Buy local
Support your local farmer…
There is a healthy movement about! It’s called BUY LOCAL! The idea is to support the local agricultural community by purchasing our foodstuffs close to home. This way the farmer saves on transportation costs and the consumer gets food fresh from the farm. I like the logic of this idea, and I am always looking for new opportunities to buy local. This year I am trying a few new things that I am excited about. In February I ordered beef straight from a local farm. I had no idea what to expect: how much meat made up ¼ of the cow? What cuts would I get? How many steaks, roasts, soup bones, burgers and hamburger would I receive? How big are the various cuts of meat? Did I have ROOM in my freezer? Will it keep?
WOW! I am so pleased with this adventure! I paid the farmer a flat fee per pound for all the beef, whether steaks or burgers. The butcher charge was separate and dependent upon the cuts I selected from a chart. When I picked up the meat from the butcher it was packaged, labeled and frozen solid – ready to pop into my home freezer. The packaging allows me to see the cut of meat so that I know exactly what I am choosing, and I can estimate how many people it will feed. OH THE TASTE! I have never tasted beef so full of flavor.
This Spring I have purchased a partial share in a CSA organic farm. CSA stands for “community supported agriculture”. Paid in advance, the cash from the sale of shares provides the funds that the farmer needs to stay in business and make a profit. My share entitles me to a portion of his fresh crop each AND EVERY week for 20 weeks. My “share” also includes a share in the risk: if the season is a poor one, I will receive less for my money. However, if the season produces a banner crop, I will reap the benefits! I just like this idea! It seems right to me. I also like the idea of eating fresh vegetables right off the vine!
Support your local farmer! BUY LOCAL! Let’s keep our farmers producing a healthy crop right here in Southeastern Wisconsin!
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