Valley Organic Growers Invite You to Get to Know Your Farmer
The series of “Know Your Farmer” talks actually began in November when Karla Tschoepe invited people out to her Wildwood Ranch on Stucker Mesa where she raises natural beef and poultry. Then at the VOGA Holiday Potluck at Memorial Hall held on December 15, Adam and Valarie Silverstein of Round Earth Farm and the Turkey Hill CSA of Powell Mesa gave a talk on their adventures in local organic agriculture. You may have missed the first two events but there are still four more to go beginning in January and continuing through April. Some inspiration to carry you through the North Fork winter and on into spring.
First, on Wednesday January 19 there is the Annual VOGA Meeting at 6:30 at Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss. The meeting will feature a “Know Your Farmer,” slideshow with work of nationally acclaimed photographer JT Thomas, and of course, many of your local farmers will be present in person. The annual meeting is a good time to get to know the organization and members and maybe consider becoming a member yourself either as a grower or as just a grateful consumer of local produce or livestock.
On February 16, the “Know Your Farmer” spotlight will be on Steve Ela of Ela Family Farms located at 30753 L Road, on Rogers Mesa. Hear Steve talk about the orchard, added value products and anything else he would like to share.
On March 16, Know Your Farmer focuses on legendary local seed potato grower, Verlin Rocky of Austin who operates Milk Ranch Specialty Potatoes located at 12101 2135 Rd, Austin CO. Hear Verlin talk about his seed potatoes, practices, and anything else he would like to share.
Then, for the big finish in April, Know Your Farmer, features one of the most innovative agricultural operations in the North Fork when you are invited to visit The Living Farm and Lynn Gillespie. This will happen on Wednesday, April 20 at Lynn & Tom’s Living Farm at 12506 Crawford Rd, on Stewart Mesa near Paonia. Hear Lynn talk about her greenhouses, sheep, school, farm dinners, Locavore movie making, and anything else she would like to share.
Time of day and other details for the events will be forthcoming.
Remember that the on-the-farm dinner series at the Living Farm, co-sponsored by the local Slow Foods chapter also continue through April. Proceeds will go to the Living Farm’s Sustainable Education Center.
For more info about the Center or dinners call Lynn @ 970-270-3338 or reserve online through: www.slowfoodwesternslope.org
