Here at AWA, we’ve been thinking a lot about this special holiday and how we may have more in common with our ancestors than we think. Upon arriving in America, the early pilgrims ate what was locally available (granted, they didn’t have an alternative!). This happened to be animals that ranged and foraged in the woods and pastures, eating a diet specific to their natural needs and free from non-therapeutic antibiotics or added hormones. Sounds like a Certified AWA farm, doesn’t it? Meat, dairy, and eggs from animals raised outdoors on pasture or range is better for you, better for farmers, and better for the planet all great reasons to give thanks.
Empire Farm Days: Day One
Squish, squish, squish. That’s the sound everyone heard yesterday over and over at Empire Farm Days. The night before Seneca Falls was hit with torrential rain that made the conference site at Rodman Lott & Son Farms decidedly soggy! At first this was a blessing because passersby took refuge in our little patch of dry-ISH grass and it gave us an opportunity to talk to attendees who may have walked right by us. However, the mud ended up spreading and by the end of the day we were all a soggy bunch of people with REALLY muddy feet.
Mud or no mud, day one of Empire Farm Days was fun and successful. We’ve met some wonderful farmers we may never have connected to had we not been sitting at our soggy exhibit. It’s a real celebration of agriculture here in Seneca Falls and attendees were able to participate in a wide variety of activities – from practical lectures such as “Increasing profitability for smaller dairies” to the more decadent and fun activities such as the New York Wine and Cheese Sampling and the “Old Iron” Antique Tractor Parade.
That’s all for day one, but if you’re in the area you should stop by for days 2 and 3 and meet me and our new auditor Richard Long. Empire Farm Days is a free event. Just remember to wear mud ready footwear! For more details about the event please visit the website.
–Brigid Sweeney
