Archive for the ‘*Scott Cratty Blog’ Category
In *Scott Cratty Blog on December 18, 2009 at 8:35 am
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
Farmers’ Marketeers,
No one is asking what makes food better or how to produce food on farms that are ecological and economic profit centers for their communities. The only consideration is how to grow it faster, cheaper, and bigger. .
Farm friendly producers understand that their lives are bounded by environmental, emotional, and economic factors. Override those constraints, and farms become liabilities rather than assets. They become places nobody wants to visit.
- from “Holy Cows and Hog Heaven, The Food Buyer’s Guide to Farm Friendly Food,” Chapter 2, by Joel Salatin. Available at the Ukiah Saturday Farmers’ Market.
Tomorrow will be the last farmers’ market in Ukiah this decade. We still have lots of great food and locally-crafted gifts. In case you were not quick enough to pre-order Lovers’ Lane Tamworth pork, you can still get some at tomorrow’s market. Prices range from $5.5/lb for ground and $6.50/lb for sausage to $12/lb for chops, with lots of options in between. See if you don’t taste the difference.
How about authentic heirloom Italian Broccoli Rabb for the holiday? That is just one of the treats that Flowers by the Sea will bring us from Elk in what will be their last appearance at the market for a while. They also promise red beets, super-sweet Swiss Chard, fresh coast salad mix, baby romaine salad mix, spinach, broccoli, bok choi, arugula, plus several types of potatoes and onions. No need to shop elsewhere for your holiday meal.
After tomorrow, the Ukiah Farmers’ Market will return January 9, 2010, starting at 9:30 for the rest of the winter season. Two weeks is a long time to wait for another chance to choose farm friendly food for your family’s table. So, make tomorrow’s market count. more→
In *Scott Cratty Blog on November 12, 2009 at 7:45 pm
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
The Ukiah Saturday Farmers’ Market is still going strong and this Saturday promises to be another clear, crisp morning — perfect produce gathering weather. Please help get the word out that the Ukiah Saturday market is now year-round, 8:30 to noon as always, and is still going strong. We had 24 vendors last week and expect as many or more this Saturday.
At this Saturday’s market you can expect a couple of new craft vendors including blown glass, locally assembled purses and wooden toys. Add that to our great selection of dolls, linens, body care, candles, glassware, knitted goods, toffee, etc, and your holiday buying can be done in one spot with unique, locally-produced gifts that keep your $ local.
We will also have the usual great range of local produce including the expected (weather permitting) return of Humboldt Bay oysters. I also expect the return of Flowers By the Sea from Elk. They promise to bring cabbage, three kinds of onions, four kinds of potatoes, apples, lettuce, arugula, spinach, radishes, Bok Choi, Swiss chard, beautiful broccoli, sugar snap peas, possibly a few late raspberries, and eggs.
See you at the market!
~~
In *Scott Cratty Blog, -Around Mendoland on October 15, 2009 at 7:34 am
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
From humble beginnings a few years back, it seems that the localization movement has become … well, a movement. Its adherents, hard as they may have worked, can only claim a jot of responsibility for the achievement.
The localization movement has received boosts from an amazing array of unaligned places such as a great many gluttonously greedy global corporations and CEOs, plunging petroleum reserves and peaking prices, a pompous pandering national media, consistently clueless experts and dangerously dysfunctional governments – all of which lead people to wonder if they might not just be better off without placing lots of faith in distant, unaccountable entities.
Still, the signs of any real world impact from “localizing,” such as the advent of Mendo Moola or year-round farmers’ markets in Anderson Valley, Ukiah and Willits, are small. Local economic systems are certainly not booming and may not even be improving, just yet. In most ways an economy that is sustainable or self-reliant is as distant as ever.
Yet it is obvious that “local” has again become important. Many people who did not think much about where things come from, and what that means for the future of their families, are now doing so. You can tell because the corporations that would be disadvantaged if people started caring too much where things come from or the means by which things are produced have started trying to advantage themselves by playing off people’s desire for the small, the humane, the real and the local.
It has been at least a year since I have picked up any grocery store advertising insert that did not feature a claim about having “local” produce.
A September 4, 2009 article by Jonathan Hiskes that I happened across on the Internet drives the point home with pictures. It shows advertisements by a wide range of companies, from Barnes & Noble and Wal-Mart to Citgo and HSBC “the world’s local bank,” all of which stake a claim to being local or having local products. If you are paying attention to the Mendocino County Measure A debate, you have even seen examples of a corporation claiming that a huge, big box store anchored shopping center, to be filled with crates of rock-bottom-priced stuff, is good for the environment and the local economy. Advertising is all about finding something we care about and trying to link it in our minds with something that is for sale. Keep reading→
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In *Scott Cratty Blog on July 22, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Sitka, Alaska
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
July 23, 2009 Ukiah Valley, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings.
We should have another market not to be missed this Saturday. Don Willis will be playing.
At about 10 you will want to meet Jini and Charlie will start a shopping expedition through the market to gather ingredients for their salad dressing cooking demonstration at about 10:30. It is the perfect way to kick-off National Salad Week.
Other happenings this Saturday include a 10:30 reading for children by Ukiah Children’s Librarian Ina Gordon, a nutrition information booth by the Ukiah Unified School District, a table benefiting our local quilt guild, a table
with information about water conservation and a table at which you can get advice from our local UC Davis Master Gardeners.
