You know you’re a farmer if….

You know you’re a farmer if…. * You know all the words to Big Green Tractor and International Harvester. * The weather forecast determines how your day will go. * Getting dressed in anything but farm clothes is painful. * Shopping for fun means a couple hours at Tractor Supply. * The people that know you best work at the local feed store. * Being without a truck for a week like missing your shoes and working barefoot. * You have subscriptions to Goat Rancher, Dairy Goat Journal and Llama Life (or livestock of your choice). * A good mail day is getting one of the above. * You hang out in the livestock barns at the county fair. * Your work pants (in my case, overalls) weigh about 30 lbs. by the end of the day or week because they’re filled with baling twine, hoof trimmers, screws and nails, screwdrivers, etc. * You have to leave your work boots on the porch. * A “roll in the hay” means you slept in the barn because you have a sick animal. * A jeweler looks at you with disgust when you bring your rings in for cleaning. * Someone arrives for a farm visit wearing high heels and white pants and you look at them like they’re from Mars. * Kids think you’re cool. * Your emergency phone number list consists of veterinarians. * Your cupboards and a shelf in your fridge are full of syringes, wormers, and other livestock medicines and treatments. * Your sinks need to be cleaned of hay daily. * Breakfast is the most incredible meal of the day. * The words mucking and fecals are used often. * You plan your life around feeding times. * You know you will never be a hand model. * You have Bag Balm for your animals and your hands. * You are late or cannot attend events because of chores. * You’ve canceled a dentist or doctor’s appointment because of a sick or birthing animal and the receptionist sucks in her breath with that “you can’t be serious” sound. * You’ve been outside in every temperature and every kind of weather, and thoughts of Toto from the Wizard of Oz have popped up more than any other. * Seeing old farmland replaced by development makes you physically hurt. * Doing your hair means picking hay out of it.

Gift of the Old One

GIFT OF THE OLD ONE By Eunice Day, Washington ME The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of goats. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their goats, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a little milk, and a few kids each year, and the goats were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end. Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One". She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had either kids or milk from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love." Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smouldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One". In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved goats. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared." And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the truck of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the goats through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The kids were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The milkers pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift-Because of love. Only Because of love.

Rudolph's Night Off

Rudolph's Night Off by Baxter Black 'Twas the night before Christmas and Rudolph was lame. The vet from the North Pole said, "Hoof rot's to blame. I'll give him some sulfa. It's the best I can do, but stall rest is needed the next week or two". "Great Scott", cried old Santy. He turned with a jerk. "I won't get outta here if my headlights don't work. On Interstate 40 I'll surely get fined, and lost in Montana if I'm flyin' blind. No cop in his right mind would give any clout to a geezer who claimed that his reindeer went out." He gathered the others, Old Donner & Blitzen. Were there any among 'em whose nose was transmittzen? They grunted and strained and sure made a mess, but no noses glowed brightly or ears luminesed. "It's bad luck in bunches", cried Santy distressed, "but we'll fly Continental, the Red Eye express. I'll look at the schedule". He put on his glasses. When up walked Old Billy, the goat from Lampasses. He shivered and shook like a mouse on the Ark, but his horns were a beacon, they glowed in the dark. Santy went crazy. He asked, "Why?" with a smile. "I just ate a watch with a radium dial. Where I come from in Texas we don't have thick hide. My skin is so thin it shines thru from inside". "If that's true then let's feed him', cried Santy with glee. "Gather everything burning and bring it to me. So Billy ate flash bulbs & solar collectors, electrical eels & roadside reflectors, firecrackers, sparklers, a Lady Shick Shaver and life savers, all of 'em wintergreen flavor, and jelly from phosphorescelous fish, a dayglow pizza and a glittering dish, fireflies and candles and stuff that ignites, then had him a big bowl of northering lights. He danced on the rug and petted the cat, then after he'd fainished and done all of that, to store up the static electricity better they forced him to eat 2 balloons and a sweater. When he opened his mouth light fell on the floor like the fridge light comes on when you open the door. His Halloween smile couldn't be better drawn, when he burped accidentally his high beams kicked on. "Hitch him up", cried Old Santy and they went on their way. I remember that Christmas to this very day. The sky was ablaze with the stars shining bright. They were shooting and falling all thru the night. And I realize now, (tho my fingers are crossed), what I really was seein' was Old Billy's exhaust.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas From Our Farm to You!

Santa's Elves

Santa's elves have been stopping by the farm already to pick up guinea pigs for good little boys and girls--and even a good adult or two!

We're excited that lots of stockings will have Buffalo Gal's Soap in them!

If you've not finished your shopping yet, we'll be available daily until Christmas--give us a call or email and we'll be glad to help!

Exciting news!

Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery's
Farm Store is OPEN!!

Hours will be Mon - Sat 9-6 and Sun 1-6.

Stop by and check out our goat's milk soap, pasture raised whole frozen hens, local country ham, jams, jellies, candy and honey. Goat items - toys, necklaces, ornaments, windchimes and more!

Our friends/neighbors, Fantasy Photography, stopped by today to make pictures of the store.  We'll be sharing those on our Facebook page soon.  Our new website is also in progress by our web-nanny.

Lots going on here on the farm, hope to see you soon!

