Local Growers Guild

Archived E-Newsletters

E-Newsletters

April 14, 2009

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
The Local Growers Guild is seeking volunteers to table at People's Park during a 2-hour slot on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 21 from 9:30 am to 2 pm. This is a great opportunity to celebrate Earth Day and to learn more about the Local Growers Guild. To sign up, please contact Katie Zukof at katie@localgrowers.org.

April 9, 2009

GOSPEL BRUNCH AT FARMBloomington
Sunday's Gospel Brunch will feature Keith McCutchen and Fareed Mahluli, along with some other great talent.
Sunday, April 5th
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits!

CHOOSING AN LLC AS THE LEGAL ENTITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Attorney Mike Buker of Ice Miller and Associates will lead a presentation on the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) in Indiana. An overview of business entities, limitation of liability, and tax considerations will be discussed with the small business owner in mind. The talk will last approximately one hour and will include time for questions and answers.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Traders Point Creamery Business Office, 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077 and will begin at 1pm.
There is no cost to attend this presentation, but registration is required. Please contact Robin Hobson at robinhobson@gmail.com or 317-416-2924.
The deadline for registration is Thursday, April 23. This presentation is sponsored by The Green Market at Traders Point Creamery and Eagle Creek Nature Conservancy and Preservation, Inc., a recipient of a 2008 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program Grant from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

STUDENT SEEKS FARM INTERNSHIP
My name is Melanie Frank. I am a 21 year old junior at Indiana University majoring in sociology with minors in public health and anthropology. Those might seem off-topic from local growing and sustainability, but my goal is to pursue continuing studies in public health which I would like to incorporate into sustainability in my future career/s. For the past few years my interest and involvement in farming and sustainability has been increasingly growing. I've recently spent some time on an organic farm, Tierra Miguel in Pauma Valley, California, and upon coming home to Bloomington decided that I would ideally like to spend this summer dedicating myself to learning as much as I can about the implementation of sustainable programs in my area. I am an eager learner with experience in gardening and farming. Any information you may have about a job or internship opportunity available in the coming months would be immensely appreciated. Feel free to contact me at 281-222-1614 or via email at msfrank@umail.iu.edu.
Thanks so much!
Be well,
Melanie Frank

MOTHER HUBBARD'S CUPBOARD SEEKS GARDEN SHED
The Mother Hubbard's Cupboard food pantry garden program is seeking an 8x8 or 10x10 walk-in shed for storage of gardening tools and materials. Please email Stephanie at stephanie@mhcfoodpantry.org or call 355-6843 with information. Thanks!

April 1, 2009

BLOOMINGTON COMMUNITY FARMERS' MARKET OPENS APRIL 4

Another Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market season is about to begin!
The Market will open for the 2009 season next Saturday, April 4 and will continue every Saturday through September from 8 am to 1 pm and then in October & November will be open from 9 am to 1 pm at Showers Common, just south of City Hall at 401 N. Morton St.

The Tuesday Market will open on June 2 and will continue every Tuesday through September from 4 – 7 pm at 6th and Madison Streets next to the Bloomingfoods near West location.

Visit http://bloomington.in.gov/sections/viewSection.php?section_id=53 for detailed information about the Market.

EARTHSPIRIT RISING 2009

EarthSpirit Rising is a conference on ecology, spirituality and living economies that examines economic models that are based on Earth’s living systems. It will be held at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH from June 12 to 14. It highlights initiatives that support and expand local and regional production of food, energy, goods and services and explores the cultural and spiritual dimensions of a transformation to living economies. To register, go to www.earthspiritrising.org.

CLIMATE CHANGE PETITION

March 24, 2009

FINAL BLOOMINGTON WINTER FARMERS' MARKET

The final Bloomington Winter Farmers' Market (BWFM) will be held this Saturday, March 28 from 9 am to noon at Harmony School, located at 2nd and Woodlawn Streets. The BWFM features fresh local produce, meats, dairy, prepared foods, live music and a chef demonstration from 10 am to 11 am. Door prizes will be drawn every hour! Please see our website, http://www.localgrowers.org/wintermarket.html for more information.

Sage Gardens is looking for experienced workers for our landscaping business, gardens, greenhouses, and nursery. We practice organic and biodynamic methods both on the farm and for our clients. We are offering part-time flexible hours in Brown, Monroe, and Owen counties- transportation and phone required. If interested contact Joanna Sparks at 812-360-5745 or joanna@kiva.net.

Deer fence for sale: 7' x 350' roll of black poly netting deer fence for sale- we ordered too much. Our cost is $335 (includes shipping), will sell for $300 and deliver within a reasonable distance. Contact Joanna Sparks at 812-360-5745 or joanna@kiva.net.

For Rent - House and/or 50 acres, 1/2 tillable, 1/2 pasture with a small woodlot. Organic or natural only, no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Located 1/2 mile north of US 50 and 5 miles east of 446. Contact Sarge Richey at 812-995-2049 or 812-530-6925.

Green Drinks Bloomington is a lively, informal social networking event for people from all walks of life who are interested in making a greener world. Folks gather every month to share libations and ideas, discuss, debate, explore, and make new friends and business connections. Green Drinks Bloomington will be held the 4th Wednesday of every month.

