Here’s what happened in 2009!
July 25
NH Growers’ Dinner at the Seedling Cafe, 9 Water St., Nashua, 6 pm. Call 594-4002 for details and reservations. Growers’ Dinners feature all New Hampshire products from appetizer to dessert, at restaurant locations around the state. Read more about this dinner and others scheduled through October: http://nhfarmtorestaurant.com/grower-dinners.htm
July 30
Local Foods Book Night at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord, NH, 7pm
To launch Eat Local Month, Gibson’s Bookstore will host a panel discussion on why producing and consuming local foods is important. The panel will present great books for beginners and committed localvores alike to help and inspire you.
Join Ruth Smith, Outreach Coordinator for the Concord Cooperative Market; Larry Pletcher, owner of Vegetable Ranch, LLC; Elizabeth Obelenus, Program Coordinator for Northeast Organic Farming Association – NH; and Ruth Owen of Owen Farm, for a spirited discussion.
Local food related books will be on sale for 20% off during the event.
July 31 – August 6
Food, Inc. at the Red River Theater in Concord, NH
In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Food, Inc. reveals surprising — and often shocking truths — about what we eat, how it’s produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.
SHOWTIMES:
Fri., July 31: 2:00, 5:45, 8:00
Sat., Aug 1: 2:00, 5:45, 8:00
Sun., Aug 2: 2:00, 5:45, 8:00
Mon., Aug 3: 2:00, 5:45, 8:00
Tues., Aug 4: 2:00, 5:45, 8:00
Wed., Aug 5: 2:00, 6:30 (includes local food provider post-film discussion)
Thu., Aug 6: 2:00, 5:45, 8:00
August 1
- Variety Tasting at the Farmers’ Market of Keene
Expand your taste buds’ experience; try a new variety of local and in season produce this summer. The Monadnock Localvore Project will host a Variety Tasting on August 1, 2009 9am – noon at the Farmers’ Market of Keene on Gilbo Avenue. Jen Risley, Hannah Grimes Center Program Coordinator, will have a variety of samples bought from farmers’ market vendors. If you like what you taste, you can buy it right from the source. There will be no charge for samples, however donations are appreciated. www.localvore.com
- NH Eat Local Month Kick Off!
Join Governor John Lynch, First Lady, Dr. Susan Lynch, Commissioner of Agriculture, Lorraine Merrill and others as NH Eat Local Month officially gets underway at the Concord Farmers’ Market, 9 am. Then enjoy shopping for fresh seasonal products!
- Chickens! Children’s Activities at the Farmers Market of Keene, 9 am-noon, Gilbo Ave., Keene. Sponsored by Stonewall Farm
Learn about our feathered friends and their role on the farm. Egg puzzles, egg dissection, and a story! Children and their caretakers can participate in these fun and educational activities.
August 2-8
New Hampshire Farmers Market Week.
Visit one of nearly 80 farmers markets across New Hampshire, this week and every week until October, or later at several locations. To find a market near you go to: http://agriculture.nh.gov/publications/documents/farmersmarket.pdf
August 2
This Month’s Potluck Theme: Garlic, Glorious Garlic!For our August meeting, we are being graciously hosted by Renee and Jeff Cantara of New Roots Farm in Newmarket. New Roots has been growing garlic and vegetables for years and has now started raising heritage pork. Jeff will give us an overview of garlic types, how to grow a successful crop in your own garden and we’ll taste a number of varieties from different farms in the area.
5:00 PM Garlic Tasting and Garlic culturing
6:00 – 7:00 PM Potluck Dinner – featuring – Garlic!
Location: New Roots Farm, 31 Doe Farm Lane, Newmarket NH
Click Here to visit their webpage and get driving directions
August 4
Eat Local Month Farmers’ Market Activities for Kids, Farmers Market of Keene, Gilbo Ave., Keene. Tuesdays in August 10am-1pm
Learn about ideas for summer fun that also connect you to local food and farmers in the Monadnock Region. Tuesdays in August there will be kid’s crafts and activities at the Farmers’ Market of Keene. Bring your family and come down to Gilbo Avenue to help celebrate New Hampshire Eat Local Month by learning more about ideas for summer fun that also connect you to local food and farmers in the Monadnock Region. For more information please contact the Cheshire County Conservation District at 603-756-2988 ext.116 or amanda.costello@nh.nacdnet.net. This event is sponsored by the Cheshire County Conservation District’s Monadnock Farm and Community Connection Program, The Monadnock Localvore Project, Stonewall Farm, Hannah Grimes Center, and the Keene Sentinel.