Reminder...
The barn's new address is:
Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery, LLC
3241 Buffalo Creek Farm Road
Germanton, NC 27019
336.969.5698
Robin@BuffaloCreekFarmNC.com

Please note that not all of the online map tools (or GPS units in your car) recognize our new address, so you may need to use our old address (6749 S. Germanton Road, Germanton, NC 27019) for a little while longer.

You May Be A Farmer's Wife If . . .

You may be a farmer's wife if: * You call the implement dealer and he recognizes your voice. * The vet's number is on the speed dial of your phone. * Your second vehicle is still a pickup. * Your husband has ever used field equipment to maintain your lawn. * A night out involves the local 4-H club. * You've ever washed the kids or the dishes with a pressure washer. * Picking rock is considered a chance to get out of the house. * Taking lunch to the field is as close as you get to a picnic. * You can mend a pair of pants and the fence that ripped them. * The shopping list in your purse includes the sizes of filters, tires, overalls, chains, belts, lights, cables, spark plugs or shotgun shells. * You ever went on a date to the rodeo. * The directions to your house include the words miles, silos, last, or gravel road. * Lacey or Frilly is a farm animal but not your nightgown. * Being taken out to dinner has ever included a talk by a seed corn dealer. * Your farm equipment has the latest global positioning technology and you still can't find your husband. * You plan your vacations around farm shows. * Eva Gabor is on your list of Most Admired Persons. * Quality time with your hubby means you'll have a flashlight in one hand and a wrench in the other. * Sharing a cab has nothing to do with a taxi and everything to do with getting across the field. * No one, not even a stranger or farm editor, leaves your house without eating something. * You're equally adept at helping with your children's math homework or the complicated spreadsheets that detail every item bought, sold or misplaced on the farm for the past 10 years. * You have the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the tenacity of a bulldog, and the good nature of Mother Teresa. * You can deliver a calf, drive a combine, cook dinner for a half-dozen hired hands and still make time to pick the kids up from soccer practice. * You're equally at home at a PTA meeting or in session with a commodity association committee. * On Thanksgiving Day, you have to decide which pet to eat.

Local Happenings - Rural Hall

Here are some Local Happenings for the Rural Hall area from Rural Hall Messenger

On Monday nights: A knitting club meets at the Rural Hall Library at 7 pm. A facilitator is on-site to help beginners and to share tips and techniques with more advanced knitters. Take a project and join the group for inspiration and and good conversation. Call 703-2970 for more information.

Every Monday and Friday: Chair Exercise, a program of exercise designed to increase strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health is held at 10am at the Rural Hall Library, led by a staff member of the Forsyth County Health Department. To learn more, call 703-2970.

First Monday of each month: The Lifespan Center holds its regular board meetings from 5 pm until 6:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. For further information, contact Mrs. Zelner Miller at 969-5104.

Every fourth Monday: The "Garden Spot of the World" Club meets in the basement of Rural Hall Moravian Church at 7 pm. Approximately 30 members including men, women, and families who love any type of gardening and want to beautify RH through the use of plants. Guest speakers and refreshments are offered. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

On Tuesdays: The Living Well, Rural Hall Center for Lifelong Learning will be open every Tuesday morning from 9am until 12 noon for fellowship, fun and a cup of coffee or cold drink. Make new friends and meet the old friends.

First Tuesday of each month: The Rural Hall Senior Citizens Club meets at 11:30 am the first Tuesday of every month for a pot luck lunch, fellowship and a program. Everyone over the age of 55 is invited to attend. Contact Dot Patterson at 969-6156 for more information.

First Tuesday of each month: The Rural Hall Book Club meets at the Rural Hall Library at 7 pm for lively discussions of favorite books. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call 703-2970 for more information.

First Tuesday of each month: Everyone is welcome to the tatting workshop for beginners held at the Rural Hall Library at 3pm. Sue Miller, a lifelong tatter and a member of the NC Regional Lacers Association will present the workshop. All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 703-2970.

Third Tuesday of each month: The Rural Hall Area Business Association meets at the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant at 12:30 pm. Each meeting consists of an organized program and/or speaker. Cost is $10 for non-members and free for members! First-time business visitors eat free. A great way to get your business involved with your community, colleagues, and local government.

Third Tuesday of the month: Join the Rural Hall It's Sew Fun Sewing Club from 6pm until 8pm at the Rural Hall Library. Bring your sewing machine and a project you need help with or come to share ideas with other creative sewers. Beginners and more advanced sewers are welcome.

Third Tuesday of the month: Club 66, a community senior citizen group, meets at 10:30 am the third Tuesday of each month at Providence Moravian Church. The meeting also includes a potluck meal and entertainment. For more information, contact Frances McGee at 767-3724.

On Wednesdays: Enjoy the company of other quilters and share ideas at the Rural Hall Library from 10am until 1pm during the Quilting Club time. Everyone is welcome.

On Thursdays: The Rural Hall Branch Library presents a preschool story time from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. Kids ages 18 months to 5 years are invited to the library for stories, songs, crafts, and fun!

Tuesday, December 13: A program, "Choosing and Caring for Trees" will be held at 6pm at the Visitor Center at Historic Bethabara Park.

Tuesday, December 13: Come "Celebrate Christmas" with The Living Well from 9am until 12noon. Meet old friends or make new ones during this time of fun and fellowship. The Living Well is located in the lower level of First Baptist Church of Rural.

Tuesday, December 13: Santa will be visiting the Rural Hall Library! The party kicks off with food and fun at 6pm, and Santa will be coming around 7pm. So bring the kiddies and your cameras, and join us for a jolly old time.

