Community Gardening Networking Event

Community Gardening Networking Event by Mary Jac Brennan The public is invited to attend a Community Garden Networking Event on Thursday, March 24th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm hosted by Forsyth County Cooperative Extension. The event will be held in auditorium C at the Forsyth County Agriculture Building which is located at 1450 Fairchild Road in Winston-Salem, near the Z. Smith Reynolds Airport. The networking event will provide an opportunity for people who are involved with community gardens, or who are interested in becoming involved in community gardens, to meet and to become better informed. Representatives from the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Service will discuss the Community Garden Resource Program as well as lead a discussion about the state of community gardening in Forsyth County. Anyone who works with an existing community garden is encouraged to attend. Please contact Mary Jac Brennan at 703-2869 or by email at brennamj@forsyth.cc.

Farmer Appreciation Day

On Thursday, March 24, the Annual Farmer Appreciation event will be held at South Stokes High School in Walnut Cove from 6-9 p.m. This event is organized each year by the local farm service offices and is sponsored by local businesses. This year’s menu will consist of chopped BBQ or chicken, potato salad, slaw, rolls, pintos, dessert and a drink, and is free to all who attend. The entertainment for the night will be provided by the “Blues Creek” bluegrass band. At 8 p.m., door prizes will be given away, and a raffle drawing will be held for a chainsaw and cash prize. Those who plan to attend are asked to please call 593-8179 or 593-2846, ext. 3, to help organizers better prepare for the event. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy an evening of food, fun and fellowship and to join in to express appreciation to the hardworking farmers and their families.

Backyard Buffer Workshop

Backyard Buffer Workshop

Free buffer kits for the first 50 who sign up!

Do you live on a stream or a creek? Would you like to learn how to reduce erosion on your waterway? A workshop, sponsored by the Piedmont Triad Water Quality Partnership, the North Carolina Soil & Water Conservation, and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Agency will provide not only the necessary information but also a buffer kit that includes 20 live stakes for immediate planting. The kits include black willow, silky dogwood, ninebark and elderberry. The program will be held •March 19, 2011 •NC Cooperative Extension office, 1450 Fairchild Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 •10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

If you would like to attend, please reserve your spot today by calling (336)703-2850.

Mini Krankies Farmers Market today!

Come out today (Tuesday, March 1st) from 11 until 1 to a mini version of Krankies Farmers Market (aka Cobblestone Farmers Market). We will be outside on the patio of Krankies Coffee in downtown Winston-Salem.

Crosscreek Farm will be selling grass-fed beef, pastured pork, free range eggs, goat cheese, butter, wild jams, and more! Shore Farms Organics will be selling collards, kale, cilantro, baby bok choi, mustard, canned goods, brussel sprouts and more!

Grace Meadow Farm will be selling steaks, ground beef ,roasts, stew beef, ground turkey, turkey drumsticks, eggs and more!

We'll have our Buffalo Gal's goat's milk soap gift sets and bars--including some special ones for Spring Time and Easter! Support your local farmers!

First Annual Carolina Meat Conference

NC Choices and CEFS present the First Annual Carolina Meat Conference March 25-27, 2011 at the Cabarrus Event Center, Concord, NC Bringing together independent meat producers, processors, buyers and allied professionals for a weekend of workshops, trainings, panel discussions and networking in an effort to strengthen marketing and processing opportunities for the region's rapidly growing local meat industry. HANDS-ON TRAININGS Optimizing Carcass Utilization: A Training for Commercial Processors and Demystifying the Beef and Pork Carcass: A Breakdown for Farmers Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, University of Kentucky, Food and Meat Science and presented by Weaver Street Market: Artisanal Butchery and Whole Animal Utilization for Professional Chefs and Butchery Craft in Your Home Kitchen for Consumers Tia Harrison, Co-Founder-The Butcher's Guild, Owner-Avedano's Meat Market and Executive Chef-Sociale, San Francisco, CA Marissa Guggiana, Co-Founder-The Butcher's Guild, President of Sonoma Direct Sustainable Meats and Author of Primal Cuts: Cooking with America's Best Butchers Berlin Reed, The Ethical Butcher, Portland, OR Craig Deihl, Executive Chef- Cypress, Charleston, SC KEYNOTE Scaling the Supply of Quality, Local Meats Mike Lorentz, Lorentz Meats, Cannon Falls, MN- Learn how this mid-scale meat processing company has successfully grown to meet the demand for niche meat, providing custom slaughter and processing for both national niche brands and individual farmers.

NEW 4-H Rabbit Club

Forsyth County 4-H is forming a rabbit club for youth ages 10-18, and they are looking for input from interested youth before setting the date, time and location. To help them set the date for their first meeting, please contact: Christi Eley, (336) 766-1441 or angelbearyoga@bellsouth.net

4-H Information Share

4-H Share Fair March 1st, 2011 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Do you want to know what 4-H is? Have you asked, “What can you do in 4-H?” Join us for the 4-H Information Share and Nutrition Fair on Tuesday, March 1st beginning at 6:00 pm at the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Center. Everyone is invited to bring their youth ages 5-18 to learn more about 4-H including: project record books, presentations, the 4-H Honor Club, the Application, Interview, Resume and Essay (AIRE) contest, community service projects, 4-H Talent Show and more! Also, taking place is our 4th annual Nutrition Fair. After judging we will do a buffet so that everyone may sample the dishes. Email 4H@forsyth.cc for more information. Event Location 1450 Fairchild Road Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Contact April Bowman at (336) 703-2850

Growing Mushrooms in the Home Garden

Growing Mushrooms in the Home Garden April 4th, 2011 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Winston-Salem, NC Learn the basics of growing mushrooms, primarily Shiitake, in the home landscape. Some discussion will be given to other types of mushrooms. A demonstration of growing shiitakes will be shown. Contact Kathy Hapler at 703-2852 to register. Event Location Carver School Rd Library 4915 Lansing Dr Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Contact Kathy Hepler at (336) 703-2850