August 5
- Food Inc! with Local farmer panel discussion following the film.
Red River Theatres, Lincoln Financial Cinema
Concord, NH
- Raising Meat Rabbits In Your Backyard
This workshop is presented by Dot Perkins, UNH Cooperative Extension Agricultural Program Coordinator. Dot her and husband have been raising meat for their family for over 20 years, including meat rabbits. She is a strong advocate of humanely raised and butchered backyard livestock. Come listen to all the facts and many practical tips pertaining to raising this healthful, economical meat.
The 50-minute presentation will start promptly at 6pm with some time after the presentation for questions. Information about breeds, housing, winter care vs. summer care needs, breeding and problems will be discussed. In addition, there will be a short session on butchering rabbits after the presentation.
Location: Merrimack County UNHCE Office, 315 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH, 03303-2410. Contact 225-5505 for more info or visit the Merrimack County Extension Website
August 7
Food Inc.! Colonial Theater, Keene
The Hannah Grimes Center and the Colonial Theatre are partnering to bring local food to the Colonial’s concession stand. Instead of popcorn, why not try a NH-made chocolate bar, honey stick, buffalo jerky, or maple candy? After the film, join others for an informal gathering at Elm City Brewery to discuss the film.
August 7 – 9
NOFA Summer Conference
35th annual conference – “Know Food Know Freedom” Over 200 workshops on organic farming, gardening and land care, homesteading, sustainability, nutrition, spirituality, food politics, activism, and much, much more . . . held at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. http://www.nofasummerconference.org
August 8 – 9
Belknap County 4-H Fair
Agricultural activities include sheep shearing demos, poultry shows, working steers, dairy and beef shows, welding and blacksmithing demonstrations, dairy goats, a farrier, and more. Visit their website for more information >
August 8
- Hanover and Lebanon Co-op Food Stores holding Annual Producers Fair Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 to 2. Over 40 food producers from the region including New Hampshire famers, bakers, and food makers. Free sampling event. Bluegrass music, too! Annual Producers Fair held at Lebanon Co-op on Route 120, just north of exit 18 off I-89. http://www.coopfoodstore.com/content/producers-fair-coming-soon-0
- Brookfield Old Home and Open Farm Day. Begin with breakfast, participate in a self guided tour of 13 Brookfield Farms, then join in a blueberry pie contest, enjoy a ham and bean supper and finish the day off with some wonderful live folk music: More details at the Brookfield website
August 11
Author Woody Tasch to discuss “Slow Money”
Tuesday, Aug. 11 at RiverRun Bookstore, 20 Congress St., Portsmouth, 603-431-2100
“Think about it: A hundred thousand Americans providing millions of dollars a year for investment in local food systems. Is it typical philanthropy? No. Is it investing as we’ve come to know it? No. Is it achievable? Yes.”
So says Woody Tasch, who works at the intersection of venture capital and slow money. He is chairman emeritus of Investors’ Circle, a nonprofit network of angel investors, venture capitalists, foundations, and family offices that has facilitated the flow of $130 million to 200 early-stage companies and venture funds dedicated to sustainability.
Now, he is president of the newly formed NGO Slow Money. Slow Money proponents seek investments and returns at the pace of sustainable business development.
Join Seacoast Local on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. to hear about successful investing in sustainable food and farms.
August 13
- Canning Demonstrations at the Exeter Farmers’ Market, 2:15-6pm, Swazey Parkway www.seacoastgrowers.org
- The Strafford County Conservation District Board Annual Dinner Meeting Thursday, August 13, 2009, starting at 4:15 PM
The Gagne Farm, 53 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester, NH
Come and tour this wonderful property that was recently placed under conservation easement. Meet the land owners, forester and others that help landowners with the management of property. Bring your children, but please leave your dog at home.
Making the Agriculture Connections between Farms and Consumers is the theme of this annual meeting. How Fairs, Farm Days, & Farmers Markets help ensure agricultural vitality and promote local farms, keep land in agricultural use, & local food in regional supply.