Thursday, December 15: Join the Rural Hall Library as they make holiday ornaments out of KUDZU beginning at 3pm! Add something a little different to your Holiday tree this year. Registration is required. Please call 703-2970 to register.

Friday, December 16: Help decorate the sanctuary of Nazareth Lutheran Church beginning at 6pm. There is plenty to do and many hands make light work! When the work is done, play Christmas Cookie Bingo. Bring several dozen cookies wrapped in small batches of 4 to 6, depending on size. The cookies will be the Bingo prizes.

Saturday, December 17: Rural Hall Moravian Church will host its 2nd Annual Angel Breakfast from 8:30am until 10am. Church members, family, neighbors and friends with children between the ages of 3 years old up to the 5th grade please register by calling 283-0614, or for more information, call Myra Perryman at 969-6541.

Sunday, December 18: Truman Capote's much-loved story, A Christmas Memory, is performed by Robin Voiers in an original adaptation. The play, a heartwarming view of the holidays in simpler times, will mark its 25th anniversary at Reynolda House this year at 3pm. Members/students $8, non-members $12.

Tuesday, December 20: The Living Well, Rural Hall Center for Lifelong Learning will host caroling and refreshments from 9am until 12 noon. The Living Well is located in the lower level of First Baptist Church Rural Hall located on Broad Street next to the library.

Wednesday, December 21: Meet at Nazareth Lutheran Church at 5:15pm to go Christmas Caroling to the church's shut ins.

Saturday, December 24: Nazareth Lutheran Church will hold its Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship at 7pm. The church is located at 460 Bethania-Rural Hall Road.

Sunday, December 25: There will be no Sunday school, but Worship will be held at 10am at Nazareth Lutheran Church located on Bethania-Rural Hall Road at the intersection of Tobaccoville Road.

Tuesday, December 27: Bingo will be held at The Living Well on Broad Street from 9:30am until 11:30am.

Sunday, January 1: A pot luck breakfast will be held at nazareth Lutheran Church beginning at 9:30am. Worship will begin at 11am.

Hangng Rock Park Adventures

Hanging Rock State Park
Sat, December 17, 2011
CCC History Hike
Join a park ranger for a short hike to the lake bathhouse and learn about how Hanging Rock State Park was founded in the 1930s. Meet in front of the Visitor's Center at 2:00.

Hanging Rock State Park
Sun, December 18, 2011
Owls of the park.
Did you know that there are three species of owl found in the park? Come learn some interesting facts about these nocturnal hunters debunk some myths and see some mounted examples of each species. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium at 2:00

Local Events

Walnut Cove Old Fashion ChristmasWalnut Cove Main Street Merchants will host "Old Fashion Christmas" -- December 2nd, 9th and 16th. Merchants will extend shop hours (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) on these dates. The first Friday of December, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Music, street vendors and pictures with Santa will be available to the public.
There will be music, street vendors and pictures with Santa. There will be a food drive and toy drive with a minimum of three non-perishable food items or one new toy. Patrons will receive one picture with Santa in lieu of the donation of food items or new toy. You may also have your picture taken with Santa for a donation of $5. (All three Fridays will be hosting the food/toy drive).

Special Christmas Shopping Event in King
The King Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with many stores in King is offering you an opportunity to complete your shopping for the holidays away from the maddening crowds. On December 9th you can stroll the streets of King, listening to the sounds of music provided by carolers and let the stress roll away. If you have items that you would like to offer for sale, there are some slots available through the King Chamber of Commerce. Call them at 336-983-9308 for more details.

19th Annual Southeast Invitiational Miniature Art Show
Over 60 artist will be participating including: Scott Burdick, John Seery-Lester, Smith, Heiner Hertling and move wisit Germanton Gallery's website for a complete list of artists and more details

Drive-Thru Christmas Story
Drive-Thru Christmas Story at Jefferson Church of Christ, 8200 Jefferson Church Rd. Rural Hall, NC. 7-9 pm Thursday and Friday nights, and 6:30-9 pm on Sat. and Sun. nights. 7 live scenes with real people and live animals, 7 scenes from the warmth of your own car. Can't beat that. We are sharing the Good News, the story of Jesus from His birth to His resurrection.

Moving Right Along

We're making a lot of progress on our farm store, which will be opening this winter!

This week we got our Meat and Poultry Handler's License.

This weekend we continued to move displays into the store, and even started stocking them with our goat's milk soap!

Until the store officially opens, remember that our soaps are available at several local stores, the farm and online too! 

Some of the new types of soap that we've busy making include:

Blackberry Pomegranate

Chamomile

Cherry Almond

Fig

Funky Monkey

Grape

Honey Oatmeal

Lemon Basil

Lemon Eucalyptus

Lemon Sage

Mint Lemon

Orange Eucalyptus

Orange Fig

Orange Cranberry

Peppermint

Pomegranate Fig

Raspberry

Spearmint

Sweet Pea

Woodslands (Dirt Scent)

These soaps are not available on our website yet, but if you're interested in ordering them please email or call (336.969.5698) and we'll be glad to add it to your order.

You Know You're A Dairy Farmer If . . .

