Turnrow Trainings and Community Dinner

Sprouting Farms works to understand the best growing practices for efficient production, and to share that knowledge with the farmer members of the Turnrow Appalachian Farm Collective. In the last month, we have had some exciting developments in the production program that will position the farm to better demonstrate the opportunities available to a variety of producers in the region and state. We are refining several crop specific production systems that will feed established and growing demand in several markets. The systems for our signature Nine Leaf Salad blend, arugula, bunching greens, and head lettuce in particular, are responsible for significant gains in efficiency and process. We hope to begin sharing these systems with the Turnrow farmers in the 2019 season.

— — Lucas Hilsbos

Community Outreach

At Sprouting Farms’ last cooking class we made two versions of stuffed acorn squash, one with lentils and one with sausage. We also made a pesto potato salad including Sprouting Farms’ greens with chopped potatoes tossed in pesto made from radish tops. Each class includes more inventive ways to use local food in a healthy and easily made meal. You can always see what’s available from the local farmers we source our food from, on the Turnrow Local Food Marketplace, at turnrow.localfoodmarketplace.com. The market opens each week from Wednesday mornings to Saturdays evenings. You can pick up your order here at Sprouting Farms, or at the other drop off locations in Charleston, Lewisburg, and Union.

Our beekeeping class brought out the local bee lovers to learn a bit about the ins and outs of beekeeping. Kevin, from the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective (ABC), came to Sprouting Farms to show the class the bee hives the organization keeps at the farm. He brought the equipment useful to caring for the bees, and gave a presentation about the best practices for keeping bees. If you are interested in learning about beekeeping, ABC is holding Beekeeping 101 classes across our region. You can see all the counties they are visiting at their Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/appalbeecollective/

If you live in the Alderson area, the Alderson Community Garden is looking for new participants for the garden. The ACG has 10 raised beds, a garden shed, and a rainwater collection barrel across from the Alderson Hospitality House on the Monroe side of Alderson. If you or someone you know would be interested in having a bed in the garden you can call or email Beth Ryan at beth@sproutingfarms.org or 304–573–4242. The garden is one of the several projects the Alderson Community Food Hub is contributing to the town of Alderson. The Food Hub had their annual member meeting a couple weeks ago, and their projects for the year will continue to support the Alderson Community Farmers’ Market, the Alderson Community Garden, and gardening education for the Alderson Elementary School.

— — Beth Ryan

Education Program

Time to get ready for the new growing season. We are super excited about the trainings Turnrow Appalachian Farm Collective is holding on February 27th, 28th, and March 1st. This three day training is presented in partnership with Family Farmed and WVU State University.

Topics covered in this three day training include:

• Meeting needs and values of produce buyers.
• Learning how to serve the larger markets.
• Proper care of produce from field to table.
• Food safety planning.
• Accessing new markets.
• Maintaining the cold chain from harvest to delivery.

And more…

Did I mention that the training is FREE, with breakfast and lunch provided?

You can find more details, and register for the event at turnrowfarmertraining.eventbrite.com

Only a few spots are left!

Last but not least, February 27th there will be a Community Dinner at 6:30pm at the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company in Lewisburg, WV. Attendees will enjoy chili made from fresh local ingredients, beer by GVBC, and live music. You’ll also have the chance to meet many of the growers who keep this community fueled with locally grown food. Everyone and anyone is welcome.

Hope to see you there!

— — Ruby D.