It's dairy month! Let's raise a glass. |
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Massachusetts has about 120 dairy farms left, representing under 2% of all the farms in the state—but this tiny number of farmers steward 10% of all agricultural land and account for 9% of agricultural sales. They are vital to our agricultural system. This month (and really, every month) we celebrate them!
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Are you cooking at home a bit more right now? Here are some perfect quarantine cooking ideas for dairy month.
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How local dairy farms have been affected by COVID-19 |
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"Right now, people are looking for more locally grown products and wanting to support local businesses. I want everyone to think about how they can support dairy farmers, and not to forget about us when this crisis has passed.” -Jessica Dizek of Mapleline Farm
The pandemic has brought serious new challenges for all small businesses, and local dairy farms have their own unique challenges. In this month's CISA column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, we explore how the industry and local farmers have responded to this crisis. Read more!
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Every week, we talk to local farmers for CISA's Valley Bounty column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Here's how things are going for a couple of local dairy farmers:
Barstow's Longview Farm
Most years, hundreds of people gather on the farm to celebrate Pasture Day, when the heifers celebrate their first taste of fresh grass in months. This year, the Barstow family hosted the event online. “We had to do it on Facebook live. It felt a little like I was just talking to myself and my phone,” Denise Barstow said with a laugh. Read more.
McCray's Farm and Country Creamery
What is June like at McCray’s Farm and Country Creamery? “Insanity,” according to Steve McCray. Read more.
You can read every installment of Valley Bounty here!
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Help CISA thank local farmers |
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We’re making a video to thank our local farms for all their hard work during the pandemic. You could be one of its stars!
We know that local farms and food businesses have stepped up for our community over the last few months, and we want to highlight the role that local farms are playing in peoples’ lives during this unique moment in history. We’re making a video to share some of these stories, and we want to hear yours! All you have to do is film a 30-90 second video of yourself using your phone or computer.
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Shopper survey—tell us what you think!
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Local farms and food businesses have been working hard to adapt to the spread of COVID-19 so they can keep growing food and feeding our communities. You can help support them by taking our local food survey today! We want to understand how shopping habits have changed since the pandemic, and what your priorities are now.
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We are hiring a Terra Corps position |
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CISA is seeking a Regional Collaboration Coordinator to work with farmers’ markets to make them more welcoming to a diverse group of shoppers, and work to build strong relationships with partner organizations serving low-income residents.
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Welcome to CISA's new Board members! |
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We're thrilled to welcome three new CISA board members: Myra Marcellin, Vice President and Sr. Loan Officer at Farm Credit East; Tessa White-Diemand, of Diemand Farm in Wendell; and Elizabeth Wroblicka, Environmental Consultant at Conservation Works.The three newest board members were voted in during CISA's Annual Meeting, held virtually on May 21, and will serve three-year terms.
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Quick Links
Check out our press page for news stories about local farms and local agriculture, along with our weekly interview series on WRSI, monthly column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and more!
Job opportunities, land, equipment.
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Please do not take images or content to use on your own site or project without CISA's explicit permission. Please feel free to link to our newsletter. Archives can be found at buylocalfood.org.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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1 Sugarloaf Street,
South Deerfield, MA 01373
413-665-7100
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