I also expect at least one new vendor.
In other news, please consider attending the Fifth Annual Pure Mendocino Organic Celebration. It is the Premier Organic Food & Wine Adventure in the Known World, and it happens right here. There are two events to enjoy: Keep reading→
Anchor Bay, Anderson Valley, Boonville, Calpella, Caspar, Cleone, Comptche, Covelo, Dos Rios, Elk, Fort Bragg, Gualala, HInglenook, Hopland, Laytonville, Leggett, Manchester, Mendo, Mendocino County, Navarro, Newport, Noyo, Philo, Piercy, Point Arena, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Rockport, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Westport, Willits Albion, Yorkville
In *Scott Cratty Blog on July 15, 2009 at 5:50 am
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
July 17, 2009 Ukiah Valley, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market, Greetings!
This weekend is the Saturday Farmers’ Market week to adopt the Ukiah Food Bank. Community group Yes, We Can! is pitching in to help get the word out and will be collecting donations under the pavilion along Clay St. Please consider buying a bit extra to donate or bringing along a can of veggies that you can live without. Tough times are made a bit easier when we share the load. Please pitch in and come find out about Yes, We Can! Spread the word.
New hot food vendor Harbor Lights from Lake Co didn’t quite make it last week, but they are planning to join us this weekend with Native American fry bread (with various toppings), fruit cups, clam chowder and fried cinnamon roll surprise.
Anyone in the area growing excess greens? The Westside Renaissance Market is looking for a local supplier of lettuce and/or salad mix. Now, for your reading pleasure, the Lazy Gardener Blog→
~~
In *Scott Cratty Blog, -Ukiah Local on July 8, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Yoshiki Sakane, owner of Oco Time in Ukiah, and his new solar car
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
July 8, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Market
Greetings! Another action-packed market this weekend.
For starters, I expect two all-new vendors. Amanda Lilikoi will be trying to tempt you with her plant starts and early veggies. Also, Harbor Lights from Lake Co will be trying their luck at the market with some hot food items. Their menu plan includes Native American fry bread (with various toppings), fruit cups, clam chowder and fried cinnamon roll surprise. Now there’s something a bit different. Lorena Caldrea will also be returning to the market for the 1st time this season with her Talmage-grown produce. After two weeks off both John Ford Ranch and Mendocino Organics will be back with beef and chicken, respectively.
At Saturday’s farmers’ market we have, as usual, lots going on. For starters, just a bit after 10 am we will have the second in this season’s series of Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op sponsored cooking demonstrations. Come and meet Julia Kendrick Conway of Assaggiare Mendocino, which supports real food for real people. Plus, Diamond Edge Sharpening will be on hand at the market. Bring your knives, scissors and tools (but no saws, please),
At about 10:30 we will have the next installment of A Child, A Dog and A Good Book, Keep reading→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on June 25, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Renegade Certified Organic Farmer Lee Rossavick
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
June 25, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings. Have a favorite farmers’ market? If so, you may be keen to know that there are suddenly two different on-line contests to vote for your favorite. One is at farmland.org/vote. That one has prizes for markets of different sizes, which is a nice feature. Another is here. It was nice to see that the Ukiah Saturday market has already collected a few vote (not counting mine). You can go straight to the page for Ukiah Saturday here.
Sad news … the Grilli’s Boysenberries and Ollaliberries are about done… and the raspberries are sputtering along. So they will not be at market this week and probably not next. Until the blackberries come rolling in. (You may be able to find a few of their berries at the Westside Renaissance Market). If you are a fan of Busalacchi cherries, this week will be your last change to get them.
John Johns asked me to relay that it is Gopher Purge season. Come by the Johns Family Farm booth at the Ukiah Farmers Market and get your Gopher. Purge before they are gone. Gal. pots $5.00, seeds, 20 count $3.00.
Saturday’s market will have a few special events starting with the return of market favorite Don Willis on accordion. The Ukiah Unified School District will be back with more important information about nutrition and health. Read more→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on June 18, 2009 at 10:02 am
Sisters Victoria and Tamsen Donnar
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
June 18, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings! The weather should be spiffy & the farmers’ market should again be grand this weekend.
We will have live hot food from Flavors of India, the beginning of the end of starter plants, a HUGE selection of great berries, local veggies starting to come on strong, Ford Ranch beef will be back, lots of seafood, new craft vendors, and more. Plus, Bob Laughton and Christine Robin will be playing.
The first 5 people to write back with the name of the all new farm attending the market with veggies tomorrow can get $4 in market Green Bucks.
The Soroptimists will be cooking up fresh Maine lobsters as part of their annual fundraiser. For those that did not pre-order, they have ordered 40 extra … better get to the market soon if you want one of those.
The Ukiah Unified School District will also be on hand with treats at their nutrition booth.
A number of great community organizations are assembling a Children’s Health Fair, to be held 10/4 from 10 to 3 at the Alex Rorabaugh Center. Anyone out there interested in preparing a farmers’ market related booth/activity?
FYI – next weekend the Northern California Biodynamic Assoc will have its Summer Meeting just up the road at Heart Arrow Ranch on Golden Vineyards in Redwood Valley. It will be hosted by Adam Gaska and Paula Manalo of Mendocino Organics. If you are very interested in biodynamics let me know and I will forward the agenda.