Foothills Pilot Plant

Foothills Pilot Plant- Marion, NC McDowell County -Poultry and Rabbit Processing January 2011 Update: The plant is nearing completion and scheduled to open for processing in the spring of 2011. The photo to the left was taken in late January 2011. Small family farms and community leaders are supporting the development of the Foothills Pilot Plant, a small scale slaughtering and processing facility serving independent growers of poultry and rabbits. Based upon a feasibility study commissioned in 2006, a plan has been developed for establishment of this project in Marion NC, in partnership with the McDowell Economic Development Association (MEDA), McDowell County Government, independent growers, NCDA&CS, and NC State University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) and NCA&T University. As of January 2009, the project has received $636,000 in support for development. Major contributors include the North Carolina Golden LEAF Foundation, the North Carolina Rural Center, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. This project will serve small, diversified farms located primarily in the western half of the state with a strong interest in increasing production of poultry and rabbits through use of an inspected slaughter and processing facility. The western half of the state has the greatest unmet demand for access to a USDA- or state-inspected small-animal slaughter facility. At least 30 small scale independent poultry and rabbit producers in the western NC region have expressed demand for access to inspected slaughter and processing services. These growers are dispersed among 15 counties, with McDowell County located in the center of the producer range. The closest inspected plant serving independents is located in Kingstree, South Carolina, over 200 miles to the east. Most growers cannot handle the logistics of live bird transportation that far, and some who have tried have experienced high mortality rates. This project pursues the following set of outcomes: •A facility is established that allows producers to have small volumes of a variety of poultry and rabbit products of their own raising processed and inspected. •Producers receive formal training for safe and wholesome commercial growing, processing and marketing of meat products that are state or federally inspected. •Producers are able to understand and meet all regulatory issues affecting their businesses. •Producers have a variety of options for marketing inspected meat, including direct marketing, wholesale distribution and participation in associations or other business entities for marketing and sales. •Small-volume producers are able to expand production and professionalize their businesses. The establishment of slaughter and processing services for small meat animals in the region would likely substantially increase production among growers. Using data supplied only by existing small animal producers, research indicates an annual potential of 33,205 head of small animals processed at an inspected facility in its earliest stages of operation, with a retail value estimated at $377,000 per year. This represents a five-fold increase from current recorded production volumes. Based on measured levels of producer demand and potential availability of funding, participants are developing a pilot plant for slaughter and processing of multiple species of poultry and rabbits with a maximum daily throughput of not more than 1,000 chickens per day. The project expects to build a ca. 3,000 square foot prefabricated building and thereafter complete interior build-out using local skilled labor. The design will meet regulatory requirements for every level of inspection, including USDA and state inspection. The pilot plant is expected to provide slaughtering services approximately twice weekly during its initial year of operation, with facility operations led by a paid general manager. Labor for processing can be sourced from the minimum security prison on a work-release program, until sufficient production volume is achieved to justify hiring full-time processing staff. For more information contact casey@nchoices.com

Texas Pete Twin City Rib Fest

In 2005 the Texas Pete Twin City RibFest began in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. With its success came national recognition: in Bon Apetit magazine and MarthaStewart.com, as well as being named Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Bureau. The 2011 Texas Pete Twin City RibFest is being held at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem on June 9-12th.

Thursday June 9, 11 am - Midnight Friday June 10, 11 am - Midnight Saturday June 11, 11 am - Midnight Sunday June 12, 12 Noon - 7pm Admission: $7 Adults, Kids Free (12 and under) No Pets Allowed/ No Coolers/ No Weapons/No Outside Food **There will be no admission charge on Thursday/Friday from 11 AM until 2 PM** Ribs and music are not all that you will find at the 2011 Texas Pete Twin City RibFest. Once they have their fill of ribs our attendees love to meander through The Market which has an assortment of offerings, everything from jewelry to pets. It's a RibFest tradition to present thematic music days on our Main Stage and like always they have a stellar line-up of local, regional and national acts this year. Thursday, June 9 - '80s Night 6:00 PM - TBD 7:45 PM - TBD 10:00 PM - The Breakfast Club Friday, June 10 - Funkalicious Friday 7:00 PM - FuhnetiK Union 9:30 PM - Mother's Finest Saturday, June 11 - Down & Dirty Saturday 5:30 PM - Evan & Dana 7:30 PM - American Aquarium 9:45 PM - Old Moonshine Revival Sunday, June 12 - TBD 6:00 PM - TBD 7:45 PM - TBD 10:00 PM - TBD

Food for the Future!

2nd Annual Warm Hearts for Wagging Tails

Lend a helping paw at Fantasy Photography's 2nd annual Warm Hearts for Wagging Tails pet charity event! Last year they photographed 37 dogs in two days and collected over 350 pounds of dog food for local shelters - this year they hope to collect even MORE! The condition of today's economy isn't only affecting humans. It's also leaving thousands of pets (and homeless animals) hungry and on the streets. Shelters are overflowing and pet owners are being forced to give up their best friends. What can you do to help? We know money is tight right now, so they're offering FREE SESSIONS to raise our paws for a cause. Bring a 20 pound or larger bag of dog food or cat food to this very special event and receive a FREE Pet Portrait Session and special package pricing for your favorite furry friend! They will also HAPPILY accept unopened treats and chew toys for pets in need. Sessions last 15 minutes and are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, so schedule yours today before they're all gone! Call their studio at 336.575.7088 to get your appointment today :)

For Your Valentine...

Valentine's Day is coming up next Monday, February 14. For those of you looking for a gift for a fellow "goater" or others who enjoy natural soaps, we have Buffalo Gal's Soap packaged (red tin bucket containers, ceramic white bags with hearts and individual soaps in organza bags) for Valentine's Day available.

