The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
The Chicken Dance
As you all know, our market has been experiencing a shortage of eggs…
Here is some knowledge for all of us from Ruth Runyan of Oakview Farm Meats…
It’s that time of year! Shorter and cooler fall days signal it’s time for the hens to go on “vacation.”
The hens begin to “molt” meaning they will lose their feathers and grow new ones. While in this process, many will quit or slow down laying eggs, while all their energy goes to the regrowth of feathers and body rebuilding. All chickens molt, but at different rates at different times sooner or later. Egg producers try to plan so this doesn’t happen to all the hens in their flock at the same time.
The hens will be back “on the job” in a few weeks.
Deer Run Farm is still able to provide Oakview with a few dozen, but should be back in full force in a few weeks.
We did add an egg supplier, and hopefully, soon, we will be over run with eggs, again!!
Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam