Happy Holidays

All of us at the Northwood Farmers Market wish you the happiest of holiday seasons.  See you in 2013!

A message from the Nottingham Market

Just a quick reminder:  Our second indoor market of the season will take place this weekend on Sunday, December 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Community Center.  This market will feature many of the same wonderful vendors as last time, plus a new potter.  We'll also be treated to live music by Bill Perry--some of you may remember him from the summer Craft Fair Market.  Don't forget this is a great opportunity to finish up some of your holiday gift shopping.  For more details on the products that will be available, you can visit our Facebook page.  There are lots of pictures there from our indoor market last month and I'll be posting a complete list of Sunday's vendors there in the next couple of days.

See you Sunday!
Brieghan

Local winter market schedules

The Nottingham Farmers Market will meet at the Community Center on the second Sunday of the month from 1-4 pm through March.  The Deerfield Farmers Market will meet at the George White Building on the third Sunday of the month through April.

What a wonderful season it has been!

What a wonderful season it has been at the Northwood Farmers Market.  Red Manse CSA, a couple of new Northwood farmers, some old friends, lots of sunny days (but maybe not enough rain for the best of summers, when it rains at night and is beautiful during the day!).

A big thank you to our faithful customers and all our new ones as well, it's good to see the support our market has developed since we put on those first few markets in 2009.  This Thursday is the last market of this year, but be sure to visit the winter markets in the area and support our local economy there!

See you in the spring!

Winter Market Season is Coming!

The winter farmers market season is coming, and some of our vendors will be selling during the later fall and winter season at the following markets:

Nottingham Farmers' Market:  2nd Sunday of each month, November through March, Nottingham Community Center, 139 Stage Rd. (Rt. 152)
   
Newmarket Farmers Market: October 6 and 30, November 3 and 17, December 1 and 15, January 5 and 19, February 2 and 16, March 2 and 16, April 6 and 20  newmarketfarmersmarketATgmail.com

We don't have to give up our fresh local products just because summer is over!

Giant heirloom tomatoes

Sanborn Mills Farm had the most amazing huge heirloom tomatoes at the market last week!  To give you an idea of the size, we put an iPhone in the picture as a comparison.

Organics have no advantages? Wait a minute...

Did you hear about the study that says organic food isn't really any better for you than the other stuff?  Well, here's some more information you need to know before you stop looking for organic food at your supermarket or your farmers market.

In this article the author only looks at pesticide exposure:

In short, the Stanford study seriously underplays the benefit of going organic to avoid pesticide traces, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and kids. In a future post, I'll show why it does the same for exposure to antibiotic-resistant pathogens in meat, and doesn't give organic its due with regard to nutritional benefits.

Future articles will look at nutritional values and the affects of antibiotics.  Always do your homework when scientific studies make headlines.  

 

Apples!

The NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food shared a beautiful picture of apples this morning.  They're early, as all our crops have been this year, with such a warm spring and summer.  But they sure are beautiful and tasty looking.  Apple pie, anyone?

Farmers and climate change

Because we in NH are just coming back to agriculture, perhaps there is less resistance to overcome when talking about climate change to farmers.  But in the west where farming has been the main "industry" for over a century, changing thinking is not so easy.  Certainly the awful drought there now is a hard way to learn.  So how can we talk to farmers, who work so hard and are so subject to the vagaries of weather and the climate, about this issue?  Here are some ideas.

How to freeze tomatoes

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a great short video on how to easily freeze tomatoes.  For those of us who don't can, this can be a great way to preserve some of the seeming millions of tomatoes we have this year.

Climate change and food supplies

Most Americans seem to have been convinced by this year's drought and fires that the planet is warming, and fast.  Now we need to think about how these changes in our climate will affect our food supplies.  And we better start asking schools like our UNH to work on it.  That's one of the things that our public universities do very well, and have been doing for a long, long time.

And it's another reason to support our local farmers.  Small farms close by can adapt to climate change much better than enormous farms far away.  Love your farmer, s/he's going to be an important person in the not so distant future.

This article was part of the weekly e-mail from the American Meteorological Society.

Best little market around!