Helping Grow Healthy Kids

Helping Grow Healthy Kids: North Carolina to Serve as FoodCorps Site in Ten-State Launch High-caliber organizations with demonstrated experience implementing Farm to School and school garden programs selected as inaugural host sites for 2011 RALEIGH (November 30, 2010) — 4-H and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems proudly announce their role as hosts for FoodCorps, a new national AmeriCorps school garden and Farm to School service program, launching in 2011. FoodCorps will serve vulnerable children, improving access to healthy, affordable food, while training young leaders for careers in food and agriculture. North Carolina was chosen from 108 national applications as one of 10 states from across the United States to pilot the FoodCorps program. As a pioneer in applying the proven model of national service to the widening epidemic of childhood obesity, FoodCorps and the 10 chosen host sites are poised to improve the well-being of thousands of children in its first year and millions over the next decade. Eva Clayton says, “As the former Assistant Director General of the United Nations’ Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), a former member of the United States Congress and a citizen of Warren County, North Carolina, I welcome this opportunity to demonstrate how an effective and targeted nutrition program for schools can make a significant difference in addressing health disparities.” Nationwide, FoodCorps will put 82 members on the ground in 10 states to work 139,400 hours during the 2011-2012 school year. North Carolina expects eight to 10 FoodCorps members to be placed at four or five school locations across North Carolina, contributing upwards of 1,300 work hours. FoodCorps members will build and tend school gardens, conduct nutrition education, and increase the amount of local, fresh produce served in lunchroom cafeterias, all in the spirit of service for healthier kids. Utilizing the public service model of AmeriCorps, FoodCorps leverages federal funds to place young adults in high-need communities, with the mission of improving children’s knowledge and access to healthy food. FoodCorps also gives hands-on training to future farmers and food systems professionals. FoodCorps service members will receive training and support from the FoodCorps national office, and then will be placed across the United States where they will be directed by high-impact organizations working in home communities. North Carolina 4-H and CEFS have partnered with the Physical Activity and Nutrition branch of the Division of Public Health plus Cooperative Extension offices, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and schools across the state to form a collaboration of organizations committed to increasing the capacity and success of school garden programs. Congratulations to all the 2011-2012 FoodCorps Host Sites nationwide: •Arkansas: The Delta Garden Study at Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute •Arizona: Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health •Iowa: National Center for Appropriate Technology •Massachusetts: The Food Project •Maine: University of Maine Cooperative Extension •Michigan: C.S. Mott Group at Michigan State University •Mississippi: Mississippi Roadmap to Health Equity •North Carolina: North Carolina 4-H and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems •New Mexico: Office of Community Learning and Public Service at the University of New Mexico •Oregon: Oregon Department of Agriculture “These organizations demonstrated a clear commitment to combating childhood obesity through hands-on school garden programs,” said Debra Eschmeyer, a FoodCorps Founder. “Essentially a domestic Peace Corps, FoodCorps is poised for a fruitful first year.” ABOUT FOODCORPS FoodCorps is a national AmeriCorps program that focuses on service in rural, urban and suburban school food systems that have children challenged with high rates of obesity and limited access to healthy foods. Service members will build and tend school gardens, conduct hands-on nutrition education experiences, and facilitate Farm to School programming that brings high-quality local food into public schools. FoodCorps, a New York-based nonprofit organization, was developed with funding from AmeriCorps and the WK Kellogg Foundation, in partnership with Occidental College, the National Farm to School Network, Slow Food USA, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and Wicked Delicate, as part of an open planning process engaging stakeholders from around the country. www.food-corps.org ABOUT NC 4-H 4-H is a youth organization committed to building citizen leaders with marketable skills. The N.C. 4-H Youth Development Program has long held a specific emphasis on cultivating another generation of youth engaged in sustainable agriculture, health and well-being. Statewide efforts include school gardens that foster a connection to nutrition through growing fruits and vegetables, building farm-to-school relationships, traditional 4-H community clubs focused on local foods, afterschool garden programs, and youth agricultural entrepreneurial programs. The N.C. 4-H Youth Development Program is a program of the N.C. Cooperative Extension involving adults and youth in all 100 counties and on the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Nation. http://www.nc4h.org/ ABOUT CEFS The Center for Environmental Farming Systems develops and promotes food and farming systems that protect the environment, strengthen local communities, and provide economic opportunties. CEFS was established in 1994 as a partnership between the two land grant universities, N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) to serve as a center dedicated to sustainable agriculture research, extension and education. CEFS developed its 2,000-acre research farm in Goldsboro in 1996, still today one of the nation’s largest centers of sustainable farming practices. In 2008, CEFS launched a statewide sustainable local foods initiative in which more than 1,000 North Carolinians participated. In addition to the state action guide From Farm to Fork, the initiative sparked the development of the N.C. Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council, the establishment of a local food representive in each county Cooperative Extension office, and the development of a 10% Campaign for building a local food economy. http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/ ABOUT DPH, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION BRANCH The Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Branch is housed in the Division of Public Health of North Carolina. The mission of the PAN Branch is to, “Reverse the rising tide of obesity and chronic disease among North Carolinians by helping them to eat smart, move more and achieve a healthy weight.” The Branch is one of more than 60 partner organizations supporting Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina, a statewide movement that promotes increased opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity wherever people live, learn, earn, play and pray. http://www.ncpanbranch.com/

60th annual North Carolina Dairymen’s Conference

The 60th annual North Carolina Dairymen’s Conference will be held Feb. 17-18, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, N.C. The event draws dairy producers from North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, South Carolina and southern Virginia. This year’s event is combined with the North Carolina Cattleman’s Conference, creating a larger trade show. Conference speakers will include: Scott Whisnant, North Carolina State University, addressing beef and dairy reproduction; Monty Kerley, University of Missouri, discussing carbon credits for beef and dairy producers; Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois dairy nutritionist, discussing dairy nutrition; Scott Brown, University of Missouri, who will provide a dairy policy and economic outlook; and Jake Martin, dairy engineer, discussing dairy design and engineering. Other events include a dairy industry dinner and the annual meeting of the North Carolina Dairy Producers Association meeting. For an agenda and registration information, contact Matthew Lange, Dairy Development Coordinator, North Carolina Dairy Advantage Program, phone: 919-740-1762; or e-mail: mlange@ncdairyadvantage.com

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Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Vegetable Gardening Workshop February 8th, 2011 @ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Davidson County Agricultural Building 301 East Center Street Lexington, NC 27292 Learn how to grow fresh vegetables. In a time where our food supply is uncertain and new precautions come out almost daily; it's time to think about producing your own supply of vegetables. There has never been a more urgent time to learn these skills than now. Call (336) 242-2085 or e-mail to register. There is no cost to attend.