John Carroll, Professor of Environmental Conservation at UNH and author of “The Wisdom of Small Farms & Local Food” & Joe Marquette of Yellow House Farm in Barrington, a raiser of Heritage Poultry will talk about their efforts to promote local agriculture and educate people in order to involve them with local foods.
For information or questions, please call: (603) 749-3037
Please register by August 6, 2009. After that date, we can’t guarantee space, but please call for availability. For details, and registration form, click here
August 15
- Eat Local New Hampshire Co-op Farm Tour 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Celebrate Eat Local Month by joining us for a visit to some of the local farmers who sell their products at the Concord Cooperative Market. You’ll meet Scottish Highlander cows at Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, see where maple syrup comes from at 
North Family Farm in Canterbury, learn what it takes to raise yummy beans, corn and potatoes at the Vegetable Ranch fields in Boscawen and round out the day with a visit to the chickens and milking cows at the Owen Farm in Hopkinton. At each site we’ll meet the hardworking farmers who nurture the plants and animals that become our food. They will explain how and why they do what they do and tour us through their operations. Note, these are all working farms so please do not bring pets on the tour. Small children must be carefully supervised.
For details on tour times and transportation options, check our website: www.concordfoodcoop.coop or call 410-3099
August 15
- Canning Demonstrations at the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, 8am-1pm, City Hall Parking Lot, Junkins Avenue www.seacoastgrowers.org
August 16
- Preparing the Harvest: What to do with it All? 6 pm, Herban Living Environmental Education Center, Temple
Pickling, freezing, drying-traditional and simple steps to store your food. $5/person, RSVP preferred: 603-878-0459; http://www.herbanlivingbandb.com/SpecEvent.htm
- Bonnie Brae Farms – OPEN FARM DAY
Sunday August 16, 2009 10AM – 4PM
Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary
******
Guided Walking Farm Tours — Visit Our 300 Red Deer — Venison Sampling
Guest Chef—Rob Kelley from The Six Burner Bistro
NO CHARGE FOR ADMISSION OR SAMPLES, FREE PARKING, VENISON AND OTHER NH PRODUCTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE
JOINING US WILL BE THE MILL FUDGE FACTORY AND APPLE HILL FARM, RAIN OR SHINE!
Bonnie Brae Farms
601 Daniel Webster Highway
Plymouth NH 03264
603-536-3880
Email: admin@bonniebraefarms.com
Website: www.bonniebraefarms.com
Directions: I-93 to Exit 24 (Ashland). Turn left at bottom of Ramp. Go two (2) miles. Bonnie Brae Farms is on the right (brick house with barn).
August 18
Yes, You Can: Preserving Fruits and Vegetables Safely at Home!
6-7:30pm
Have you been wondering about how to preserve the taste and quality of summer produce from your garden or local farm stand throughout the next winter months? Maybe you weren’t planning on canning, but home food preservation can be a safe and uncomplicated way to enjoy the season’s bounty year-round. Whether you’re new to canning or have “put food by” in the past, join us at the Yes, You Can workshop for an overview of the basic techniques for safe home canning. Topics will include: use of proper canning equipment, techniques for canning fruits and vegetables safely, using up-to-date recipes, and resources to keep you current.
Location: Tracy Memorial Library, 304 Main Street, New London, NH, 03257. More info at the Merrimack County Cooperative Extension Website
August 20
- Yes You Can: Preserving Fruits and Vegetables Safely at Home! Thursday, August 20, 5:00-7:30 pm
Sponsored by the Concord Cooperative Market in cooperation with UNH Cooperative Extension
As interest grows in eating locally and gardening, consumers are also re-kindling their interest in home food preservation. Home canning can save money, provide quality, nutritious food for your family, and be a satisfying and rewarding experience. However, improperly canned foods can be a source of wasted food, money, time, frustration, and illness. Whether you have “put food by” before or would like to try canning for the first time, join this hands-on workshop to hear and practice the most up-to-date information on home canning. You will prepare and process chili salsa, and take home samples of the results!
Instructor: Marilyn Sullivan, Educator, UNH Cooperative Extension
Pre-registration required, call 225-6840 or stop in the Concord Coop store.
