Workshop Announcement

Due to popular demand, we are going to do it again!

Introduction to
Butter- and Cheese-making

Agenda Summary

This is a demonstration workshop which will provide participants with thebasics of making butter using a blender, beating out the milk, and molding it.

We will also demonstrate methods of making chevre and seasoning it with various ingredients; making mozzarella with two different methods of stretching; and making ricotta from the mozzarella whey.

Participants will have opportunities to ask questions. Recipes and methodology will be provided as hand-outs.

When and where

Saturday, December 6th at 1 - 4 p.m. at Brambleberry Farm, Fincastle

Cost: $35.00

To reserve a place, call 992-5529

Or email brambleberryfarm@gmail.com

Sponsored by Botetourt Family Farms

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANT & RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM WORKSHOPS

USDA Rural Development in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability will be conducting workshops focused on assisting agriculture producers and small businesses apply for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) and the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (REEP).

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program can be accessed by eligible agriculture producers or producer groups for either planning or working capital in a value-added agriculture endeavor. The grant will pay for up to 50% of eligible project costs.

The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (REEP) can pay up to 25% of the costs for an agriculture producer or small business to implement a renewable energy project or make energy efficiency improvements to their building or processes

An overview of each program as well as tips for applying for grant funds will be presented. Meetings will be held on the following dates at the below-listed locations. All meetings will begin and 11:00 A.M. and end at 2:30 P.M. Lunch will be served.

December 8, 2008- The Riverstone Technology Building, 1100 Confroy Drive, South Boston, VA 24592

December 9, 2008- The Heritage Preservation Center (Upper Floor), 115 W. Spiller Street, Wytheville, VA 24382

December 10, 2008- Virginia Cooperative Extension District Office, 2322 Blue Stone Hills Drive, Suite 140, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

December 11, 2008- Hampton Inn & Suites, 117 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg, VA 20176

December 12, 2008- Virginia Farm Bureau, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238


For further information about the meetings, please contact Laurette Tucker of USDA Rural Development at 804.287.1594 or Chris Cook of the Virginia Farm Bureau at 804.290.1111 or visit www.vafairs.com.

The meetings are free. However, registration is required to attend.
To register, please call 804.290.1155, or email bflem@vafb.com stating your name and which meeting you would like to attend.

Farmers' Market, November 8, 2008

Full Circle Farm will be at Ikenberry's today with freshly milled wholewheat products.

Workshop Announcement

Introduction to Butter- and Cheesemaking

This is a demonstration workshop which will provide participants with the basics of making butter using a blender, beating out the milk, and molding it.

We will also demonstrate methods of making chevre and seasoning it with various ingredients; making mozzarella with two different methods ofstretching; and making ricotta from the mozzarella whey.

Participants will have opportunities to ask questions. Recipes and methodology will be provided as hand-outs.

Sunday, November 9th at 3 p.m.

at Brambleberry Farm in Fincastle
Cost: $35.00

To reserve a place and get directions, call 992-5529 or contact me.

Sponsored by Botetourt Family Farms

October 25th Market

Mini Blessings Farm:
Earl and I will be at the market on Saturday. We will have a delicious "ripe, sweet, pear" different than what we have had in the past. We will have a new batch of convenience foods, and our "triple berry jam" will make a final appearance of the season. We will have an array of baked goods, and wonderful homemade fudges. We will also have a box of walnuts for anyone interested.Hope to see yaall' there. Linda

Full Circle Farm will not be at the market this week due to the need for afamily weekend! We will be back with our line of freshly milled wheat and spelt products next week. Please feel free to email your order in advance. Thanks! See you then!

October 18th Market Offerings

Rain or shine, We'll be at Ikenberry's on Saturday morning. Look for us up on the porch if it's raining!

Full Circle Farm will be at the market with freshly ground whole wheat and spelt breads, our specialty mixes, and grass-fed beef. See you there!

We are planning on attending tomorrow and selling jams and apple pies.
thanks, Lara , Peaceful Haven Farm

Brambleberry Farm is bringing eggs, pumpkin brownies, apple bread, dried figs, herb teas, bath teas/sachets, Indian corn, chard, shagbark hickory nuts, cherry tomatoes, and mixed peppers and tomatoes.

Virginia Mountain Vineyard: I will be at the Farmer's Mkt Sat. I plan on bringing wine, jelly, grape juice, biscotti, wooden wine boxes, ornaments (maybe). Marie

There will be plenty of other vendors there with farm produce. Ikenberry's is hosting a Fall Festival, so there'll be lots of surprises, a live band, miniature horse rides, and more!

Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop

Learn about watersheds, how local measures can make local ad regional impacts, and what low impact development tools can be used on personal property.

Engage in hands-on construction of a barrel to take home. Bring work gloves and wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.

Registration required.

When: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Where: Montgomery County Government Center, 755 Roanoke St., Christiansburg

Cost: $45.00 per barrel, includes supplies

Contact: 382-5790