This month's topic is Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Energy.
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-8pm
Nick’s English Hut
$5 suggested cover charge for food and drinks
Must be 21 to participate
Program from 6 - 6:30pm includes a presentation by Mann Plumbing on photovoltaics and solar thermal energy
To receive evites, write greendrinksbloomington@gmail.com. To learn more about Green Drinks visit www.greendrinks.org.

Meet Sara Tedeschi to learn how the national Farm to School program can help our community provide healthy food to children while supporting local growers.

The event will be held on Wednesday, April 8th, 4pm at City Hall Council Chambers, 401 North Morton St., Bloomington.
Farm to School brings healthy food from local farms to school children nationwide. The program teaches students about the path food takes to reach our tables, helping build good eating habits that can last a lifetime.
Sara Tedeschi is the Great Lakes Farm to School Network Coordinator, from the University of Wisconsin Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

Transition Bloomington is the movement to bring citizens together to face the challenges of peak oil and climate change, and to solve those challenges in a way that results in a stronger, more resilient community and a better quality of life (not standard of living) than we have now.
On Saturday and Sunday April 18 and 19, a pair of trainers will be in Bloomington at the City Hall Council Chambers to guide us through an empowering process that becomes the first step in our transition to a resilient community that can meet peak oil and not merely survive but thrive.
For more information or to register, please contact transitiontraining@permacultureactivist.net or 812-339-0383. The deadline is April 6.

Please also join us for a free showing of these films at Monroe Co Public Library Auditorium: Tuesday March 24, 7 pm: "A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash" Thursday April 9, 7 pm: "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil"

The gardening series begins in late March and runs through October; each workshop is limited to 20 people. Cost: $15 per day, with discounts for Green Acres residents, or $100 for the entire series of eight workshops. Workshops start with a slideshow and handouts, and move outdoors for hands-on work. All workshops break for lunch (BYO) at 12:30, with refreshments available. Location: the corner of East Dekist and Overhill. To register, contact Rob Archangel at robarchangel@nyu.edu. For more information please see http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2009/03/21/homes.qp-4118690.sto

March 17, 2009

COMMUNITY GARDENS
The City of Bloomington Community Garden Program is renting garden plots for the 2009 growing season!
Do you lack the space to garden at home, need a suitable growing area with access to water, tools and protection from wildlife or simply like to garden in the company of others? The City of Bloomington Community Garden Program offers a variety of gardening opportunities for individuals, families, groups and organizations. Services provided include the initial tilling of the garden area, sources of water, composting facilities, access to tools, fencing and the advice of the Garden Supervisor (if requested).
Gardeners with disabilities or other limitations will find gardening support, including wheelchair-accessible raised beds and access to adaptive tools. Whether you garden to produce food for yourself and your family, for the aesthetics of beautiful flowers, to meet friends or to provide food for those in need, we have a place for you. Plots are available for rent April 1 – October 31. For more information and to receive registration forms, please call 349-3700 or email parks@bloomington.in.gov. Or visit http://bloomington.in.gov/documents/viewDocument.php?document_id=212;

ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT FARMbloomington
Come and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day @ FARMbloomington today, Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Besides our commitment to sustainability and green living, FARM loves to party. So each St. Patrick’s Day we like to “Add a touch of the Irish” with a special dishes with an Emerald Island twist. This year’s theme is “Going Green.” So get in touch with your inner-Irish, No Green Beer necessary.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WINE DINNER AT RESTAURANT TALLENT
Restaurant Tallent is hosting a Pacific Northwest wine dinner with Big Red Liquors Wednesday, March 25. We will be featuring the wines of Domaine Drouhin Oregon and Novelty Hill in Washington's Columbia Valley. Hors d' oeuvres will be served at 6pm and the dinner will begin at 6:30. Dave has created a fantastic menu. Please call the restaurant at 812-330-9801 to place your reservation. Also, Restaurant Tallent will be offering our usual Monday night special, buy one entree get the second at half price, for the week of spring break, Monday March 16th through Friday March 20th. We offer this special each year as a way to treat yourself if you're not planning on going somewhere warm and sunny.

E-NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Only events/announcements that have specific interest to the local foods community will be published. All submissions should be 150 words or less. Please be sure to include a short title and contact information. For additional information about the Local Growers Guild E-news please contact Katie Zukof at localgrowersguildnews@localgrowers.org.
Deadline: All submissions to the LOCAL GROWERS GUILD E-NEWS must be e-mailed to the above email address no later than 11:59PM on Monday for Tuesday's issue.

March 10, 2009

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)

'Tis the Season to Subscribe! A CSA is a subscription program in which community members pledge to support a farm or group of farms by paying a fixed fee for a weekly box of fresh produce and other local products. This mutually supportive relationship between local farmers and community members helps create an economically stable farm operation in which customers are assured the highest quality produce, often at below retail prices. In return, farmers are guaranteed a reliable market for a diverse selection of crops. CSAs vary considerably but there are some basics-- A typical season runs from mid-May to mid-October, although some CSAs offer shorter summer or winter-only shares. A share is designed to meet the weekly vegetable needs of one couple or family. Some CSAs also offer additional products such as cut flowers, eggs and meat. Home delivery is sometimes provided for an additional fee. There are over ten CSAs available in Southern & Central Indiana! For more information, check out our website at www.localgrowers.org and click on the CSA tab.