Last week I met another new Northwood farmer, Eric Robinson, along with JJ from Jeffrey Family Farm. It is wonderful to see agriculture coming of age again in our town! Come visit them, get some beautiful produce, and support a sustainable food supply at the same time. Remember, to have farms, we must have markets!

More produce vendors!

Today we had two new produce vendors.  Eric Robinson from Northwood is running Eric's Organics, and last week I bought blackberries from him.  He'll have more in coming weeks, plus lots of vegetables.

We also greeted Sanborn Mills Farm, another organic vendor, who had watermelons, herbs and lots of other good food.


The market has been really booming the last couple of weeks, and today I heard we got a mention in the NH Market Bulletin as one of the best small markets around!

Northwood's Own Jeffrey Family Farm

We are pleased to have JJ from Jeffrey Family Farm in Northwood at the market.  High summer vegetables fresh from the garden.  Do come do your shopping at the market on Thursday afternoons.  Fresh local vegetables last so much longer than the well-traveled ones at the supermarkets.

Do check the next post down on the blog for the Farmers Market Survey from UNH.  Fill it out, it will help all our farmers and markets.

Farmers Market Customer Survey

After you visit the market today, take a minute and take this survey.  UNH has great program for farmers and sustainable agriculture, but they need to know what we think.  Thanks!

National Farmers Market Week

How should we celebrate National Farmers Market Week?  By visiting our local farmers markets and supporting our great vendors, of course.  But how should Congress celebrate? A look at what they've been doing, and not doing, might give us some ideas to pass on to our congressmen and senators.

In the Senate, a bill passed on a bipartisan vote in late June included funding for a variety of rural development programs, including a program that would support local and regional food systems and new farmers, and one that would make it easier for organic farmers to get crop insurance. The Senate bill also would require recipients of crop and revenue insurance to take basic measures to protect soil and water resources. 

Over in the House in July, however, things got grim. While the House bill did maintain some funding for farmers market promotion, it also slashed more than $16 billion in food assistance programs for the poor; weakened insurance programs for diversified, organic, and healthy food farmers; eliminated programs that assist organic farmers with certification; and deepened cuts to programs that help farmers protect soil, air, and water resources. The combined damage led one commentator to call the bill a “full-on disaster.”

And have any of you written a letter to editor of your local paper telling your neighbors why you shop at the farmers market near you?  Everyone reads the letters to the editor!

August is NH Eat Local Month!

August is NH Eat Local Month and all the friends of the Northwood Farmers Market sure do know how to EAT LOCAL, don't we?!

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

Very interesting article on the role of the USDA in the local food system growing in our country.

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) initiative itself is the brainchild of USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan — possibly the highest ranking supporter of sustainable agriculture we’ve ever had at USDA — as a way to highlight efforts to aid local foods.

Lots of good links.

Meet the "Sol Food" family!

Sol Food is a family run business producing farm fresh pestos, sauces, spreads and more to the Seacoast area of New England. Sourcing from our own back yard or from local, organic farms as needed, it is our hope to bring something special to the day of you and your loved ones when you pop the lid to one of our jars. We hope to have you grow alongside our family as we embark on raising our sweet babe, Jasper Sol, buy our 1st farm, and of course, continue to cook for all of you. With love, The Sol Food Family.


Check them out on Facebook too!

Seacoast Eat Local newsletter

If you aren't on their mailing list, here's the Seacoast Eat Local newsletter.

Bulk frozen wild blueberries

Looking for bulk orders of wild blueberries? Taylor-Brown in Alton sells them pre-frozen, you can keep them in the freezer, and scoop out what you need. They will keep for 2 years frozen. 5 lbs. for $25, 10 lbs for $37, 20 lbs for $72. You can call the farm and pre-order and they will call when they are ready to pick up, on your schedule.

New vendors at the market

We had a couple of new vendors at the market this week.  Trav's Treats, yummy baked goods,  and a new vegetable vendor who also has PIE!  We're coming into the vegetable season, good healthy eating is in store for our customers.

Imagine being part of a continent wide network!

One of the easiest and most satisfying volunteer projects your blogger is involved in is CoCoRHaS,  a volunteer network of people across the US, and now in Canada, who report precipitation.

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.

