Passages
Sustainable Food and Farming Systems
Serving the Community of Sustainable Farmers, Consumers and Businesses Throughout Pennsylvania and Beyond
Number 77
By Michelle Isham, PASA Member
Great plants start with great soil. That’s
the philosophy behind Organic Mechanics
Soil Company LLC, a West Chester, Penn-
sylvania-based company that blends special-
ty-potting soils for farms, wholesale
nurseries and retail outlets.
“I got into horticulture and saw that
everything began with the soil,” said Mark
Highland, president of Organic Mechanics.
Organic Mechanics Soil offers environ-
mentally friendly peat-free potting soils
blended from compost, pine bark mulch,
coconut husk fiber, worm castings, rice hulls
and/or perlite. Highland chose to make his
product peat-free for two reasons — the
negative environmental impacts of peat har-
vesting and shipping the peat from Canada
— where the vast majority of all horticultur-
al peat sold in the United States is harvested
— to Pennsylvania.
According to Highland, despite shipping
coconut fiber from Sri Lanka the environ-
March/April 2009
BUSINESS MEMBER PROFILE
The Organic
Mechanics Soil
Company LLC
Greening
the Garden
mental impact of coconut fiber is much
lower than that of peat. The fibers are dried
and compacted and shipped on a container
ship. Once the fiber reaches the company it
is reconstituted.
“When we get one container of this
coconut fiber in it’s like getting in five con-
tainers because it fluffs up to five times its
size,” explained Highland.
In addition to replacing peat with
coconut fiber, Organic Mechanics Soil is
working towards using rice hulls as a substi-
tute for perlite. Perlite — a naturally occur-
ring siliceous volcanic rock — is primarily
harvested in Africa and requires further pro-
cessing once it reaches the United States.
The rice hulls are a byproduct of rice har-
vesting in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas,
which shortens both the shipping and the
refinement processes.
“Environmental sustainability is a core
value of what we do,” said Highland.
Highland became interested in soil and
Newsletter of the
Pennsylvania
Association
for Sustainable
Agriculture
Mark Highland of The Organic Mechanics Soil Com-
pany LLC works in his garden. He believes environ-
mental sustainability is a core value of his business.
sustainable growing practices as a student at
the University of Florida. Enrolling in the
university’s environmental horticulture pro-
gram proved to be an eye-opening experi-
ence for the former art student.
“I found the program in environmental
horticulture…and I thought, ‘This sounds
great.’ Then I found out that horticulture is
one of the most polluting industries of them
all,” he said.
Highland decided to combat the conven-
tional wisdom that dictated fertilizers and
pesticides were the way to lush plants. He
turned his attention instead to the soil. “I
fell in love with soil. I love soil,” he said.
After graduating, Highland moved to
Oregon and worked on an organic farm for
three years before opening his own landscap-
ing business. While working, he continued
to research soil and soil amendments. Even-
tually he earned a master’s degree from the
University of Delaware, where he studied
compost amended potting soils.
Highland founded the company in 2006,
with just one blend of soil, the Premium
Blend. The company has since developed a
range of five different blends and is current-
ly wrapping up seedling trials for a germina-
tion mix that will be available this fall.
“We think we’re on to the best germina-
tion mix ever,” said Highland.
Organic Mechanics Soil’s formula of
combining a high-quality product with envi-
ronmental sustainability is working well.
Highland has projected the company’s sales
doubling in 2009.
“We have a product that is high demand
right now. Not only is it organic it’s local and
we’re adhering to environmental principals.”
Interview with Mark Highland, page 11.
The Organic Mechanics will be hosting a
PASA field day on Saturday, May 30th. See
page 8 for details.
 Passages STAFF & OFFICE
March/April 2009
Editor: Michele Gauger 1 Business Member Profile
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Kim Seeley, Bradford County 3 Returning Directors Welcomed to PASA Board
Vice President: Brian Moyer, Berks County
Secretary: Mary Barbercheck, Centre County 4 Conference Review
Treasurer: Louise Schorn Smith, Chester County
Jerry Brunetti, Northampton County 5 Conference Review — Benefit Auction
Melanie Dietrich Cochran, Cumberland County
Jennifer Halpin, Cumberland County 6 Director’s Corner
John Hopkins, Columbia County
John Jamison, Westmoreland County
Don Kretschmann, Beaver County
7 PASA Board Perspective
Christopher Lent, Luzerne County
Jeff Mattocks, Dauphin County 8 Educational Outreach
Sandra Miller, Cumberland County
Susan Miller, Chester County 9 Regional Marketing
Rita Resick, Somerset County
10 Fundraising Update
At-Large Board Members
David Bingaman, Dauphin County
12 Farmer Profile
Jamie Moore, Allegheny County

PASA STAFF 14 Is There A Gas Lease in Your Farm’s Future?

PASA Headquarters
Phone: 814-349-9856
Brian Snyder
Executive Director
brian@pasafarming.org
Lauren Smith
Director of Development
lauren@pasafarming.org
Carrie Gillespie
Development Program Assistant
carrie@pasafarming.org
Allison Shauger
Educational Outreach Director
allison@pasafarming.org
Rachel Schaal
Educational Outreach Associate
rachel@pasafarming.org
Michele Gauger
Director of Membership
michele@pasafarming.org
Brandi Marks
Office Coordinator/Bookkeeper
brandi@pasafarming.org
Teresa McFeely
Bookkeeping Assistant
teresa@pasafarming.org
Consumer Outreach
Phone: 412-246-0990
Chris Fullerton
Director of Consumer Outreach
chris@pasafarming.org
Southeast Regional Office
Phone: 610-458-5700 x305
Marilyn Anthony
Southeast Regional Director
marilyn@pasafarming.org
Kendra Anderson
Assistant Program Director
kendra@pasafarming.org
Western Regional Office
Phone: 412-697-0411
Greg Boulos
Western Regional Director
greg@pasafarming.org
Mia Farber
Consumer Outreach Associate
mia@pasafarming.org
15 Consumer Outreach
16 Membership News
18 Classified Ads/Employment
22 Calendar
23 Membership Form
Farmer Profile, page 12
Contributing Writers & Photographers
Marilyn Anthony, Greg Boulos, Sara Eisenfeld, Jenn
Halpin, Mark Highland, Michelle Isham, Pat Little, Lor-
raine & Bill Mineo, Gayle Morrow, Brian Moyer, Rachel
Schaal, Kim Seeley, Allison Shauger, Louise Schorn
Smith, Lauren Smith, Brian Snyder
PASA in the News — Have you seen articles about
PASA in your local newspapers or other media? PASA
is active across the state, and we’d love to know what
coverage we are getting in your area. Please clip any
articles you see on PASA and mail them to our Mill-
heim headquarters to the attention of Michele
Gauger.
Do you have a great article idea for Passages? —
Want to share a farming practice with members? We’d
love to hear from you. Please contact the newsletter
staff at newsletter@pasafarming.org.
Deadline for May/June 2009 Issue: May 4, 2009
Advertising Sales: Michele Gauger,
PASA office, michele@pasafarming.org
Layout: C Factor
Passages is printed on recycled paper
See the calendar of
2009 Field Day Events, page 8
Pennsylvania Association
for Sustainable Agriculture
P.O. Box 419
Millheim PA 16854
Phone: (814) 349-9856
Fax: (814) 349-9840
www.pasafarming.org
PASA’s Mission is…
Promoting profitable farms which produce
healthy food for all people while respecting the
natural environment.
PASA is an organization as diverse as the Pennsylvania land-
scape.We are seasoned farmers who know that sustainability is
not only a concept, but a way of life. We are new farmers look-
ing for the fulfillment of land stewardship. We are students and
other consumers, anxious to understand our food systems and
the choices that must be made. We are families and children,
who hold the future of farming in our hands. This is an organi-
zation that is growing in its voice on behalf of farmers in Penn-
sylvania and beyond. Our mission is achieved, one voice, one
farm, one strengthened community at a time.
PASA is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider and Employer.
Some grant funding comes from the USDA and complaints of
discrimination should be sent to: USDA Office of Civil Rights,
Washington, DC 20250-9410.

2
 Returning Directors Welcomed to PASA Board
By Brian Moyer, PASA Board Vice President
PASA’s 2009 Board of Directors election process began
at the annual conference in early February and continued
through March 7th with our absentee balloting system. We
are pleased to announce the winners with their biographies
included below.
Board members are elected to a three-year term and may
serve three, three-year terms. We also strive to have repre-
sentation on the board from all sectors of agriculture and all
regions of Pennsylvania, so that our board truly reflects the
diversity of the membership it serves.
Many members have noticed that this year’s election had
the same number of open seats as the number of candidates
running for election, and all candidates were incumbents.
This follows a period of three or four years over which the
majority of the board turned over due to term limits.
For the past few years, PASA has also been developing
regional advisory committees made up of members who are
very active in the sustainable farming community and help
PASA do the best work we can in their particular region. It
is our hope that most board candidates will come from
these regional committees in the future. With that in mind,
we reached out to each of the regions, as well as placed
notices in Passages in our attempt to broaden the slate of
candidates. This year we had very little response and sever-
al messages of “thanks, but not interested in serving at this
time.”
To finalize the slate of candidates, the board president
selects the Nominating Committee, which includes at least
two members of the board and at least two members from
the general membership. This committee carefully consid-
ers each candidate and makes sure that all procedures are
followed in attempting to find and select candidates for
election.
Most importantly, and as determined by our bylaws, all
elections are indeed competitive, because each and every
director elected to the board must individually receive a
majority of the vote cast.
As our regions develop, I am confident we will see more
and more potential leaders coming to the surface like Jersey
cream. In the meantime, I am very pleased to note that a
strong majority of those PASA members who voted were
supportive of each candidate nominated this year.

Mary Barbercheck
Centre County
Mary is a Professor in
the Department of Ento-
mology at Penn State
University. She received
her Ph.D. in Entomology from the Uni-
versity of California. Her research has
focused on organic crop production sys-
tems, which involved the transition of
land at the university’s Rock Springs
Research Station to certified organic.
Mary also maintains a research interest in
the area of women and gender issues in
agriculture, science and technology.
Mary was first elected to the PASA
board in 2003 and currently serves as
Secretary. She is on the Personnel and the
Educational Outreach committees and
has co-chaired the Conference Planning
Committee. She has also volunteered
on several committees at Pennsylvania
Certified Organic.
“Active involvement with organiza-
tions that serve sustainable and organic
growers is central to who I am. I believe
researchers need to be fully engaged with,
serve, and learn from the people who are
producing the best food and agricultural
products in the most sustainable way. It
has been my greatest privilege to serve on
the board and to help move PASA’s mis-
sion and programs forward. I am very
honored PASA members have allowed
me to serve a third (and sadly, because of
term-limits, final) term.”
Jerry Brunetti
Northampton County
Jerry is a soil and crop
consultant for livestock
farms and ranches. After
attending North Carolina
State University, Jerry operated a cow/calf
operation in West Virginia and was the
marketing director at the National Farm-
ers Organization in the Northeast. In
1979, he founded Agri-Dynamics, Inc., a
company for which he now consults.
Currently, Jerry assists farm operations as
they adopt the practices necessary for
organic certification while focusing on
improving crop quality, livestock per-
formance and health. Jerry also speaks
about his cancer diagnosis and the path
of nutrition, detoxification and immune
modulation that he took to wellness…a
path he links to healthy soil, nutritious
food, and profitable, sustainable farming
practices.
Jerry was appointed to fill a vacancy
on the PASA board in 2008. He has been
a conference and field day presenter
many times. In 2008, Jerry received
PASA’s Sustainable Ag Leadership Award
and Acres U.S.A. Eco-Agriculture
Achievement Award. He serves on his
township’s Environmental Advisory
Council and is involved with other
organizations dedicated to rebuilding
local food systems and local democracy.
“As PASA leads and trailblazes not
only the practices of sustainability, but
also those of regeneration and resurgence,
the grassroots communities will be the
first to follow, eventually affecting the
mainstream community.”
Jennifer Halpin
Cumberland County
Jenn is the Director of
the Dickinson College
Farm near Carlisle. After
attending Providence
College, she joined the Peace Corps,
becoming interested in sustainable agri-
culture while working with farmers in
West Africa. She currently manages
Dickinson’s 15 acre farm raising all-natu-
continued on page 11