Come to the Table Conference

Piedmont North Carolina Come to the Table Conference: Communities of Faith Relieving Hunger and Supporting Local Farms 2011 Piedmont NC Come to the Table Conference Friday, Feb. 18 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Winston-Salem, NC Saturday, Feb. 19, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm - Various Locations The two-day event will include workshops, networking opportunities, and a local lunch on Friday, Feb. 18th, and tours and volunteer opportunities at local food ministries and projects on Saturday, Feb. 19th. Friday's events will be hosted Wake Forest University at the Benson University Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Registration is $10, or $5 for Saturday only. All are welcome, and free registration is available for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. ---------------------------- Friday Schedule 8:00 - 9:00 am: Registration 9:00 - 9:30 am: Welcome 9:45 - 10:45 am: Breakout Session 1 11:00 - 12:00 pm: Breakout Session 2 12:15 - 1:00 pm: Lunch 1:00 - 2:00 pm: World Cafe 2:15 - 3:15 pm: Breakout Session 3 3:30 - 4:30 pm: Breakout Session 4 4:45 - 5:00 pm: Closing Friday Workshops Breakout Session 1: 9:45 - 10:45 am Food Production 101 Understanding Agriculture in Central North Carolina Interfaith Perspectives on Food Accessible Farmers' Markets Breakout Session 2: 11:00 - 12:00 pm Community Gardening 101 Campus Kitchen: Students and Agencies Combatting Hunger Planting from the Pulpit: Clergy Leadership in Food and Farming Understanding Food Insecurity in Central North Carolina Federal and State Farm Policy: What You Need to Know Breakout Session 3: 2:15 - 3:15 pm Campus Initiatives for Healthy Food Job Training for Programs for Cooks and Farmers Organizing Across Communities Finding Funding for Your Ministry Breakout Session 4: 3:30 - 4:30 pm Connecting Communities Through Gardens Engaging the Next Generation of Food and Farm Leaders Sabbath Economics and Community Financing The Theology of Farming and Eating Cooking Healthy in Season Saturday Schedule Tour Session 1: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm TS Designs Company Garden, Burlington, NC Covenant Family Garden Work Party, Greensboro, NC Community Garden Tour, Winston-Salem, NC 12:00 - 1:00 - Optional Lunch at Covenant Family Garden, Greensboro, NC - $5 Tour Session 2: 1:30 - 3:30 Interfaith Food Shuttle, Raleigh, NC Mixed Greens and Legacy Garden, Greensboro, NC Peacehaven Farm, Whitsett, NC Come to the Table is a project of the Rural Life Committee North Carolina Council of Churches, coordinated by RAFI-USA with support from The Duke Endowment.

Evening with 8-- Plus Smitty!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 6:30 p.m. @ The Piedmont Club - Dean Naujoks, Yadkin Riverkeeper Cost: $25 registration fee plus $20 for a prix-fixe meal consisting of salad, entree and dessert; sunset views are free! Dean Naujoks is the Yadkin Riverkeeper, employed by Yadkin Riverkeeper Inc. since the fall of 2008 to manage and implement a river advocacy program for the Yadkin Pee Dee River watershed in North Carolina that will keep it a healthy and vibrant river for residents and businesses in the long term. Yadkin Riverkeeper is a licensed member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, which connects and supports local Waterkeeper programs to provide a voice and champion clean water for waterways and their communities worldwide. A longtime water quality advocate, Naujoks became the first Upper Neuse Riverkeeper in 2001 at the nonprofit Neuse River Foundation. His job there was to monitor conditions and advocate for protection of the Neuse River from Falls Lake to Goldsboro. He was appointed by Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker to serve on the joint government PCB Task Force to address PCB contamination in Crabtree Creek from Ward Transformer. A graduate of N.C. State, Naujoks created his own major in environmental policy and sustainable development. He also worked for the NC Wild Life Federation from 1991-1999. Dean Naujoks received American Rivers 2009 National "River Hero" Award. Naujoks will discuss what is the role of a Riverkeeper and the latest news about the well known dispute between environmentalist and ALCOA which has lead to the State of North Carolina revoking their Water Quality Permit.

This is one of several opportunities, to learn about the others visit their website.

Farmhand Foods

FARMHAND FOODS OPENS FOR BUSINESS New Company To Connect North Carolina Livestock Farmers with Consumers, Retailers and Restaurants October 18, 2010 (Durham, NC) – The Triangle food community will soon welcome an ambitious new company focused on delivering high quality local meats to area food lovers, retailers and restaurants. Farmhand Foods sources from a network of North Carolina pasture-based farms and does the legwork necessary to get fresh cuts of pork, beef and other specialty meat products to market. One aspect of their venture, a mobile Sausage Wagon serving handcrafted sausages and other specialties, makes its debut on October 28th. “We started Farmhand Foods to dramatically increase local market access for North Carolina’s pasture-based livestock farmers,” says Jennifer Curtis, Co-Founder. “Farmhand Foods is the kind of business our state needs—entrepreneurs who can tap into the excitement about local food in metropolitan areas like Durham to support farmers and other businesses in rural communities,” says Henry McKoy, NC Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Community Development. Farmhand Foods’ network of pasture-based farm suppliers initially includes Parker Farm (Orange County), Triple B Farm (Granville County), Leigh Farm (Martin County), and the NC Natural Hog Growers Association based in Duplin County. The company purchases whole animals and handles all logistics, processing, distribution, marketing, and sales necessary to provide local wholesale buyers with a consistent, hiqh-quality supply of local beef and pork. “It’s not always easy to sell all the animals I raise or to find a market for all parts of the animal,” says Bailey Newton, Triple B Farm. “That’s why I joined Farmhand Foods’ Producer Network. It lets me focus on farming but stay connected to the folks enjoying my meat.” “We are passionate about supporting family farms and building a sustainable food system in North Carolina. Farmhand Foods pays farmers fairly and conducts business with transparency so that our customers know exactly where their food comes from and how it was raised,” says Tina Prevatte, Co-Founder. Farmhand Foods will celebrate its opening and the Sausage Wagon’s first night in business with a special event on Thursday October 28th from 5:30-8:30pm at Fullsteam Brewery in Downtown Durham. The public is invited to enjoy free live music with sausages and beer available for purchase. “The Sausage Wagon is a fun and interactive way for us to introduce our brand, our products and our farmers to area food lovers,” says Curtis. The wagon plans to roam Durham and the Triangle with regular weekly stops at the Farmers’ Market, Fullsteam and other high traffic locations. The mobile eatery will serve an assortment of sausage sandwiches and other items created by local chef Drew Brown, co-founder of Durham’s Piedmont restaurant. Area diners can find the whereabouts of the wagon at www.farmhandfoods.com. While the Sausage Wagon may be the public’s first taste of Farmhand Foods, the company will soon offer fresh cuts of local, pasture-raised pork, beef and other specialty items to area retailers and restaurants. The company expects these operations to begin in early 2011. “Farmhand Foods is helping to build our state’s local food economy by opening up market opportunities for small-scale meat producers. We’re excited to be a part of launching this important new business,” says Dr. Nancy Creamer, Director, Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS). In addition to support from CEFS to incubate Farmhand Foods, funding for the launch is being provided by the North Carolina Rural Center’s Economic Innovation Program, the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Explanation Of The Blue-Eyed Gene In Goats