Please join us for the Monroe County Ag Day Dinner on March 25 at 6:30 pm at the American Legion, 180 W. Third St. There will be a talk entitled, "Preserving and Sustaining Indiana's Historic Rural Landscape," given by Tony Kleckner, Western Regional Director of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Tickets are $5 and are available from the Monroe County Extension Office and from the Farm Bureau. Tickets are FREE for Monroe County farmers over the age of 70. Reservations must be made by March 18. For more information, contact Amy Thompson at the Monroe County Extension Office at afthompson@purdue.edu or 812-349-2575.

The next Bloomington Rawluck will be March 28 at 6PM (and another April 18, same place/time). Please rsvp to Andy Reed at windriveracupuncture@gmail.com as it may affect location selection, for now: Location: 202 East Hillsdie Drive Parking: Parking can be on Lincoln or Washington Streets or in my drive if you don't mind getting parked in for the entire event. If you have no idea what to bring just come there is always too much food, otherwise bring a dish for about 6 or more. Leftovers are shared so we all have raw food for the week. At this point this is a raw vegan group, but we can adapt and change to the group and have events that include raw dairy, etc., if people attend who would like that.

1961 Allis Chalmers D17 Series II, gas, 52 HP, in excellent condition, wide front, good rubber, 3pt, pto; JD 603 bush hog also available. $3500. See pictures at:http://bloomington.craigslist.org/grd/1045812440.html Please call Doug at 812-320-4236.

Seeking 1/4-1/2 acre of fallow or derelict field that has been chemical-free for raising a plot of popcorn, sorghum, and root crops. After initial tilling, all work will be done by hand. In or near Bloomington would be ideal. Please contact Ben Jensen at bhjensen@indiana.edu. Number is 614-361-5903 but prefer e-mail.

March 3, 2009

THE LOCAL GROWERS GUILD SEEKS FARMERS TO SERVE ON ITS BOARD

Are you interested in strenghthening the local foods economy in Southern and Central Indiana? If so, read on!

The Local Growers Guild is governed by a nine-person board comprised of seven grower representatives, one customer representative and one retailer representative. There are three open seats for grower representatives to begin a two-year term starting in March 2009. Meetings are generally held once a month on Monday evenings for two hours. Board members are also expected to serve on subcommittees which may meet at additional times during the month.

Be at the forefront of the local foods movement! If you are interested in serving, please submit your name, contact information and a blurb about what experience and skills you can contribute to the Local Growers Guild. Please send submissions as well as questions to Maggie Sullivan at localgrowers@localgrowers.org or call 812-345-1592.

Between 2009-2013, Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA) is planning to send 300 volunteers/year to the three regions for the Farmer to Farmer program. Typical duration of volunteer assignments is 2-3 weeks. Applicants are encouraged to submit their CV/resume and candidate profile, or update them, now. All volunteer positions are paid in full by CNFA, meaning your airfare, lodging, meals, local transportation and incidentals related to the project are covered. Go to www.cnfa.org/ftfvolunteeropportunities for more info.

For a great local food blog, check out: http://www.goinglocal-info.com/

Farmers’ market vendors, value-added and direct marketing producers are invited to a presentation entitled: "Choice of Business Entity: LLCs-- I Don't Know Why, But I Want One!" Attorney Michael Red of Ice Miller and Associates will be giving a presentation investigating the reasons a business owner would choose to incorporate as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and how this type of entity can protect the interests and assets of the owner. An overview of business entities, limitation of liability, and tax considerations will be discussed with the operator of a farmers’ market driven business in mind. The talk will last approximately one hour and will include time for questions and answers.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Traders Point Creamery Business Office, 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077 and will begin at 1pm.

There is no cost to attend this presentation, but registration is required. Please contact Robin Hobson at robinhobson@gmail.com or 317-416-2924. The deadline for registration is Thursday, March 12.

LIFE CSA MEMBERSHIPS

LIFE Certified Organic Farm is now offering CSA memberships for the 2009 season. Please call Art Sherwood, Jeff Evard and Bobbi Boos for more information! (812) 824-3727.

BULK PURCHASE FERTRELL PRODUCTS

LIFE Certified Organic Farm will once again be offering local growers the chance to bulk purchase the full line of plant/animal Fertrell products for 2009. See www.fertrell.com or call Art Sherwood at (812) 824-3727 for more info.