Finally, a note about the Renaissance Market (which will be starting its own e-list soon). In case you did not know Adam Gaska and Paula Manalo of Mendocino Organics are furnishing fresh produce for the market each week. The market is also forging other alliances that you may want to know about. Read more→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on June 10, 2009 at 11:35 am
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
June 10, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Ukiah Farmers’ Market,
Greetings! It will be an action packed farmers’ market this Saturday, following an action packed week. This message is coming a day early because Holly & I are holding the grand opening of our new store, the Westside Renaissance Market (1003 W Clay St) today (Wednesday 6/10) with a ribbon cutting at noon and tastings/celebration from 7-9 pm. We will be in preparation mode all day. More on that below.
As for the farmers’ market this Saturday, in addition to a great array of fresh local foods and a good time, you can look forward to music by Two Notes Samba, a jazz duo featuring Craig Schlatter on piano and Will Siegel on Guitar/Vocals, an oyster cooking demonstration by Jini Reynolds, children’s activities from First 5 and the Ukiah Library staff, the return of knife sharpening services at the market and a raffle drawing for a new bike to support the Mendocino Environmental Center.
For those of you who will be picking up plant starts for your own gardening endeavors, we will also have a table of UC Davis Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions and give advice. The Master Gardeners are also offering a class, “Harvesting Your Garden,” which is the last in a series of three classes on vegetable gardening. It will cover harvesting and food safety, methods of preserving, some recipes, seed saving, more on pest and diseases and water conservation. The class is Saturday, June 20th, 2009, from 8:30 AM – 12:00 noon at Nokomis School, 495 Washington Ave, in Ukiah. There is a $5 fee for this class to cover operating expenses. You must preregister to attend, which can be done on-line by sending an email to jtwilli@ucdavis.edu with your name, address, ph# and email address.
If that is not enough, you might want to dip into the Chronicle’s gardening series starting here.
As for the opening, if you live in or near the Westside of Ukiah, it will be a great opportunity to check out your new community market. Stroll on down. From 7-9 pm we will have tastings of the great to-go items that Ukiah Brewing is doing for our deli case, wines by McFadden and Simaine, →
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on May 28, 2009 at 12:26 pm
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
May 29, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Market,
Greetings. Tomorrow will be the first regular season farmers’ market without a big co-event (Cinco de Mayo, Human Race, Pastels on the Plaza, Art Faire Ukiah). Those fine events got the season off to a great start. However, if you like your farmers’ markets experience to be cozier, tomorrow’s market is the one for you.
Tom Brower, Mendocino Lavender, Ties a Sage Swag
The main difference between this year’s market and last is that we have more vendors and a much bigger selection. Indeed, I currently expect that this Saturday will be the first time we are not able to fit the farmers’ market vendors into one street. Neufeld Farm, Sky Hoyt, and Thompson Farm have volunteered to shift to a new block. It will be interesting to see if the customers are willing to cross the street to support them.
Come find out.
For this week’s food info, check out the trailer for yet another new movie about out current food system here.
Tomorrow we welcome back accordion music by market favorite Don Willis. We will also have some activities for the kids brought to us by Farmers’ Market Friends First Five.
Keep reading→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on May 20, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Zion Canyon, Springdale, Utah
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ukiah
May 21, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Market,
Greetings! Should be another booming Market this Saturday .. downright remarkable for this time of year.
Your scoop for the week is that I expect Haehl Creek Ranches to be back to the market this Saturday with locally-raised lamb. They will be next to the Fords. We will also be having chicken at the market in a few weeks. So, your options for obtaining meats from our local area is getting better every month. Local egg options have also increased substantially this season.
We will also have some new crafts plus we will be partnering with Ukiah’s first Art Faire. Overall it may be another record breaking range of choices.
Another first is an out of Mendocino musical group. The Don Giovannis will bring the music of Italy to the Ukiah Farmers’ … all the way from Sonoma County. You can get a teaser at www.thedongiovannis.com
Getting your own garden going? You can compare prices and offerings from about 10 different sources at tomorrow’s market.
Holly sends along this article about cancer fighting herbs.
She has also been packaging up a range of great organic herbs at the Westside Renaissance Market. Check it out at 1003 W Clay St.
[DS]
Adam and Paula at Mendocino Organics report in their blog that Bridget and Craig at Patrona Restaurant, Standley and School Street in Ukiah, are starting to use their biodynamic veggies. You can find their produce at Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op and Mariposa Market in Willits. Please be sure to request their vegetables there, as they rely on these retail outlets when the winter CSA is not in progress.
On their website: “The mission of Patrona is to create a sustainable business that benefits the people with whom we work, supports the communities in which we do business, protects and sustains the environment and achieves economic prosperity. We aspire to honor, embody and reflect the grace, beauty and generosity of the earth and let her spirit guide us in each decision that we make and action that we take.”
~~
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on May 13, 2009 at 11:35 pm
From SCOTT CRATTY
May 14, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings.
We are really getting off to a fast start this season. We may have more vendors than ever this Saturday.
Robinson Creek Flowers will be back as will Aqua-Rodeo oysters. I also expect at least two new vendors with strawberries.
And, the Farmers Market isn’t just flowers and veggies…
Tara Plocher
In addition to market music by Josh Madsen, you will be entertained by the Pastels in the Plaza art festival and the music and entertainment they have lined-up, plus a BBQ and taco wagon. Should be a great market day!
For your healthy shopping pleasure, Holly passes along this article about “superfoods” to look for as we move further into Spring.