For the local food community, precipitation and lack of it are vital information.  Please read about this amazing organization and if you can, volunteer.

This week's market buys

Your blogger paid her weekly visit to the Northwood Farmers Market and came back with this haul:

Wild blueberries, carrots and sugar snap peas from the Root Seller, half a fresh chicken from Hayward Natural Farms, muffins from Susty's (I see blueberries and muffins for breakfast!) and my Giddy Grapefruit Face lotion from Kim's Herbals.  I am a happy shopper.  

Laconia Farmers Market Opens June 23rd

Laconia, NH – The Laconia Farmers’ Market opens on Saturday, June 23rd in downtown Laconia at the City Hall Parking Lot.  We have sixteen vendors from throughout the region selling a variety of, locally grown vegetables, garlic, herbs, fruit, berries, natural meats, seafood and delicious farmstead jams and jellies, baked goods, artisan breads and a selection of unique handmade crafts, soaps and art.
Join us for special opening day features:

Mystic Eye Creations from Franklin, NH, will be doing live demonstrations of wood turning and how their products are made. Daniel Podawiltz will be making kaleidoscopes, ornaments, key chains and various other gift items – even fulfilling custom orders on the spot and answering any questions you might have.

Bubble and Flame Soap Company, from Gilmanton, NH, providing fun and whimsical, handmade soaps, has a special – buy three, get the fourth free.

Shapleigh Island Lobster Company, from Portsmouth, NH, has an opening day special price on lobster, at $3.85 per lb.

In addition, we have a wonderful array of growers and unique specialty vendors this year.
Arbutus Hill Farm - Fresh local vegetables and herbs; Bill and Diane Brown - Maple products, seasonal vegetables and fruit; Brian Ramsey - Seasonal vegetables, berries and maple products; DeNutte Delights - High quality, handmade soy candles in mason jars; Eat Dessert First - Delicious homemade baked goods, chocolates, candies, cookies and sweet breads; Herbal Earth - Cut flowers, dried herbs and herbal products;; Nadja Hebert - Organic vegetables, herbs and berries and homespun yarn; Rustic Raven – Baked Goods; Still Seeking Farm - Organic vegetables, blueberries, maple syrup, soap, beeswax candles, homemade baskets; The Bread Peddler - Homemade artisan breads; The Dog Door Bakery - Wholegrain hand-mixed and hand-cut treats dog biscuits.

Come out and experience our beautiful outdoor market and enjoy the local flavor. “Live Free, and Eat Local”

Gonna be a hot one!

It sounds like this Thursday will be a hot one!  Wear cool clothes and come shop on the grass.  Here's a picture of what your blogger brought home from the last market:

Strawberries from Montminy, spicy strawberry rhubarb jam from Sol Food, sugar snap peas from The Root Seller, muffins from Susty's, beets from Hayward Natural Farms.  Yum.

Another sunny market day? We'll see.

Once again, the weather forecast for Thursday has improved to partly sunny and warmer after some rain tonight. Sounds like a lovely day to shop the market! (Of course, as dedicated New Englanders, we always take our weather forecasts with a grain of sea salt.)

Let the sun shine!

We can't complain about lack of rain now, can we?  Another market day on Thursday, and we're getting closer and closer to local vegetables and fruits.  Emery Farm had strawberries for sale yesterday.  We love summer, eating local is so good!

Looking for CSA that has pick-up in Northwood?

There are still CSA (community Supported Agriculture) shares available from Montminy Farm - see Bob, at the market, for details ...you pay up front for the season and have produce waiting for you to pickup at the market each week. Montminy's stand is setup (facing the market from the parking lot) Just left of our only remaining large tree ...any of the vendors can direct you to him too.

What a beautiful day to start the season!

It was a glorious, sunny, breezy May day to start the 2012 season at our market.  We had great vendors, wonderful customers and lots of celebration of our community and this wonderful place we live in.  You can see the pictures of the market here.

Next week we will have Sandra Koski making music for us.  Be sure to put it on your calendar!

Nottingham Farmers' Market Opens Sunday

The Nottingham Farmers' Market opening day this year will be Sunday, May 20.  The market will run from 1 to 4 pm every Sunday through October 14 on the lawn in front of the Blaisdell Memorial Library on Route 152.