3
Conference Review

2009 Conference Meals Lady Moon Farms

The ingredients for the meals served during the
conference were gathered from supportive
farmers, processors and distributors. Thanks to
our providing farms and businesses.
Beiler Family Farm
Spring Mills, Centre County
Fresh Ground Pork
BJE Farm Contract Production
Kreamer, Snyder County
Farm Fresh Eggs
Brok-N-Bit Acres
Punxsutawney, Jefferson Co.
Whole Hog Sausage
Cow-a-Hen Farm
Mifflinburg, Union County
Fresh Ham
Deep Root Organics
Johnson, Vermont
Organic Carrots & Red Beets
Four Seasons Produce
Ephrata, Lancaster County
Lots of Organic Produce
Furmano Foods, Inc.
Northumberland,
Northumberland County
Tomato & Bean Products
Hares Valley Growers
Mapleton, Huntingdon County
Organic Purple Top Carrots
Help From Above Farm
Three Springs, Huntingdon Co.
Organic Russian Banana
Fingerling Potatoes
Horizon Organic
Broomfield, Colorado
Organic Half & Half,
Yogurt, Cheese Sticks,
Butter & Individual Milks
Inn To The Seasons
Canton, Bradford County
Goats Milk Ricotta
Jonathan’s Organics
Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
Organic Cranberries
Journey’s End Farm
Newfoundland, Wayne County
Maple Syrup
Keswick Creamery
Newburg, Cumberland County
Plain Yogurt
Kettle Foods
Salem, Oregon
Organic Corn & Potato Chips,
Peanut Butter
Pennsylvania, FL, GA
Organic Green & Red Peppers,
Eggplant, Grape, Roma and
Slicer Tomatoes
Leidy’s Nature’s Tradition
Souderton, Montgomery Co.
Naturally Raised Pork Loin
Leona Meat Plant
Troy, Bradford County
Butchering
Leraysville Cheese Factory
Leraysville, Bradford County
Assorted PA Cheeses
McGeary Organics
Lancaster, Lancaster County
Organic Corn Meal & Crackers
Milky Way Farms
Troy, Bradford County
rbST-free Milk, Chocolate Milk,
Ice Cream, Heavy Cream
Mother Earth Mushrooms
West Grove, Chester County
Organic Button Mushrooms
Natural By Nature
West Grove, Chester County
Organic Half & Half, Sour
Cream, Whipped Butter, Brown
Sugar Whipped Cream, Whole
Milk
Nature’s Pantry
State College, Centre County
Natural Sodas
New Morning Farm
Hustontown, Huntingdon Co.
Apples, Pears & Apple Cider
Northern Tier Meat Coop
Northern Tier, Pennsylvania
Grass-fed Beef
Old School Snacks
Cairnbrook, Somerset County
Wild Rice & Sesame Snacks
Organic Valley
Family of Farms
LaFarge, Wisconsin
Organic Half & Half, Swiss, Pro-
volone, Cheddar, Mozzarella &
Munster Cheeses, Cream
Cheese, Stringles,
Phillips Mushroom Farms
Kennett Square, Chester Co.
Organic Portabella, Shiitake &
Other Exotic Mushrooms
Phoenix Organics
Spencer, West Virginia
Organic Tofu & Soysage
Pleasant Valley Organic Farm
Amity, Washington County
Organic Grass-fed
Ground Beef
Porter Farm
Elba, New York
Organic Red and Yellow Onions
& Cabbage
Quiet Creek Farm
Kutztown, Berks County
Organic Carrots
Snyder’s of Hanover
Hanover, York County
Organic Honey Wheat Sticks,
Oat Bran Sticks, Pumpernickel &
Onion Sticks, Pretzel Minis &
Sunflower Chips
Spring Time Herbs
Hockessin, Delaware
Organic Rosemary
Stonyfield Farm
Yogurt & Yogurt Snacks
Sunny Ridge Farm
Spring Run, Franklin County
Organic Carrots, Beets, Yellow
Carrots, Watermelon Radishes
Tait Farm Foods
Centre Hall, Centre County
Balsamic, Ginger Shrub & Rasp-
berry Vinaigrettes, Assorted
Chutneys & Fruit Shrubs
Tuscarora Organic Growers
Cooperative (TOG)
Hustontown, Huntingdon Co.
Bounty from many of their
organic cooperative farms!
White Deer Valley Farms
Stevens, Lancaster County
Organic Pollo Rosso
Heritage Chicken
Wild For Salmon
Bloomsburg, Columbia County
Wild-Caught Salmon
Windy Knolls Farm
Doylesburg, Franklin County
Organic Parsnips & Potatoes

19th Annual Farming for the Future Conference Notes

A Note to Our Readers; We wanted to acknowl-
edge Sabine & Tom Carey as a Friend of the Con- SAVE THE DATE!
ference for 2009 who joined after the list was PASA’s 19th Annual Farming for the Future Conference
published in our January/February issue. to be held February 4, 5 & 6, 2010
Penn Stater Conference Center • State College, PA
ADVERTISEMENT n Volunteer on the 2010 Conference Planning Committee
Would you like to be involved in developing the 2010 Farming for the Future con-
ference program? Demonstrate your leadership by joining the volunteer confer-
Conference CDs ence planning committee! Together, this group develops the conference theme,
identifies workshop topics and pre-conference tracks, and contacts speakers to
and DVDs coordinate the program. Committee members are expected to: meet for three
planning meetings between May and late August in State College, communicate
are available! with speakers and PASA staff on a regular basis, and participate in on-site con-
ference duties such as moderating workshops. If you have the time and energy to
Farming for the Future Keynotes and devote to this exciting planning committee, contact Allison Shauger at alli-
Workshops are audio recorded courtesy son@pasafarming.org or 814-349-9856.
of Cocalico Audio n New! Join the Conference Sub-Committee on the Kids Program
Order form for Cds & DVDs is (Future Farmers Conference Kids Program is for children ages 5 years old to 5th grade)
If you would like to be involved in creating a fun, dynamic, and educational expe-
available at rience for children at the PASA conference, why not join this new sub-commit-
www.pasafarming.org tee? Committee members will be expected to participate in regular conference
calls and email communications as set by the committee coordinator. On-site
Cocalico Audio
assistance with kids’ program activities at the conference center is expected and
187 East Church Street • Stevens, PA 17578 will be arranged by the coordinator, Dwayne Murphy. Please contact Dwayne at
Phone: (717) 336-4179 patchworkacres@hotmail.com if you’re interested in shaping the future of this
important program.

4
 Benefit Auction Celebrates Talent PASA Benefit Auction Donors
and Generosity of Community While A & L Laboratories
Aaronsburg Pottery
Raising Record-Setting Funds Acres USA
Adams County Winery
Agri-Dynamics Inc
Ahimsa Alternative Inc
Liz Alakszay
Ali Mirsky Mosaics
Anders Olsen Construction
and Restorations
Animal Welfare Approved
Marilyn Anthony
Bamboula Ltd
Chef Willy Benedetto
Big Run Healing Arts
Birchrun Hills Farm
Blairsville Downtown
Main Street Project
Blue Rooster Farm
Bourne Designs
Gary Brubaker
Jerry Brunetti
Brushwood Farm
Chaddsford Winery
Jeannette Chamberlain
Cocalico Cassettes
By Sara Eisenfeld, Conference Auction Coordinator
Cold Brand
Each year we reconnect with that inspired sense which fills many
of us as we file into Presidents Hall and crowd together over local Cottage Rose Interiors/
Penns Valley Jewelers
food at the Farming for the Future conference: what a committed,
Lucy & Bill Curran
talented and well-rounded community we are!
DCNR Forestry
This array of talent, passion, craftsmanship, and services was
Dairyland Sales and Service
showcased in this year’s Benefit Auction. PASA members, friends,
Karen Daystar
farms, and businesses gave their experience and specialty so that this
Chef Mike Ditchfield
year’s auction would offer something for everyone, and might rep-
Dolcezza Gelato
resent the breadth of passion and purpose in our membership. Over
Dream Thyme Farm
180 items were featured in our Silent, Bag and Live Auctions.
Dripworks USA
Everything from books to beekeeping and banjo lessons, from a
Earth Tools
chainsaw to a chicken coop to cheeses…B&B get-aways, soap,
Eckerton Hill Farm
seeds, and feed…antiques, tools, woolens, wine, and more were all
Edible Chesapeake
made available — by the people and for the people! (See right for a
Effie’s Common Scents
full list acknowledging donors.)
Sara Eisenfeld
From the moment Deans Hall doors opened on this 7th annu-
Ernst Conservation Seed
al Benefit Auction until the final bids were in, conference attendees
Everyone Wins!
buzzed, browsed, marveled, mingled…and generated a record
Farm at Coventry
$26,507 for the organization!
Fedco Seeds/
At Friday night’s Live Auction, momentum and generosity were Shooting Star Farm
stirred by PASA member/auctioneer Brian Magaro to generate a Fertrell Company
thrilling $7,425 for the organization. A distinct portion of our Live Fiedler Farm
Auction is dedicated annually to the Arias M. Brownback Scholar- Friends Farm
ship Fund, which each year helps aspiring farmers attend the con- Fytche Enterprises
ference. This year, the generosity of folks bidding on 10 jars of Garden Dreams Urban
Spiral Path Farm salsa and “Pepper Party Peppers” raised $4,050 for Farm & Nursery
the Brownback Scholarship fund! Gatski Metal
Elody Gyekis
Thanks to you for participating in this year’s Benefit Auction:
Gary Gyekis Woodworking
for donating, bidding, buying tickets, selling tickets, and for having
a great time together! While raising essential funds for PASA, the Leigh Glenn
Benefit Auction also raises inspiration with the scope of sincere Glynwood Center
skill, talent, and generosity among our membership. Keep up the Green Haven Farm
great work and many thanks. n
Green Heron Farm
5
Hahn Natural Foods PA Dept. of Environmental
Protection
Half-Acre Farm
Health by Choice
Pat Little Images
Peaceful Pastures LLC
Neil Heinekamp
Pennsylvania Certified
The Hooted Owl Organic
Sue & Joel Hubler Pennsylvania Pure
Hugh Lofting Timber Distilleries LLC
Framing, Inc. Philabundance
Kate Hunter Pine Creek Structures
Carl Hursh The Piper’s Peck
Indian Orchards
Pure Catskills Buy Local
Jamison Farm
Quiet Creek Farm
Jerry Jackson Fine Pewter
Quiet Creek Herb Farm &
John Zeigler Landscaping School of Country Living
Johnny’s Selected Seeds Rainshine Herbals
Josephine Porter Institute Red Cat Farm
Kencove Farm Fence Red Wiggler Community
Farm
Keswick Creamery
Restoration Woods
Kimberton Whole Foods
Anthony Rodale
Kretschmann Farm
Shelley Roderick
Lakeview Organic Grain
Sayre Mansion
Lancaster Ag Products
Seedway LLC
Lee’s Wooden Toys and More
Schafer Liquid Fish
Leona Meat Plant
Kai Schafft
Lewis Brothers’ Farm
Shared Earth Farm
Long Lane Flower and
Garden Nancy Shorsher
Lost Hollow Honey Julie Sleigh
Mt. Nittany Outfitters Slow Food Pittsburgh
Mt. Nittany Winery Small Dairy.com
Macneal Orchard and Small Farm Central
Sugar Bush
Lauren & Ian Smith
Gail Mallouk
SPIN Farming LLC
Jeff Mattocks
Spiral Path Farm
Maryann & Dennis
Mawhinney Spotted Hill Farm
McGreary Organics Spoutwood Farm Center
Meadow Rock Farm & State College Friends School
Gardens
Steam Valley Fiber Farm
Abby Minor
Stone Meadow Cheese
Misty Dell Farm/
Sue’s Salves
Pen and Thread
Tait Farm Foods
Jamie Moore
Tamarack Farm
Monogram Centre
Triangle Organic Farm
Debbie & Bill Murphy
Village Acres
Moyer’s Chicks Inc
Natural Acres
Watershed Agriculture
Council
Nature’s Pantry Websters Bookstore Cafe
Neo-Terra Weston A. Price Foundation
Neptune’s Harvest What’s Now Design LLC
Northeast Stihl WhiteWave Foods /
Northern Tier Horizon Organics
Buy Fresh Buy Local Mary Whittam
Patti Olenick Wild for Salmon
The Organic Mechanics Soil Wolf Lake Farm
Company LLC
Wood Prairie Farm
Organic Valley/
CROPP Cooperative Wood-Mizer Products
Otto’s Pub & Brewery Woodsong Hollow
Over the Moon Farm Wooly Bliss Feltmaking
PA Chapter of the American Yellow Springs Native Plant
Chestnut Foundation Nursery LLC
Director’s Corner
Promise and
Peril in Food
Safety Regulation
By Brian Snyder, Executive Director
The period from late winter into early
spring on any farm is a time of critical
importance for both the success of the
farm and attitude of the farmer. I person-
ally have been in many different situa-
tions in my life that help to prove this
point, whether it be tapping maple trees
for sap, birthing new lambs or piglets,
frost-seeding pastures or ordering seeds
and starts for summer produce.
But all such activities are fraught with
both possibility and peril. I’ve been
reminded this year that nothing jerks
around the attitude of a farmer — even a
hobby farmer like me — more than
lambing on a late winter’s night, with
temperatures hovering in the single dig-
its. There have been times when only an
hour separated “We’re selling all these
damn sheep!” from “This is the begin-
ning of a whole new flock!”…not neces-
sarily occurring in that order.
So when you are out in the barn at
night, with hands chapped from frozen
amniotic fluid, you have plenty of time to
think back on the past, and to allow the
future to come crashing down on your
own little self-pitying party. You also have
an “opportunity” to consider the current
state of the world and where things might
be headed, particularly with respect to
food and farming systems in general.
The metaphor is difficult to escape.
We are in the late winter of our industri-
al food system, and spring seems to be
just around the corner, but the path is
quite perilous. Attitudes are fluctuating
and spilling out all over the place, and
if we think about policy objectives or
legislative initiatives as the offspring we
have wrought, there is tremendous con-
sternation about which ones should be
put out of their misery, and which saved
at all costs.
Let’s face it. Some of the biggest
challenges we now face have been of our
own doing. You cannot spend years —
decades even — talking about how our
food systems are broken and the bulk of
farms headed down the wrong path,
without being handed some “solutions”
that will radically change the way we also
operate our farms and businesses.
This is particularly true when con-
sidering the proposed National Animal
Identification System (NAIS), with all
its good intentions and potentially
unintended consequences. I mean, we
fought for Country of Origin Labeling
(COOL) and told consumers to “Find
out where your food comes from!” So
now it rings a little hollow if we say
“Oh, we didn’t mean that OUR animals
should be identified!”
The same is true of food processing
standards in general. We will want FDA
and USDA, and/or whatever new agency
they come up with to clamp down
on mainstream processors of all kinds,
but will also suggest that such agencies
stay clear of the processing facilities
closer to home.
Now, before anyone goes running to
do a new blog entry on what Snyder
thinks about all this, I want to make
clear that I believe very strongly that one-
size-fits-all regulations for food safety
would be ineffective and ultimately
doomed to failure. I am also a believer
that most, if not all direct, on-farm sales
between a farmer and a consumer should
be exempt from all but the most general
government scrutiny.
Even in terms of trying to implement
such exemptions, I realize that we have
again created much challenge for our-
selves, in this case by greatly expanding
the definition of what “direct sales” can
mean. Admittedly, it’s hard to argue that
the government should have any role at
all when an individual consumer arrives
6
at a farm and asks a single farmer to pro-
vide a fresh tomato or bottle of raw milk
for a fair, mutually agreed upon price.
But when you add considerations
for supplying buying clubs, where one
consumer picks up and delivers to many
homes, farmers’ markets that are some-
times far from the farm, large sub-
scription farms that distribute through
paid staff in different geographical loca-
tions, farmer and retail cooperatives that
aggregate product, in-home catering
businesses and so on, I’m sure ten average
people would draw the regulatory lines in
ten different places.
On the other hand, we can probably
all agree that any food item that arrives in
the marketplace as a faceless commodity
to be processed and distributed at the will
of a corporate buyer, that also hides
behind various fancy brand names and
anonymous handling strategies for export
to God-knows-where, should be identi-
fied and scrutinized for all its worth by
those in government charged with keep-
ing our food “safe.”
The promise for us contained in any
system of food safety regulation is that
the more consumers know about where
their food is from and how it is produced,
the more our farmers, the land on which
they farm and communities in which
they live will benefit — you could almost
say PASA is founded on that idea. But
we cannot neatly and conveniently say
“Here is where the information stops.”
We can only remain alertly and patiently
engaged in the process of helping to bring
this new food system for which we have
worked so hard into existence.
All of which puts us all right back in
that cold barn, with our hands aching
and chapped, awaiting with great antici-
pation what the springtime will bring.
To use another metaphor that comes
to mind this time of year, if we take our
eyes off this ball, we will surely miss it
altogether. But if we all remain alert —
and I do mean “all” of us, including all
the different perspectives contained
within our community — and patiently
wait for the right pitch, an opportunity
to connect that takes us right around
the bases and back to home could very
well be the result. n
Stay Connected
www.pasafarming.org
PASA Board Perspective
Where Do
We Go Now?
By Kim Seeley, Board President
A nother superb PASA conference is
over, and thanks to all the PASA
staff for a job well done and to our Board
of Directors for their volunteer efforts. At
the conference, I was encouraged to see
so many new faces. I am also appreciative
of the opportunity to talk to many of you
for the first time. Your words of support
for what you see happening through
PASA are important feedback to me. We
need each other, and we need our collec-
tive voices amplified through a trustwor-
thy organization. PASA is your
organization.
We are living in a time of great social
and economic upheaval. If you are a
long-time PASA member, you probably
aren’t surprised. You may be amazed at
the size of the deception. All of us in the
dairy industry are used to this. We have
heard for years how to create a more sta-
ble dairy economy by consolidating milk
marketing under the protective umbrella
of a large, national dairy cooperative.
“Consolidation by co-ops will allow
farmers to have enough market share to
demand a fair farm price for your hard
work and high investment.” The nation’s
milk supply is now in the mature side of
consolidation, both by the farmer-owned
dairy co-ops, and several big players in
fluid milk, butter and cheese. The dairy
industry is headed for a very bad year.
Our government’s duty is for the food
supply to be safe and stable. Farmers need
pricing that reflects the cost of produc-
tion. The marketplace needs to support
those prices, to guarantee dairy farm sus-
tainability. Since one co-op now has
majority control, the farm milk price
rollercoaster ride has worsened. The co-
op’s answer has been to create a “crisis hot
line.” What a joke. Let’s try connecting
executive salaries to the farm price of
milk and see what happens. Farmers
would get fair pricing. What I would like
is for the Attorney General’s office to
investigate dairy price manipulation
before the Wall Street meltdown. They
should take a hard look at dairy prices
and how they affect the Main Street of
every rural dairy town in the country.
The expansion of our economy into
the clouds was partially deceit and ego.
The other part has been our government’s
commitment to a “cheap food policy,”
carried on the backs of farmers for years.
The same tired story…“Produce at
increasing levels every year to lower costs
of production per unit. Add more debt.
Chase more acres. Add more chemicals,
sub-therapeutic antibiotics and growth
hormones. It is our duty to feed the
world.” The reason PASA conferences are
so refreshing is because you never have to
listen to this failed ideology.
I recently asked a PASA member from
Tennessee how he would describe what
PASA stands for. He commented about
how we facilitate awareness of our food
system.
PASA has always been about aware-
ness. Helping farmers refine their opera-
tions through educational programs.
Connections between farmers and food
buyers built on honest relationships. I
told him that is still what we focus on,
but we are getting increasingly dragged
into the politics of agriculture because
food safety and food production proto-
cols have finally been noticed and put on
a front burner.
What about food safety? I tire of hear-
ing we have the safest food supply in the
world. By whose accounting and spin
department? Our food system is on a fast
track to follow our banking and insur-
ance industry, because we have used too
many of the same ideas and principles.
I seriously believe it is good we had an
economic correction before we continued
7
Our food system is on a
fast track to follow our
banking and insurance
industry, because we have
used too many of the same
ideas and principles.
any further down the doomed path the
last 30–40 years have spawned. Our soci-
ety needed a serious wakeup call to get us
personally involved, for the financial and
physical health of our children. We need
to join our voices through PASA to steer
sustainable change in all facets of our
daily lives.
PASA has finally been recognized, in a
token, polite, second-class gesture. There
are still people who would like us exclud-
ed from agricultural policy decision mak-
ing. Those days are over. We may be
excluded in the formal process, but our
organization has strong, determined
roots. PASA members are in demand
across the country for their advice,
knowledge and success stories. Our
membership has demonstrated elo-
quence, leadership, and vision. We have
used our voices in the press, and in the
Governor’s office. PASA stands tall for
transparency and honesty about sustain-
able farming practices. Our farm stores
and business members collectively repre-
sent thousands of customers who believe
in our mission. Our members are educat-
ing, sharing, and leading in all walks of
life. All of you deserve the praise for
PASA’s credibility.
My favorite political bumper sticker is
“Where people lead, government must
follow.”
I am encouraged right now that this
could actually happen. We have many
friends and interested onlookers right
now in Harrisburg and Washington,
looking to PASA because we have a vision
of how a food system should function.
Farmers may have to accept some
blame for remaining quiet while the gov-
ernment strayed. We are tired and work
too many hours to have time to defend
our principles. This is why we must
belong to an organization that we trust to
help us define and defend sustainability.
Farmers have always been innovators,
survivors and leaders. We still are. n
Educational Outreach
SEPTEMBER