Also Friend of the Market Debra Watson passed along the following information about what appears to be a good new film about food issues in America. Anyone care to take the lead in organizing a screening?
FRESH – THE MOVIE – SCREENINGS
Spread the word about this exciting movie and attend or create a screening in your town.
If you don’t find a screening near you, no worries, email them at screenings@freshthemovie.com and they will help you organize a screening for your chapter or community.
At a later date, they will also be streaming the movie right on their website.
Here’s the trailer.
Here’s the list of screenings.
FROM THE DIRECTOR -
We’re excited to announce the screening of FRESH across the United States. FRESH is a call to action; it means to inspire its viewers to positive change, not scare them into a terrified complacency. As such, the majority of the screenings will be followed by a panel discussion with local representatives from the sustainable food movement so audience members can learn what’s going on in their communities and get involved. We will bring together farmers, activists, chefs, and policy-makers, all working to create a more healthy, tasty, and sustainable future. Please join us, not just as part of an audience, but as part of a movement to better our food system, and to bring about a new vision, a new paradigm, a new reality, one that works for everyone.
~
Images Credit: Dave Smith
~~
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on May 7, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Arlington, Virginia
From SCOTT CRATTY
May 7, 2009 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers Market,
Greetings! Should be a splendid Saturday for our opening day do-over. The market will be packed with vendors and lots of good stuff. It should be almost as big a mid season last year. Although, the selection will be slanted much more toward garden starts (i.e., don’t come expecting corn as it is not in season).
It will be interesting to see if the market is large enough to support our two out of the area fruit vendors (Neufeld and Busalacchi) — particularly once the home team Gowans return for the season. One of the two may stop coming after this weekend. So, if you enjoy having them at the market this would be a good week to support them.
On a related note I heard from several people who were concerned about the report in the UDJ that the Neufeld Farm cherries are organic. They are not. Indeed, Neufeld and Busalacchi are both conventional, non organic producers. Not all producers at a farmers’ market are organic. So, read the signs carefully and ask if you are not certain. Following the article I spoke with Jim Neufeld and he promised to investigate and make sure that no misleading claims are being made about his products.
Keep reading→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on April 30, 2009 at 1:21 am
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ph: 707-462-7377
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings. This weekend is OPENING DAY for the regular market season.
Minty, Emily and Clorinda say “C’mon down!”
A number of your favorites who have been missing from the winter market will return. For example, I expect Aqua-Rodeo oysters to return. Also, the Garden Bakery. We will have a new local Palownia tree vendor and Busalacchi Farm will be hauling in their cherries. Others such as Gowan’s Apple Tree and Flowers by the Sea may surprise us both with an appearance as well …
Got a Screen?
At about 9:30 I will be giving my presentation about farmers’ markets and the consequences to our community that follow from our decisions about where we get our food to the students in Mendocino Collages 1st ever Local Food class. If you would like to check it out you can pull up a chair nearby at 9:30. I can do the presentation with or without slides but will try to have a projector on hand just in case someone brings a portable movie/slide screen to project it on. Following my presentation the class will get to hear from and talk with Paula Manalo of Mendocino Organics and The Greenhorns Project and Stephen Decater of Live Power Community Farm (LPCF). BTW – it is still possible to get a subscription to LPCF before the season starts. To find out more check with Stephen or Gloria at the market on Saturday.
Keep reading→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on April 23, 2009 at 6:59 am
Washington, Pennsylvania
From SCOTT CRATTY
Last Off-Season Farmers’ Market
3/23/09 Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Greetings!
It appears that we will have a very comfortable day at the farmers’ market Saturday (although participation would have been comfortable for our local vegetation). Saturday is the last day for our little indie off-season market … come celebrate its demise. It will be no more because it was so successful that the year-round format will be part of the permanent county structure in Ukiah and Willits this coming year. Thanks for your support.
This season the farmers’ market is proving to be the place for locally raised and conditioned plant starts. We already have far more selection than that last season. More this week and much more on opening day in May.
Right now I need your help to get a full schedule of community group events, cooking demonstration, entertainment for kids such as readings, etc. for the prime season Jump on in.
Quote of the week:
“The ambition for broad acres leads to poor farming, even with men of energy. I scarcely ever knew a mammoth farm to sustain itself; much less to return a profit upon the outlay. I have more than once known a man to spend a respectable fortune upon one; fail and leave it; and then some man of more modest aims, get a small fraction of the ground, and make a good living upon it. Mammoth farms are like tools or weapons, which are too heavy to be handled. Ere long they are thrown aside, at a great loss.” Source: Abraham Lincoln, Sept 30, 1859, Wisconsin State Fair
A review of an interesting book here was supplied by Ron Epstein
FYI – Holly and I are now starting to operate the Westside Renaissance Market, 1003 W Clay. If you are in the area, stop in to check it out. We are still clearing out some of the old product and repairing things like the floor. We will not have produce in for another week or two but some of your favorite farmer’s market vendors already have their products on the shelf. We hope to launch with an opening sometime before the end of May.
~~
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on April 16, 2009 at 7:52 am
Kissimmee, Florida
From SCOTT CRATTY
Ph: 707-462-7377
Apr 16, 2009, Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market
Greetings. Looks like another beautiful day at the market is predicted for Saturday.
Given that, and thanks to the cooperation of the City of Ukiah, I think that means we will move the market back onto School Street next week … a full two week before opening day last season.