In goats, blue eyes are a dominant trait. If a buck doesn't have blue eyes (even though his parents do), he does NOT "carry" the blue-eyed gene. He is no more likely to produce blue-eyed offspring than is a brown-eyed buck with no blue-eyed ancestor anywhere in the pedigree. One parent must have blue-eyes for the offspring to have a chance at being blue-eyed. The fact you can get brown-eyed offspring from two blue-eyed parents show that brown is recessive or the color that can be "carried". A carrier means that even though you can't see the trait, they can still produce that trait. Remember basic genetics. If the goat has two genes for the dominant trait (blue-eyes in this discussion), the goat will have the trait and all of its offspring will also have the trait. If the goat received one dominant gene and one recessive gene, it will have the dominant trait, blue-eyes, but each of its offspring will have a 50/50 shot on whether it gets the dominant (blue eyes) or recessive (brown eyes) gene. If theý get both recessive traits, brown-eyes, they will display that trait and will only pass on the recessive trait for that gene. If two blue-eyed parents produce a brown-eyed kid, you know both fall into the middle type (1 dominant and 1 recessive). Because to be brown-eyed you had to get that from each parent, all you have is the brown-eyed gene so despite the parents, the goat can only pass on what it has which is brown eye genes. Tom E. Rucker

Surry County Bee School

Surry County Bee School The Surry County Beekeepers will be presenting a Bee School for beginning bee keepers. Classes will be held at the NC Cooperative Extension building from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.every Monday night from February 7th to March 7th. Registration cost is $20.00 which includes book and classroom instructions. The class will include: Introduction to beekeeping, equipment needed to get started, how to assemble equipment, Hive management of the colonies, harvesting and processing honey, pests and diseases of the bees, a field day to work with the bees, and an assigned mentor for you. Please call the Cooperative Extension to register. Event Location NC Cooperative Extension 210 North Main St. Dobson, NC 27017 Contact Sally Southard at (336) 401-8025

Southern Farm Show

Southern Farm Show Wednesday, February 2 - Friday, February 4 2011 Filling most of the NC State Fairgrounds each February, the show also hosts key industry meetings, and is known as the region’s annual meeting place for farmers and agricultural leaders. Free admission and parking make the show a can’t-miss for farmers, as well as allied professionals including landscapers and excavation contractors.

Coyotes and Feral Dog Educational Program

COYOTES AND FERAL DOGS IN OUR FUTURE? Announcing a Two-Part Educational Program aimed for the Northern Piedmont of North Carolina and Neighboring Counties in Virginia PART I - Thursday, February 3 Professional Coyote Trapping and Tips on Successful Coyote Hunting Location: Dumaine Farms - 725 Barnes Road, Eden, NC 27288. 8:30 am Registration and Refreshments. Ben Chase, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Area Livestock Extension Agent. Refreshments and Facilities provided by Dumaine Farm Trust, James Moore, Caretaker 9:00 am Introduction Dr. Pete Bromley, Professor Emeritus, Wildlife Science, North Carolina State University, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Trustee Dumaine Farms 9:15 am Trapping Basics Todd Menke, Assistant Director, USDA-APHIS, Wildlife Services, Raleigh, NC, Certified Wildlife Biologist 10 am Running the Trap Line - Tips on Successful Coyote Calling and Hunting Todd Menke 11:30 am Wrap-Up, Questions and Answers Pete Bromley PART II - Thursday, March 10, 2011 Managing Coyotes and Feral Dogs Location: Rockingham County Agricultural Center, 525 HWY 65, Wentworth, NC 7:00 pm Introduction. Ben Chase, Area Livestock Extension Agent 7:15 pm Laws affecting Coyotes and Feral Dogs. Barry Joyce, Master Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Rockingham County, NC. 7:45 pm History of Coyotes in the Northern Piedmont Perry Sumner, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Wildlife Management Division, Section Manager Surveys/Research & Wildlife Diversity 8:15 pm Ecology and Management of Coyotes and Feral Dogs on the Landscape. Dr. Chris DePerno, Associate Professor of Wildlife Science and Wildlife Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 8:45 pm Wrap-Up, Questions and Answers Ben Chase and Dr. Pete Bromley SPONSORS : North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service – Rockingham & Guilford Counties USDA-APHIS, Wildlife Services, North Carolina Office North Carolina Trappers Association Hunting Advisory Committee, Rockingham County Board of Commissioners Dumaine Farm Trust, Wentworth, NC Area Cattlemans Associations, Area Sheep and Goat Producers, Area Poultry Producers, Area Horse Owners For additional information, call Ben Chase, Rockingham & Guilford County Extension Livestock Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at 1-800-666-3625, 342-8235 or email - ben_chase@ncsu.edu. In case of inclement weather, please call 1-800-666-3625 or 342-8235 for a recorded message.

Ewe/Doe Management Series

Ewe/Doe Management Series A series of weekly programs will be broadcast over the internet. The broadcast will be shown at the Forsyth County Ag. Building. However anyone with high speed internet, will be able to view on their own. These programs are designed to help small ruminant producers manage ewes and does from gestation through weaning. Feb. 3-Parturition (Delivery) Feb. 10-Neonatal Feb. 17-Lactation Feb 24-Weaning Time: 7pm Where: Forsyth County Ag. Building 1450 Fairchild Rd Winston Salem, NC Please call Annette at 336-703-2850 if you plan to attend. Visit their blog for the most current information

NC Agritourism Networking Association's Winter Conference

The Fifth Annual Agritourism Networking Association Winter Conference will be held Feb. 17 and 18 at the Little River Golf and Resort near Carthage. The conference is designed for agritourism entrepreneurs and others who may be interested in starting an agritourism venture and those who support rural tourism in North Carolina. “Agritourism opportunities continue to grow in North Carolina, to the benefit of farm families, local communities and North Carolina’s economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “When it comes to starting an agritourism venture, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so events such as this conference give folks an opportunity to learn more about the many different types of agritourism adventures in the state.” Optional mid-afternoon farm tours will be held Feb. 17, with a reception to follow. Seven workshops will be held Feb. 18, focusing on marketing the local food movement, successfully marketing your niche farm products, success with media along with information sessions on community supported agriculture ventures and successful agritourism farm shops and stores. “This conference allows participants plenty of time to network and to ask questions of presenters and other agritourism operators,” said Martha Glass, agritourism manager at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Early registration by Feb. 3 is $70 for ANA members, $85 for non-members and $60 for cooperative extension staff. The registration fee increases to $100 after Feb.3. For more information or a registration form, go to www.ncagr.gov/agritourism, or call Martha Glass at (919) 707-3120.