Announcing the 2009 Field Day Season! September 12

Saturday, 10am—4pm
By Rachel Schaal, Educational Outreach Associate Plant Your Own Ginseng Patch
Get out your calendars! The Educational Outreach Department is currently planning an Brookville, JEFFERSON Co.
engaging season of intensive learning programs, field days, and workshops with PASA mem- September 25
ber farmers and other experts. Events will promote and demonstrate sustainable farming Friday, 10am—3pm
methods as well as provide technical instruction on topics such as business planning and Transitions: Coming Full Circle
on a Third Generation Diversified
marketing. Events will be posted on the website as they are organized. Keep your eyes peeled Fruit Farm
for the Educational Outreach program calendar, which will be mailed in April. Boyertown, BERKS Co.
Working with grant support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Region
III) and Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research Education (NE SARE), the focus of OCTOBER
many events will be in these areas: value-added dairy and reducing pesticide use and risk in October 2
greenhouses and hi-tunnels. Thanks to your feedback and the end-of-year survey process, Friday, 10am—4pm
we will also be addressing renewable energy, small grains, season extension, and more! Qual- INTENSIVE: Home Cheesemaking:
ified teachers, keep in mind that PASA offers Act 48 professional development credit. Hands-On Workshop for Beginners
Brookville, JEFFERSON Co.
October 3
July 21
A Sneak Peak At Our Upcoming Events Tuesday, 10am—3pm
Saturday, 10am—4pm
More information available at www.pasafarming.org. INTENSIVE: Home Cheesemaking:
Diversifying Your Farm
Hands-On Workshop for Beginners
with Small Grains
APRIL JUNE Brookville, JEFFERSON Co.
Washingtonville, MONTOUR Co.
April 4 June 5 October 16
July 28
Saturday, 9am—4pm Friday, 10am—3pm Friday, 10am—3pm
INTENSIVE: Farming Profitably: Transitioning to Organic Tuesday, 6–8:30pm
Season Extension & Post-Harvest
Business Planning, Management, at Rodale Institute Controlling Cucurbit Pests
Storage for Year-Round Profitability
Marketing, & Record-Keeping Kutztown, BERKS Co. on a Diversified Farm
Rochester, BEAVER Co.
Slippery Rock, BUTLER Co. Muncy, MONTOUR Co.
June 17 October 23 & 24
April 18 Wednesday, 9am–4pm July 31 Friday & Saturday
Saturday, 9am—4pm Weed Suppression and Biodiversity Friday, 10am—3pm INTENSIVE: Hands-On
INTENSIVE: Farming Profitably: through Cover Crops and Field Sunflower Oil: Non-GMO Small Ruminant Care
Business Planning, Management, Edge Plants Alternative Energy for Sustainable
Marketing, & Record-Keeping Reedsville, MIFFLIN Co.
Rock Springs, CENTRE Co. Farming
Exton, CHESTER Co. October 30
June 19 Kutztown, BERKS Co.
April 29 Friday, 10am—3pm Friday, 10am—3pm
Wednesday, 5–8pm Diversified Livestock Farming AUGUST Pastured Pork:
Successfully Integrating Columbia Cross Roads, from Farrow to Finish,
August 2 Forage to Charcuterie
Interns/Apprentices into Your Farm BRADFORD Co.
Ebensburg, CAMBRIA Co. Sunday, 1pm–4pm Newburg, CUMBERLAND Co.
June 23 Grass-fed, Grass-finished Beef
MAY Tuesday, 10am–3pm Challenge Cook-off
NOVEMBER
May 2 Intensive Small Space Gardening: Fogelsville, LEHIGH Co.
Saturday, 9am—4pm SPIN Farming November 6
INTENSIVE: Farming Profitably: Shavertown, LUZERNE Co. August 18–20 Friday, 10am—3pm
Business Planning, Management, Tuesday–Thursday Woodlot Management:
June 24 INTENSIVE: Advanced Cheese-
Marketing, & Record-Keeping Maintaining Healthy,
Wednesday, 10am–3pm
Location TBD, CENTRE Co. making with Peter Dixon Productive Forests
From Grass to Butter & Ice Cream:
Everett, BEDFORD Co. East Waterford, JUNIATA Co.
May 11 An Educational Dairy Farm
Monday, 10am—3pm Shavertown, LUZERNE Co.
Comfortable Cows: Participants enjoy the “IPM Strategies, Compost Tour, and Pollinator Research”
Healthy Herd Management June 26 field day at Dickinson Farm in Cumberland County last September.
Yellow House/Douglassville, Friday, 10am—3pm
BERKS Co. Beekeeping for Farmers:
Get Pollinating!
May 21 State College, CENTRE Co.
Thursday, 10am—3pm
Growing for a Growing CSA JULY
Gibsonia, ALLEGHENY Co.
July 14
May 30 Tuesday, 10am—3pm
Saturday, 10am–3pm Successful Restaurant Sales:
Soil for Seed Starting: Getting Rid Custom-Tailoring Your Product,
of the Guess Work Shipping, & Service
West Chester, CHESTER Co. Bethlehem, LEHIGH Co.

8
Regional Marketing
SOUTHEAST REGION
n Save the Date!
Sunday, August 2 — PASA’s Second
Ever 100% Grass Fed Beef Cook-off
Challenge at the Glasbern Inn,
Fogelsville PA (Lehigh Co.).
Does your beef make the cut? Contest
entry details will be available on the
PASA website by April 30.
n New Master Class Series
PASA’s Southeast Regional Office,
working in conjunction with several
PASA member volunteers will be hosting
a new series of “Master Class” sessions.
These concentrated learning sessions are
designed by PASA “Masters” to demon-
strate specific topics in their areas of
Max Your Growing Capacity” led by Fred
& Aaron de Long and Ashley Brister.
Stay tuned for details of upcoming Mas-
ter Classes or contact the Southeast
Regional office at 610-458-5700 or email
kendra@pasafarming.org.
WESTERN REGION
n New Temporary Staff
PASA’s Western Regional Office would
like to welcome two temporary, part-time
employees: Katie Mcanallan assisted the
western office last year by interning and
helping to plan a Harvest dinner. Katie
will be assisting with member services in
the western region. Also Julie Smith will
be a temporary office assistant helping
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
n The NorthCentral membership region
recently held a potluck gathering in
Williamsport on March 25. Thanks to all
members and guests that were able to
attend and for PASA members Alicia &
Steve Koch and Stephen Rogers of the
Bullfrog Brewery for hosting the event.
n Wayne County PASA members recent-
ly held a potluck gathering on April 1st at
The Settlers Inn in Hawley. Thanks to all
those who attended as well as meeting
organizers & PASA members Mark Ter-
williger, Erin Gordon and host Grant
Genzlinger.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

n Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA will

expertise.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the
Regional Master Classes fund a newly
established Southeast PA PASA Scholar-
ship enabling aspiring farmers to gain the
knowledge and confidence necessary to
help them succeed. We also hope the
“Master Classes” will entice our members
to take a short break from their farms to
gather as a community. All are invited, so
please bring a neighbor, friend or fellow
farmer.
The first of these classes was held on
March 28th at Rushton Farm CSA, part
of Willistown Conservation Trust in
Chester Co. The topic was “Planning
Your Planting: Succession Strategies to
western staff with various bookkeeping
and paperwork duties for the region as
well as consumer outreach.
Dayle Kendall, from Chatham Uni-
versity, is currently an intern with the
western office working on designing a
seed bank for Western Pennsylvania to be
housed at Eden Hall Farm. Sara Runkle is
a volunteer from Slippery Rock Universi-
ty who is working on facilitating commu-
nication and developing a business case
for a ‘Garden-in-a-Box’. Dan Dalton is
from the University of Pittsburgh and he
is an all around wonderful volunteer who
has been helping with some IT work,
Buy Fresh Buy Local® and research.
be hosting an Intercollegiate Biodiesel
Workshop on April 3 & 4. Space is limit-
ed, contact Matt Steiman for details,
steimanm@dickinson.edu.
n Randy and Chris Treichler kick off the
PASA season with a spring potluck at Star
Hollow Farm in Three Springs (South
Central region). This social event will be
Sunday, June 7th at 4:00pm (starting
with a farm tour) with dinner at 5:00pm.
Folks interested in joining the fun
should RSVP with Chris and Randy via
email (randy@starhollowfarm.com) or by
phone 814-448-3223. Please bring a dish
to share and your own plate with utensils.

