The last several days have been busy. Two calves born, and lots of baby lambs. In fact, the triplets we had are now being bottle fed. So, if I have not been posting, you now know why. Ill be out taking photographs today now that the sun is out and it looks to be a beautiful day. The weather has been just awful of late. The sheep are looking forward to the pasture.
We still have lots of lambing yet to come, but Im going to let them lamb on pasture now, and get them out of the barn. The mommas can come into the barn with their babies if I think they need some time alone, but the weather looks really nice for the next couple of weeks.
The baby bunnies are starting to wean themselves off of mom. They are eating food and hay and drinking from the waterer now. Not much longer until we have ourselves a nice fricasee!
The baby chicks that we found in the barn are doing well. Its also time to get our broiler birds out onto pasture. Lots to do this weekend. Lots!
Showing posts with label rabbit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rabbit. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Pending Poultry Legislation
I took a trip to Annapolis a few weeks ago with some fellow farmers and met with our elected state representatives. They surprised us by immediately offering to sponsor legislation that would address our concerns. Could have knocked me over with a feather. Who knew it would be so easy?
We went to Annapolis because the regulations in Maryland say that we are not allowed to sell on-farm processed poultry or rabbit at farmers markets. We are allowed to sell here on the farm, but not at a table at the market. The state recognizes farmers markets as an extension of on-farm sales for ALL OTHER PRODUCTS, but not poultry or rabbit. The state requires all meats that are sold to have been processed at a USDA inspected facility. However, the USDA specifically exempts small poultry processors from being inspected. So, the state says we need to be inspected, but the USDA says we dont. And the State doesnt care if we sell on farm, just not at a farmers market. Does that make any sense?
So, we went to Annapolis and our representatives agreed. The links are below. If you live in Maryland and are passionate about local food and supporting small farms and pastured poultry, please contact your representatives and urge them to support this legislation!!!
We went to Annapolis because the regulations in Maryland say that we are not allowed to sell on-farm processed poultry or rabbit at farmers markets. We are allowed to sell here on the farm, but not at a table at the market. The state recognizes farmers markets as an extension of on-farm sales for ALL OTHER PRODUCTS, but not poultry or rabbit. The state requires all meats that are sold to have been processed at a USDA inspected facility. However, the USDA specifically exempts small poultry processors from being inspected. So, the state says we need to be inspected, but the USDA says we dont. And the State doesnt care if we sell on farm, just not at a farmers market. Does that make any sense?
So, we went to Annapolis and our representatives agreed. The links are below. If you live in Maryland and are passionate about local food and supporting small farms and pastured poultry, please contact your representatives and urge them to support this legislation!!!
House Bill 1070
Senate Bill 912
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)