2011 GC Extension Horse Management Short Courses

2011 GC Extension Horse Management Short Courses Monday, January 31 - Preventative Health Care – Lameness - Causes & Prevention Dr James Meeker, Davie County Large Animal Hospital Monday, February 7 - Horse Psychology Dr Mike Yoder, NCSU Extension Equine Specialist Monday, February 14 - Dressage Equitation & Hunt Seat Equitation Cindy Sydnor - Braeburn Farms, Snow Camp NC Monday, February 21 - Barefoot Hoof Health Sandy Judy, Gibsonville NC Monday, February 28 - Saddle Seat Equitation – Mary Orr, High Caliber Stables, Kernersville NC Western Equitation – Kim & Dee Joyce Destiny Hill Farm, Greensboro NC Monday, March 7 - Trail Riding & Safety Shannon Hoffman, St.Clair Red Mule Farm, Zebulon NC Monday, March 14 - Therapeutic Riding Jan Clifford at Horsepower/ Piedmont Saddle Club, Colfax NC Monday, March 21 - Natural Horsemanship James & Kate Cooler, Cooler Horsemanship, Summerfield NC Horse Management Committee – Randy Boles, David Dick, Sara Jo Durham, Steva Allgood, Rita Nott, and Georgianne Sims - Registration Fee: $30 for entire series or $5.00 per session. - Registration Fee will be waived for 4-H members presenting an official current 4-H Program Membership ID Card. For additional information, call Ben Chase, Rockingham & Guilford County Extension Livestock Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at 1-800-666-3625, 342-8235 or email - ben_chase@ncsu.edu In case of inclement weather, please call 1-800-666-3625 or 342-8235 for a recorded message. Directions to The Guilford County Agricultural Center, Located at 3309 Burlington Road phone: (336) 375-5876 and can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/guilford/directions.shtml

Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Landscaping Workshop

Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Landscaping Workshop January 28th, 2011 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Karen Neill, Urban Horticultural Agent, will teach how to design, install and maintain a Carolina yard at the Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Landscaping Workshop. This workshop is scheduled for January 28, 2011 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library at 1420 Price Park Road in Greensboro. Flyer with COST and additional info: MORE INFO Kathleen Clay Edwards Library 1420 Price Park Road Greensboro, NC Contact: Pam Marshall at (336) 375-5876

Stokes County Cattlemen's Assoc. Meeting

Stokes County Cattlemen's Assoc. Meeting January 24th, 2011 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dukes Restaurant 1075 N. Main St. Walnut Cove, NC 27052 Topic: Stocking Rate, Getting It Right. Please click on "More information" for further details. NOTE: The livestock blog keeps a more detailed current listing of events.

NC Dairy Artisan Network and Value-Added Dairy Workshop

NC Dairy Artisan Network and Value-Added Dairy Workshop Monday, January 24 · 10:00am - 3:30pm Statesville Civic Center 300 South Center St. Statesville, NC This workshop is geared towards current cheesemakers and value-added dairy producers in North Carolina. Those with a strong interest in value-added dairy as well as aspiring dairy artisans are encouraged to attend. Pre-Registration is required by calling Matt Lange, NC Dairy Advantage, at 919-740-1762 by January 19. For more information pertaining this workshop, please visit http://www.ncdairyadvantage.com/ 10:00AM “Welcome & Introduction” Matt Lange, Dairy Development Coordinator, NC Dairy Advantage 10:15AM “Value-Added Dairy Equipment Choices” Ted Thuli, Darlington Dairy Supply, Creator of Cheese on Wheels 11:15AM “Aging Cheese” Tom Torkelson, Master Cheesemaker, Ashe County Foods 12:15PM – 1:00PM Lunch 12:30PM “Dairy Artisan Promotion” Steve Lathrop, Dairy Marketing Specialist, NC Department of Ag. 1:00PM “Food Safety and Regulations” Melanie Moore, Food Compliance Officer, NC Department of Ag. 1:50PM “Product Liability & Insurance” Leon Brown, Nationwide Insurance 2:05PM “Specialty & Artisan Cheese Marketing, A Retailers Perspective” Michele Lacatena, Regional Cheese Manager, Whole Foods 3:00PM “NCSU Dairy Enterprise System and Growth in Meeting Value-Added Needs” Gary Cartwright, Dairy Enterprise System Director, NC State Univ. 3:15PM Upcoming Announcements and Workshop Adjourned Matt Lange

How I Built a Formal Garden

On Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 11:00 am in the office/classroom of the Arboretum at Tanglewood, Master Gardener Al Birch will present a 1 hour lecture on “How I Built a Formal Garden.” Al will be presenting on how he designed and built a formal garden in Vancouver Washington. The presentation features photographs of the garden. Contact Rachel Herring with the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office to for more information concerning this presentation. Phone: 336-703-2867 or email rachel_herring@ncsu.edu Tangelwood Gardens

The North Carolina Forage and Grassland Council 2010 Winter Conference Series

Nashville, N.C. will be the site of the NCFGC 2010 Winter Conference on Jan 19, 2010. This meeting and similar ones in Monroe on Jan 20th, and Fletcher on Jan 21st make up the North Carolina Forage and Grassland Council’s 2010 Winter Conference Series. At the conferences local pasture managers will discuss their operations and experiences. In addition, the keynote speaker will be Dr. Fred Provenza. Dr. Provenza is based at Utah State University. He is an international expert on animal behavior and forage choices. He is a world authority on understanding the behavior of grazing livestock; how they interact with their environment and the implications for management. To make sure you have a meal, please preregister with the NC Forage and Grasslands Council at 2228 N. Main St., Fuguay Varina, N.C. 27526. Phone: (919)-552-9111 Fax: (919)-552-9216 Email: mail@nccattle.com

Fun with Guitars Seminar

Ken Mickey is a Germanton native, a super nice guy and a Krankies Farmers Market regular. Anyone interested in guitars would be sure to enjoy this seminar! Fun with Guitars Seminar at the High Point Public Library 902 N Main St High Point NC 27262 Thursday, January 20, 2011 6:00pm - 9:00pm Join Ken Mickey for a Fun with Guitars Seminar : open to all ages; it’s an informal look at Guitar styles and functions. Ken discusses Guitar playing techniques and genres. Basic Music Theory is discussed as well and Classical, Jazz, Country, Blues and Rock playing styles.

Germanton Music & Coffee

Germanton Music & Coffee has recently moved to a larger location. They are now in the old Germanton Mercantile Building in downtown Germanton, which is just a few minutes from our farm.

Germanton Music & Coffee 3561 Germanton Road Germanton, NC 27019 336.970.3205 GermantonMusic@Yahoo.com Grand Opening Saturday, January 15, 2011 Live music begins at 7:00 pm

Musical Instrument Sales & Lessons Buy - Sell - Trade - Consign

Another great opportunity to shop local!