You know that you're a dairy farmer if: * your favorite mixed drink includes Yoo-Hoo. * that billboard that says, 'Say No To Crack' reminds you to pull up your jeans. * your local newspaper has a front-page feature called 'Cow of the Week.' * you own a trophy that includes the words 'cow chip toss' on it. * you practice your cow chip throwing techniques while they're still fresh. * your kids hide the Easter eggs under cow patties. * directions to your house include 'turn off the paved road.' * you have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say Cool Whip on the side. * no matter how you clean your hands, the dirt under your nails won't come off. * people come to your door mistakenly thinking you have an auto salvage business. * your favorite song is -- Old McDonald! * your sewage system consists of a pipe down a hillside. * you wake up in the morning already dressed for work. * taking your wife on a cruise means circling the Dairy Queen. * your idea of high-quality entertainment is a six-pack and a bug-zapper. * you think a manicure is some kind of French doctor. * three-fourths of all the clothes you own have logos on them. * your mailbox holds up one end of your clothesline. * you've ever given livestock as a wedding present. * the Marlboro man is your idol. * you've ever had a conversation about truck tires that lasted more than an hour. * you call your wife 'ma' and want her to call you 'pa.' * you have two pairs of jeans and six pairs of boots. * your front yard has any broken appliances in it. * you watch Jerry Springer to see if any of your relatives are on the show today. * your daddy's last words were 'Hey ya'll look what I can do!' * your lawn furniture was in your house last summer. * your car uses more oil than gas. * your gene pool doesn't have a 'deep end.'

Choosing and Caring for Trees

  Title: Choosing and Caring for Trees 

  Date: Dec 13, 2011

  Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  Calendar: Horticultural, Cooperative Extension Service

  Contact: Kathy Hepler

  Description: Trees play a vital role in our environment and add value when properly selected. Join us in this program to learn about tree selection, the right spot for your tree, planting techniques, caring for older trees, proper pruning techniques and how to enhance your home with trees.

  Location:  Historic Bethabra Park 

  Location:  2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving From Buffalo Creek Farm!

Tis the season for eating, why not keep it local?

Cobblestone Farmer's Market might be winding down for the year, but that doesn't mean you can't eat locally in the off season! Cultivate Piedmont, the program that puts on the Cobblestone Market now brings you Learn to Cook Local cooking classes. Come learn some new twists on holiday cooking using seasonal, local ingredients (especially pumpkins!) from Kevin Fisher, owner and chef of Winston-Salem's The Screaming Rooster. Kevin is a dedicated locavore who can be seen at the market every week, and Cobblestone vendors are always on the menu at his restaurant. The Screaming Rooster was also voted Best Farm to Table Restaurant in this year's Smitty's Notes. Class includes take home recipes and a meal.

When: Thursday, December 8th from 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Forsyth County Agricultural Building, 1450 Fairchild Road
Cost: $20 per person

To sign up and pre-pay, visit:
https://netforum.avectra.com/eWeb/Shopping/Shopping.aspx?Cart=0&Site=CFSA
or call Adrienne Outcalt, Cultivate Piedmont Program Manager at 782-1345
or send an email to adrienne@carolinafarmstewards.org

Buffalo Gal's Soap

That is our ad from Down Home Magazine's Shopping Guide!

Online version of the Shopping Guide is available.

Our goat's milk soaps make great gifts for the upcoming Holiday season in addition to other events throughout the year.  The soaps and gift sets are available at stores, online and at the farm. 
Feel free to contact us at Robin@BuffaloCreekFarmNC.com or 336-969-5698 with any questions!

Holiday Events in Old Salem

Shops at Old Salem Holiday Open House

November 12

Get a jump on your holiday shopping. Special music, food sampling, craftsmen, author book signings, storytelling, vendors, shopping and more. FREE.

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Christmas by Candlelight Tours
November 18 - December 23

Take a guided tour by candlelight through the historic district where the customs and traditions of an 18th or 19th century Salem Christmas will be brought to life. The evening includes music, food and drink, and interaction with Old Salem interpreters to create special memories. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and $18 for Friends of Old Salem. Pre-registration required.

Christmas with the Winston-Salem

Symphony

December 3, 4

The Winston-Salem Symphony will be joined by the Symphony Chorale with guest soloists Kathryn Mueller, soprano, and Diana Yodzis, mezzo soprano, for this holiday concert filled with many familiar works. Beginning a half hour before each concert, guest organist John Cummins will perform a 25-minute prelude on the Tannenberg Organ. Cost $50 adults, $15 students and children under 18.

A Salem Christmas

December 10

Join us for the annual celebration of Moravian Christmas traditions throughout the Historic Town of Salem. Buildings will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. At 5:15 p.m. we will gather on Salem Square for carol singing and lighting of the Chirstmas pyramid. Activities are included with an All-In-One ticket, which are $21 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-16.

 

For more information.

Preparing Your Garden for Winter

  Title: Preparing Your Garden for Winter 

  Date: Nov 17, 2011

  Time: Noon - 1:00 PM

  Calendar: Horticultural, Cooperative Extension Service

    Description: Prepare now for favorable results next spring. Taught by Craig Mauney, Extension Agent. (Bring lunch, coffee and tea provided) For questions contact 336-721-7384.

