Update November 2010: We completed the third event in the Farm to Table Agriculture Series on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The October Farm to Table included a presentation by Ken Meter from Crossroad Research Center on the current state of the Shenandoah Valley's local farm and food economy and strategic approaches for building a stronger homegrown food system that addresses the community and its needs. There was also a vendor showcase highlighting existing local food options throughout the county and a locally sourced meal prepared by Shenandoah Farms in Mt. Jackson.
To see a list of vendors participating in our October 14th Farm to Table.
For a copy of Ken Meter's presentation. For a copy of Ken Meter's study on "Shenandoah Valley Local Farm and Food Economy".
A final celebratory event, Reaping the Harvest: A Celebration of the Land and It's Bounty will be held once the growing season restarts in the Spring of 2011. This event will be a fundraiser dinner to augment the Shenandoah Valley's Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign and will feature locally grown and prepared foods.
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A Special Thanks to Supporters of the 2010 Farm to Table Series!
Bowman Apple Products - Wayne and Beverly Butterfield -
Eric Dalke - Jeff Dalke -
Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River -
Kennedy Konstruction - MidAltantic Farm Credit -
New Market Rotary Club -
Potomac Conservancy - Shenandoah Community Foundation -
Shenandoah County Farm Bureau -
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation -
Shenandoah Valley Network - Turkey Knob Growers -
Valley Conservation Council -
Doug Veach, State Farm Insurance
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February 2010: Shenandoah Forum will be hosting a series of public forums and workshops over the coming months focused on strengthening the agricultural base of Shenandoah County, both economically and environmentally. We believe that a vibrant and healthy agricultural community is vital to the strength, health and future of Shenandoah County.
The project -- dubbed Farm to Table -- targets Shenandoah County's diverse farming sector. This includes farming operations of all sizes and types - whether traditional or modern, long standing or new, large or small. It will include programs to assist current and prospective farmers, farms involved in agritourism, as well as our vineyards and wineries, orchards, woodlots and trout farms.
While aimed specifically at the farming community, the sessions are also intended for consumers who value local resources and look for ways to ensure their availability and public officials seeking to realize the vision of the Comprehensive Plan for a rural character and sustainable agricultural future for Shenandoah County.
Forums Scheduled for March and April 2010
The project will begin in March with a series of two public forums, each a two-hour evening program addressing long-term financing options for farms.
Forum #1: Extending the Season: Long-term Planning Options - Completed
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010
"You Can Buy the Family Farm But Remember I Still Own It"
Speaker: Dr. Ron Hanson is the Neal Harlan Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Hanson is a widely traveled national speaker on the importance of maintaining healthy family relationships and the future of the family farm. Dr. Hanson's presentation "You Can Buy the Family Farm But Remember I Still Own It" identifies and discusses issues confronting succession of a family-owned farm business. This humorous and motivating message is filled with "true to life" anecdotes to help families work through the process of moving America's agriculture to the next generation --- vital to the future of our economy and our society.
Forum #2: Sowing the Seeds: Building Lasting Agriculture - Completed
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Speaker 1: Craig Sweger is the 2008-2009 Program Director for the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program with the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Entrepreneurship Excellence. Mr. Sweger is an experienced agricultural businessman and respected advocate for the agricultural community who has for decades been connecting economic development leaders and members of the agricultural community. Mr. Sweger will discuss the successes and challenges of the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program. This program keeps land, farms and farmers in the business of farming by linking farmers with available agriculture-based and business support-based resources. The evening will also include a discussion on innovative financing options for farmers, farms and the land.
Speaker 2: Lisa Anne Hawkins and John W. Flora, Lenhart Obenshain PC, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Overview of innovative strategies for expanding revenue sources for farmers, including the benefits and risks of some conservation programs and alternative energy resources.
Fall 2010 Events
The third in the Farm to Table Series, To Market, To Market ..., to be held in September, will focus on effective marketing approaches and adding value to existing agriculture products. For this all-day event, local producers and businesses will be invited to set up vendor booths, participate on panel discussions, and contribute to a locally-sourced lunch. Speakers will address topics such as current commodity markets and changing market demands. In addition, smaller break-out sessions are planned on topics such as direct farm sales, farmers' markets, community-supported agriculture and agritourism, and food security.
A final celebratory event, Reaping the Harvest: A Celebration of the Land and It's Bounty, also planned for September, is a fundraiser dinner to augment the Valley's Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign and will feature locally grown and prepared foods.
Shenandoah Forum hopes to raise the awareness of our community that, even in today's convenience food economy, "Eating is an Agricultural Act," one that deserves our attention and support. Understanding how we can achieve a more secure future for our community through a locally sustainable food system that creates more profitable farming practices and more informed choices for healthy living is a goal of the program.
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A Special Thanks to our Supporters!
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Handouts from March 18th Forum:
"You Can Buy the Family Farm But Remember I Still Own It"
Whole summary of Dr. Hanson's "presentation
2-page summary of Dr. Hanson's presentation
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