This is my third year at the Florida Small Farms Conference, and as usual I’ve come back with a wealth of information and new friends. This conference has it all. Beginning farmers and experienced, growers and ranchers, marketing and accounting, food safety and regulations, farm tours, vendors and livestock exhibits, lobbying and legal tools. It is the voice of the small farmer, farmers markets and CSA’s. What do you need? Get to these conferences. NETWORKING – can’t say enough about it’s value.
Bragging rights: Jefferson County’s own Roger Twitchell and Ellyn Hutson of Caney Branch Farm, Monticello, Florida were recipients of Florida Innovative Farmer Award. There are three given each year and this is the second time a Jefferson County farm has been honored. Beekeepers, Cattle, Horses, Chickens and Icelandic Sheep. What a great farm. Congratulations Roger and Ellyn.
Herman Holly and Louise Divine staffed the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance booth at the farm conference, along with several other supporters. They are our voice in the wind. Current projects include an online farmers market, farmer to farmer networking, advocacy and policy efforts and a small farm directory. This all to support local, sustainable small farm enterprises in the North Florida region.