  Location:  Frank L. Horton Center, Old Salem 

  Location:  924 S. Main St., Winston-Salem

Youth: Joining the Revolution of Responsibility

Posted on 9/21/2011 by Mitzi Downing
For more than 101 years, the 4-H Program of North Carolina has been engaging youth in programs that help develop skills for a lifetime. These skills range from communication to community service and from goal setting to leadership. Regardless of the skill learned, the benefits gathered from a young person participating in the 4-H Program are priceless.
The 4-H is the largest youth development program in the nation, serving more than 6.5 million youth annually. Administered by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at NC State University and NC A&T State University, 4-H serves youth in all 100 counties in the state plus the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians through a network of 100 County Extension Offices. 4-H is managed jointly by both a professional and volunteer staff. North Carolina 4-H, one of the leading 4-H programs in the country, has more than 218,000 youth participants and more than 21,000 volunteers working together to deliver the more than 100 projects, opportunities, and events offered annually through the program.
4-H is unique in that it offers experiences to the most urban young person and youth in rural areas by providing the opportunity to participate in community 4-H clubs, K-12 outreach programs (delivered in school classrooms), day and overnight camps, and other special interest opportunities. North Carolina 4-H serves the sons and daughters of our military personnel through the 4-H Military Program located throughout the state, primarily on military bases.
Youth members can participate in a variety of projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, healthy living, citizenship and leadership. Beyond the excitement of learning something new through a project, youth have the opportunity to participate in citizenship and leadership conferences, travel the state, become involved in their community through service, and meet new friends in a safe and comfortable setting.
4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing Revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measureable difference right where they live.
If you would like to learn more about 4-H, or have a family member wanting to join 4-H, contact your local Forsyth County Extension Office at 703-2850 or visit their website.http://www.forsyth.cc/ces/?StoryID=17088

Certified Crop Advisor Training

Join other Certified Crop Advisors for your required training hours November 14-16 at the Forsyth County Agricultural Building. Register before November 5th to receive a $25 discount. The two and a half day training includes lunch on Monday and Tuesday and snacks all three days. Cost is $125 (or $100 if you register before November 5th).

Alpaca Fun Days

This year's Alpaca Fun Days are scheduled for November 5th and 6th (10am - 3pm) at Paca Pastures.

Their FREE event is a excellent chance to go and relax and visit with the alpacas. They have over fifty alpacas in all sizes and colors including 4 little crias (babies) running around.

They'll also have angora bunnies on site for show & sale. On the porch they''ll have alpaca products (hats, scarves, mittens, socks, finger puppets, wreaths, yarns, fleeces, etc.) for sale. Bring your christmas list because their alpaca products make wonderful gifts!
Plus, they'll also have spinning wheel demonstrations so you can see the process of turning fleece into yarn. A loom will also be on display showing you the craft of weaving.

Treat will be available for you to feed the alpaca's if you like.

No pets allowed and there are NO restrooms available so plan accordingly. The event will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.

Paca Pastures
665 Mitchell Store Road
Youngsville, NC 27596http://www.pacapastures.com/

Cricket's Nest: Christmas Open House

Join our friends at the Cricket's Nest this Saturday, October 29th, 10 am to 4 pm, for the annual Christmas Open House! Their members have been busy making the most adorable ornaments, house fashion decor, and yard decorations imaginable! They have the traditional snowflake crochet ornaments and the fabulously sassy Snow Peoples, as well as hauntingly beautiful Morvavian LoveFeast Black Glass ornaments.

In addition to the Christmas items, there will still be a beautiful array of Fall Items including wreaths, floral arrangements, Halloween decorations, warm hats, fashionable scarves, and more! Be sure to check out the Primitve section of the shop for the unique and eclectic presentation of the Fall Season.

Shoppers purchasing over $25.00 in merchandise will receive a FREE gift bag made by a Cricket's Nest Member! (One per Customer--while supplies last!)

If you have any questions or need directions, please give them a call at 336-659-4315.

While you're there, pick up some of our Buffalo Gal's Goat Milk Soap too... it makes a great gift too!

AFAS - Art for Art's Sake

Come down this Sunday to AFAS - Art for Art's Sake's October Sunday series' "Mixed Bag" weekend events and do some early Christmas shopping with our local artists - great local talent! See some pictures from the first 2 weekend events on their site.  

You can find us under the red tent selling our goat's milk soap along with our webnanny's silverware windchimes every Sunday in October from 1 to 5pm in downtown Winston-Salem.  Our neighbors, Fantasy Photography, will be there too selling items from their boutique and displaying some of their beautiful photographs.

AFAS is also on Facebook and Twitter where you can learn more about the event and the schedule for Sunday's music!

Old Salem Harvest Day

Harvest Day at Old Salem

October 15

Celebrate the fall harvest with hands-on activities, puppet shows, historic demonstrations and more.
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Jack-o-lantern Carving Contest

October 28, 29

Show off your pumpkin carving creativity. Free pumpkins; bring your own tools. Prizes will be awarded.
Friday 5-7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Legends and Lanterns Tours

October 28, 29

Tour Salem's nighttime streets, visit haunted stops and hear local ghost tales. Tours begin every 15 mins. From 6-9 p.m. Pre-registration suggested.

Trick-or-treating

Oct. 30

Old Salem Museums & Gardens will host trick-or-treating for children, who should be accompanied by a parent/adult and wear light-colored costumes/clothing for safety.
6-9 p.m. Free.

Piedmont Farm School

Cooperative Extension staff in Davidson, Iredell, Montgomery, Randolph, and Rowan Counties -announce the Piedmont Farm School 2012.