I am a student at Lake Land College in Mattoon, IL, studying Alternative Agriculture. As a requirement for my program I must complete an internship. I am currently looking for a position to begin soon after March 10th. I would be available to work anywhere near the Bloomington area. I currently live on the south side of town but will be willing to travel anywhere in the area. My main interest is livestock production but I am also interested in organic greenhouses and crop production. I am looking for a paying position if possible. Thank you! Garrett Hill 812-345-9596

February 24, 2009

STRANGER'S HILL ORGANICS HIRING FARM MANAGER

The oldest continuously certified organic farm in Indiana seeks a dedicated, energetic and skilled Farm Manager for its historic 81- acre organic farm 6.5 miles west of Bloomington, IN. Compensation based on experience. Deadline for application is 3/2. Apply at www.strangershillorganics.com

AQUACULTURE WORKSHOP

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

Earth Eats is a weekly program of real food and green with Chef Daniel Orr. The program explores local food and sustainable agriculture with recipes you can make at home, interviews with local farmers and Chef Orr’s musings on food, history and culture. Check it out at http://wfiu.org/eartheats/about/

February 17, 2009

DEADLINE FOR LOCAL GROWERS GUIDE

If you are planning on joining or renewing your membership in the Local Growers Guild and would like to appear in the 2009 edition of the Local Growers Guide, we need to receive your membership dues and "promote your farm" form before February 28. For more information or to receive a copy of the form, please contact Katie Zukof at katie@localgrowers.org or 812-339-8198.

Cheryl Miller, DVM of the Indiana Board of Animal Health will present a scrapies and animal health update for sheep and goat producers. Mitch Pearce of Wonder Hill Farms, a local goat producer, will share his successes in marketing meat goats in Indiana and give an update on a recent marketing seminar at Columbus. This seminar will be held on Monday, February 23 at 7 pm at the Morgan County Fairgrounds Auditorium (1749 Hospital Drive Martinsville, IN 46151). To reserve your spot, contact the Morgan County Extension Office: (765)342-1010 or morgances@purdue.edu.

The Ways to Grow and Beyond Steering Committee is hosting a meeting of Southern Indiana Poultry Producers to determine interest in forming a marketing cooperative. You are invited to meet with us at the Jennings County Public Library (2375 N. State Hwy 3, North Vernon, Indiana) on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 pm.For more information, please contact Gary Conant at geconant@gmail.com.

PARTNERING WITH NATIVE BEES TALK

A presentation entitled, "Partnering with Native Bees: Ways to cultivate & conserve native crop pollinators" will be given by Alex Smith on Thursday, March 12 at 4:30 pm. at the Monroe County Public Library Meeting Room, 1B. Concern is growing about declines among honeybees, and some researchers are warning that our bee-pollinated crops may be in peril. Fortunately, honeybees are not the only pollinators of vegetable and fruit crops! This presentation will focus on how native bees (species other than honeybees)can be managed as crop pollinators. We will cover ways to provide forage and nesting habitat for native bees on the farm, and introduce some common native bee species. We will also discuss research on how factors such as land use and plant diversity affect crop pollination by native bees, and point out areas where work still needs to be done. The presentation will be followed by time for questions and discussion. Alex Smith is a masters student in ecology at Indiana University. He is working with Dr. Heather Reynolds, studying the effects of landscape factors on pollination of cucumber by native bees.

170 ACRES OF ORGANIC GROUND FOR RENT

Ray Ruppel is a local entrepreneur/inventor/business man with about 170 acres of organic ground to rent. The ground is in Southern Knox County (St.Thomas area). He is looking for someone to start this growing season. He owns a processing facility in Vincennes which cuts up and packages organic produce. He would like whoever farms the ground to grow 10-15 acres of fruits and vegetables for his packaging business. The rest of the acreage could be in row crops (corn, beans, wheat). There is a farmhouse (2 story, 4 bedroom) on the property that could be lived in by the farmer and that person will need to negotiate the details of living in the house with Ray. Spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested. Ray can be reached by calling 812-881-9985.

The Monroe County Extension Board is seeking nominations for the Monroe County Agricultural Family of the Year for 2009. This annual award honors a family for their work in Agriculture and their contributions to the Monroe County community. The award is limited to individuals whose legal residence is located in Monroe County. The award is not restricted to a particular type or size of farm. For purposes of this award agriculture should be thought of as a broad term which would include but is not limited to: livestock, crops, forage, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, etc. To obtain a nomination form contact the Monroe County Extension Office at 349-2575 or by emailing monroeces@purdue.edu. Self nominations are acceptable. The winner and nominees will be recognized at the Monroe County Ag Celebration the evening of March 25, 2009 at the American Legion, 180 West 3rd Street, Bloomington IN. For more information contact the Extension Office.

"Roots, Fruits & Jamaican Ecologies" (3-credits, Culture Studies List-A, honored as Latin American and Caribbean Studies L426) will be offered at IUB during Summer Session I. This 6-week course will begin on May 12 and run until June 18 with two weeks of fieldwork and on-site projects in Jamaica (May 31-June 14).The course is open to both graduate and undergraduate students and the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 20th. For more information or to apply, contact Dr. John D. Galuska, Director, Foster International Living-Learning Center at jgaluska@indiana.edu.