REGIONAL CONTACTS & DISCUSSION GROUP ADDRESSES

Discussion groups are open to PASA members only to join and discuss issues related to sustainable agriculture.
To join the group in your region, send an email to the appropriate address provided.

Western
PASAWestern-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
NorthCentral/Eastern
Greg Boulos
412-697-0411 • greg@pasafarming.org

Southeastern
PASAsoutheast-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Western
Marilyn Anthony
610-458-5700 x305 • marilyn@pasafarming.org
Southeastern
Southcentral Southcentral
PASAsouthcentral-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Jenn Halpin
717-243-5996 • halpinj@dickinson.edu Out of State discussion group addresses:
NorthCentral/Eastern States North and East of Pennsylvania
PASAnorthcentralEast-subscribe@yahoogroups.com PASAOutofStateNortheast-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Leah Tewksbury States South and West of Pennsylvania
570-437-2620 • tewks1@aol.com PASASouthandWest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

9
Fundraising Update
Springtime, A Fresh Start 2009 FUNDRAISING EVENTS
By Louise Schorn Smith, Fundraising Committee Co-chair
APRIL 19–25
As we begin to experience the first warm rays of springtime sun-
Four Seasons Produce: Earth Day Sustainability Week
shine, my immediate inclination is to spend time at the local farms, Four Seasons is donating a percentage of sales on every
which provide my nourishment throughout the growing season. I case of organic produce shipped Earth Week.
wander into the fields and find the first buds on the forsythia bush
that herald the coming of spring. I meander through the asparagus MAY 22

beds and see the tiniest evidence of the imminent explosion of ten- PASA’s Field to Fork Dinner
Harrisburg PA
der green stalks and I patiently await their growth. I gently pinch off
Come Graze the Night Away As We Kick-Off The
young spinach leaves, pop them in my mouth and experience the Growing Season!
taste only fresh farm food can give me.
Just like the farm comes to life each spring, so does our Annual AUGUST 2
Fund which provides financial nourishment for the work we do at 2nd Annual Beef Cook-Off
PASA. This year our goal is to raise $250,000 for PASA’s education Glasbern Inn • Fogelsville PA
and advocacy programs. In the first few months of the year, we’ve
SEPTEMBER
already raised over $30,000 through the conference auctions and
SE Region Harvest Celebration Dinner
contributions from early givers. Kennet Square PA
In the next month we will launch our spring appeal and ask that
Western Region Harvest Celebration Dinner
you make your first gift of the new year to PASA to establish the base
Pittsburgh PA
needed for spring and summer programs, just like the preparation of
the farm soil establishes a healthy base for the growing season. With Bike Fresh, Bike Local
Chester County PA
the current economic challenges that we face as a community, this
year more than ever, it will take many small donations from all of our OCTOBER 14
members and supporters to reach our goal. Please give our appeal let- Annual Harvest Dinner Celebration
ter serious consideration when you receive it, knowing that each gift, Dickinson College • Carlisle PA
large or small, is contributing to the health of your membership Visit www.pasafarming.org for more information.
organization.

— $250,000
— Annual Fund Meter
—
—
Shows Farm Scene
— Buying Locally. Eating with the Seasons. These words may be famil-
— $200,000 iar to us at PASA, but for many these are new ideas. Folks are beginning
— to ask questions:“Where does my food come from, and how was it pro-
— duced?” “What is happening on the farm during each season of the
— year? When are my favorites available?”
— So, what does a year on the farm look like?
— $150,000 This year we’ve chosen to track our annual fund growth in a new
— way.
—
First, in each issue we’ll unveil a little more of the farm graphic you’re
—
just getting a sneak peek at now. Slowly the farm season will come to
—
life with each unveiling. Right now the greenhouses are getting
— $100,000
warmed up, and we’re placing orders for seed and supplies.Throughout
—
the year we’ll see the fields ready for planting, and sprouting new
—
growth; farmers will take their goods to market to deliver to eager buy-
—
—
ers; animals will be out to graze.We’ll see the wonderful cycle of the full
— $50,000 farm season and the connection between our farmers and consumers
— and the benefit this relationship brings to our local communities.
— $ 30,901 We’ll also be using farm crates as a meter to track our actual Annual
February 28
— Fund growth. You’ll see our crates of farm fresh products fill with an
— abundance of seasonal gifts from the land and our community farmers.

10
2009 PASA Board
continued from page 3
ral produce for the college dining hall. As
the farm manager, Jenn provides students
with hands-on training in sustainable food
production and supports faculty and stu-
dents with research and internships. In addi-
tion to raising 5 acres of vegetables, herbs
and cut flowers, the Dickinson College Farm
maintains a flock of sheep for meat produc-
tion and multiple solar applications for
farm-based energy needs.
Jenn was first elected to the PASA board
in 2006. She has been actively farming since
1997 and is committed to supporting local
food systems through education, outreach
and community organizing. She serves on
the Membership and Conference Planning
Committees and is chairperson of the Edu-
cational Outreach Committee.
“I am honored to continue as a board
member. I have great respect for PASA and
remain motivated and committed to build-
ing the organization in ways that support
farmers and eaters.”
Brian Moyer
Berks County
Brian Moyer, together
with his wife, Holley, own
and operate Green Haven
Farm in Fleetwood. They
raise pastured chickens and turkeys, sheep,
pigs, and meat goats. The Moyers started
INTERVIEW WITH MARK HIGHLAND continued from page 1
n What is unique about your business/
organization? We make organic, peat-free
potting soil in Chester County, PA. We
embrace environmental sustainability as a
core value. Mark Highland, aka The Organ-
ic Mechanic, founded this company in 2006
after researching potting soil science for
almost 10 years. Our earth-friendly potting
soils are designed to increase soil biological
activity and use water efficiently while sup-
porting plant growth.
n What does the term “sustainable” mean
to you, and how do your incorporate that
into your business/organization? Sustain-
able is more than existing without decreas-
ing the ability of future generations to
provide for themselves. Sustainability is a
complex system
with pastured poultry to create a cash flow in
order to build other livestock enterprises,
which has led to their current diversified 27-
acre farm. They’ve used multi-species graz-
ing to reclaim land while at the same time
creating a product line that allowed them to
begin farming on a limited budget. They
market their products through four CSA’s,
farmers’ markets and restaurants as well as
direct sales from the farm. They are founders
of the Skippack Farmers’ Market. Brian is
also Vice President of the American Pastured
Poultry Producers Association (APPPA.)
Brian was initially elected to the PASA
board in 2003 and currently serves as vice
president. He chairs the Leadership Devel-
opment Committee, which helps identify
potential board members through work
with Regional Advisory committees, and
co-chairs the Conference Planning Commit-
tee. Brian regularly gives presentations to
various groups about PASA and sustainable
agriculture.
“Serving on the PASA board has been as
challenging, rewarding and humbling as any
of my farming endeavors. I welcome the
challenge of helping PASA grow with the
hopes that the future harvest of that growth
is more profitable farmers working the land
providing healthy food for all people while
respecting the natural environment.”
Kim Seeley
Bradford County
Kim Seeley is a dairy farmer/processor
who, with his family, runs Milky Way Farms
To reduce our carbon footprint, we chose
to use locally made composts instead of peat.
We use bio-diesel in our trucks and equip-
ment, wind for power, and recycled packag-
ing whenever possible.
n What do you see as some of the critical
issues facing ag and ag-related businesses
today? Affordability, land, lines of credit,
access to markets, fuel costs, centralized dis-
tribution
n What do you see as the connection
between sustainable ag and the con-
sumer? We all have to eat food, drink water
and breathe air. Without eco-system services
to provide those elements of our existence,
none of us would survive very long. People
think water comes from the city or aquifer,
11
in Troy. Kim received a B.S.
in Agricultural Economics
from Penn State. After oper-
ating a dairy confinement
system, Kim changed
approaches due to general
frustration and concerns
over herd, customer, and farmers’ health.
Milky Way is now a fresh grass, dry hay
based system. The herd is rotationally grazed
and was created on-farm by cross-breeding
seven purebred dairy breeds over 18 years.
The Seeleys produce milk, ice cream, cheese,
and butter. In addition to selling retail, the
farm provides the Pennsylvania College of
Technology with all of their fluid milk.
Kim joined the PASA board in 1999 and
currently serves as President. He co-founded
the Northern Tier Sustainable Meat Co-op,
which sells to the Pennsylvania College of
Technology and other local restaurants. He
volunteered on his local Dairy Promotion
Board including serving as board President.
“I am very impatient with the current
erosion of farmers from the Pennsylvania
landscape and am eager to show fellow farm-
ers and agribusiness people positive and
credible solutions to current food and farm
problems. PASA’s mission is very important
to me, and I intend to help PASA lead the
way to a new food system, without delay.” n
Editor’s Note: Board officer elections were recently
held for two positions at the March meeting. Kim
Seeley and Brian Moyer were re-elected as Presi-
dent and Vice President respectively.
and air just is. Food however, is a different
story. Everyone has to eat, and food makes
people happy. Let me clarify that; good food,
healthy food makes people happy.
I think sustainable agriculture will res-
onate with consumers, especially in the con-
text of community. Local, fresh foods look
and taste better, but consumers are begin-
ning to understand they vote with their dol-
lars. As a consumer, I like my money to go
to people, real people I know or have said
hello to, and not a uninterested person
working a register at a job they dislike. It’s
the engagement of community in conversa-
tion, making friends, or at least knowing you
are helping support the greater good in some
small way. It takes 1,000s to make a differ-
ence, but I think with time, the majority of
consumers will be won over on food quality.
If it tastes better and is more nutritious,
what’s not to love? n
Farmer Profile
Lorraine Mineo works busily at their farm
stand at the Easton Farmers’ Market.

“Currently we own 133 acres, which

LC’s Farm / Alastar LLC
Homegrown Produce, Fruits, Vegetables, Cut Flowers & Herbs
By Michele Gauger
“My family background includes a
long line of involvement with agricul-
ture,” says Lorraine Mineo of LC’s
Farm/Alastar LLC. She and her husband
Bill have been production farming on
their Northampton county land since
2003. The farms are located in the
Stoudt’s Valley of southern Williams
Township.
“Our family always grew our own veg-
etables, but it wasn’t until I went to a
town meeting in 2003, about the Easton
Farmers’ Market potentially closing, that
I talked with Bill and we decided to grow
more to sell at the market. That first sea-
son I was off for the summer from my
teaching position, and since then we both
have retired to focus on creation of our
sustainable farm operation,” she said.
Seasoned by their professions; biolo-
gist/educator and chemist/administrator
respectively, both partners have now
retired to pursue their passion for grow-
ing green. They purchase seeds world-
wide and grow produce selected for the
health and vitality of consumers with a
Mediterranean palate.
we acquired while we were both working
fulltime,” said Lorraine. Of that acreage
about 75 acres are under production, the
others include woodland, wetland and
natural areas to foster animal, insect and
plant biodiversity. They offer an array of
Mediterranean (meaning produce typical
of the lands surrounding the Mediter-
ranean Sea, those seasonal items specifi-
cally developed for fresh market and used
in ethnic diets. They especially choose
from Italian, French, Middle Eastern and
some Greek veggies and herbs based on
the ethnic populations of the Lehigh Val-
ley. Some examples include cardoon, spe-
cial eggplants and zucchini, tomatoes and
peppers, cucumbers, salad greens and
more) vegetables, fruits, herb plants, fresh
cut culinary herbs and cottage garden cut
flowers. The selection of fruits includes
some uncommon items such as currants,
gooseberries and special apple varieties.
“We work within the PASA mission
using sound environmental practices. We
are not certified organic, but refrain from
using pesticides, consistent with our
desire to practice agriculture holistically,”
the Mineos mentioned. “We are lucky
that several acres of our land was never
under cultivation, so it could be called
‘virgin soil’, which also has a deep nutri-
ent base. And since we choose to grow

INTERVIEW WITH THE MINEOS

1. What do you see as some of the critical issues facing agriculture today? First is the
loss of farmland in our local area. Second is the aging population of experienced farmers.
Third is the limited number of local agricultural producers. Fourth is the need for use of sus-
tainable practices and continuing innovation within this rubric. Fifth is the low pricing for
high quality produce, which limits income. And sixth is the need to educate consumers
about agricultural production.
2. What is unique about your farm? First are the high quality soils. Second is our sustain-
able management, which includes biodiversity.Thirdly, we specialize in Mediterranean veg-
etables.
3. How has your operation evolved? While we pursued professional careers, we grew
many items to add to our diet. On retirement from our professional jobs, we began direct
sales of produce at the Easton Farmers’ Market when it seemed that this historic market
might disappear for lack of vendors [2003]. We have grown more product and increased
diversity of offerings to accommodate more markets since 2003. We are now experiment- Bill & Lorraine Mineo specialize in grow-
ing with high tunnels to extend our growing season. ing a wide variety of produce selected
4. Why did you join PASA? We joined to support and learn more from an agency with a for the health and vitality of consumers
philosophy similar to our own. with a Mediterranean palate.