Other than the vendors, you are the first to know. So, come on Saturday and join the first street party of the new season!
We should have an abundance of plant starts for your garden. In addition to the vendors from the last couple of weeks, I expect regular season vendors Red Tail Farm and Mendocino Lavender to return this week.
Favorite Don Willis will be playing. We will also have two River Oak Charter School students playing classical tunes from their new CD, a fundraiser for a field trip to Washington DC, at about 11. Please come and support them.
For this week’s think piece, follow this link to an article in BusinessWeek about the tension between the ideals of organic farming and the demands of large scale production.
~~TT
In *Scott Cratty Blog on April 9, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Canal Winchester, Ohio
From Scott Cratty
Apr 9 2009, Ukiah, Mendocino County, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings! The market is off to a fast start this season. We already have three vendors with starter plants (we had one on May last year). Plus, I keep hearing almost daily from prospective new vendors. The influx of new vendors may put a dent in our long running shortage of local eggs. One new vendor even plans to bring duck eggs.
A vendor from Redwood Valley may also be bringing some local pork, which has been missing from our market for some time.
Interest in federal draft legislation HR 875 seems to be running high in the community. The Market Message column in Friday’s UDJ will provide my perspective on it. Better yet, tune in to the Ecology Hour KZYX&Z next Tuesday at 7 pm to get Doug Mosel’s insights.
Keep reading→
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on April 2, 2009 at 4:35 am
Fairport, New York
From Scott Cratty
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings. Getting in that spring swing?
Tis’ the time of year when peoples thoughts turn to …. gardening. (Just keep an eye out for that late frost.) I expect we will have our first plant starts at the market this weekend, with more to come soon. Expect to meet new vendor Lovin’ Blooms Organic Plant Nursery at tomorrow’s market. Other vendors with plant starts will also arrive soon.
Jazmin Johns is headed off to university this year and she needs to find good homes for her paintings, ceramics and other crafts. She will be bringing a lot of new items to market over the next couple of weeks. Check it out.
Our new seaweed vendors from Gualala did well enough last week that they will return. Also worth a visit.
Sue Gill will also be returning to the market with her gourd birdhouses.
One of the people I had the chance to meet at the farmers’ market a week ago was Gene Baur, keynote speaker at Ukiah’s VegFest. Gene runs a farm and animal sanctuary inspired, in part, by his reaction to what he learned about our modern factory farming practices. He has a lot of important information to share about modern mass production livestock operations. You can hear some of it by listening to Barry Vogel’s interview here. Click on the download link at the bottom of the page to play.
Hope to see you at the market.
~
[Local organic food is booming! Local Harvest website is tracking it all. -DS]
“The best organic food is what’s grown closest to you. Use our website to find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.”
Go to LocalHarvest.org→
~~
Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on March 25, 2009 at 9:37 pm
From Scott Cratty
Ph: 707-462-7377
Friends of the Farmers Market,
Greetings. As of this moment the Weather Channel is predicting a sunny 75 degree day for this Saturday’s farmers’ market. If you have been sitting out the off-season market so far, this is a great chance to start getting back into shape for the summer.
The fish selection started to broaden last week. Given the mild weather this week, I would expect a good range of options again this week.
Also, in case you haven’t noticed, Mendocino Organics has started vending in the back Southern corner of the pavilion.
Saturday will be your last chance in the off-season market to catch Jerry Krantman’s eclectic acoustic originals and cover tunes at the Saturday Farmers’ Market. Hopefully we can find a date that works for Jerry in the summer season as well.
My column in the UDJ this coming Friday delves into the complexities of determining if and when to let distant farms sell at our market. To take the issue a bit further, I thought I would invite you to share your thoughts about whether we should invite Neufeld Farm, the vendor who has been bringing dried fruits to the winter market, to keep coming during the regular season. Neufeld’s production in is Kingsberg CA, a bit south of Fresno. So, the fruit is coming a fairly long way. Their production in the summer would include fresh fruits, some of which (like peaches) would overlap with local sources and some of which would not. If you care to, please share your opinion.
Now for this week’s educational installment, here is a bit from the TimesOnline/UK forwarded by Friends of the Market member Terry Nieves.
10 Things We Didn’t Know About Food
How the authors of the new Rough Guide to Food lost their appetites for the
food industry.
by George Miller and Katharine Reeve
A surprise consequence of writing a book about food was that we lost our appetite. A month in, we realised we had underestimated just how devastating the effects of our industrial food systems are on our health, animal welfare, climate change and the earth’s resources.
Thankfully, a few trips to some farmers markets with their good news story of artisan baking, handmade cheeses and fresh-from-the-ground veg offered the escapism we needed and helped provide a sense of perspective.
Food, lies and red tape
Overwhelmingly we found that most of us simply don’t know much about food, having grown up knowing only supermarkets. In our confusion we are at the mercy of food manufacturers’ aggressive marketing campaigns, especially for highly profitable “healthy” foods.
Keep reading 10 Things… at Times OnLine→
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Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on March 18, 2009 at 8:45 pm
From Scott Cratty
Ph: 707-462-7377
3/18/09 Ukiah, North California
Greetings.