The SPROUTS community garden, a student run garden located at 8th and Fess Ave on the IU campus has teamed up with the Oasis Garden Group (located at 2nd and Washington, behind Stahl furniture) this season to increase awareness and community involvement in our gardens. At this time, we do not have enough monetary funds to buy needed materials to start off the season. We are looking for donations and are seeking the following materials: Seeds: brassicas, sunflowers, root veggies, peppers, onions, and garlic. as well as any seedlings that you would be willing to donate come planting time. Tools: manure shovels, flat head shovels, trowels, pitchforks Manure and soil: horse, rabbit, chicken, goat, or any other soil conditioning materials (i.e. hay bales), or seed starting soil. We can also round up some interested volunteers to do some work exchange to help you out on your farm. Thank you and we appreciate the help. To donate, please contact datlas83@gmail.com.

February 10, 2009

LOCAL GROWERS GUILD MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION RECEPTION

The Local Growers Guild invites all members to attend an appreciation reception at the Bloomington Winter Farmers' Market on Saturday, February 14, from 10 am to noon. at Harmony School, 909 E. 2nd St. Bloomington. For more information, contact Katie Zukof at katie@localgrowers.org or call 812-339-8198.

LOCAL GROWERS GUILD SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS

Are you interested in strengthening the local foods economy in Southern and Central Indiana? If so, read on!

The Local Growers Guild is governed by a nine-person board comprised of seven grower representatives, one customer representative and one retailer representative. There are three open seats for grower representatives to begin a two-year term starting in March 2009. Meetings are generally held once a month on Monday evenings for two hours. Board members are also expected to serve on subcommittees which may meet at additional times during the month.

Be at the forefront of the local foods movement! If you are interested in serving, please submit your name, contact information and a blurb about what experience and skills you can contribute to the Local Growers Guild. Please send submissions as well as questions to Maggie Sullivan at localgrowers@localgrowers.org or call 812-345-1592.

CHARLIE GARDEN TILLING

Phone 812-279-9671; cell 812-797-3964. I have a compact tractor with a 60 " tiller. Looking for gardens to till in the Bloomington area. Thank You! Charlie Terrell.

The purpose of the annual meeting is to make a full and due report about the districts' activities and financial affairs since the last annual meeting held in February 2008 and to elect a supervisor for the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District of the State of Indiana.

The meeting will be held March 5, 2009 at 4201 West Third Street. Doors open at 6:00 pm / Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased by contacting a District Supervisor: Robert Woodling, II; Ben Stidd; Keith McConnell; Larry McConnell and Dallas Conder or contact the district office at: 812-349-2046 / email: martha.miller@in.nacdnet.net.

GARDENING SERIES AT T.C. STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE

The T.C. Steele State Historic Site is presenting a spring gardening series starting in March and running through May. During this series there will be a variety of educational and art opportunities. T.C Steele has 211 acres with 5 hiking trails, restored historic gardens, a nature preserve, and lily ponds. Some of the events are free to the public, and those with a cost associated are very reasonable. There are programs for all ages. For more information, contact Christine Atkinson at (812) 677-2003.

February 2, 2009

LOCAL GROWERS GUILD VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Local Growers Guild is invited to attend a volunteer orientation on Monday, February 9 from 7-8 pm at the Caldwell Center for Culture and Ecology. The Caldwell Center is located at 323 S. Walnut St. next to Rhino's.

Local snacks will be provided. All new volunteers will receive a Local Growers Guild t-shirt, guide & bumper sticker.

Here are some of the volunteer opportunities for 2009:

Staffing an information table at the Winter Market, making a scrapbook of newspaper articles and other information about the Local Growers Guild, helping out with newsletter mailings the last Friday of every month, decoration & general set-up for Winter Market events, counting customers at the Winter Market, taking photographs of the Winter Market & other guild events to use for promotional materials

Questions? Contact katie@localgrowers.org or call 812-339-8198.

BLOOMINGTON KITCHEN INCUBATOR INFO SESSION

The Bloomington Kitchen Incubator (BKI) will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, February 11th at 7:00 in the Caldwell Center (323 S. Walnut Street in Bloomington). BKI is a nonprofit organization that has spun off the Local Growers Guild to support food entrepreneurs in the production of fresh and preserved foods with an emphasis on turning local abundance into higher value specialty foods. (This is part of the project to build a licensed commercial kitchen in the old Coca-Cola Building, in partnership with Middle Way House.) BKI offers a variety of services that go well beyond providing access to a licensed commercial kitchen. Specialized business support includes finding seed capital, navigating complicated health code requirements, developing appropriate packaging, sourcing ingredients, and distributing the end products.

Anyone interested in starting a food business or developing a value-added product (e.g. freeze blueberries in the summer to sell at the winter market, make basil into pesto, dry peppers, etc.) should consider attending the BKI information session. Art Sherwood will talk about how the incubator works and how people can apply to become pilot clients. BKI plans to select six pilot clients, guide them through the business planning process this winter/spring, and make sure they are ready to go when the kitchen opens this summer.

Questions? Contact Bobbi Boos at bobbiboos@gmail.com or 812-272-3656.