Nigerian Dwarf Kids

Showing off some of new Nigerian Dwarf kids!

This year we've had a lot of kids being born from our naturally polled buck and other AGS bucks. We spent several hours last week making pictures of all our new Nigerian Dwarf kids. They were very uncooperative, especially the bucklings! We tried a new way to show them off this year. For more details and pricing, please visit our web site: Buffalo Creek Farm For quickest response to your questions or to view the goats, please call 336.969.5698 8AM - 9PM Only. There is NO shipping on animals, all must be picked up on farm in Germanton, NC 27019.

The Big Eat 2011

The Big Eat is back for it's third year in 2011. As with the last two years, the specials will be Tuesday evenings, 50% off the signature dish at participating restaurants. The prices listed below are the 50% off special price. PARTICIPATING DOWNTOWN ESTABLISHMENTS: 6th & Vine: 209 W. Sixth St. - 725-5577 Signature Dish: Pan-roasted Tilapia, Baked with a Garlic Citrus and Herb sauce, served with our sides of the night, $10.50 Bayberry Bistro: 420 High St (at Hawthorne Inn) - 777-3000 Signature Dish: Fish & Chips, $4.50 Bib's Downtown: 675 W. Fifth St. - 722-0007 Signature Dish: Jumbo Smoked Chicken Wings with our House Special Wing Sauce. This is a 5 Wing plate with 5 famous hushpuppies, $4.99 Breakfast of Course, Mary's Too!: 723 N. Trade St. - 723-7239 Signature Dish: Breakfast Burrito, $4.50 Brew Nerds: 305 W. Fourth St. - 724-0707 Signature Dish: 50% off coffee drink Caffé Prada: 390 N. Broad St. - 793-2468 Signature Dish: Buy one, get one Free gelato of the day Chelsee's Coffee Shop & More: 533 N. Trade St. - 703-1503 Signature Dish: Buy one, get one Free coffees or cakes * Available during daytime hours (12:00 pm- 6:00 pm) Christopher's: 712 Brookstown Ave. - 724-1395 Signature Dish: 3 Course Wine Dinner for $25, normally $45 Main course options include: Pan Seared Chicken, Honey Lavender Glazed Salmon with a Dijon peppercorn sauce or Cast Iron Skillet Seared Ribeye Steak Downtown Thai: 202 W. Fourth St. - 777-1422 Signature Dish: Pad Thai: Stir fried small rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, scallion, and our special tamarind sauce with ground peanuts. Choose Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Tofu, $9 Finnigan's Wake: 620 N. Trade St. - 723-0322 Signature Dish: Shepherd's Pie or Veggie Shepherd's Pie, $6.25 Foothills Brewing: 638 W. Fourth St. - 777-3348 Signature Dish: Fish & Chips (Full or half order), Full- $7.50 Fourth St. Filling Station: 871 W. Fourth St.- 724-7600 Signature Dish: Shrimp and Grits, $9.00 Hutch & Harris: 424 W. Fourth St. - 721-1336 Signature Dish: White bean cake w/ tomato sauce, $9.95 Kernel Kustard: 300 W. Fourth St. - 793-8888 Signature Dish: Traditional Chicago Dogs Mellow Mushroom: 314 W. Fourth St. - 245-2820 Signature Dish: 50% off full order of pretzels AND 20% off specialty pizza of your choice Meridian: 411 S. Marshall St. - 722-8889 Signature Dish: Shrimp and Grits, $13.00 Mooney's Mediterranean Cafe: 101 W. Fourth St. - 722-4222 Signature Dish: Create your own SAMPLER by choosing four items from of our Mezza Menu: Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Falafel, Jeweled Coucous, Tabouli and more, $4.25 Mozelle's Bistro: 878 W. Fourth St. - 703-5400 Signature Dish: Mozelle's Famous Tomato Pie, $8.00 Noma Urban Bar & Grill: 321 W. Fourth St. - 703-5112 Signature Dish: Sweet Potato Chicken: Chicken Breast Breaded with Shredded Sweet Potatoes, and Fried. Topped with a Chipotle Raspberry Sauce, $10.00 Rana Loca: 411 W. Fourth St. - 722-9911 Signature Dish: Pork Braised in red mole sauce served with sautéed spinach, chipotle mash potatoes topped with crema fresca and chiles, $8.00 Soup's Orchid Vietnamese: 219 W. Fourth St. - 917-3000 Signature Dish: Pho Tai -Rice noodle soup w/ rare steak, $7.00 Screaming Rooster: 301 Brookstown Ave. - 722-9090 Signature Dish: “Meadows Family farm” all beef Mushroom Swiss burger with fries and slaw, $5.00 * Available during daytime hours (10:00 am- 2:00 pm) Sweet Potatoes... a restaurant: 529 N. Trade St. - 727-4844 Signature Dish: Catfish NOLA- Pan-fried catfish fillet topped with spicy Creole sauce served over rice, $7.50 Twin City Chop House: 115 S. Main St. - 748-8600 Signature Dish: Boneless pork tenderloin w/ goat cheese in a peppercorn demi glaze w/ choice of side, $17.95 Willow's Bistro: 300 S. Liberty St. - 293-4601 Signature Dish: Cilantro pesto crusted organic salmon, $9.00 Wolfie's Frozen Custard: 420 W. Fourth St. - 245-2400 Signature Dish: Small cup of custard WS Prime- A Cafe: 425 N. Cherry St. - 722-5232 Appetizer Signature Dish: Mini Crabcakes with Grilled Pineapple Slaw & Spicy Rémoulade, $3.25 Entree Signature Dish: Scottish Salmon, Semi Cured in Citrus & Coriander, Pan Seared with Carolina Panzanella, $10.00 -complimentary valet parking For more details, maps of the restuarants, parking maps, and more visit The BIG Eat.

Pickin at Priddy's in February

Cozy up in a 121 year old general store for some old fashioned fun for the whole family. Sip on hot cider, eat something from the big black pot and listen to Bluegrass music at its finest. A great way to enjoy a cold winters evening. Featuring... Blues Creek (Friday, February 4 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm) One Special Blend (some of the greats come together) (Friday, February 11 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm) Henry Mabe & Friends (Friday, February 18 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm) Snow Creek Old Tyme Band (Friday, February 25 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm) Priddy's General Store 2121 Shepherd Mill Rd Danbury, NC 336-593-8786

Young Farmer's Roundup

Young Farmer's Roundup is dedicated to growing a sustainable and ethical local food economy in the NC Piedmont and supporting young farmers, food artisans, local food retailers and farmers markets. Young Farmers are young people farming, the young-at-farming, and farmers who are young at heart and want to help promote and encourage young farmers here in the Piedmont and around the country!

