Kickstarter is finally launched! To check it out, click on the link and watch the video. We have just 45 days to reach our goal of $20,000! If we don’t reach it we get zero.
So, please help us spread the word like wild fire! We need your help to make this happen so our small farm can become a success!
Thanks for your support!
Delta Sun Farm
TN
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1312628802/delta-sun-farm-csa-program
Egg producers wishing to sell eggs from their own flocks of less than 3,000 birds are no longer required to obtain a Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) Regulatory Services license to do so. A recent opinion by the State Attorney General clarified the authority of TDA to license such operations under the Tennessee Egg Law.
While a license and inspection is no longer required for those selling eggs from their own flocks, it is still just as important for producers to properly handle eggs for quality assurance and food safety purposes. Those having more than 3,000 birds in their flocks are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture.
For quality assurance, it is important to properly handle the eggs from the layer house to the consumer. A fact sheet written by Phillip J. Clauer, the Poultry Extension Specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension discusses the proper handling of eggs, although the section on regulations does not apply in Tennessee. The fact sheet titled Proper Handling of Eggs: From Hen to Consumption is available online at http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2902/2902-1091/2902-1091.pdf.
Farmers interested in offering a pick-your-own (PYO) operation have a new resource available. A Farmer’s Guide to a Pick-Your-Own Operation has just been published by the University of Tennessee Extension Center for Profitable Agriculture with funding provided in part by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
The publication describes characteristics of common PYO crops, provides examples of PYO operations in Tennessee, helps producers determine if PYO is a good market channel choice for them and discusses various aspects of PYO planning and operation. The publication is available online at the Center for Profitable Agriculture’s website at https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1802.pdf or in hard copy from the Center and County UT Extension offices across the state.
Tennessee farmers, farmers market managers, vendors and board members can enlist in one of several new “boot camps” scheduled across the state March 26-28. The farmers market boot camps will focus on merchandising and effective
displays, food safety issues and regulations, good agricultural practices, and sales tax exemptions and requirements.
Programs will be held:
· Monday, March 26, noon to 4:30pm, Morristown
· Tuesday, March 27, 9am to 1:30pm, Athens
· Tuesday, March 27, 4pm to 8:30pm, Manchester
· Wednesday, March 28, 10am to 2:30pm, Jackson
(All times are local to the event.)
The programs are free of charge, but pre-registration is required, and must be made five days prior to the scheduled session. Registrations can be made by phone or email. Emailed registrations should be sent to kamartinez@utk.edu and must include participant names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and total number planning to attend. To register by phone, call 931-486-2777. Sessions will be canceled if an ample number of preregistrations are not secured. A meal will be provided free of charge as part of the event.