- Companion Planting
5-6pm
Join us for a free gardening program on Companion Planting presented by Dot Perkins, Master Gardener and Extension Program Coordinator for Agricultural Resources. Learn about common and uncommon companion plants, interplanting, growth levels (canopies, middle stories, and understories), companion planting with vegetables and herbs, roots and pH needs, and potted companions.
Location: New Hampshire Technical Institute, Sweeney Building (student center) Rm 225, 31 College Drive, Concord, NH, 03301. More info at the Merrimack County Cooperative Extension Website
- Small Fruit and Vegetable Twilight Meeting, Stratham, NH
UNH Cooperative Extension announces a meeting and workshop on growing small fruit (blueberries/raspberries) and vegetable on Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 5:15 pm till 7:30 PM.
The event will be hosted by Ron and Lois Laurence, Blueberry Bay Farm at 38 Depot Road, Stratham, NH
Topics are:
-Integrated Pest Management
- Transitioning to Organic farming
- Cultural practices
- Update on Insect, diseases on blueberries, raspberries and mixed vegetables
- Organic, natural pesticide and alternatives
- Biological control
- Bird and netting controlSponsored by:
UNH Cooperative Extension, Rockingham County, Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-NH), NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Speakers from UNH Cooperative Extension are: Alan Eaton, Entomology and Integrated Pest Management Specialist, Becky Grube, Sustainable Horticulture Specialist, Cheryl Smith, Plant Health Specialist, Nada Haddad Agriculture Extension Educator and Janis Connor, Agriculture Inspector with the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. The meeting was approved for 2 (two) pesticide re-certification credits (Private and Commercial)
The twilight meeting is open to all and there is no cost to attend; registration not required. Rain or shine
For more information call UNH Cooperative Extension: Deb Stevens or Nada Haddad @ 679-5616 or visit www.extension.unh.edu Persons requiring special accommodations should call two weeks prior to the event so that proper consideration can be given to the request.
August 21
- Keene Young Professional Network Coffee and Community, 7:30-9:30 am, Edward Jones Office, Keene
The next Coffee and Community- Eat, Drink, Community- will feature guest speakers discussing local CSA’s and include a coffee tasting. This event will be held from 7:30-9:00 am at the office of Holly Rilling, Edward Jones Financial Advisor on 294 West Street, Keene. Cost if $5 per person which includes breakfast, coffee and of course community – http://kypncoffeeandcommunity2.eventbrite.com.
- Workshop on grading, packing, and marketing table eggs Friday, August 21, 2009, at 6pm, there is a workshop being held on the Rochester Fair grounds, at 72 Lafayette Street, in Rochester, NH. Janis Conner, NH Agricultural Inspector, will be presenting Grading Table Eggs. Robert Gibson, Yellow House Farm, will be presenting Packaging and Marketing Table Eggs. If you are working with a backyard flock and would like hints on marketing requirements and information, this will be a great opportunity. For more information, call Sylvia Townsend at 603-664-9576. If she doesn’t pick-up, leave a quick message and she’ll get right back to you.
August 22
- Dinner with the Cows at Sunnyfield Farm
Route 136, Peterborough, NH
Saturday, August 22nd, 5:00 PM
(rain date: August 29th)
Join us for a sumptuous family style feast!
This extraordinary event will be held under a tent in one of the farm fields, surrounded by the Sunnyfield Cows.
The meats, veggies, milk, cream eggs to be served will be Sunnyfield Farm’s own.
This will be a fusion feast: Monadnock region meets Near East: Menu to follow!!
Tickets: Adults $25
Children under 6 free, Children 6 to 12 half price.
Seating is Limited! Reserve now by emailing Aasta at
aastatorsen@hotmail.com
Dan and Ruth Holmes will talk to us about life on the farm.
This event will benefit Sunnyfield Farm’s generator fund. Bring your friends and family!!
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Rockingham County UNHCE Master Gardeners present their 2009 Garden Fest! Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 10 am to 2 pm
Rain date: Sunday August 23Children’s Activities, Demonstrations, Landscaping at the Water’s Edge, Garden Pest Info, Free Soil pH testing (bring a sample of garden soil),Tomato, Herb, Veggie Tasting, Flower Arranging Demo, Cooking with Herbs, Bake Sale, Square Foot Gardening, Plant Sale, & Drawing for Prizes.Join us for this free event! Call 679-5616 for more information.