Get together and learn from experienced farmers and ag professionals twice each month from February through October. 

Rock the Block

Rock the Block has turned into a celebration of the rebirth of downtown and the wrapup party of the summer in Winston-Salem: Rock the Block 2011! Now in its 10th remarkable year, this event, supported by the City of Winston-Salem and Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership returns on Saturday, September 17 to Fourth Street Downtown from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m..

Already on tap is plenty of entertainment such as live music, including rock 'n' roll, beach, smooth jazz, bluegrass, country, contemporary Christian on five stages along Fourth Street between Poplar to Liberty.

Visit http://www.rocktheblockws.com for details and the pre-Rock the Block party on Friday evening, September 16.

Festive Indoor Container Gardens

Teresa Myers, one of the owners of Myers Greenhouse, will demonstrate how to create festive container gardens for the holiday season. She will also discuss the care and maintenance of indoor container gardens.

Event LocationArboretum at Tanglewood Park (Arboretum Office)
4061 Clemmons Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012

November 2nd, 2011 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

ContactRachel Herring at (336) 703-2850

King Fest

KingFest, held annually the first Saturday in October at King Central Park, includes a variety of activities for all ages. Live music performed at the amphitheatre features 50's, oldies, bluegrass and gospel music. Also included in the day's events are arts and crafts, children's activities, a youth fishing tournament, a horseshoe pitching tournament, community-prepared country food, heritage demonstrations, miniature train rides, a classic cruise-in car show, kids' Olympics, a corn hole tournament, contests and prize drawings. Admission and parking are free, and parking is adequate for bus tours. http://www.kingnc.com/king​fest.html

Saturday, October 1 · 10:00am - 1:00pm

Shockley's Old Timey Day

   ANTIQUE TRACTORS! ANTIQUE TOOLS ! ANTIQUE ENGINES! WOOD WORKING! 

WOOD WORKING DEMONSTRATIONS! BLACKSMITHING!

See how an old time farm really works!

Demonstrations and events include antique tractors and engines, plowing with horses, oat and wheat thrashing, oats cut by horse and binder, stacking oats, digging potatoes with horse and plow, soap making, molasses making, kraut making, apple cider making, apple butter making, pottery making, churning butter, quilting, weaving cloth with a loom, corn straw broom making, old time ice cream making, blacksmiths, corn mill and buckwheat flour w/gristmill and many more demos.

Horse drawn wagon rides will be offered.

Local vendors will be selling Products, Crafts and Food. Food will be provided by the Sylvatus Community Church and the Barren Springs Fire Department.

Red Hill General Store will be featuring Collectables, Canning Supplies, Washboards, Lye Soap, Buckets and Tubs, Gardening Tools, Stoneware Crocks and MUCH MORE!

Old time music will be provided during the day and preaching will be held under the tent on Sunday morning at 10 AM. Bring your chairs and come have a good ole' time!

Directions:

From I-81 take exit 89A to VA-100, go approx 19 miles and turn right onto VA-1101/Worrell Estate Rd., Hillsville, VA.

From I-77 take exit 14 to US-221/US-58 toward Hillsville, continue to follow US-221/US-58 for 2.7 miles, take a slight left at Floyd Pike/US-221 for 1.4 miles, turn left at Sylvatus Hwy/VA-100 for 3.6 miles, turn left at VA-1101/Worrell Estate, Hillsville, VA.

When: Saturday, September 24, 2011 and Sunday, September 25, 2011 starting at 10AM

Rain Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011 and Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 10AM

Admission Fee: $6.00 (children under 10 free and parking is free)

Phone: Mark Shockley (276) 733-4953

Winston-Salem Community Bike Rides

One of the latest area concepts is the the Winston-Salem Community Bike Ride series. The idea is to gather folks who like cycling, and form a group ride that tours various sectors of the Winston-Salem community. The first ride along the Salem Creek Greenway was held on Sunday, August 28th and had more than 50 riders. The "finish line" was at at Caffe Prada, which kept its doors open late.

Join them every Sunday at 3:00pm beginning September 11th with an new exciting ride along a brand new route. For more information visit the Winston-Salem Community Bike Ride's Facebook page.

Royce’s Bluegrass Jam

Fri, Sept 9 - 6:00 pm – Royce’s Bluegrass Jam on the lawn of Historic Danbury Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Circle in Danbury. This is a free event sponsored by the Foothills Hayride. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at beginning at 6:00 p.m. from Artist Way Bakery and Cafe located at 508 N. Main Street -- across the street from the Historic Danbury Courthouse. Music will begin around 7:00 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of bluegrass in the park!

Moravian Festival

Food, music, children's activities and lots of uniquely Moravian things to see and do will fill the campus of New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road at the inaugural Moravian Festival, which will take place Saturday September 10.

The festival will feature time-honored Moravian foods as chicken pie, sugar cake and ginger cookies. Sandwiches, snacks and drinks will also be available. Traditional and secular music associated with the Moravian Church will be performed continuously throughout the day by brass bands, choirs, and vocal and instrumental groups. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the festival will include children's activities, such as heritage games and crafts, free pony rides and a petting zoo.