CHEF DANIEL ORR OFFERS LOVE, FARM-STYLE, ON VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day should be romantic and memorable, and chef Daniel Orr knows just how to do that with his distinctive flair at FARMbloomington. He is showcasing a candlelight evening of wonderful food and wine February 14, with his three-course aphrodisiac *Valentine's Day Dinner, *which is $45, plus tax and gratuity. And he is featuring a festive offering at FARMbar on February 13, 14 and 15, an *Aphrodisiac's Oyster and Champagne Bar*. Oysters will be priced by the piece at Market Price, starting at $2. Champagnes and sparkling libations will $6 and up. Reservations for the Valentine's Day Dinner may be made by calling (812) 323-0002.

January 27, 2009

CSA PROMOTION DAY

On Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to noon, the Local Growers Guild will be providing information about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) at the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market (BWFM). The BWFM is located at Harmony School, 909 E. 2nd St.

A CSA is a subscription program in which community members pledge to support a farm or group of farms by paying a fixed fee for a weekly box of fresh produce and other local products. This mutually supportive relationship between local farmers and community members helps create an economically stable farm operation in which customers are assured the highest quality produce, often at or below retail prices. In return, farmers are guaranteed a reliable market for a diverse selection of crops.

Come to the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market to learn more about CSAs and to find one to join!

INDY'S FIRST URBAN FARMING FORUM ON A GREENER INDIANA

BLOOMINGTON KITCHEN INCUBATOR

The Bloomington Kitchen Incubator (BKI) will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, February 11th at 7:00 in the Caldwell Center (323 S. Walnut Street in Bloomington). BKI is a nonprofit organization that has spun off the Local Growers Guild to support food entrepreneurs in the production of fresh and preserved foods with an emphasis on turning local abundance into higher value specialty foods. (This is part of the project to build a licensed commercial kitchen in the old Coca-Cola Building, in partnership with Middle Way House.) BKI offers a variety of services that go well beyond providing access to a licensed commercial kitchen. Specialized business support includes finding seed capital, navigating complicated health code requirements, developing appropriate packaging, sourcing ingredients, and distributing the end products.

Anyone interested in starting a food business or developing a value-added product (e.g. freeze blueberries in the summer to sell at the winter market, make basil into pesto, dry peppers, etc.) should consider attending the BKI information session. Art Sherwood will talk about how the incubator works and how people can apply to become pilot clients. BKI plans to select six pilot clients, guide them through the business planning process this winter/spring, and make sure they are ready to go when the kitchen opens this summer.

Questions? Contact Bobbi Boos at bobbiboos@gmail.com or 812-272-3656.

Sustainable Earth presents the 2009 Food, Farm & Energy Gathering. The theme of this year's gathering is "Building Local Sustainability." This is a premier educational event for food consumers, small farmers, gardeners and energy users who want a more sustainable lifestyle. The event is Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm at the Farm Bureau Building at the State Fair Grounds in Indianapolis. For more information or to register, go to www.sustainableearth.net.

FUTURES OF FARMING CONFERENCE

January 19, 2009

LOCAL GROWERS GUILD SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

A new year is upon us and we need help to energize our programs & projects! If you are interested in any of the following volunteer projects for 2009, please contact Katie Zukof at 812-339-8198 or katie@localgrowers.org:

-providing information about CSAs and the Local Growers Guild at an information table at the Winter Market
-making a scrapbook of newspaper articles and other information about the Local Growers Guild-- we have lots of stuff that we need to be organized/archived
-Helping out with newsletter mailings the last Friday of every other month
-Decoration & general set-up for Winter Market events. We have three special events tentatively planned for the 2009 BWFM: Customer Appreciation Day, Member Appreciation Day & CSA information Day.
-Taking photographs of the Winter Market & other guild events to use for promotional materials

THE LOCAL GROWERS GUILD SEEKS FARMERS TO SERVE ON ITS BOARD

Are you interested in strenghthening the local foods economy in Southern and Central Indiana? If so, read on!

The Local Growers Guild is governed by a nine-person board comprised of seven grower representatives, one customer representative and one retailer representative. There are several open seats for grower representatives to begin a two-year term starting in March 2009. Meetings are generally held once a month on Monday evenings for two hours. Board members are also expected to serve on subcommittees which may meet at additional times during the month.

Be at the forefront of the local foods movement! If you are interested in serving, please submit your name, contact information and a blurb about what experience and skills you can contribute to the Local Growers Guild. Please send submissions as well as questions to Maggie Sullivan at localgrowers@localgrowers.org or call 812-345-1592.

SEEKING FARMER MENTORS

Are you an experienced farmer who would like to help out a grower who is just getting started? Purdue Extension of Monroe County is seeking nine farmers or market gardeners to mentor participants of the "Growing for Market" training. Mentors would be asked to attend one Thursday evening session to speak briefly about their farms and to meet the participants. Purdue Extension is also looking for a farmer in the area who would be willing to host a farm tour, ideally in early February, as part of the training. Interested? Contact Amy Thompson at afthompson@purdue.edu or 812-349-2575.

MIDDLE WAY HOUSE GREENING LUNCHEON EVENT

Learn from gardening experts in our community; let us know about your experience; help us plan and implement a sustainable green environment outside for Middle Way House. Work groups include kitchen and container gardens,courtyard garden, green roof, compost system, sustainable landscape. Join us on Thursday, February 5 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, First United Methodist Church, third floor. For more information, please contact cynthia.brubaker@gmail.com.