This year's market will offer a variety of local vegetables and fruit, eggs, poultry, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, plants, cut flowers, and more.  Several of our vendors from last year will be rejoining us, along with a few new ones.

For our opening day on May 20 we will also be joined by some of the craft and prepared food vendors who were with us for the past season's winter markets.

"Nice and Naughty," a local folk duo will be providing live music. You can find us on Facebook at Nottingham Farmers Market and "like" our page to see regular updates on products available at the market this season.  We will also be posting a complete list of vendors who will attend the May 20 market as the date approaches.

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

 Tomorrow, tomorrow, the sun comes out tomorrow, and the Northwood Farmers Market opens for the season!  See you there!

Weather forecast for Thursday, May 17th

The weather forecast for Thursday is looking good.  Bring your appetite, your reusable bags, and a smile!

2012 Market Dates!

It's getting closer and closer to the opening day of the market.  You know how fast time flies as we all gear up for warmer weather and growing season.  So here's the schedule for 2012: every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:30 pm, starting May 17th and going through October 4th.  See you soon!

Local food and school lunches - make the connection!

FoodCycleUS - What a great idea!

Our mission is simple: to create a connection between local, small-scale organic farms and public schools in an effort to create sustainable lunch programs throughout each school year. By providing our children with better lunch options, we are not only giving them a source of nutrition, but also an education on healthy eating habits for the future. School lunches don’t have to be slop on a lunch tray, nor should they. 

Saturday, February 25th - Market Schedule

Markets this week, in the area - all on Saturday 10am - 2pm
     Tilton Farmers Market - Main St in Tilton
     Concord Farmers Market - Cole Gardens in Concord
     SeaCoast Eat Local - Wentworth Greenhouse in Rollinsford (free shuttle from Salmon Falls Stoneware, for overflow parking)

This week at the SeaCoast Eat Local Market:
    CSA Week - learn more about Community Supported Agriculture  (remember we have 2 CSA's with summer pickup at the Northwood Farmers Market)
    10 - noon:  Kathy Gunst, (author of Notes From a Maine Kitchen: Seasonally Inspired Recipes) Cooking Demo and Book Signing
   

Local Food - all year round :)

Deerfield Farmers Market Sunday Afternoon

Don't forget to stop by the monthly winter Deerfield Farmers' Market on Sunday, February 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the George B. White Building [town offices] at 8 Raymond Road [Route 443/107]. Load up on eggs, meats, vegetables, jellies and honey, and other fresh and locally produced goods.

Not only will you be feeding your family well, you will be supporting your neighbors, our local farmers.

Summer CSA's at the Northwood Farmers Market

Did you see customers taking boxes full of produce home, from the Northwood Farmers Market last summer???   They were CSA members, picking up their "shares" from Red Manse Farm.

This summer 2 farms will be offering CSA shares, for pickup at the Northwood Farmers Market:
     
       Red Manse Organic Farm  (full share:  $565   half share:  $320 - for 20 weeks of produce)
                see website:  www.redmansefarm.com for more details

      Montminy's Country Store (full share:  $350     half shares are available upon request for 12 week of produce)
                for more information, contact Northwood Farmers Market for contact information

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): Many of the expenses to small farms are incurred early in the season, before income starts coming in, from harvest:  seeds, fertilizer, fuel for greenhouses etc.   CSAs help small farms by providing money early in the season, to help offset these expenses.   Members pay for a season's worth of produce in advance and in exchange, recieve a "share" of the harvest available each week.  CSA members "partner" with the farmer, sharing the risks (weather, pests) and share in the rewards.

Why local meat costs more

Great article on why the meat you buy from your local farmer costs more than meat at the supermarket.

Organic Raw Milk and Eggs at Matras Farm

Matras Farm is still offering fresh organic raw milk and organic eggs for sale at their place on Route 107 in Pittsfield, just 4 miles from Route 4 in Northwood. They are open Monday through Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Deerfield Farmers Market Starts Winter Season January 8th

The Deerfield Farmers Market will be holding indoor winter markets once a month this year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We predict that 2012 will be a great year for Farmers Markets!