12
Mediterranean varieties, many are not as
susceptible to disease and insect pests,”
Bill continued.
“We are very diligent to add organic
matter back to the soil like manure and
utilize cover crops in our rotations,” said
Bill. He also noted they are very lucky
that the former land owner actually
incorporated varieties of clover and vetch,
so that now a mighty seed bank exists on
the farm. Simply allowing a field to fal-
low, with some mowing, allows the vetch
and clover to take over — no additional
seeding required.
The Mineos also have vested interest
in creating naturalized areas around their
production areas, which included cre-
ation of short and tall grass prairies.
These areas invite beneficial insects, pol-
linators and birds, but on the negative
side do also attract deer and groundhogs,
which they have been able to control.
The many varieties of herbs they grow
also serve as natural pest control.
The cultivated farm fields are on a
five-year crop rotation, “but we haven’t
gone through a set of five years yet, we are
ADVERTISEMENT
on year four,” said Bill. “Currently we are
experimenting with season extension
using high tunnels. Because of the specif-
ic varieties we choose to grow, we start
everything from seed,” said Lorraine. Bill
commented that they can now easily
grow varieties fit for Zone 7, like fava
beans. They also recently planted
spinach, broccoli rabe, Oriental vegeta-
bles, parsley, arugula and chard in the
high tunnel. According to Bill, “We have
discovered the tunnel is a practical and
inexpensive way to increase yield and
longevity of harvest. We had tomatoes
through December, and in the summer
we are able to use the area since the sides
of the structure roll up for ventilation.”
Bill mentioned they plan on increas-
ing their high tunnel production this year
and experiment with some over-winter-
ing varieties being developed in England,
France and Holland. These include
sprouting broccoli and greens varieties
called “arctic king” and “winter density”
that do well in low light conditions.
Last year the Mineos sold their pro-
duce at four area producer only markets
13
including the Easton Farmers’ Market,
Saucon Valley, Allentown and Spring-
town in Bucks County. This year they
plan to scale back on the markets, join a
local cooperative and continue their
expansion into area restaurants.
“Demand is high in Philadelphia for local
food, but right now it isn’t economical for
us to transport our products there. So we
have been working with local restaurants
like Green Harvest and one in New Jer-
sey. Some hindrances with restaurant
sales include the turn over of chefs and
that it really takes a year of planning to
grow specific items they are looking for.
Items such as salad greens are fairly easy,
but specialty items like fava beans and
specific varieties are more intensive,” con-
tinued Bill.
The Mineos are continuing to work
towards the goal of managing a biodi-
verse farm, generating an income and
doing it all in a sustainable manner. For
more information Lorraine & Bill
Mineo, 70 Ballek Road, Riegelsville PA
18077, mineol@enter.net, 610-838-
7872, www.lcfarm.com. n
ADVERTISEMENT
Is There A Gas Lease
In Your Farm’s Future?
Some things to consider before you sign
by Gayle Morrow
You may be desperate for the money
— actually, you could have used it yester-
day when you had to write that check for
tires, seed, a new compressor…
You’re not alone, though. And that
could eventually work in your favor.
“Pooling acreage” when it comes to
leasing land for gas exploration, well
drilling, and pipeline construction is one
of several strategies that farmers can con-
sider when the “Do you want to lease
your property?” question comes up.
At the Farming for the Future confer-
ence, Tom Murphy, with Penn State
Cooperative Extension in Montoursville,
and PASA board president Kim Seeley,
from Milky Way Farm in Bradford
County, gave an update on the Marcellus
shale gas rush in Pennsylvania and offered
some practical advice for those taking the
lease plunge.
“We’re looking at it as a long-term
opportunity,” said Seeley, who has leased
some of his acreage for a pipeline. In his
case, for instance, this “underground
resource” is paying dividends for the top
of the ground. While the terms of his
lease agreement preclude discussion of a
dollar amount, he did share that he was
able to purchase organic fertilizer for his
farm, a purchase he would not have oth-
erwise been able to make.
And, as Murphy pointed out, though
the economics have changed over the past
several months (capital has dried up and
the companies interested in developing
Marcellus shale gas wells are currently
trying to “live within their cash flow”),
there are no indications the search for
developable gas wells won’t continue. An
estimated 363 trillion cubic feet of gas is
recoverable from Marcellus shale. The
companies interested in developing these
reserves spent $2 billion in Pennsylvania
in 2008.
“These companies take a long view,”
said Murphy.
Practitioners of sustainable agriculture
know about that, too. So what shoud
farmers and landowners be aware of and
consider before signing on the dotted
line? A few tips are included below.

1. The infrastructure has an impact on farmland. That
infrastructure is not just the obvious — the gas well that
may eventually be built on your farm, or your neighbor’s,
creates an approximately five-acre footprint — but the
roads that are needed to get tons of equipment to a site, the
increase in truck traffic, the width of pipeline easements,
the water needed for the “fracing” process (what happens if
your well runs dry?), the bulldozers and earth movers driv-
ing over your pastures and crop lands, the noise of the com-
pressors, the dust, to name just a few.
“You need to evaluate how big an intervention there will
be in your daily activities,” Seeley said.
2. The economics have changed. Leasing prices peaked last
summer after land owners saw prices as high as $3,800 an
acre with 20 percent in royalties, Murphy said; prices now
are around $500 an acre and royalties are decreased. Natur-
al gas prices are down and liquid natural gas imports are up.
Some companies that haven’t yet come through with a
check are now offering leaseholders the option of getting
out of their agreements. Others are offering to pay incre-
mentally rather than in a lump sum. Fewer companies are
leasing now, and they may not be as flexible regarding some
lease terms. But, “don’t be afraid to play hardball with
them,” said Seeley. That includes…
3. Forcing the companies to think more environmentally.
“There doesn’t have to be exploitation, as sustainability is
everybody’s business,” Seeley continued. The biodiversity
on Milky Way Farm “was dear to me,” and he wasn’t about
to lease that away. He convinced the people running the
bulldozers that is was OK to not compact the soil over the
new pipeline, and he was able to negotiate terms of fencing
and seed purchase to his best advantage.
4. Think about the long-term use of your property. Seeley,
for instance, used the future value of timber on his land to
get the best price possible for trees that had to be cut.
5. Consider joining with other landowners to broker the
best deal for all. Seeley formed a 5,000-acre group, with
the plots coming in all shapes and sizes. Typically a tract
that large translates to a better per-acre price for all the
property owners, though Murphy noted that “when they
want to sign up small parcels you know they’re ready to
start drilling.”
6. Get an attorney. “You need to have the lease reviewed by
an attorney with experience,” stressed Murphy, but, even
then, there are still unanswered questions about some of the
exploration and drilling processes. In Pennsylvania, for
instance, the “rule of capture” says that while drilling can’t
take place under unleased property, fracing, or using water
to fracture the rock and release the gas, can. Some have
questioned the legality of that; Murphy said attorneys still
have not decided if fracing under unleased property is tres-
pass.
There may also be legal issues around taxes (permanent
structures on your property as the result of a lease), conser-
vation easements, and impacts on the Clean and Green pro-
gram.
7. Watch your water. Water is the Achilles heel in the
process, Murphy and Seeley said. There are unresolved
questions about treating and disposing of the wastewater
from fracing and about the amount of water needed for
fracing. The Department of Environmental Protection is
responsible for aquifer impartment. n
For more information visit www.naturalgas.psu.edu or
www.wpsu.org/gasrush.

14
Consumer Outreach
VEGETABLES AND AVAILABILITY
Asparagus April to June
Beans — Lima, Snap July to October
Beets July to December
Broccoli July to October
Cabbage — green, red July to October
Cabbage — Chinese June to October
Cantaloupe/Musk Melon July to September
Carrots July to December
Cauliflower June to July/September to Nov
Celery June to February
Corn — pop September to December
Corn — sweet July to October
Cucumbers July to September
Eggplant July to October
Gourds September to November
Greens — Kollards, Kale, Mustard June to October
Indian Corn September to November
Lettuce May to October

Get in the Guide! Parsnips

Peas
September to December
May to June
Attention PASA members — if you sell directly to con- Peppers — sweet July to December
sumers, or wholesale a “branded” product locally, go to Peppers — hot July to October
www.buylocalpa.org and apply to have your farm or business Pumpkins September to October
included in the Buy Fresh Buy Local® “Online Local Food Pumpkins — pie, sugar September to November
Rhubarb May & June
Guide.” This guide is a searchable database of Pennsylvania local
Spinach May & June, August to November
food sources promoted to the general public. The guide allows
Squash — summer June to October
farms and other businesses selling local foods to create a custom Squash — winter September to December
entry listing all products available, hours of operation and much Sweet Potatoes September to October
more. You can even include your logo and link to your website Tomatoes June to October
(if applicable) with your listing. Tomatoes — greenhouse April to July, October to December
Be sure to visit www.buylocalpa.org, select your region, click Turnips September to January
on “Get in the Guide,” and fill in all the needed information Watermelon July to September
about your farm or business. Strawberries June
New entries are being added daily, so please check back often Raspberries/Blueberries June to July
to find sources of fresh, local foods as we assemble our listings. Blueberries July & August

Buy Fresh Buy Local® Chapters in PA

The goal of PASA’s Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) programming is to make it easier for Pennsylvania consumers to find,
choose and appreciate great local foods…and to support the farmers and lands which produce them.

n Centre County n Philadelphia mia@pasafarming.org or 412-246-0990

Kristin Leitzel (Chapter Coordinator)
buyfreshcc@pasafarming.org
n Chester County
Claire Murray (Chapter Coordinator)
Inverbrook Farm
claire@inverbrook.com or 610-563-3116
n Greater Lehigh Valley
Lynn Prior (Chapter Coordinator)
lynnprior@verizon.net or 610-438-3950
Serving Lehigh and Northampton Counties
n Lancaster County
Linda Aleci (Chapter Coordinator)
Local Economy Center,
Franklin & Marshall College
linda.aleci@fandm.edu or 717-291-4293
Ann Karlen (ann@whitedog.com or
215-386-5211 x101
Fair Food at White Dog Community Enterprises
n South Central PA
Susan Richards (Chapter Coordinator)
Capital RC&D
susan.richards@rcdnet.net or 717-724-0009
Serving Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria,
Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Lebanon, Perry & York Counties
n Southeast Pennsylvania
Kendra Anderson (Chapter Coordinator)
kendra@pasafarming.org, 610-458-5700 x317
n Valleys of the Susquehanna
Kristin Leitzel (Chapter Coordinator)
Serving Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler,
Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest,
Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer,
Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington and
Westmoreland Counties
n Statewide BFBL Coordination
Chris Fullerton, PASA Consumer Outreach
chris@pasafarming.org or 412-246-0990
Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters in Pennsylvania
are coordinated by PASA, on behalf of our
national partner, FoodRoutes Network (www.
foodroutes.org).To explore your region’s food
system further, hear about upcoming events
and find more ways to get involved, please
visit our website — www.buylocalpa.org —

n Northern Tier
Ruth Tonachel (Chapter Coordinator)
Northern Tier Cultural Alliance
tonachel@epix.net or 570-268-4093
Serving Bradford, Potter, Sullivan,
Susquehanna, Tioga, Wyoming Counties
buyfreshcc@pasafarming.org
Serving Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata,
Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland,
Snyder and Union Counties
n Western Pennsylvania
Mia Farber (Chapter Coordinator)
or contact one of the folks listed above.
Our work is made possible in part by funding
from the Pennsylvania Department of Agri-
culture and by contributions from individuals
and businesses throughout the state.

