to include such “minor” crops as ground cherry and ramps, Toensmeier explains how to raise, tend, harvest, and cook with plants that yield great crops and satisfaction.

The reading will take place at Odyssey BookShop, Village Commons, 9 College St., South Hadley. This event is cosponsored by Local Hero member Nuestras Raices.

Pasture walks

Local farmers and anyone interested in learning about grazing livestock are invited to attend a series of pasture walks hosted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, UMass Extension, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter this summer and fall. For more information visit www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/news/news_pasturewalks2007.html, or contact Kate Rossiter, NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Coordinator, at krossiter@nofamass.org, (413) 625-0118

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CLASSIFIED

SMALL FARM FOR SALE "This lovingly cared for 4 bedroom antique Colonial is rumored to be one of the oldest homes on Main Street in Northfield. This property has so much to offer- Attached studio with loft, 2 Sterns built P&B barns, greenhouse, farm stand, large 4 acre tillable lot for gardening, and there is even a 2,000 sq. ft. space that in the past has been a restaurant with a separate heating system, but now awaits your plans." Phone Poppi or Kelly @ 413-498-2456 or 413-230-8337

For Rent: Charlemont farmhouse with up to 10 acres tillable land. Excellent soils. 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath, large garage and barn space. Perfect for small farm operation with opportunity for farm stand. Rent negotiable. Please call 413-834-8873

Part-time Bookkeeper/ Office Manager 10-15 hours/ week bookkeeping at The Farm School in Athol, MA. The Farm School is an educational farm delivering hands on programming to children and adults in the craft of farming. Contact Jennifer Core, Associate Director at 978.249.2656 or, jennifer@farmschool.org

Grass-fed Lamb - Springdelle Farm is now taking reservations for custom cut, grass-fed lamb available in late October. Call Barb at 413-625-6121 to place an order.

Job opening: 24 hours per week, one year commitment. Statewide project based in Amherst seeks part time consultant to provide administrative and technical assistance and outreach. Previous office management, agricultural sales, advocacy, or school food service experience preferred. Consultant must be a good facilitator, organized, aware of farm and school food issues. Excellent computer skills and car required. $25 per hour plus mileage. Send resume and two references to Kelly Erwin, Managing Consultant, 16 Applewood Lane, Amherst MA 01002 or kelerwin@localnet.com. No phone calls. Information about Project at www.massfarmtoschool.org.

Volunteer needed to go to Palestine and help with the olive harvest next year, 2008. The season usually starts in mid-October and lasts about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the harvest. Next year is expected to yield a bumper crop. Anyone who is interested can contact sherif2@comcast.net. (617) 491-2313 home, (703) 622-9151 mobile

FOR SALE: Large classic colonial farmhouse with wrap-around porch, barn, garage, building previously used for retail on 2+ acres in very quiet setting on country back road. More land available for rental with purchase of house. Or choose to purchase entire 20 acre property with fenced pastures, hay fields, prime farmland for crops and river frontage. West Northfield, MA. More info call Geri J at 413-863-9736, ext. 20 or email GeriJohnson@Realtor.com."

FOR SALE Kifco Water-Reel B210 with 320’ of 2.1” hose, Mercury 202 gun with several nozzles, expandable high mount gun cart and offset 3pt hitch attachment. Excellent condition. $4600 Three-inch layflat hose, 759’ of assorted lengths with camlock fittings. Excellent condition. $1500.
Contact Eileen, Ol'Turtle Farm farmer@olturtlefarm.com 413-527-9122

Rotavator, Howard HR7. Working width is 60 inches and works with a 20 HP tractor or greater, 3 point hitch and PTO. In good condition. Asking $950Call Dick Starkey, 413-774-4215

Farmland Wanted: Farm couple with 20 years combined experience seeks 30-50 acre farm for sale in Franklin or Hampshire county for a start-up organic vegetable operation. Please contact Elise at eliseleclair5@hotmail.com or (413) 522-9122.