Krankies Farmers Market

Come out Tuesday from 11 until 1 to a mini version of Krankies Farmers Market. We will be outside on the patio of Krankies Coffee in downtown Winston-Salem.

Crosscreek Farm will be selling grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork and poultry and more! Grace Meadow Farm and Mountain Memories Farm are also scheduled to attend.

We'll have our Buffalo Gal's goat's milk soap gift sets and bars--including some special ones for Valentine's Day! Support your local farmers!

Cobblestone Farmers' Market at Krankies

Buffalo Creek Farm will be a returning vendor selling our goat's milk soap at the new Cobblestone Farmers' Market at Krankies in 2011.

Read the exciting news about our new market location and upcoming changes!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FARM TO YOU!

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.

Hanging Rock State Park Adventures

Seminar on Animal Defenses Join a ranger on Saturday January 1st at 2:00 pm in the Hanging Rock State Park Visitor's Center auditorium, and learn about some of the animals in the park and the many ways they defend themselves from predators. Hike to Tory's Den Join a park ranger on Sunday January 2nd at 2:00 pm in the Tory’s Den parking lot for a short (0.3 mi) hike to the cave and nearby waterfalls. You will discuss how the area was used during the American Revolution and learn a bit of interesting local history. Please no dogs at program.

Snow

We had a white Christmas at the farm this year!

It snowed all night, and this is this winter wonderland that we woke up to... ...and it's STILL snowing!

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!

Krankies Farmers Market

Come out Tuesday from 11 until 1 to a mini Krankies Farmers Market in downtown Winston-Salem. We will be inside on the patio of Krankies Coffee.

Crosscreek Farm will be selling grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork and poultry, Katadhin lamb, farm fresh eggs, Moravian pies, jams, goat cheese and cow butter and maybe some sourdough and whole grain breads.

We'll have our Buffalo Gal's goat's milk soap gift sets and bars. Support your local farmers by picking up some goodies and last minute stocking stuffers!

Santa's Elves

It's been a busy and COLD week at the farm so far.

Santa's elves have stopped by the farm already and few others will be coming by this weekend 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!

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.

Feels like Christmas!

Burr!

I'm sure that you're in full swing with your Christmas shopping by now, so I wanted to remind you of the Buffalo Gal's gift sets. Prices start at $5. Contact us at Robin@BuffaloCreekFarmNC.com or 336-969-5698 to see what gift sets are currently available or to make a special request.

Kayak Breakfast at Belews Lake

Being a power plant lake where water is used to cool energy-producing turbines, the heated water at Belews Lake is much warmer than ambient air temperatures. The result is a three-foot deep blanket of warm air - perfect for the kayaker! Ethereal images are created as a warm fog hangs over the lake and “steam devils” dance across its surface. Wildlife including birds, deer and beavers are frequently seen as you paddle to breakfast. Kayaks and all required gear will be provided, as well as instruction, nature guide, and a hot, mid-morning breakfast along the shoreline. We will begin at 7:30 am and directions to where we launch will be provided upon registration. We will expect to conclude around noon. This trip is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Your natural history guide is a Certified Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor. Members: $40/Non Members: $50. December 11, 2010 & January 15, 2011 Brochure

Pickin' at Priddy's Christmas

This event is always the 2nd Saturday in December. Santa is from 5-8pm and music is from 7-9 PM Pictures are available at this event. (Santa is outside and music is held inside store.) Priddy’s General Store 2121 Sheppard Mill Road Danbury, NC 27016 Phone: (336) 593–8786 http://www.priddysgeneralstore.com

Walnut Cove Christmas Parade

The annual Walnut Cove Christmas Parade will take place December 11th (2-5pm).

See Santa, local bands, floats, and much more!

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.'

Poinsettia Open House

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 5, 2010, 12:30 until 4:30pm!

You will not want to miss Mitchells Nursery's Poinsettia Open House. They are growing 9,000 poinsettias and more than 70 varieties. An ocean of color growing in one huge greenhouse! You will enjoy seeing new varieties, voting on your favorites, and free refreshments. They are one of 33 greenhouses in the U.S. and Canada that grow these trials. Come get in the Christmas spirit! 1088 W. Dalton Rd King, North Carolina 27021 phone: 336-983-4107

"Picking for Paws"

"Pickin For Paws" Bluegrass Event A Stokes County Humane Society Fundraiser Reidsville, N.C. The Stokes County Humane Society (SCHS) is hosting its first annual "Pickin for Paws" bluegrass music event on December 4th, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Rockingham County High School in Reidsville, NC. Tickets are $15 at the door. The event will feature acoustic guitar legend Tony Rice, considered by many to be the greatest acoustic guitar player of all time. Other musicians will be playing to round out the evening with a night of fun and great music in an effort to raise funds for the SCHS. A 175th edition Martin guitar, autographed by Tony, will be auctioned off. Cindy Baucom, host of "Knee Deep in Bluegrass" and 2005 International Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year Award winner, will MC the event. Tony Rice is a huge animal lover and is donating his time to help spread the message about the importance of spay/neuter and animal welfare. SCHS and The Animal Protection Society of Rockingham County (APSRC) will be working together at this event to spread their message and raise awareness about their organizations. If you are unable to attend the event, please consider sending in a tax deductible donation. SCHS works to raise awareness surrounding the pet overpopulation epidemic which leads to the premature death of an estimated 6-8 million young and healthy companion animals each year, while millions more are abandoned only to suffer illness or injury before dying. The organization was created in an effort to educate the pet owners of tomorrow, our children about responsible pet ownership as well as pet owners of today who need assistance taking care of their pets during this economic downturn through various programs. SCHS offers a low cost spay/neuter program making it more affordable for people to spay/neuter that otherwise could not do so, thus reducing the number of animals euthanized at the local shelter. The APSRC is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization run by volunteers that support, encourage and work for change in Rockingham County's animal sheltering and for the animals within the community at large. For those in the community who qualify for assistance, the APSRC offers help with pet food, inoculations, dog housing, spaying, neutering and more. For more information about the APSRC, call (336) 791-4606 or visit http://www.apsrc.org/ . For information about the "Pickin for Paws" event, call Mona Triplett at 336-994-6117 or e-mail stokeshumanesoc@aol.com