MENU FOR THE FUTURE

Two local organizations are sponsoring a Northwest Institute Reading and Discussion Group on food entitled Menu for the Future. Goals of the course will be: to explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems; to gain insight into agricultural and individual practices that promote personal and ecological well-being; and to consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.

The Green Sanctuary Task force will host six sessions every other Saturday from January 17 to March 28 from 10 am to noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church. A suggested donation of $20 to cover the cost of the book is requested. For more information, contact Ann Veldman at annveldman@yahoo.com or call 988-6241.

The Center for Sustainable Living will host six sessions on Mondays, beginning February 23, taking the week of March 16 (Spring Break) off and ending on April 6, from 7-9 pm. We will either meet at Rachel's Cafe or at the Caldwell Center. The cost is $20 to cover the book. For more information, contact Betsy Caulfield at bpcaul@bluemarble.net or 876-8249.

January 12, 2009

FREE SUSTAINABLE FOOD & ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOP

Hands on Environmental Workshop for all ages hosted by interfaith organization, Earthcare Witness.

The event will be held at First United Church, 2420 E. Third St. on Monday, January 19 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. The lunch will be held from 11:50 am to 12:30 pm. For more information, please contact Tony Minich at canines@gmail.com

MENU FOR THE FUTURE

Two local organizations are sponsoring a Northwest Institute Reading and Discussion Group on food entitled Menu for the Future. Goals of the course will be: to explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems; to gain insight into agricultural and individual practices that promote personal and ecological well-being; and to consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.

The Green Sanctuary Task force will host six sessions every other Saturday from January 17 to March 28 from 10 am to noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church. A suggested donation of $20 to cover the cost of the book is requested. For more information, contact Ann Veldman at annveldman@yahoo.com or call 988-6241.

The Center for Sustainable Living will host six sessions on Mondays, beginning February 23, taking the week of March 16 (Spring Break) off and ending on April 6, from 7-9 pm. We will either meet at Rachel's Cafe or at the Caldwell Center. The cost is $20 to cover the book. For more information, contact Betsy Caulfield at pbcaul@bluemarble.net or 876-8249.

$$$ FOR FARMWORKERS

JOB OPENING: PART-TIME GARDEN MANAGER

White Violet Center for Eco-Justice is currently seeking a part-time garden manager to maintain their organic garden, orchard, and seasonal farmer's market. For a full job description and to apply, please contact Sr. Maureen Freeman at mfreeman@spsmw.org or 812-535-2930. For more information about the center, please visit www.whiteviolet.org

WESTON A. PRICE MEETING

Our monthly meeting is coming up this Thursday, January 21 at the usual location, Room 1C of the Bloomington Branch of the Monroe County Public Library.

Jan 6, 2009

WINTER GUILD GATHERING - Save Time, Money, and Energy with Improved Farm Efficiency
It's not too late to register!! Saturday, January 10th, 2009 Harmony School (2nd and Woodlawn, Bloomington, IN) Tickets (including lunch) are $25 for members, $35 for non-members.
Join the Local Growers Guild for our fourth annual winter gathering! This year we will focus on tips and techniques to improve farm efficiency. Our keynote speaker is Mr. Keith Johnson, a local permaculture designer who will teach us how to put the "Laziness Principle" to work on our farms. Other presentations include financial record keeping information, systems for tracking field productivity, and updates on the activities of the Guild. We will also be seeking YOUR input on what our areas of focus should be in 2009. The gathering will end with free beer at Upland Brewery. Hope to see you there! The registration form is available online at www.localgrowers.org

KING ESTATE WINE DINNER
The Limestone Grill will take a culinary tour of the Pacific Northwest accompanied by the excellent wines of King Estate on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 6 pm. Reserve your seat at the table for this very special wine and cuisine tasting. Call 812-335-8110. Seating will be limited.

Jan 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

WINTER GUILD GATHERING - Save Time, Money, and Energy with Improved Farm Efficiency
Saturday, January 10th, 2009
Harmony School (2nd and Woodlawn, Bloomington, IN)
Tickets (including lunch) are $20 for members, $30 for non-members plus a $5 fee for registration after January 3rd.

Join the Local Growers Guild for our fourth annual winter gathering! This year we will focus on tips and techniques to improve farm efficiency. Our keynote speaker is Mr. Keith Johnson, a local permaculture designer who will teach us how to put the "Laziness Principle" to work on our farms. Other presentations include financial recordkeeping information, systems for tracking field productivity, and updates on the activities of the Guild. We will also be seeking YOUR input on what our areas of focus should be in 2009. The gathering will end with free beer at Upland Brewery. Hope to see you there!
The registration form is available online at http://www.localgrowers.org/assets/files/winterguildgathering09.pdf .

DECEMBER ISSUE OF LOCALLY GROWN NEWS
The pdf version of our newsletter is now available on-line at http://www.localgrowers.org/assets/files/newsletter-nov2008.pdf . (My apologies for the delays getting it posted.) There are a ton of conferences coming up in January and February - check it out! Our next newsletter will provide a retrospective on all the activities of 2008.