For sale: Large classic colonial farmhouse with wrap-around porch, barn garage, building previously used for retail on two-plus acres in a very quiet setting on a country back road. More land available for rental with purchase of house. Or choose to purchase entire 20-acre property with with fenced pastures, hay fields, prime farmland for crops, and river frontage. West Northfield, MA or email Geri J at 413-863-9763 ext 20, or GeriJohnson@Realtor.com

Goats for sale. Contact Evelyn Hatch at Breezy Acres Farm 413-467-3276

For Sale: Farm team draft horses; horse-drawn farm equipment including corn planter, cultivator, plow, harrows, mowing machine, tedder, rake, manure spreader, fertilizer spreader, baler, wagons and more. Chee Chee Mamook Farm. 413-498-2160

Coordinator sought for newly forming non-profit Boston Area Gleaners. Ongoing for the last three years, harvesting some 564 boxes of produce (over 10,000 pounds) for charity, mostly going to Food For Free, a Cambridge food pantry that delivers. Low stipend and possible lodging. Contacting farmers, gleaning the produce and fund raising (administration) involved. E-mail Oakes Plimpton at plimag@rcn.com for further information.

FOR SALE: Purebred Finn ram & wether lambs for sale. Gentle, prolific & really nice fleece. Contact Sangha Farm for more information..... sanghafarm@yahoo.com 413.628.0026 www.sanghafarm.com

Lovely non-toxic S. Hadley riverfront home. Share with (mostly) absentee owner with chemical sensitivities. Lovely "green" S. Hadley home on the CT River. Private, natural setting: woods, organic garden, birds, views. Share with (mostly) absentee owner with chemical sensitivities. 2 bedrooms (3rd bedroom & 2nd bath in separate wing for my occasional use.) Available ONLY to clean, responsible person or couple who live 100% without fragrances, pesticides, smoke and synthetic chemicals and who will care for house in my absence. Lease until April 2008 or longer. Rent $1000/month for one, $1200 for two, plus utilities; deductions for extra maintenance/caretaking. References, usual deposits required. Pictures at westernmass.craigslist.org/apa/426014562.html Call Karen at 413-536-8059 before 8 P.M., please. Email: ksutherland@hampshire.edu.

Pasture available in North Amherst: Approximately 5 acres of pasture available (has been idle for 4 years) with access to brook. Needs new fencing. Willing to trade rent for fence installation. (sheep? goats? cows?) All considered. Joe or Sarah (413) 230-3137.

Land/homestead wanted to buy: Looking to purchase that perfect little farm/homestead. A fixer-upper farmhouse with 2-10 acres (at least 2 open tillable) within 1 hour of Northampton. Please call Rachel at 413-268-7548.

Wanted: Used small farm/market garden tools, equipment, and supplies. Please call Rachel at 413-268-7548.

Ongoing classes on organic cooking. Visit http://members.aol.com/lescerier/pages/classes.html to learn more.

For Sale: Tractor items.
A/C Pick Up Plow - one furrow - 2 way. Will fit Allis-Chalmers Model "B" & "C" tractors.
Also A/C Tractor Mowing Attachment (side bar mower).
Fits both "B" & "C" models. Complete with manuals. Both is good condition.
For further information contact
Terry Grinnan, prop
Saw Mill Site Farm Horseradish Products
287 Conway Road
So. Deerfield, MA 01373
p 413-665-3005
sawmillsitefarm@comcast.net
www.horseradishdirect.com.

Used books & ephemera relating to AGRICULTURE (also many other subjects including architecture, woodworking and regional history) are available for sale at:

Nancy L. Dole Books & Ephemera
32 Bridge St. 2nd floor
SHELBURNE FALLS, MA 01370
open everyday but Monday
(413) 625-9850
ndole@crocker.com

Farmland wanted. 10 acres+ sought by farmer interested in raising sheep. Prefers the Colrain, Shelburne, Buckland area. Contact Ginger Wall, Gmwall42@aol.com.

Land for rent. 15 organic acres in Buckland close to Shelburne Falls. Large barn available. Owner will help skilled operator with start up expenses. Water available. Very low rent/barter possible. Call Michael 413 625-8300.

Got Wood? If you have over 20 acres of forest land and would like to discuss your management options with a licensed forester, please call Shane at Cowls: 413-549-1403.

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Editor: Rebecca Pollard Pierik
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
1 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield MA 01373
Tel: 413-665-7100  Fax: 413-665-7101
http://www.buylocalfood.com