15
Membership News
Members Support is Essential
By Michele Gauger, Membership Director
In recent weeks many of PASA’s
regional groups have hosted gatherings
prior to the onslaught of spring and all
the activity the new season brings. Some
of these meetings have included potluck
meals, planning for regional events in the
coming months, presentations by local
farmers and sharing information collect-
ed at the recent PASA conference.
As PASA continues to grow we will
continue to rely on communications
from members in all of our regions,
including our important non-Pennsylva-
nia members all across the country, to let
us know how we are doing as an organi-
zation. Your voices are important to us
and we encourage each of you to actively
participate in your regional advisory
groups and member gatherings. Volun-
teer-driven regional advisory groups are
currently being formed in all four of
PASA’s PA-based regions (see page 9 of
this newsletter for our regional map).
Regional networking events provide
great feedback to PASA on potential field
day topics our members would like to
see, important events going on in your
area, issues that are important in particu-
lar regions — and most importantly a
chance for fellow PASA members and
friends to come together to network with
each other. Please be in touch with your
regional representative if you are interest-
ed in being part of these events and the
regional committees.
to include PASA-member only features.
n Spring Has Sprung — PASA is
receiving invitations from various organi-
zations across the state to participate in
Earth Day events, market openings and
more. PASA staff is not able to attend all
of these events — and we may rely on
regional volunteers for help. If there is an
event or market in your area where you
would like to distribute materials about
PASA, call PASA headquarters at 814-
349-9856 x207 or email michele@pasa-
farming.org. We would be glad to send
materials and display items for you to
represent PASA at your local level.
n Membership Growth — At the
time of printing, PASA currently has
5,357 members across the country. Stay
tuned for our upcoming series of Educa-
tional Outreach events to be announced
in April, so you can take advantage of
reduced fees for current members.
n Tell A Friend — If you have a friend
or colleague you would like to introduce
to PASA, let us know. Current members
are our best ambassadors for the organi-
Reduced Subscription Offer From BioCycle magazine
Published since 1960, BioCycle is
America’s foremost magazine on
composting, organics recycling and
renewable energy. On-farm compost-
ing, anaerobic digestion and organics
zation and if you would like membership
forms or newsletters to distribute or
would like PASA to mail something to a
new contact, give us a call at 814-
349-9856 x207 or email michele@pasa-
farming.org.
n Director of Operations — At the
time of printing we are in the process of
candidate interviews for our Director of
Operations position in the headquarters
office. This position will help to expand
services to our members and strengthen
the organization’s financial and informa-
tion management systems. It will also
allow other resources to be focused on
enhancing our planning, development
and public policy efforts. An announce-
ment will be published in the May/June
issue welcoming our new staff member.
n Educational Outreach Internship
— Our Educational Outreach depart-
ment, also at the time of printing, was
seeking an Intern for the 2009 field day
season. This intern will be facilitating the
execution of the department’s program-
ming including field days and intensive
learning programs. We will publish an
announcement in the May/June issue
about who has filled this position, since
many of you will see them at events this
coming season.

n Don’t Forget to Renew — if you

have not done so already, PASA’s annual
membership renewal campaign is wind-
ing down, if you still need to renew your
membership, you can do so on our web-
site www.pasafarming.org and click “Join
PASA” or call PASA headquarters at 814-
349-9856 x207.
n Enhanced Web Site Presence —
Stay tuned to www.pasafarming.org in
the coming months, for the past year
PASA has been working on revamping
our website presence to make it a more
user-friendly environment. The site was
launched in mid-March, but we will con-
tinue to work on development of the site
recycling can provide numerous ben-
efits for farmers and the environ-
ment. This includes better manure
and waste stream management;
improved soil fertility and water
retention; reduction of conventional
fertilizers; diversified income from
compost and energy sales, as well as
food waste tip fees. Each month, Bio-
Cycle articles show you how to turn
organic residuals such as food waste,
manure, woody materials, yard trim-
mings, and more into value-added products. Standard subscription is $74/year,
but BioCycle is please to offer PASA members a special rate of $35/year (more
than 50% off!). Go to www.BioCycle.net, click subscribe, and type PASA 35 in the
Special Offer Code section. Or, call us at 610-967-4135, ext 21.

16
Membership News
New Business & Lifetime Members & Permanent Business Partners as of March 11, 2009
PASA staff and board
Just Food Spitfire Grille would like to thank the
NEW BUSINESS MEMBERS following volunteers as
New York, NY South Greensburg, PA
Accomac Catering Inc. www.justfood.org of March 11, 2009
www.spitfiregrillegreensburg.com
Wrightsville, PA
Nitya Akeroyd
www.accomaccatering.com Manatawny Creek Winery
Steel City Soils, LLC Troy Bogdan
Douglassville, PA
AgRecycle, Inc. www.manatawnycreekwinery.com Pittsburgh, PA Brenckle Family
Pittsburgh, PA www.steelcitysoils.com Dan Dalton
Nobility Alpacas Ltd
Basis Holdings LLC Wernersville, PA Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC Chris Farber
New York, NY Philadelphia, PA Terri Fetterolf
PA Association of www.wrtdesign.com Grant Genzlinger
Benton Farmers’ Market Environmental Educators
Benton, PA Don Gibbon
Beaver Falls, PA Welsh Garden Erin Gordon
Community Partnership RC & D Rixeyville, VA
Ross Mechanical Group — Lucinda Hart-Gonzalez
Lewistown, PA
Ross Renewable & Green Solu- NEW LIFETIME MEMBER Erin Hart
cpartnerships.com
tions Becky Krestchmann
Catherine & Gary Cox
Dosie Dough Huntingdon Valley, PA
Newtown Square, PA Jennifer Landry
Lititz, PA www.rossmechanicalgroup.com
Patti Olenick
FarmStart Seven Generations NEW PERMANENT BUSINESS Yvonne Post
Guelph, Ontario Charter School PARTNER
Chris Sarson
Allentown, PA Agri-Dynamics Inc.
Green Light Plants LLC Mark Terwilliger
Landenberg, PA Seven Stars Farm Martins Creek, PA Leah Tewksbury
www.northcreeklnurseries.com Phoenixville, PA www.agri-dynamics.com

