America’s longest-operating cheese company now has just one name and a new look! Long referred to as Rouge et Noir and the Cheese Factory, an informal title given by locals to the company creamery, the Marin tradition founded in 1865 will now be known as Marin French. Look for the new brand and packaging in stores this June.
Bleating Heart Cheese is now located in Tomales, leasing the Thornton Ranch former milk house turned creamery, making small quantities of unique, handcrafted, premium quality “American Original”sheep milk cheese. The first of the 2013 cheeses are ready to go - find some near you!
Don't miss the upcoming workshop for ranchers and agricultural producers on utilizing livestock protection dogs in your operation on with Nick Cavanaugh and Bill Barboni on August 29th at 1 p.m. at the Tomales Town Hall. Secrets of Success: Utilizing Livestock Protection Dogs whith will cover livestock protection dog breeds and their use in the protection of sheep, goats, and poultry, as well as best practices for care of livestock protection dogs to increase their longevity and overall health. RSVP through Anita Sauber at the Marin County Ag Commissioner's Office, (415) 473-6700.
Developers of the California Cheese Trailreleased a new smart phone app for instant access to artisan cheesemakers throughout the state, giving cheese lovers details on which farms are open to the public, tips for planning a tour, locations of free cheese tastings and retailers that carry various cheeses, and news about upcoming cheese-making classes and cheese-related events. The free app is available fordownload for iPhones now.
Marin's Department of Agriculture just published the 2012 Crop Report. The combined value for agriculture was estimated at $80,365,289, a 3.2 percent increase over 2011. Vist the department's website to download the 2012 report and previous reports.
The USDA Farm Service Agency rolled out a new Microloan program to simplify the process for farmers obtaining loans under $35,000. Visit their website for information about FSA farm loan programs. Interested farmers and ranchers should contact their nearest FSA county office - found online or by calling (530) 792-5520.
FarmsReach launched its beta website in January after a year of collaborating with farmers, partner nonprofit organizations, and Extension advisors. It's an evolving platform for the public to connect with each other, track local events for producers, download business and marketing Toolkits, secure loans and insurance, and source inputs & supplies, and free to sign up!
Learn about the principles and practices of organic farming through this hands-on work study program. The Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden offers students the opportunity to work and learn about cultivation, propagation, marketing, and more. Enroll in 6 units at College of Marin for Fall 2013 and be eligible for Financial Aid and begin working at the farm now. All returning and new students can enroll for the Fall this month. Learn more and apply onlineor by calling Eileen Callahan at (415) 454-4554 x144.
Western SARE has posted the 2014 Calls for Proposals for Sustainable Agriculture Projects. CFPs for the following programs are due in fall 2013: Research & Education, Professional Development, Farmer/Rancher, and Ag Professional + Producer. Descriptions and CFPs with deadlines can be found online. All projects must include farmers and/or ranchers.