HEART OF AMERICA GRAZING CONFERENCE
The Heart of America Grazing Conference will take place January 21-22 in Columbus, Indiana with lots of information about pasture management (including presentations by Joel Salatin). A detailed flier is available at http://www.localgrowers.org/assets/files/2009HOAGC.pdf.

INDIANA HORTICULTURE CONGRESS
The annual Indiana Hort Congress will take place in Indianapolis at the Adams Mark Hotel from Monday, Jan 19th to Wednesday, Jan 21st. This educational meeting is designed to meet the needs of fruit, vegetable, wine, organic, and specialty growers and marketers in Indiana and surrounding states. For more information, visit http://www.inhortcongress.org or contact Tammy Goodale at tgoodale@purdue.edu or call 765-494-1296.

MIDWEST ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND MARKETING CONFERENCE
This conference immediately follows the Hort Congress in Indianapolis at the Adams Mark Hotel from Wednesday, Jan 21st to Thursday, Jan 22nd. Learn more about organic production in the midwest. Topics include transition wisdom, high tunnel growing, a panel discussion of CSAs, marketing organic grain, organic meat processing, and e-Organics. For information or to register, visit http://orgconf.sustainability.uiuc.edu/.

SOUTHERN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WORKING GROUP (SSAWG) CONFERENCE
SSAWG takes place in Chattanooga, TN from Wednesday, Jan 21st to Sunday, Jan 25th. "Southern SAWG's exceptional conference will provide you with the practical tools and solutions you need to be successful in your farming enterprise, your community foods projects and your advocacy and outreach work. It will provide sustainable production and direct marketing information for horticultural and livestock producers, enterprise management lessons, farm policy education, community food systems development information, plus the opportunity to meet and learn from peers from across the region." Visit www.ssawg.org for information or to register.

Dec 5, 2008

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Winter is around the corner and our fall community membership drive is drawing to a close.
If you are already a member, you should have received your renewal membership form in the mail this month.  If you have not yet joined the Local Growers Guild,
please consider joining at this time.  While we are always looking for new
members in all of our membership categories (growers, retailers, sponsors
and community members), we are especially seeking new community members
this year.  Community members are committed to growing or purchasing local
food and farm products that are sustainably raised and ethically produced.
As a community member, you will be invited to participate in Local
Growers Guild events, connecting directly with leaders in the local food
movement.  Please go to our website at www.localgrowers.org to download a
membership application.  Memberships can also be purchased at any
Bloomingfoods location.  Thank you so much for your continued support! 
 
KITCHEN INCUBATOR INTERN 
The Bloomington Kitchen Incubator, a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was formed to support fledgling food businesses, is seeking an intern to work approximately 10 hours per week starting in January 2009.  Duties will include working with the Board of Directors to prepare press releases, recruit new clients for the incubator, schedule training events, fundraise for the BKI, prepare grant applications, and coordinate communication between the BKI, the Small Business Development Center, and other partnering organizations. The intern position is unpaid but the intern will have the opportunity to take free classes in food safety and business planning.  The BKI also expects to hire a part-time Incubator Manager in June, with hiring priority given to the intern.  Please send a resume and cover letter to Bobbi Boos by December 31 at bobbiboos@gmail.com or by mail to Bobbi Boos c/o Local Growers Guild, P.O. Box 2553 Bloomington, IN 47402.
 

December 1, 2008

DECEMBER MARKET AT MUSGRAVE ORCHARD
Musgrave Orchard will be hosting a December farmers' market on Saturdays, 10:30 to 2:30, on December 6th, 13th, and 20th. Drop by to check out the orchard gift shop and buy from local growers. Musgrave is located at 8820 North Old State Road 37 just a few miles north of Bloomington, Indiana.

There are still vendor spots available for local growers! Contact Andy Hamilton at 812-339-5006. Vendor spots are free.

GROWING FOR MARKET TRAINING OFFERED BY PURDUE EXTENSION
Interested in becoming a market gardener/farmer but don't know where to begin? Purdue Extension is offering a 5-session training program about how to take advantage of the growing interest in local food. The program will be held starting January Jan. 8 for five consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Registration cost is $50, which includes reference materials and refreshments, and is due by Jan. 5. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.

Sites include Purdue Extension offices in the following counties: Bartholomew, Blackford, Clark, Decatur, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Kosciusko, Lake, Monroe, Tipton and Warrick. The session will also be held in Knox County at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center. The class will include both interactive video content (internet connection between sites) and local activities at each site.

The goal is to provide a detailed overview to anyone interested in making a living by growing fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, eggs, dairy products, or a variety of value added processed products for selling locally. The individual sessions will be taught by a team of Extension field staff, campus specialists, and experienced grower/vendors who range in scale, cropping mix, marketing strategies, and growing methods. Topics will include business planning, creating catchy signs, complying with health code requirements, working with WIC, market rules, and e-commerce.

Contact your local Purdue Extension agent (visit http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extsite/counties.shtml for phone numbers and e-mail addresses) with questions or to register.