ADVERTISEMENT

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Earthworm Cocoons (Eggs)
Earthworms are important for soil fertility and sustaining agriculture.
They play an important role in the creation of healthy, productive soils.
These incredible earthworms are a vital component in the living
biosystems that is healthy “living” soil. Studies also show that worms
hatched in a new environment are able to adapt better than trans-
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if you need to increase the worm population in your garden or farm.
Please see our website for more information:
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17
Classified Ads/Employment
FOR SALE / RENT/LEASE
FOR SALE — Family cow. 3 yr old Jersey. Bred to
reg. Red Devon bull for May 2009 calf. Excellent
disposition. Machine or hand milked. For more
information call 814-793-3503. Price $1300.00.
FOR SALE — Registered Purebred Red Devon
bull. 2 ? yr old. Lakota breeding. $2,000. For details
call 814-793-3303.
FOR SALE — Egg Incubator, 4 trays each 26”x 26”
asking $60. Contact Dan Brigham at 814-349-
5814, located Rebersburg, PA.
FOR SALE/TRADE — Scottish Highland Bulls
raised on grass pasture and organically grown
hay in Lebanon County, PA. Also selling grass-fed
breed by the piece or freezer pack. Taking orders
soon email for prices and schedule. Mike and Gail
Smith, Swatara Springs Farm, Dead End Road,
Annville, PA. Contact: 717-865-9688 or
djsmith@nbn.net.
FARM FOR RENT — Located in South Jersey,
Cumberland County only a one-hour drive from
Philadelphia, Near Bridgeton and Delaware Bay.
Opportunity for: CSA, Organic Growing, Farm-
stand, Livestock or Horse Farm. 6 acres available,
rich productive loamy soils, formerly grazed, no
chemicals used in last 10yrs, near Rutgers food
innovation center. For inquiries contact: 215-438-
7533, urbanfern@aol.com.
FARM CAMP — Journey’s End Farm Camp: a
Friends camp for children & families of all back-
grounds. 364 Sterling Road, New Foundland PA
18445, 570-689-3911. Visit www.journeysend-
farm.org.
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES — available for
farmers & local food producers at the Kennedy
Plaza Farmers’ Market, Long Beach NY. Contact
Bernadette Martin, lbfarmersmarket@gmail.com,
631-678-5227, www.longbeachny.org.
FOR SALE — Farmall 140 cultivating tractors (2
available). One tractor has mid-mounted & rear
cultivator sweeps ($2,800). Other has turf tires &
does not have cultivators ($2,500). Or buy both
for $5,000. Located in Rhode Island. Contact
patrick_mcniff@hotmail.com.
FARM COLLIE PUPS — We’re looking for good
homes for our farm collie pups (English shep-
herd). Hardworking, loyal, intelligent, independ-
ent…true farm dogs. Ready for their new homes
in early March. Contact 301-292-1175.
FOR RENT — Sweet Cottage for 1 or 2 people, 2-
6 tillable acres for rent in Cumberland County, NJ.
40 minutes to Philly , 5 minutes to Rutgers Food
Innovation Center in Bridgeton. 3 year or longer
commitment only, business plan a must. Begin-
ning Spring-09. Contact Helen 215 438 7533 or
email Helen@urbanbotanical.com.
FOR SALE — Scotch Highland steers, heifers and
calves. 6 months old thru 18 months old. 100%
grassfed. Warren County.Big Horn Ranch. 814-
563-7348. grassman69@live.com.
FOR SALE — 3 Purebred Highland cows, 7, 6, & 4
years old. Bred last fall to a Devon bull from the
Rotokawa genetics. Animals are currently located
in Crawford County. Call 814-706-8841 or e-mail
laura_jayne@verizon.net for more information.
AVAILABLE — Testing Services Available: Are
you a cheesemaker? The Agri-Mark Central Labo-
ratory can help you with your testing needs. Con-
tact The Agri-Mark Central Laboratory, 1000
Riverdale Street, West Springfield MA 01089, 800-
247-4522 or info@agrimark.net.
FREE LAND USE — a friend has land in Leighton
PA 15 acres + /-, in 5 acres pieces that they would
like someone to work if possible, there is no
water though! Call Nancy 570-386-9205 and
leave message about land use.
FOR SALE/RENT — Centennial Springs, a year
round family retreat including home, cottage,
pond, woods & pasture. Visit http://www.centen-
nialsprings.net. State College, PA area school dis-
trict. Contact David & Marcia Beppler,
dcb8@psu.edu or 814-234-1481
FOR SALE — 1964 MF 65 row crop tractor. Excel-
lent condition; 55 HP; PS; Gas; 6 speeds; 2 reverse.
Rear and front hydraulics; 3 point hitch; inde-
pendent PTO; 2 speeds; ground & 540; 2 position
clutch. $5,000. Call 814-692-8432.
FOR SALE — Flat spade cultivator. Includes 3-pt.
hitch, category 1, 78 in. tool bar, 4 side knives (flat
spades), pair of gauge wheels, (used only 3 hrs.
purchased new for $950). $550. Evenings — 814-
692-8432, 9am-6pm — 814-222-0032.
FOR SALE/TRADE — One, 4 year old English
Large Black boar. A good breeder and very gen-
tle. Asking price is $200.00 or will consider a trade
for another young English Large Black boar.
Please contact Rob Thompson @ 845-417-6418.
FOR SALE/LEASE — Tioga County, PA dairy farm
with state licensed farmstead cheesemaking and
raw milk permit facility. For more information
call: 570-723-1026.
FOR SALE — 3 pygmy goats near Harrisburg,
must go as a team (and not for meat).There are 2
females and 1 wether. Approximately 4 years old,
very amusing and healthy. Very reasonably
priced, I’m just looking for a good home for them.
Please contact Debra at ddeis@comcast.net or
717-469-8098.
FOR LEASE — Acreage in Zelienople, Beaver
County. Approximately nine acres tillable. No res-
idence available. Please contact Jim or Lisa at
919-207-4128 or e-mail us at jimwilli@embarq-
mail.com for more information.
18
FOR SALE — Seasonal pasture-fed dairy cows for
sale. 20-25 milking cows due to calve in May and
June 2009. Breeds include NZ Friesians, Jerseys,
Milking Shorthorns, and crosses. Call 814-832-
3755 or email ojalafrm@localnet.com.
FOR SALE — Small horse farmette: centrally
located New York in the beautiful Hamlet of
Speedsville near Ithaca. email- RE: FARMETTE
westcreekfarm@aol.com or call Jessie @ 607-657-
8548.
FOR SALE — Llama, Born 9/1/08. Cria is from
purebred registered show parents — papers
available. Great as pet, livestock guardian animal,
show animal or for fiber. Chocolate brown with
white hooves, face and neck. $500. Call Jay/Laura
814-364-2282.
FOR SALE — Goats — Boer/Boer Cross/Spanish
cross (does and bucks). Great for meat, pets, 4H or
breeding. Various ages available. Raised on natu-
ral browse since March with minimal to no grain.
Starting at $150. Call Jay/Laura 814- 364-2282.
FOR SALE — Established microgreen, culinary
herb & specialty vegetable farm located in cen-
tral PA. Owners are ready for retirement. Consult-
ing support can be provided as part of the
purchasing contract. For more detailed informa-
tion, please call 717 957-3479.
FOR SALE — We are Celtic Herd in Glen Rock, PA.
We raise purebred Shetland Sheep and sell
organic lamb, fleeces and registered Shetland
sheep. We have several rams, and ewes for sale
right now. www.agmap.psu.edu/business-
es/2762, 717-235-0342, rdean@bcps.org.
FOR SALE — LAMBS; born and raised on our
organically maintained pastures. Small amounts
of grain fed due to dry summer. Live or dressed.
WHAT NEXT FARM. York, PA. 717-755-2149.
FOR SALE — Rural farmland in Central PA,
approx. 70 ac. including 25 tillable ac. (15 addi-
tional avail. for rent), 6 ac. pasture, 39 ac. wood-
lands, large bank barn, implement building,
workshop. Land to be subdivided from larger
farm, PASA/PCO member Email me at rolan-
da1@ptd.net or call Rolanda Ritzman at Bowen
Agency 1-800-326-9365 ext. 32.
FOR SALE — Peanut, corn, soybean roaster, 75 to
100 pound capacity, propane heated, portable.
Must sell. Call Jackson at 814-876-0282.
WANTED
WANTED — Piglets. Our farm is looking to pur-
chase weaned piglets to raise for meat. We are
interested in heritage breeds that are naturally
raised (we are a certified naturally grown farm). If
you have 10-15 piglets to sell in April-May. please
contact us — David Hauser, Podere di Melo Farm,
609-397-9799.
Classified Ads/Employment
PRODUCERS & VENDORS — opening 3 new
farm markets in Southwestern PA (Fayette Co.).
Contact Bob, 724-437-7913.
WANTED — Farmers — looking for ways to
increase your sales? Just Food connects farmers
to new market opportunities in NYC. For informa-
tion call 212-645-9880 x221 or info@justfood.org.
ENTREPRENEURIAL FARM PARTNER — Soggy
Bottom Farm, Northern York Co, PA. Contact Mar-
cus or Gail Sheffer, 717-495-5324.
FARMERS & LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS — sell
your products at over 30 outdoor farmers’ mar-
kets in the greater Philadelphia area. For details
contact The Food Trust, 1-800-417-9499 x141, or
nickyuy@thefoodtrust.org.
GROWERS — for Philabundance, the largest
hunger relief organization in the Delaware Valley
seeks growers for pilot Gleaning program in
2009. Contact Emily Teel, eteel@philabun-
dance.org, 215-339-0900 x222. Visit www.phil-
abundance.org.
VENDORS WANTED — Farmers to participate in
the 3rd season of the Boyertown Farmers Market,
located in Berks County. The season will run from
June thru October and all farmers must be the
original grower or creator of the product they are
selling. Contact the Market Manager at 610-369-
3054 or by email at farmmanager@boyertown-
pa.org. Applications and Rules can be accessed
on the website www.boyertownpa.org.
WE BUY GOOD FOOD — Basis Holdings of NY
partners with farmers & local communities to sell
good food at affordable prices. Basis Markets —
new chain of small retail food stores & Basis Farm
to Chef. Contact info@basisholdings.com or 917-
770-8762.
WANTED — I would like to move to a farm clos-
er to my markets in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
I would prefer a rent to own/lease to own situa-
tion, but am willing to consider other options. I
would like a farm that has 60-80 acres of pasture-
land (preferably already fenced), water, electric
and a barn/machine shed. Contact Mark, please
leave a message at 570-854-4621.
WANTED — Farm Management Position(s). Cou-
ple with more than 10 years combined experi-
ence seeks diversified, small-scale farm
management position(s). Wish to integrate farm
as an ecosystem that supports managers and the
larger community financially and socially. Con-
tact us for complete resumes and references.
William and Marie, PO 1304 Telluride, CO 81435
wlyons@lvc.edu, ncwilliamson@gmail.com
WANTED — Vendors for The Glenside Farmers
Market (GFM), Montgomery County. Sat.’s 9-1 pm.
starting in May. Contact Jesse at: 215-565-6422 or
email: everichfarms@yahoo.com.
WANTED — I would like to rent a small cottage/
home on 1+ acres in Northampton/ Lehigh coun-
ty. I work full time off the farm but plan to start a
very small (5-10 person) CSA with organic veg-
etables and eggs. Contact me at shootingstar-
farms@gmail.com if interested.
WANTED — Organic transplants. Seeking 50,000
peppers and 50,000 eggplants. Call Natural Acres,
Amos Stoltzfus, 717-692-1000, Millersburg PA.
WANTED — Rhubarb roots. Contact Nancy at
nancyhiker@yahoo.com.
WANTED — Educational Farm Looking for New
or Well-Functioning Used Equipment. Fresh Start
Farm in Baltimore, Maryland is preparing to break
ground this spring. The farm has limited funds
available to purchase a few tractor implements.
We will pick-up or accept deliveriesContact Greg
Strella, Farm Manager 717-350-3730 or
gregory.strella@gmail.com
FARM COUPLE WANTED — Southern Chester
County landowner seeks a reliable, experienced
farm couple to help launch and manage a non-
certified, organic vegetable and dairy farm. Send
inquiries and information to: denyah1@veri-
zon.net
WANTED — Straw and wood chips to use as
mulch for my garden. Moldy straw would be okay
too. Contact Nancy at nancyhiker@yahoo.com.
WANTED — Motivated, hard-working, cheerful,
experienced, knowledgeable couple seeks 10-20
acres to lease or rent for organic vegetable pro-
duction, close to either Pittsburgh or Philadel-
phia. Contact Nicole at ntotino@hotmail.com.
VENDORS WANTED — Producer Only Farmers’
Market in Devon PA (Chester County). Whole
Foods Market in Devon will sponsor its third year
of a store-based, producer only, Farmers Market,
located on busy Route 30. The market will be
held twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays). No
rental fee. Contact Charlene Nolan at 610-688-
9400, charlene.nolan@wholefoods.com.
WANTED — Young pygmy or Nigerian dwarf
goat couple for family pets, we are located near
Bethel PA Berks County please contact Sally 610-
413-8773.
WANTED — I am a farmer in SouthEastern PA
looking for an Allis Chalmers G tractor w/ cultiva-
tors. Stuck engine or no engine, no problem. I’m
interested in a solid frame and attachments. Con-
tact Brad at 215-622-7272 or email
bberry@oldadirondack.com.
WANTED — Family of 5 (Married couple, stay at
home/home schooling mother, 2 children and
disabled adult brother) is looking for 4 bedroom
house with acreage to rent or rent to own in east-
ern PA. Contact Brenda 610-584-9008 (home)
610-656-9764 (cell).
19
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY — for a couple or family who
would/could help us develop a diversified and
sustainable plan for our 450+/- acre farm in New-
port, Perry County, PA and then be responsible
for the day-to-day farming operation. Martha
Roberts, 717-567-7216, ppfbeef@aol.com.
EMPLOYMENT — Dancing Hen Farm, Stillwater
PA. Visit www.dancinghenfarm.com, danc-
inghenfarm@epix.net, 570-925-0263.
CSA OPPORTUNITY — Start a small CSA with
use of 1 acre, 4000 sq. ft. hoop house, part of
60x30 propagation house, tools and equipment.
Shared Packing room, wash area, walk-in cooler,
office space. Waiting list to sell CSA shares. Hous-
ing available for individual or couple, rent nego-
tiable. Beautiful waterfront family farm.
info@ivybrand.com or 410-353-3882.
EMPLOYMENT — available at Fulton Farm in
Chambersburg, PA. Visit www.wilson.edu/fcsl or
contact Eric Benner, ebenner@wilson.edu, 717-
709-1995.
FARM MANAGER — Looking for a full-time farm
manager for our diversified and organic 35-acre
farm in Bloomsburg, PA. Experience necessary.
Housing opportunity and potential for long-term
employment. Contact Teri at 570-394-3634.
AGRICULTURE ASSISTANT — Shepherd’s Cor-
ner Farm and Ecology Center of the Dominican
Sisters. Primary focus includes projects related to
organic vegetable, herb, and flower production,
market sales, and grounds maintenance. Contact:
Eric Pawlowski, 614-866-4302, eski333@aol.com,
www.shepherdscorner.org.
GLEAN COORDINATOR — The Greater Pitts-
burgh Community Food Bank is hiring a Glean-
ing Coordinator/Nutrition Assistant. Full-time,
year-round, with great benefits. Send resume and
cover letter to: Sharon Tragesser, Greater Pitts-
burgh Community Food Bank, 1 North Linden St.,
Duquesne, PA 15110 email: stragesser@gpcfb.org
fax: 412-460-0418.
OPPORTUNITY — Licking Creek Bend Farm
grows sustainably grown food and sells to
mixed-income neighborhoods at affordable
prices. Located in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny
Mountains, north of Berkley Springs, WV. Hiring
help from April-November, can work for 2
months to 2 yrs or more! Email: esiegel2@igc.org,
301-587-2248.
LOOKING FOR COLLABORATION — in the
Delaware River Valley…S.E. PA or N.J. Organic
grower looking for creative collaboration or part-
nership with another sustainably-minded indi-
vidual or farm couple to grow and/or maintain
existing business and keep land in production.
Contact me at earthdreamingnow@yahoo.com.
Classified Ads/Employment
EMPLOYMENT continued
HELP WANTED — The Lands at Hillside Farms, a
65-cow, grass based/sustainable mixed herd
dairy farm, seeks a farm laborer with a minimum
of 2 years experience with dairy cows and field
work. Duties include: milking, feeding, fieldwork,
and other barn chores as assigned. Non-profit
educational farm based in Shavertown, PA. Con-
tact 570-406-6791 for more information.
ASST. FARM MANAGER — Casey Farm, Saunder-
town, RI. Visit www.caseyfarm.org.
OPENINGS — Pennsylvania Certified Organic for
the positions of: Organic Certification Specialist,
Administrative Director & Organic Inspector
/Coordinator.Visit www.paorganic.org for details,
pco@paorganic.org.
CSA WORKERS — Red Earth Farm, Orwigsburg,
PA. For details contact Michael Ahlert at redearth-
farm@enter.net or 570-943-3460.
PT OFFICE ASST. — Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance,
Shelocta PA. Contact Neil Stauffer,
pennscorner@gmail.com or 412-363-1971.
DELIVERY DRIVER — for Penn’s Corner Farm
Alliance’s restaurant & CSA routes. Contact Neil
Stauffer, pennscorner@gmail.com or 412-363-
1971.
CHEESEMAKING ASST. — Highfield Dairy, Big
Cove Tannery, PA. Contact Dan Adams,
daniel.adams007@yahoo.com or 717-496-3098.
CONSUMER SALES COORDINATOR — Lancast-
er Farm Fresh Cooperative, Leola PA. Visit
www.lancasterfarmfresh.com or contact
amy@lancasterfarmfresh.com.
FARM MANAGER & FARM WORKERS — for
established raw milk dairy operation — Camphill
Village Kimberton Hills. Visit www.camphillvil-
lagekimberton.org or 610-935-3963.
LIVESTOCK & CRAFT SPECIALIST — Stone
Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, Pocantico
Hills, NY.Visit www.stonebarnscenter.org or farm-
camp@stonebarnscenter.org.
INDOOR COMPOSTING HELP — Natural Acres,
Millersburg, PA. Needing motivated person to
help with large scale indoor composting. Work-
ing with machinery. Contact 717-433-7702.
FT WORK SOUGHT/FARM HAND — I am 25 yr
old male. looking for farming work. I have experi-
ence as a field hand with a variety of berries,
peaches, apples, and some other select fruits. Call
Jon 412-389-7245 or email me with details of
your opening at vandusenjw@yahoo.com.
FARM TRAINING PROGRAM — The Farm
School, www.farmschool.org. Contact Jennifer
Core at 978-249-2656 for details.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY — Capital District Com-
munity Gardens, working in cooperation with
Troy High School, is establishing a job training
program for students, based on the growth and
marketing of organic vegetables to local restau-
rants and individuals. Students will build high
tunnels and use other season extension tech-
niques under supervision of a Farmer /Educator
who will be responsible for farm management.
Contact Matthew Schueler at 518-274-8685 or
email: edcenter@cdcg.org
PRODUCE MANAGER — Male/Female to grow
organic vegetables. Job includes planting, weed-
ing, picking and packing orders. Field and high
tunnel practices used. Hails Family Farm Wyalus-
ing Pa. 570-746-1664.
FARM MANGER — Eftoo Farm, a CSA start-up in
Bath, VA. Visit www.eftoofarm.co or contact Ross
Waller at f2table@gmail.com.
FARM MANAGER — Greener Partners is a not-
for-profit group working with other organiza-
tions within the Greater Philadelphia region to
take underutilized land and put it into sustain-
able agriculture. The farm manager will be
responsible for the development and manage-
ment of all farming operations from land prepa-
ration through harvest and sales. Contact
amy.johnson@greenerpartners.org
WANTED — Business Associate. Committed, pas-
sionate biodynamic farmer seeks business asso-
ciate to develop and manage a viable, alternative
business focused on building community while
providing premier wholesome food. The 132-
acre farm near Gettysburg, PA focuses on con-
necting people to the beauty, bounty and
balance of Nature. Call White Rose Farm at 410-
756-9303.
APPRENTICESHIPS — available at the Commu-
nity Supported Gargen at Genesis Farm,
Blairstown, NJ. Contact Judy von Handorf at
908-362-7486, jvonhandorf1@hotmail.com or
csg@genesisfarm.com.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM — North Ameri-
can Biodynamic — www.bdtraining.org.
AGRICULTURE APPRENTICESHIP — Greener
Partners, a nonprofit working with other organi-
zations within the greater Philadelphia region to
take underutilized land & put it into sustainable
ag for the benefit of surrounding communities.
April — Oct 2009. Visit www.greenerpartners.org
for more information, amy.johnson@greener-
partners.org.
APPRENTICESHIP — on two Juniata County
(PA) farms. April–Nov. Contact Mick Kodner at
dancingcreekfarm@yahoo.com, 717-527-2831 or
John Eisenstein at jadefamilyfarm@gmail.com,
717-527-4719.
20
APPRENTICESHIP POSITIONS — Charlestown
Farm, 2565 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville PA
19460. For more information visit
www.charlestownfarm.org or call 610-917-0252.
APPRENTICESHIP — for herbs/flowers at Red
Earth Farm, Orwigsburg, PA. For details contact
Michael Ahlert at redearthfarm@enter.net or
570-943-3460.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM — the Josie
Porter Farm. Receive training & experience in run-
ning 80-member CSA. Visit www.cherryvalleyc-
sa.com.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM — at the Commu-
nity Supported Garden at Genesis Farm,
Blairstown, NJ. Visit www.csgatgenesisfarm.com
or call 908-362-7486.
APPRENTICES — Connecticut diversified bio-
dynamic farm — Woodbridge Farm. For infor-
mation visit www.woodbridgefarmonline.com,
woodbridgefarm@sbcglobal.net.
APPRENTICESHIP POSITION — Greener Part-
ners is a not-for-profit group working with other
organizations within the Greater Philadelphia
region to take underutilized land and put it into
sustainable agriculture. Apprentice should have
genuine interest in sustainable agriculture and
be willing to assist with farm work, educational
activities and CSA relations. Contact amy.john-
son@greenerpartners.org
CSA ASSOC. APPRENTICES & CSA INTERNS —
Spoutwood Farm, Glen Rock PA. Contact spout-
wood@comcast.net or 717-235-6610.
INTERNSHIP/APPRENTICESHIP SOUGHT — My
name is Rayden Sorock. I’m a 22 year-old college
graduate seeking an internship or apprentice-
ship starting after March 15. I would prefer to find
a farm in Central PA, or near-ish to Pittsburgh or
Philadelphia. Contact at 410-526-1098. I live in
Baltimore County, MD.
INTERN — position available at Spruce Hill
Lunch, Port Royal, PA. Interns will learn a compli-
ment of skills ranging from food production,
property maintenance & special projects (off-
grid solar). April 15th — Sept 15th, room & board
included, $150/week. Contact John Havlik at
717-527-4146 or jdhavlik@yahoo.com.
INTERNS — 3 fulltime, seasonal interns from
April 1 — November 15 at Blooming Glen Farm in
Perkasie, PA. Visit www.bloomingglenfarm.com
or contact Tom Murtha/Tricia Borneman at 215-
257-2566, info@bloomingglenfarm.com.
INTERNS — Come and intern on our organic 85-
acre CSA farm! Located in Pittsburgh, PA. Room
and board provided, great for interested young
farmers. For more information: www.blackber-
rymeadows.com.
Classified Ads/Employment
INTERNS — mid-April–October, Evensong Farm, Sharpsburg, MD.
Housing included, stipend $100–$150/week based on experi-
ence. Contact Julie Stinar or Mary Cottone/Evensong
Farm, 301-491-2224, julie@evensong-farm.com, www.evensong-
farm.com.
INTERNS — positions available for 2009 at Heritage Farm, Ridg-
way, PA. Mid-April — mid-October, shared house, kitchen,
heat/electric, food from the farm, suppers daily with the family,
monthly stipend of $100. Contact Gregory Burns, 814-772-0210,
gkb@penn.com and visit www.heritagefarm.us.
INTERNS — Flint Hill Farm, Coopersburg PA. Visit www.flinthill-
farm.org.
PASA has formed a partnership with the national
nonprofit Food Alliance to certify farms, food pack-
ers, processors and distributors in Pennsylvania and
surrounding states for sustainable agricultural and
business practices. PASA’s role in bringing Food
Alliance certification to PA and the Mid-Atlantic
region is to focus on marketing the program and
helping, where necessary, to facilitate the initial
process for farmers and businesses in achieving cer-
tification. For more information, please contact us a
certification@pasafarming.org or call our main office
at 814-349-9856.