While you're enjoying Lovefeast buns and coffee, don't forget to take in one of the historic re-enactments about Count von Zinzendorf, Bishop Spangenberg and other key figures in the Moravian Church and the settlement of 18th-century North Carolina. You can also browse among the Moravian-inspired gifts such as stars, candles, handmade crafts, music CDs, cookbooks and apparel and learn about how Moravians connect with their community and the world through charitable, spiritual and educational outreach programs. Booths of participating congregations and representatives from the Winston-Salem-based Moravian Music Foundation and Moravian Archives will be on hand to offer more information.

Activities begin, rain or shine, with the Moravian Festival 5k Challenge at 8:00 a.m. followed by the festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited. Festival tickets are available for $1 in advance and $2 the day of the event. For ticket information, go to http://www.moravianfestival.org. Net proceeds will be used to support several benevolent causes through the Board of Cooperative Ministries of the Southern Province of the Moravian Church.
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While you're there look for our friends, Carolina Copper.  They will be showcasing their beautiful, handcrafted Moravian candles amongst their other copper creations.

BOOKMARKS Festival of Books

Looking for something to do Saturday, September 10? Why not celebrate reading and all things book-related at BOOKMARKS' annual Festival of Books, which is FREE and runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. A great round up of authors from across the country will be on hand in the Downtown Arts District (centered around 6th and Trade Streets).

Among the 40-plus authors scheduled to attend are renowned fiction authors Lisa See, New York Times best-selling author of Dreams of Joy, Shanghai Girls and Snowflower and the Secret Fan (recently released as a major motion picture) and Kimberla Lawson Roby, award-wining author of Secret Obsession and Love, Honor, and Betray.

There will be authors of books for all ages including children's authors Gran'daddy Junebug, Reynolds High grad Dallas Clayton, Henry Neff and Shana Norris. Meet cookbook authors, nonfiction authors of everything from history to sports (including NASCAR and running), attend workshops, keep Junior occupied with kids' activities and discover much, much more.

Visit http://www.bookmarksnc.org for a complete list of activities.

New Address

As the Creamery is beng built, we've gotten new address for the farm and store. 

The barn's new address is:
Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery, LLC
3241 Buffalo Creek Farm Road
Germanton, NC 27019
336.969.5698
Robin@BuffaloCreekFarmNC.com
Please note that not all of the online map tools (or GPS units in your car) recognize our new address, so you may need to use our old address (6749 S. Germanton Road, Germanton, NC 27019) for a little while longer.

Fall Lawn Care

Forsyth County Extension Agent Stephen Greer will discuss starting the new lawn as well as maintaining and renovating your existing lawn. You will also learn many techniques such as proper fertilization to improve your lawn. Location: Arboretum Office


September 21st, 2011 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMArboretum at Tanglewood Park
4061 Clemmons Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012


ContactRachel Herring at (336) 703-2850

Arts on Main

Every third Friday Yadkin Arts Council hosts "Arts on Main" from 6pm to 9pm.

Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, a farmer's market, food items and the shops on Main Street.

The artists of the YARD studios will be working in their studios and the Welborn Gallery at the Center will be open.for viewing.

Enjoy dinner at the Third Branch Cafe.

Third Friday: May 20th, June 17th, July 17th, August 19, Sept. 9

25th Anniversary of the Bethabara Concert Band

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Bethabara Concert Band by attending one or all of the performances. Historic Bethabara Park and the Bethabara Concert Band invite you to enjoy a fun-filled evening outdoors. Bring the family, a blanket, and a picnic dinner! Hay wagon rides, children's games, ice cream, Dino's New York hot dogs, and music from all eras, ensure entertainment for all. Free Admission!

Thursday, August 11th - 6:00 pm-8:30 pm

Thursday, September 8th - 5:30 pm-8:00 pm

Thursday, October 13th - 5:30 pm-8:00 pm

Twenty-one Craft Brewers Lined Up for TwinCity Taps

as seen in Smitty's Notes...

If you like beer (I know, "if"), downtown's BB&T Ballpark will be the place to be on Saturday, August 13 for the inaugural Twin City Taps craft beer festival. There's a time and place to enjoy one of the mass, factory-produced beers, but this isn't it. TwinCity Taps will showcase only smaller, craft brewers. They're all North Carolina breweries, and they make really great beer.

Twin City Taps has lined up 21 brewers who will be on hand to pour brews and talk about them. The line up of brewers continues to grow, but here's the participating breweries as of July 19:

1. Aviator Brewing Company
2. Big Boss Brewing Company
3. Carolina Blonde
4. Carolina Brewery
5. Craggie Brewing Company
6. Foothills Brewing
7. French Broad Brewing Company
8. Fullsteam
9. Green Man Brewery
10. Highland Brewing Company
11. Liberty Steakhouse and Brewery
12. Loes Brewing Company
13. LoneRider Brewing Company
14. Mother Earth Brewing Company
15. Mystery Brewing Company
16. Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Company
17. Olde Hickory Brewery
18. Red Oak Brewery
19. The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
20. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
21. Weeping Radish Farm Brewing

By the way, let's set the record straight. TwinCity Taps is not the same beer festival as the one held at TanglewoodPark. TwinCity Taps is a completely new, smaller event that is limiting ticket sales to no more than 4,000 to assure that all guests have easy access to parking, restrooms, food and most import of all . . . beer! General admission tickets to Twin City Taps are $35, and VIP tickets are $55. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit http://www.twincitytaps.com call (336) 714-6871or go to the box office at BB&T Ballpark.

Gift Sets

Metal shovels and rakes with wooden handles are paired with a bar of our Cornmeal Scrub Soap.  This soap is made with cornmeal ground at our local King Roller Mill.

