I am from Michigan.  The MI DNR changed the definition of “feral” to suit their purpose. Feral means wild and untamed.  The ISO includes multiple traits that any heritage, imported, or free range pig could posess.  I would like to have the opportunity to raise any hog variety or selectively breed hogs for my climate (zone 3-4), my soil (poor without amendments), and my taste.  This was pushed through without any regard to how the DNR was going to transition current farmers to farming legal pink pigs like they want.  Genetic diversity…who needs it? 

krippner:

ImpulsiveFarmer ran into this story on “news” site called naturalnews.com. The term “news” is in quotes because it just plain isn’t any sort of news organization, thank you. It’s little more than a propaganda organ for people who have a political axe to grind. And no, like…

I got notification that my application was selected for contract for a hoop house!!! I am in disbelief and amazement. Waiting for all the final paperwork and to get going!!

As I sit here with my dad at the hospital…a Vietnam Vet that was exposed to Agent Orange with no other health problems that has just been diagnosed with cancer……I can’t help but shake my head about what these companies are trying to do to us. PLEASE click on this link and send a letter to the USDA to stop them from appoving 2,4-D resistant corn. We have no use for it!!!!

This week has been productive in the fact that I met w/ EDA board members and the mentor for my business project. I’m excited to get started and have a lot to figure out before I can take my next steps.
I made contact with 2 other individuals in my community. The first was the lady that started and runs the farmer’s mkt in my community, and the other was a gentleman that has a hoop house and has held a conference in my hometown about organic gardening that was extremely well attended. I’m meeting with him on Monday to talk about his production and his next conference.
The other progress I made was registering for a 4 session series @ MSU’s Student Organic Farm late last week. I’m glad I did it, because they were booked up for 2 of the 4 classes by Sunday and the remaining 2 classes only had 2 open spots. Last years classes weren’t full, so I’m hoping this is the continued growing movement with hoop houses and local food.

I’m having a hard time making my final seed order out. This is the first year I am intentionally growing for production (vs that I just grew too much), and also the first year I am ordering exclusively organic heirloom. My growing practice has been both heirloom AND organic, but one of my favorite seed sources isn’t Certified Organic. This makes a difference with my certification process for the farm. There are a few varieties that I can’t find elsewhere. I have spent all day with my head in catalogs and making notes.

I called the lady that created the farmers’ market in my county. Pretty excited after talking w/ her about this seasons market, how much she needs more produce vendors and just a little growing in general.
I am excited to start planting already. I have a busy day planned out including a mtg with a couple members of the Economic Development Board. This is my first mtg w/ them post win last week. Excited to hear what they have to say and get help with my hoop house production business.
Still waiting to hear back from the USDA Conservationist about the cost share program. Still crossing my fingers for that to pan out. Hopefully know in the next 2 weeks?
Picking out some seeds to order tomorrow!!!

I have to fax paperwork today to the USDA for the continuing application process for the cost share program….
I am continue to cross my fingers for this funding. It appears they have a ranking system. I don’t know if my “score” is good or not? Hoping to ask the conservationist to describe that to me today.
The award from last night’s 456 contest will almost cover the cost of a 30x48 hoop house. If I am able to get the USDA cost share as well, I will be able to either expand that size hoop house, or spend more on the excavation I have to do, fertility (compost and such),seeds, and maintenance of the structure.

I just won $5000 (+ another $5,000 in kind business planning, legal advice, and marketing) toward my hoop house production business @ the 456 competition. I am so shocked!

I have my presentation for the 456 competition tonight @ 6. I want another week to get ready, cause I could totally KO them if so. I wish I had even one more day. It’s not going to happen, so I will just have to run with it.

This is SO awesome.

I am trying to finalize my presentation for the 456 competition and struggling to narrow down what I feel will be an effective strategy. I wish it was summer, so I could provide a better visual presentation of what I can produce in a hoop house. I only have 6 minutes to win this. AUGH!!

I had a site visit yesterday from the USDA conservationists for the hoop house program I had submit an application for. I keep using the term “grant”, but it’s really cost-sharing. This means they only put 75% of the money up to about $5-6,000 depending on the size hoop house I put up (the max size they will support is about 2100 sq ft). Still a long shot, but I feel like I’m at least trying a lot of options. The conservationist said they will probably have some indication of who will be awarded the moneys by March. Keep your fingers crossed for me for both the 4-5-6 competition and this USDA program!

I got a letter from the Economic Development Board today telling me I am a semi-finalist for the 4-5-6 competition!!!!! (See hoop house plans below). I only have 5 days to get my convincing strategy together. This is my competition to lose. I have so much to say and only have 6 minutes to convince them I should win the $5,000 for my hoop house!!!!!!! IDEAS????