INTERNS — Fulton Farm at Wilson College, Chambersburg PA.

Visit www.wilson.edu/wilson/asp/content.asp?id=205.

INTERNS — April/May — November at The Farm at Sunnyside in

Washington, VA (Rappahannock County). Visit www.thefarmat-
sunnyside.com or contact Emily Cook, Emily@thefarmatsunny-
side.com or 540-675-9946.

INTERNS — available at Maysie’s Farm Conservation Center, Glen-

moore, PA. Visit www.maysiesfarm.org, or contact Sam Cantrell,
sam@maysiesfarm.org, 610-458-8129.

INTERNSHIP — large animals at Peaceful Pastures Farm, Hick-

man,TN.Visit www.peacefulpastures.com or contact Jenny Drake,
jenny@peacefulpastures.com, 615-683-4291.

INTERNS — Jack’s Farm is seeking 2 full-time interns for 2009.

Available mid-March–mid-November. Interns will work full time
hours including Saturdays and share in all aspects of work on the
farm including: planning, seeding, fieldwork, greenhouse work,
harvesting, packing, marketing, education, mechanicals, and ani-
mal husbandry. Contact Jack’s Farm, Pottstown, PA at jacks-
farm@gmail.com.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM — The Rodale Institute, 611 Siegfriedale

Rd, Kutztown PA 19530. Visit www.rodaleinstitute.org to apply.

INTERN — Grow Pittsburgh for collaborative project with the

Frick Art & Historical Center. March — October. For more informa-
tion contact Susanna Meyer, susanna.meyer@gmail.com.

INTERNSHIP — Friends Farm & Market, Williamsburg PA. 814-

793-9379, buyfresh@localnet.com. May 1 — September 30.

INTERNS — Blooming Glen Farm, seeking 3 full-time interns,

April–November. Visit www.bloomingglenfarm.com or
info@bloomingglenfarm.com.
ADVERTISEMENT
INTERN — Elizabeth Telling Farm, Barnesville, OH. www.eliza-
bethtellingfarm.com or contact Sandy Sterrett, sandy@eliza-
bethtellingfarm.com, 740-484-0243.

INTERNSHIPS — Neo-Terra, Lemont PA. Visit www.neo-terra.org,

neoterraexpts@aol.com or 814-234-0836 (Tania).

INTERN — summer intern needed to oversee and manage a

farmers market at Penn National Community in Fayetteville, Pa.
Contact Patrice Nitterhouse — Patti@pennhomes.com.

Note to our readers

Due to print space constraints, full listings of classified and employ-
ment ads are available online at www.pasafarming.org.

21
Calendar
April
Apr 18 — PASA Field Day, Farming Profitably:
Business Planning & Management, Marketing,
and Record-Keeping, Exton, Chester Co. 9am–
4pm. See PASA website for details.
Apr 20 — WHY ANIMALS MATTER: Wilson Col-
lege forum on animals, religion, and ethics. The
forum will include Dr. Paul Waldau of Tufts Uni-
versity. Visit www.wilson.edu/orrforum or con-
tact Dr. David True at dtrue@wilson.edu.
Apr 23–24 — National Small Food Manufactur-
er Conference, Lincoln, NE. Holiday Inn Down-
town Lincoln. Visit www.fpc.unl.edu/nsfmc/.
Apr 28–29 — PA Nutrition Education Network
Annual Conference: New Horizons in Food &
Nutrition, Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel,
Harrisburg PA. Visit http://panen.psu.edu/
09conferencereg/ or call 717-233-1791.
May
May 2 — PASA Field Day, Farming Profitably:
Business Planning & Management, Marketing,
and Record-Keeping, location TBD, Centre Co.
Stay tuned to the PASA website for details.
May 7–9 — 7th Annual Pennsylvania Land
Conservation Conference; Confluence 2009:
Connecting Communities to Creeks. Penn
Stater Conference Center, State College PA. Visit
www.landandwater.org.
May 9 — SHEEP CAMP FOR ADULTS—Owens
Farm, Sunbury PA, 8:30 am–5:00 p.m. Jump-
start the learning curve. Full-day, very hands-on
workshop on keeping sheep. Work alongside
experienced shepherds. See agenda on
www.owensfarm.com, email
info@owensfarm.com or 570-286-5309.
May 9 — Spring Farm Tour, Steam Valley Fiber
Farm, Trout Run (Lycoming Co.), PA. 10am–3pm.
Visit the barns, sheep pastures and Steam Val-
ley’s shop. Visit www.steamvalleyfiber.com
May 11 — PASA Field Day, Comfortable Cows:
Healthy Herd Management Yellow House/Dou-
glassville, Berks Co., 10am–3pm. Stay tuned to
the PASA website for details.
May 16 — Spinning Wheel Class, Steam Valley
Fiber Farm, Trout Run (Lycoming Co.). 10am–
4pm, $75 includes lunch. Visit www.steamval-
leyfiber.com.
May 21 — PASA Field Day, Growing for a Grow-
ing CSA, Gibsonia, Allegheny Co., 10am– 3pm.
Stay tuned to the PASA website for details
May 22 — PASA’s Field to Fork Farm Season
Kick-off Fundraiser, Harrisburg PA. Visit
pafarming.org for details.
May 30 — Dyeing Wool Workshop, Steam
Valley Fiber Farm, Trout Run (Lycoming Co.).
10am–4pm, $75 includes lunch. Visit
www.steamvalleyfiber.com.
June
June 4–6 — Native Plants in the Landscape
Conference at Millersville University. Visit
www.millersvillenativeplants.org, call 717-871-
2189, email npilc@yahoo.com.
June 5 — PASA Field Day, Transitioning to
Organic at Rodale Institute, Kutztown, Berks Co.,
10am–3pm. See PASA website for details.
June 6 — The Role of the Horse in the Farm
Organism, with Mac Mead. This workshop will
include hands-on sessions in caring for and
working with draft horses. Chestnut Ridge, NY.
Contact The Pfeiffer Center, 845-352-5020 x20,
info@pfeiffercenter.org, www.pfeiffercenter.org.
June 13–14 — Northeast PA Energy Solutions
Expo, Luzerne Co. Fairgrounds, Dallas PA. Visit
www.pnesolutions.org or contact the Pocono
Northeast RC&D Council at 570-282-8732 or
sue@pnercd.org.
June 20 — Natural Dyeing Workshop, Steam
Valley Fiber Farm, Trout Run (Lycoming Co.).
9am–4pm. Visit www.steamvalleyfiber.com
June 26 — PASA Field Day, Beekeeping for
Farmers: Get Pollinating! State College, Centre
Co. Stay tuned to the PASA website for details.
February 2010
Feb 4–6 — PASA’s 19th Annual Farming for the
Future Conference, Penn Stater Conference
Center, State College, PA.
PASA Educational Outreach Events
Visit www.pasafarming.org and watch your mail-
boxes for the print calendar mailed in April for up to
date details on our summer & fall events.

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT

• Materials reviews
• Quarterly Organic Matters Newsletter
• Workshops and field days
Contact us for a free info pack or to speak to
one of our certification specialists.

ASSURING the INTEGRITY of ORGANIC PRODUCTS

106 School Street, Suite 201 • Spring Mills PA 16875
814-422-0251 • pco@paorganic.org • www.paorganic.org

22
PASA Membership Please clip this application and return with payment to:
PASA Membership, PO Box 419, Millheim, PA 16854
& Contribution Form or join online at pasafarming.org

Benefits of Membership Lifetime Memberships &

As a member you will receive: Permanent Business Partners
• A subscription to our bimonthly, Passages newsletter Contributions for Lifetime Memberships & Permanent Business Part-
nerships will be managed with care, sustaining both the ongoing
• Discounted admission to our annual conference membership as well as the long-term future of PASA. There are few
• Discounted admission to our annual field day series things a member or business could do to symbolize their lifelong com-
mitment to sustainability than to place such confidence in the value
• Invitations to other special events, such as our and viability of PASA itself.

Harvest Dinners Sustaining Lifetime Member $ 1,200

Please complete the Family/Farm Membership field at lower left
• Free classified ads & discounted display advertising in
Passages, in addition to free listings on our website Permanent Business Partner $ 3,000
Please complete the Nonprofit/Business Membership field at lower left
• Voting privileges
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping SUBTOTAL $
sustain agriculture

Become a PASA Member Gift Membership

Name In addition to your own membership, you may give PASA membership
to a good friend, family member, business associate or other worthy
Company/Farm recipient on an annual or lifetime basis…a gift that keeps on giving!
Student $ 15
Address
Individual $ 45

City State Family/Farm $ 60

Lifetime Sustaining Member $ 1,200
ZIP+4 County
SUBTOTAL $
Home Phone Work Phone Name(s)

E-mail Address

City
Web Address

State ZIP+4

Are you farming: NO YES — how many acres: Telephone E-mail

How did you learn about PASA:

PASA Membership Levels Payment SUBTOTALS

$
CONTRIBUTIONS
Student $ 15
Annual Fund $ .............................
Individual $ 45
Arias M. Brownback Scholarship Fund $ .............................
Family/Farm Please complete field below $ 60

Please list all names for this Family/Farm membership. You may include children
between the ages of 14–22, and also multiple generations directly involved in the farm.
Check Make check payable to PASA Total amount due
Credit Card Complete below $

$ 100 Card No.

Nonprofit Please complete field below

$ 150 Exp. Date

Business Please complete field below VISA MasterCard Discover
Please list up to two additional people associated with your business to receive individ- Cardholder Name
ual membership privileges.
Signature

PASA is a registered 501 (C) 3 organization and contributions are tax exempt. The offi-
cial registration and financial information of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable
SUBTOTAL $
Agriculture may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-
free, within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

23
 Non Profit Org.
Pennsylvania U.S. Postage
Association for PAID
Sustainable Agriculture State College, PA
Permit No. 213
PO Box 419 • Millheim, PA 16854-0419

Make Your Advertising

Dollars Go Farther
Advertising in Passages, So Many Options!
PASA’s newsletter Passages is printed on a bimonthly
schedule and reaches approximately 4,000 households
and businesses. Our publication is a great way to promote
your upcoming event, farm, business or market opening.
PASA Business and Nonprofit members receive a
10% discount.
Our publication reaches an audience of farmers,
gardeners, consumers, agribusinesses, environmental
organizations, food industry representatives,
cooperative extension and more.

Back Cover Ads

PASA is selling ad space on our back cover —
a great way to have one color with your
advertising — $600 for a single issue.

Place Your Ad Today!

• Display ad rates start at $80 — special
rates apply for PASA business & nonprofit
members
Back Cover Ads
• Full, half, quarter and eighth page sizes PASA is selling
available ad space on our back
• Multiple insertion packages include a cover — a great way
20% discount to have one color
with your
• Back cover ads — $600 per issue advertising!

Contact Michele Gauger at PASA headquarters

or email michele@pasafarming.org.

Why not try advertising today?