Soap bunnies have their bellies stuffed with a bar of our unscented goat's milk soap.

 The cotton gardening gloves are paired with a bar of either Cornmeal Scrub Soap or Nitty Gritty Soap (made with egg shells from out chickens).

We also have gifts sets for dog lovers!  A bar of one of our Dog Soaps is paired with a row chew toy. (Pictures coming soon)

All of these gifts sets are available daily at the farm or Tuesdays at Cobblestone Farmer's Market (downtown Winston-Salem).  The garden gloves are also available at Let It Grow Produce (Country Club Road in Winston-Salem).

Farm Adventures

Lazy O Farm in Johnston County has fun adventures for kids planned almost monthly.
On Fridays in June and July, the farm has scavenger hunt planned, which includes a self guided tour of the barnyard's animals, activities, hayride, playground and picnic area.

After this Friday, the farm will close until October.  It will then will reopen for a month's worth of Maze Dayz--corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride and more. Visit their website for more details and to see what's happening the rest of the year.

Community Arts Cafe Arts Market

The Arts Market will open on Saturdays starting July 30, 2011 in the lower level of the Community Arts Cafe at 411 West Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem. Similar to a farmer's market, the Arts Market will provide a festive retail outlet for local vendors of arts and fine crafts from 9am to 2pm each week.

A selection of disciplines will be featured in the Market each week. The first week will feature 3D works in clays & resins, and 2D works in oils, acrylics & pastels. Week two will feature 3D works in wood, fiber & leather, and 2D works in watermedia, graphites & printmaking. And week three will feature 3D works in metal & glass, and 2D works in photography & mixed media. The rotation of disciplines will continue in this manner every three weeks. Vendors of music and performance arts are also invited to participate.
The Arts Market is a juried arts program making available the highest quality arts & fine crafts in all price points. Arts vendors wishing to participate in the Arts Market may visit the following link and apply as directed: http://www.communityartscafe.com/artsmarket.pdf

Call 336-793-8000 or emailgallery@communityartscafe.com for additional questions.

Landscaping on a Slope

Wendi Hartup, Forsyth County Extension Agent, will present a program on Landscaping on a Slope. Steep slopes can be found in many landscapes, and present many challenges to homeowners and gardeners. They often are difficult and dangerous to mow, contain poor soil, and suffer from soil erosion. This class will cover design options and plant suggestions for aesthetic appeal and to prevent erosion. Location: Arboretum Office
July 20th, 2011 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Arboretum at Tanglewood Park
4061 Clemmons Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012
ContactRachel Herring at (336) 703-2850

Alpaca Fun Days

July 16th & 17th (10a-3p) Paca Pastures is hosting a fun, free event... Alpaca Fun Days. 

Relax and visit with their alpacas. You'll get to see where all that soft, warm yarn comes from. They have 30+ alpaca's ranging in age from adults to a little fella that was just born July 4th. There will be alpaca merchandise (finger puppets, hats, scarves, mittens, yarn, etc.) available for purchase. They'll also have a spinning wheel and loom demonstrations throughout the day.
The alpaca's LOVE to soak up all the attention, so PLEASE leave your pets at home for this adventure.

Paca Pastures
665 Mitchell Store Rd
Youngsville, NC 27596

Tractor Supply - Pet Appreciation Week

Tractor Supply - Pet Appreciation Week
Date: Aug 6, 2011
Time: all day
Contact: April Bowman
Description: Tractor Supply is having their 1st Annual PAWS event! There will be discounts & specials on pet related items, adoption drives, vaccination clinics, demonstrations and fun giveaways!
Location: All Tractor Supply locations.

Do It Yourself Irrigation

David Goforth, Cabarrus County Extension Agent, will discuss efficient ways to water gardens that can be easily installed by the homeowner.

Event LocationArboretum at Tanglewood Park (Arboretum Office)
4061 Clemmons Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012
ContactRachel Herring at (336) 703-2850

http://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=events&event_id=20950

2011 Spring Worm Webinars

Recordings of the 2011 Spring Worm Webinars from the University of Maryland Small Ruminant Extention Program have been edited and made public.

Spring Worm Webinar Series

#	Topic	Date	Presentation Links
I.	Parasite biology	5/5/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
II.	Management	5/12/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
III.	Diagnostic tools	5/19/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
IV.	Anthelmintics	5/26/11	Webinar	PowerPoint

The following topics are also available on their website...

Ewe and Doe Management Series

#	Topic	Date	Presentation Links
I.	Late Gestation	1/13/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
II.	Vaccinations	1/20/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
III.	Parturition	2/3/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
IV.	Neonatal Care	2/10/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
V.	Lactation	2/17/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
VI.	Weaning	2/23/11	Webinar	PowerPoint

UMD ANSC 235 Lamb Watch Class

Topic	Date	Presentation Links
Nutrition of the ewe and her lambs	2/15/11	Webinar	PowerPoint
Marketing products from sheep	4/19/11	Webinar	PowerPoint

Sheep and goats: a weapon against weeds

Topic	Date	Presentation Links
Controlling invasive plants with grazing	7/22/10	Webinar	PowerPoint

If you would like to have your e-mail address added to an e-mail reflector list, to receive notification of upcoming webinars (pertaining to sheep and goats), contact Susan Schoenian at sschoen@umd.edu.