Rockingham County Demonstration Garden, North Road, Brentwood, NH
(across from the Rockingham County complex) exit 8 off Route 101
August 23
- Bike for Bovines, 7:30 am, Stonewall Farm, Keene
This 10+ mile mountain bike race is a fundraiser to support Stonewall Farm’s many programs and initiatives which promote responsible, sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. Bikers from Beginner to Pro are welcome to register and the whole family will have fun participating in various farm- and bike-related activities. Race-day spectator activities include hayrides, kids coloring table, a bouncy house and refreshments. Be sure to check out our grounds, gardens, small animals, hiking trails, dairy barn, farm stand or playground! Complete event information at http://www.stonewallfarm.org/bikeforbovines.html.
- Fall gardening workshop at Lasting Legacy Farm
The cold weather is coming!! Is gardening over? According to Dr. Tomato, Not yet!! Come Join Lasting Legacy Farm Sunday August 23rd 2009, 1:00PM – 3:00pm. 148 Second Crown Point Road Barrington, NH $12 includes handouts and beveragesThere is still a chance to get the wonderful bounty of Mother Nature even if it isn’t summer! Dr. Tomato is coming by to offer his expertise on what crops can be planted in the fall garden, how to prepare the garden for its winter sleep. And you don’t want to miss his information on WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE TOMATO BLIGHT!
Please RSVP by August 20th by e-mail wberry@llfarm.net or phone 603-781-8715
August 24
Special NH Growers Dinner to benefit the NH Food Bank
This dinner featuring all New Hampshire products, will be catered by the NH Food Bank’s Recipe for Success culinary training program and will be held at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord. Governor and Dr. Lynch have been invited. Visit www.nhfarmtorestaurant.com for dinner and resrvation information.
August 25
Learn about…
August 27
The American Dietetic Association is pleased to present another live, interactive teleseminar!
(Event code: 14818) Understanding and Recommending Probiotics and Prebiotics
2-3:30 pm at Portsmouth Regaional Hospital. Reservations required. Contact Wedy Jeffco, MS, RD, LD, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian, 603-433-5147. $10 for member, $20 non-members. Do you know enough of the science to recommend the use of probiotics and prebiotics for your clients and patients? Do you understand how they work? This teleseminar will help you to recognize which products meet specific scientific criteria and to make appropriate recommendations.
August 29
- Mushrooms in the Garden and Beyond, 3-6 pm, Emerson Brook Forest, Gilsum
- Farm Fun Day – Local Food/Farm Celebration
A joint local food/farm celebration with neighboring Alyson’s Orchard. Enjoy demonstrations throughout the day (pastured chicken talk, heirloom tomato tasting, fruit wine tasting, compost demo, garden tours), PYO apples and peaches, peach pie contest, wagon rides, children activities, Walpole Creamery Ice Cream and more. Tour the Inn at Valley Farms (our 10th anniversary!), taste delectable inn specialties and enter to win a free weekend at the inn as well as other prizes. Grass fed beef, pastured chicken and eggs available for purchase – bring a cooler! Bring the family, a picnic, a camera for photo opportunities and spend the day! 10 am – 4pm.
Extreme weather cancels. Rain Date Sunday, August 30th. Inn at Valley Farms Bed & Breakfast, Cottages and Vacation Farmhouse, 633 Wentworth Road, Walpole, NH 03608. 603/756-2855 www.walpolevalleyfarms.com
- North Country Farm Fresh Coop Dinner at The Balsams
In celebration of NH Eat Local month, the BALSAMS has graciously worked with the North Country Farm Fresh Coop and other local growers, to put together a wonderful dinner this coming Saturday August 29 at the scenic Panorama Club house. The farmers will be on hand to talk with you about their growing experience, how they survive the weather, and how they produce something from almost nothing! This is not a fundraiser, but a “meet the grower” event. The coop has reduced their prices to the Balsams for this event, and the chefs are putting together 3 great entres, along with creative dishes made from local produce. It will be a great evening to relax after the Moose Festival activities. (and seating is limited to 60). The cost for the meal, including tax and tip, is $60pp. Reservations can be made by calling 255-4900. Meet and greet starts at 5:30 and dinner is served at 6:00. The view is incredible, and the food promises to be “The BALSAMS experience”. Please come celebrate with us!