Did you know that the makers of Terra Savia olive oils, a treat that you can pick up regularly at the Saturday Ukiah Farmers’ market also make some great wines from organic grapes? Two of their releases from last Fall recently
won medals at this year’s Grand Harvest Competition in Sonoma County. The 05 Reserve Petit Verdot won Silver and the 05 Reserve Cabernet won Bronze. They were competing with over 1600 entries from North America, Europe, thePacific Rim and South America. Here’s more information on the Grand Harvest Competition. Wines bottled by the grape grower using their own grapes can actually be sold at our farmers’ market. Why don’t you stop by and encourage them to bring some to the market this season?
Speaking of wine, if you visit Tierra Art, Garden, Wine on — just up the street from the market at 312 North School St — and show off what you purchased at the farmers’ market, I understand they will give you a discount.
For those of you who missed them, Mad Scientist Game will play their acoustic jug rock at this Saturday’s market. Come experience music made with a plastic water bottle.
Check the Market Message column in Friday’s paper for my thoughts in response to DDRs suggestion that they may include a farmers’ market in their proposed shopping mall at the old Masonite site.
Hope to see you at the market Saturday.
In case you want to learn how to grow your own fruit to market in future seasons, here is a worthy event:
The Butler Cherry Ranch Project is sponsoring a free grafting workshop with master orchardist Patrick Schaffer on Saturday March 28. He will demonstrate techniques and participants will get to graft cherries and peaches.
The event, at the Butler Community Orchard at Ridgewood Ranch, will begin at 10 a.m. with a tour led by orchard manager and biodynamic expert Charles Martin. The demonstration and practice session will follow. Bring a bag lunch and water.
The back up date in case of rain is April 4 but if the weather looks rainy the day before, please call 463-2736 for an update.
Go 5 miles north on 101 beyond Reeves Canyon. Turn left at Ridgewood Ranch and follow the road downhill, making a right at the sign for the ranch and La Vida School. Continue west/southwest past Seabiscuit’s barn and the Golden Rule parking lot. Turn right on Maple Ln. and head west past outbuildings and across the creek. The orchard is on the left. Parking is available at the orchard site. The Cherry Ranch Project is sponsored by Cloud Forest Institute.
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Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on March 11, 2009 at 8:33 pm
From Scott Cratty
Ph: 707-462-7377
3/12/09 Ukiah, North California
Greetings. Before I advertise this more widely, one more chance for list members to respond… anyone have a family member who might be interested in becoming the Ukiah Saturday Farmers’ Market’s very own sign dancer? Well, actually a sandwich board walker… but, it is a very spiffy sign. And we can at least spring for one of those big foam hands to waive around. Drop me a line if you know someone who might be interested in employment strolling around town for a couple of hours on Saturday mornings.
FYI – our raffle basket for 4/4 – full of great vendor donations – still only has a few tickets sold. It is a great opportunity to be a winner. Stop by the Friends of MCFARM table soon to get your ticket.
This week at the market we will feature acoustic music by Josh Madsen.
See this very nice profile of new local farmer Paula Manalo of Mendocino Organics. Paula and Adam have been selling a bit more of their excellent organic/biodynamic produce at the market the last two weeks. Look for them in the South-West corner of the pavilion.
As you may have noticed, I strive to avoid political content in these messages. However, the following quote explaining a benefit of local food is too practical and spot on to let pass despite its White House source. It is from a March 10 article in the New York Times.
“It’s like: How do we keep the calories down but keep the flavors up?” said Mrs. Obama, who also praised a healthy broccoli soup prepared by White House chefs.
“That’s one of the things that we’re talking a lot about,” she said. “When you grow something yourself and it’s close and it’s local, oftentimes it tastes really good.
“And when you’re dealing with kids, for example, you want to get them to try that carrot. Well, if it tastes like a real carrot and it’s really sweet, they’re going to think that it’s a piece of candy. So my kids are more inclined to try different vegetables if they’re fresh and local and delicious.”
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Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on March 4, 2009 at 11:07 pm
From Scott Cratty
3/5/09 Ukiah, North California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings. It looks like we will have a mostly clear and somewhat warmer farmers’ market this weekend. Don Willis will be playing classics on the accordion for us. The Fords will be back with their natural beef. Mendocino Organics should be selling some of their produce to non members as well. So those of you who have seen the members picking up the bountiful baskets of beautiful looking (and tasting) produce every week — this is your chance to check it out for yourself. Seems like a good week to get to the market.
New farms keep promising to arrive soon …
I will begin taking orders for bulk organic rice, beans and grains, to be delivered once per month. The available items are 11 pounds of pinto beans, brown rice or white rice to 17 pounds of triticale for $10 The rice is from Polit Family Farm and the beans & triticale are from Pleasant Grove Farm, which are as close as we could find a good supply. Anyone sense another farming opportunity?
Got legs? The farmers market has a very spiffy new sandwich board and is looking for someone to walk around various parts of town with it for an hour or two on Saturday mornings. If you are interested or have a family member who might be please drop me a line with contact information.
Check out KMAX and KWNE on Friday and on Saturday morning for the latest farmers’ market advertisements sponsored by John Johns Sign Co. John is offering a 20% discount to market patrons. Call John, he is looking forward to working with you on your image and signage needs. 462-5084 or visit www.johnjohnsignco.com. Stop by the market to see the many great signs, signers and other items he has created for us .. like that sandwich board.
