(Posted on behalf of Nancy & Dave)

Greetings!

This month’s Hogwash newsletter comes to you from Dave, in order to help cut down Nancy’s keyboard time.

Nancy devotes pretty much all daylight and quite a bit of the rest to Hogwash- whether in the field, barn, or office. Changes this year have placed even more demand on her, but with the help of very capable Leslie, the work was shared. I helped when possible, but my day job as a mechanic (at Cedar Circle Farm) took me out of the daily loop here.

If you experienced our Thanksgiving turkey pickup, you might have an idea of how much effort is needed behind the scenes. Winter is mildly calmer but brings a different set of issues. Water must be carried to bowls because hoses do not work. Grazing is not an option, so hay is fed, and barnyards are crowded. Cold weather demands more bedding for the animals. Snow (when it happens) buries electric fence wires, requiring close maintenance. If the precip is liquid, flooding and mud are problems (note: I love summer…).

So, the newsletter isn’t filled with news, just a note to say “all is well” but it’s time to take a breath; and also to thank everyone for their continued support.

Dave (& Nancy!)

Hogwash Farm pasture-raised turkeys fed organic grain available fresh Tuesday (7 Aug) through Saturday (11 Aug). Great on the grill or get a jump on Thanksgiving; vacuum-packed and ready for the freezer.

Limited quantity so get your bird early. Email or call 802-649-8807. Thanks! Nancy LaRowe

Posted for Nancy & Dave:
Hi Everyone,

The February pick up is this Thursday (Feb 2) from 3-6pm at the farm. The Febrary newsletter which includes an excerpt from “The Grassfed Primer” can be downloaded from our web site at . Click here to read the entire publication. See you Thursday. Thanks!

Nancy & Dave

From Nancy & Dave:
Hi All,

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. The December pick up is this Thursday (Dec 1st) at the farm from 3-6pm. The December newsletter can be downloaded from the web site at http://hogwashfarm.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/dec-2011csa.pdf. See you Thursday. Thanks!

Nancy & Dave

From Nancy:

For all who have not seen them – the birds are ranging outside, are fed organic grain and will be processed under VT state inspection.

CSA members have the option to substitute a turkey and 2 pounds of sausage for their November share. Let me know by October 25th if you want to trade in your regular monthly share for the fresh turkey and sausage. You can also order a turkey in addition to your monthly share ($4.60/pound) – but reserve soon as they are usually all spoken for by early November. The birds will be available for pick up the Saturday (19 Npv) and Monday (21 Nov) before Thanksgiving. Thanks!

Nancy

From YouTube:Coldplay’s haunting classic ‘The Scientist’ is performed by country music legend Willie Nelson for the soundtrack of the short film entitled, “Back to the Start.” Download the song now available on iTunes. Label and proceeds benefit The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation. Go to the tune on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-scientist-single/id458479961

The film, by film-maker Johnny Kelly, depicts the life of a farmer as he slowly turns his family farm into an industrial animal factory before seeing the errors of his ways and opting for a more sustainable future. Both the film and the soundtrack were commissioned by Chipotle to emphasize the importance of developing a sustainable food system.

Thanks to everyone that came to the pig roast today! The potluck dishes were varied and delicious and the weather was perfect. Also, thanks to everyone that participated in the raffle to benefit Farm Flood Relief. Congratulations to Anne Hill – the lucky winner of a Hogwash Farm Sausage Sampler.

Nancy & Dave