This could be your last Rose Mountain Farm newsletter!

Hi folks!

One quick update before I get to the title business - in December, the Ashe County Farmers Market board decided unanimously to hold winter markets on the first Saturday of each month from 8-12. This coming market (March 6th), I'll have pork and sausage, and probably mustard greens and arugula. Only a month until spring, and we're already planting! Also, if you are interested in a CSA, the deadline has passed, but I still have a few available, so please support local farmers and the local economy - along with your health - and order a CSA from RMF!

And now to the main course of business: because our newsletter group is so large, we can no longer send out email messages when there is a newsletter or announcement. So, we're asking that you take a moment now to sign up on our Yahoo Group to continue receiving news! As you know, you'll only be receiving one about every two weeks or so through the winter, and no more than one per week in the summer. It's an easy process, so please take a moment to sign up and stay in the loop. We'll be updating the newsletter sign up page in the next few days to allow for this change. You can also subscribe via email by sending a blank message to the following email: rmfnewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. If you don't want to receive our updates any longer, just do nothing.

Speaking of changes, this year we're implementing a new website page that will allow you to see what products we'll have at each market before you leave your house! No guessing, no calling to check, no wondering if its worth your drive - any veggies, meat, or eggs we have will be listed under the appropriate market. You may remember from previous newsletters that my daughter Autumn will be running the Ashe market, freeing me up for the Watauga market! You won't know when those changes take effect unless you're on our new Yahoo Group, so please, don't make me beg!

Saturday Selling!

Stacy Martin and I will be set up at the Ashe County Farmer's Market site this Saturday from 11-2. Stacy will have lamb and eggs for sale, and I will have pork and eggs. Come out and take advantage of us being in town! Look forward to seeing you there!






Photo (c) Frederica Georgia 2008

Processed pig for sell!

We currently have 5 whole hogs butterflied @ 100 lbs each. $2.50 per lb. We are also offering pork chops, ground, ribs, side, stew, and boneless ham roast. Call to reserve your pig or meat. 336-977-2535.

Customers can always call for bulk meat orders Jan - Mar!

This Saturday is the last market, please be sure to come support your farmers and craftsmen!

Poultry and Family business

Let me start by saying thank you so much for being my customers this year!!!! The farm is alive and kicking thanks to all of you.

RMF is going into the pastured poultry business full throttle! We'll be growing the legal limit of 1000 birds for the summer of 2009. The first batch will be available the week of May 11th, and our intention is to process every 2 weeks all summer. Egg production is also going to increase, and eggs will be available at the Ashe and Watauga market next spring.

On the family front, my daughter, Autumn will be managing the Ashe Market booth in the coming season, freeing me up for RMF's Watauga booth (except on App State home game days). This aligns with our committment to provide fresh, local food, while supporting the sustainability model and reducing our carbon footprint (and yours!).

The Ashe County Farmers Market will re-open on Dec 6 and 13th, with new winter hours of 10 am to 3 pm. I hope to see you there. I will have about 4 cases of butternut squash and plenty of pork, lamb and whole chicken.

For 2009, our production will gear towards meat. I will be offering pastured poultry April- Sept, Goat and Lamb 100% grass and forage fed Aug- Dec., and pastured pork year-round. For a pricing list that you can print, please click here.

I will be using my greenhouse for the early spring greens, and I am open to suggestions or pre-orders. I will continue to offer early braising greens, radishes, herbs, lettuce, and mustard and/or turnip greens.

CSA shares are now available for the 2009 growing season. Learn all about our CSA program and how you can get the local produce from RMF all season long. Give our best to your family for a Christmas present! Buying a share not only helps your local farmer and the local economy, but also assures you have quality, local, fresh vegetables to nourish your bodies. No one would turn down the gift of good health!

I would like to extend a special thank you to my agriculture extension agent Richard Boyland, and my friend and business partner Virginia Tate. The farm is growing and improving at a steady pace.

Happy Holidays, however you celebrate, and Merry Christmas to all!

Eat Healthy, Stay Well,

Ann