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Hopland, Mendo, Mendocino County, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on February 26, 2009 at 10:10 pm
From Scott Cratty
2/26/09, Ukiah, Northern California
Friends of the Farmers’ Market,
Greetings. The latest forecast for Saturday is “Cloudy with a few showers” and a balmy (for winter) 61 degrees. Once again perfect weather for keeping your vegetables fresh, so make sure you remember to get to the market … and come early. The crowds have been falling off sharply after noon and many of our vendors are getting into the habit of packing up a bit early. So, if you arrive right at 1 pm you may find your favorite vendor already pulling out. Next season we will close the winter market at noon.
I do not expect any significant changes this week relative to last. The Fords will again be absent (it is the second and final week of their vacation) and The Apple Farm will probably not be back for another week. Otherwise you can expect the same great array of vendors.
Thanks to all for making our first winter market so successful.
Check Friday’s UDJ for the exciting conclusion of the Tale of Two Chickens.
On to your weekly dose of local food news
- Holly found this nice blog called Organic on a Budget. When I looked last week there was a list of tips for getting the best food at the best price. Care to guess what is #1 on the list? If you guessed shopping at the farmers’ market, you are correct.
- The Anderson Valley Foodshed Group is preparing the republish the excellent Mendocino County Local Food Guide that they created in 2007. It will be updated with producers who were not included before, as well as new info from those previously included. If you are aware of any county food producers that were not included before please ask them to drop me a note so that I can forward the survey for the new edition.
- Ron Epstein passed along the following link to an interesting interview about commercial juice. It turns out that juice in cartons may not be as fresh as you think: What you’re really pouring from that carton of orange juice
- In case you just cannot get enough information about local food and small farms, you can check out the Organic Consumers Union’s new farmer TV. The episodes explore the business of small family farms, and the health benefits derived from eating organic, not to mention the economic benefits to the community from supporting local farms. So far there are two of these half-hour programs. Watch how one family starts up their own small farming operation from scratch. In the second episode, watch how a group of people begin volunteering one day per week when they start getting involved helping out at a local sustainable farm. This Friends of Farmers episode does a good job of recapping the spectrum of reasons for supporting local food farms. It is at: Organic Consumers Union
Regards,
Scott Cratty
Ph: 707-462-7377
farming, food, Hopland, Redwood Valley, ukiah, Ukiah Valley, Willits
In *Scott Cratty Blog on February 19, 2009 at 7:00 am
From Scott Cratty
2/19/09 Ukiah, California
Friends of the Market,
Greetings. Looks like another rainy Saturday … remember, when it is a bit chilly and damp for us, it is perfect for our vegetables. Just think of the farmers’ market on a rainy Saturday morning as a more realistic version of what they try to simulate in grocery produce cases when the misting nozzles come on and the fake rain/thunder sounds.
Our local farmers need support rain or shine. Please note that Ford Ranch Natural Beef will be absent for two weeks, and back in March. Fish may be low as well due to the rough seas … then again, last week was one of the few times we did not sell out of at least a few of the available varieties before the market closed. Because farming and fishing are not entirely predictable, neither is the market. Consider it part of the fun to come see what is there. Perhaps before too many months pass we may have a local shopping resource on-line that allows us to post what is available at the market in near real time so that you can check before heading out … but there is much work to do before that will be a reality. Let me know if you have time/resources to contribute.
Speaking of the connection between food and weather, tomorrow morning at 9 am on the KZYX&Z radio program Wildoak Living, “Chef Laura Stec and climate researcher Eugene Cordero will explore the connection between what we eat and our climate. They encourage us to rediscover our relationship to the land, to the people who provide our food and to the art of cooking.” I am not familiar with these speakers but the topic sounds as if it might be of interest to farmers’ market enthusiasts.
At the market this Saturday make sure your pause to enjoy Jerry Krantman’s eclectic acoustic music. Those of you who cannot get enough of local food issues may want to consider attending the March 1-3, 22nd Annual California Small Farm Conference. It is the state’s premier gathering of small farmers and those who support them. The three day educational conference includes on-farm tours, focused workshops, general educational sessions and opportunities for peer networking. See California Small Farm Conference for specifics. I will not be attending so would appreciate getting a report from anyone who does.
See you at the market.
Scott Cratty
Ph: 707-462-7377
Action, farming, food, Mendo, mendocino, ukiah
In *Scott Cratty Blog on February 11, 2009 at 12:02 am
From Scott Cratty
Mendocino County
Friends of the Ukiah Farmers’ Market,
Greetings. This week the market falls on Valentines Day. For those who may have missed our advertisement in the Ukiah Daily Journal’s Valentines Day special sections, the basic text was: Selecting fine, fresh food and cooking it together is romantic. Start your perfect Valentines day by planning a meal together at the farmers’ market
It’s true. Why not try it on Saturday. In additional to our usual array of fine local crafts vendors Lee Sabin will be bringing her abalone jewelry from the coast for anyone in need of a last minute gift. Perhaps some of Joanne Horn’s Afterglow Natural body care products would also be appreciated by your special someone.
While the rain is much need, it also makes for choppy seas. That means that the fresh fish from Fort Bragg that we have relied on all season will probably be in short supply or missing this week.
In case you didn’t notice, Mendocino Organics was actually selling some of their great produce at the market last Saturday. If they are selling again, they will be in the Southeast corner of the market. We also had a record three vendors with local eggs – Johns Family Farm, Lovers Lane Farm and Shamrock Artisan Goat Cheese. Once you have tried a fresh local egg it is hard to go back.
John Johns wanted me to give everyone a heads-up that it is nearly time to get your gopher purge in the ground. He will have plants for $5.00 and seeds for $3.00 per 20 count pouch. In John’s own words: “The time is almost here to have the plants in the ground to freak out those nasty rodents when they show up…”
Look for the return of Josh Madsen playing for us at the market this Saturday.
On to the propaganda. In case you thought it was just me prattling on about the benefits of a local food system, check out the video at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Thanks to Terry Nieves for forwarding the link.
95482, farming, food, Mendo, mendocino, ukiah
In *Scott Cratty Blog on January 13, 2009 at 11:49 am
From Scott Cratty
Mendocino County
Greetings. This message is a day early for two reasons — but don’t let that lull you into forgetting to come to the market Saturday. Mark your calendar now. It should be another, almost freakishly, beautiful day at the Farmers’ Market this Saturday. Plus Don Willis will be back to entertain us on the accordion.
The important reason for getting this message out early is to alert you to what promises to be a worthwhile radio listening opportunity — featuring one of our very own market vendors as the host — happening tonight. Join Doug Mosel for an exploration of what can be done to encourage and support small farms and farmers. Its tonight on the Agriculture and Ecology Hour, when host Doug Mosel brings you the story of the New England Small Farm Institute. The Institute is dedicated to supporting sustainable small-scale agriculture and beginning farmers. Listen in to learn what they are doing to grow new farmers in New England. Tuesday at 7 p.m. on KZYX & Z radio (90.7, 91.5 or 88.1) or online at www.kzyx.org.
A less important reason is that Holly & I will be busy attending Professional Food Manager Certification Training tomorrow, but that is an entirely different adventure.
Pinky Kushner has been busy of late sitting for her daughter, who is in turn touring the country to support her — fantastic and successful book, Telex From Cuba. Head to your local bookstore today to get a copy. But, she made it to the market last Saturday and wanted to share a discovery with all of you:
I just wanted to tell you about an absolutely scrumptious find at the Market last weekend—Romaine lettuce from the Ortiz Brothers. Now, I know Romaine is considered fairly common these days, what with red oak leaf lettuce and fancy bibs available, but, seriously, the head I found last Saturday of this tried and true classic had the most fantastic taste and after-taste of any Romaine I have ever eaten. Even the core, which usually is bitter, was spectacular—after I tasted it, I cubed it and threw it into the salad. I don’t know if it is the time of year, the lack of rain or the magic wrought by the Ortiz Brothers. And culinary note: be sure to taste it before slathering it with a heavy dressing. The taste is so amazing that it really doesn’t need anything other than a good olive oil (local please) and a dash of Meyer lemon or mild vinegar. Please alert others to this find.
Thanks for the tip.
Get home on Saturday and make something wonderful with your market goodies? Why not share it with your neighbors. Drop me a line with a description and the recipe. I will start featuring recipe tips from recent markets on this list and in my Friday UDJ column.
See you at the market.
Event, Farmers Market, food
In *Scott Cratty Blog on December 26, 2008 at 10:06 am
From Scott Cratty
Family is in town, gifts have been given, the post holiday sales were all shopped yesterday, leftovers are dwindling … what to do in Ukiah with friends and family on a post holiday Saturday morning?
How about showing off our pretty historic downtown and stopping in at the Saturday Farmers’ Market? The market will be small and mellow (we will not have live music to save those talented fingers from the cold, we will be spinning local music on the boombox). A few vendors will be out with their own families but we should still have lots of great local foods and some quality local crafts you can get with the dollars you got trading in that electric ear warmers from Uncle Floyd.
Stop in and enjoy a baked good to support the Ford Street Project, have a cup of fair trade, organic Thanksgiving coffee and share a smile. Getting some fresh local food also is a great way to keep your strength up for all next week’s parties, like the one at the Saturday Afternoon Club…
New Year’s Party PAY IT FORWARD, RING IT IN, JUST DANCE! Celebrate with Great Music and Good Friends. Appetizers and Drinks 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. Over 21 Crowd. No Host Bar. $20 Per Person 107 S. Oak St., Downtown Ukiah . More Info? Call 707.467.8229
There is a slide show version of WELL co-founder Dr. Jason Bradford’s video on this blog at Scenario 2020: The Future of Food in Mendocino County… a “history” of how Mendocino County survived the economic and social upheaval of 2009 and learned how to feed itself. The slide show version is here→
Check Friday’s edition of the UDJ for Part I of my first (and likely only) New Year’s rant.
See you at the market.
Event, Farmers Market, food
In *Scott Cratty Blog on December 19, 2008 at 1:58 pm
From Scott Cratty
Yahoo weather informs me that tomorrow will be the balmy day of the week … it may even be dry!
How fortunate because tomorrow is your last chance to stock up at the farmers’ market for the special triple whammy week of winter solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas.
Come support our new craft vendors and find those last minute gifts … how about a beautiful potted bulb arrangement from Salt Hollow Farms in Redwood Valley?
As a special pre-holiday treat we will have Sweetie Pies from Willits bringing apple/cranberry and sweet potato pies-available as whole pies or by the slice with whipped cream.
We will also have the Julian Trio back for one last fiddle powered romp this year!
In case you did not look have the chance to check it out before, please consider signing on the Food Declaration.
Remember to start using the GreenXchange to share information about all of your gardening and farming plans.
Enough for now … see you at the market.
Gene Logsdon and Friends
Mendocino Local Smart Money
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