They say you can't rewind time-but Sussex County seems to have found a way to slow it down a bit-at least during the ten days of the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/NJ State Fair. The Fair, held annually in the beginning of August, has a long heritage in the community. For the past seventy years, the Sussex County agricultural community has set aside ten days to celebrate their heritage, showcase their accomplishments and come together to produce an event unlike any other-a County Fair rich in history, family entertainment and good old fashioned fun!
The Fair officially opens to the sound of a rooster crow which seems to magically cast a spell over the agricultural section of the Fairgrounds, transporting exhibitors,visitors, residents back to a time when life's rhythm, purpose and joy were far easier to discern and drink in.
With livestock barns filled with barn animals raised by local farm families and 4H club members, the Fairgrounds comes to life with a symphony of sound. The livestock and other 4H exhibits represent the best of the 4H members' project year. They're brought to the SC Fairgrounds in Augusta for exhibit, competition and pleasure. Chicken, sheep, cows, swine and goats that have been bred, born and raised by Sussex County 4H members are housed in several barn buildings which were erected thanks to the sweat equity, fundraising and careful management of generations past. The animals are shown in the livestock arena and judged by professional livestock judges throughout the week. Each species of farm animal are judged, awarded ribbons, trophies and premiums based on their quality, condition and breed characteristics as evaluated by the judge. After the Fair, the animals return to the farm, where they will be cared for throughout the year. Some are bred to carry on or improve the overall quality of the farm's livestock production.
To the young exhibitors, the Fair is a culmination of a year's effort. 4H-er's are delighted to compete, learn, showcase and improve in their project area-with an eye on next year's event. Anticipation of participating with their club members in "The Fair" offers a sometimes needed "incentive" to rise to the challenge of early morning feedings, barn cleaning and icy winter days-when it would be much nicer to stay snug under the covers.
Seasoned agriculturalists also have the opportunity to compete in equestrian events, grain and forage exhibits, flower and vegetable competitions, baking and canning competitions and more. Traditional and modern Home Ec. exhibits like: crafting, quilting and needle work round out the offerings in the Richards building- a large building erected for showcasing the talents of the community. Visitors have the additional opportunity to view and purchase photography and art submitted by community residents who capture the essence and beauty of Sussex County through their art. Many professional photographers and artists call Sussex County home. The diverse natural beauty of the region is a constant source of inspiration to those with creative talent.
The Fair ended on Sunday August 15th with a long overdue rain. As I made my way back to the field where I had parked my car, my attention was drawn to a young dad and his daughter. These Dairy exhibitors seemed impervious to the rainfall as they headed to the livestock trailer carrying trophies and tack. The young girl's blonde ponytail swung in synchronized motion to the tail of the young black and white calf trailing behind her on a lead. I caught up to the trio in time to overhear her animated monologue about her time in the arena as her dad patiently listened and to hear his recollection of when, as a boy, he and his siblings showed their livestock at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. In that moment, as the rain fell on the pair, time paused and life and family was once what is used to be-they say all things change...but for a moment it was refreshing to know some things don't have to.
We live in a crazy, high-speed world that is too often chaotic and demanding. The pressures of the day don't escape farmers and their family, in fact, they can be more impactful in some ways. But wise folk know that heritage, roots and tradition can't be substituted or replaced-it's a treasure, a legacy and something worth preserving.
Thank you to the Sussex County Agricultural Community and residents for your community spirit, volunteer hours and passion. For seventy years your efforts to present an event that preserves our agricultural heritage and showcase the best of community and human spirit are a much needed and appreciated gift to fellow residents and visitors alike.
Sussex Naturally writer and founder of Dandelion Creative Marketing and Creative Services Group, Nancy Hreha, has been a long time exhibitor, supporter and active participant in the NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. She is a strong advocate of agriculture in New Jersey and specializes in agrimarketing and agritourism.
Showing posts with label Farming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farming. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sussex County's Best
Sussex County Board of Agriculture /Plant a Row for the Hungry initiative. The farming community has undertaken the initiative to join with the local gardening community in an effort to "take a bite out of local hunger".
But what inspires gardeners to want to join with in this effort? Sussex Naturally wanted to know who's participating and why...the SCBOA website sussexcountyboardofagriculture.org had the answers we were looking for.
Sussex County gardeners are seeing a great return for their efforts this year-and for avid gardener, Keith Hopler, it has truly been an extraordinary season.
The Frankford resident has been actively practicing sustainable food production for many years and has expanded his garden in size and variety to supply a full growing season of delicious veggies. Keith traditionally shares a great deal of the produce from his lush garden with friends,associates and neighbors. While he enjoys eating the fresh produce, he also cans and preserves much of his seasonal harvest for his personal use throughout the rest of the year. But "sharing the bounty" is one of the best rewards for his efforts and long hours in the garden.
This year, Keith has some new neighbors to share with. Through his participation in the Sussex County Board of Agriculture's Plant a Row for the Hungry initiative he's already presented a wide variety of fresh greens to HARVEST HOUSE in Sussex earlier this season. With an anticipated bumper crop of tomatoes reaching their maturity within the next few weeks- Keith sees this as another great opportunity to "help take a bite our of local hunger-by sharing with a neighbor in need". He's already planning additional PLANT A ROW donations as the harvest season progresses.
Usually,Keith like many other Sussex County gardeners and farmers, likes to keep his giving and sharing a more private matter. However he's allowed us to help celebrate his garden success- and his Plant A Row sharing- in hopes of inspiring and encouraging other gardeners to do the same.
"I have always loved to garden", Keith said, "And have always found there's been more than enough for my table-cupboard and to share. It's a great feeling to know you're helping someone out...simply by doing what you love to do!"
Sussex County Board of Agriculture /Plant a Row for the Hungry initiative. The farming community has undertaken the initiative to join with the local gardening community in an effort to "take a bite out of local hunger".
But what inspires gardeners to want to join with in this effort? Sussex Naturally wanted to know who's participating and why...the SCBOA website sussexcountyboardofagriculture.org had the answers we were looking for.
Sussex County gardeners are seeing a great return for their efforts this year-and for avid gardener, Keith Hopler, it has truly been an extraordinary season.
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| submitted photo: Sussex Co gardeners enjoy a great season |
This year, Keith has some new neighbors to share with. Through his participation in the Sussex County Board of Agriculture's Plant a Row for the Hungry initiative he's already presented a wide variety of fresh greens to HARVEST HOUSE in Sussex earlier this season. With an anticipated bumper crop of tomatoes reaching their maturity within the next few weeks- Keith sees this as another great opportunity to "help take a bite our of local hunger-by sharing with a neighbor in need". He's already planning additional PLANT A ROW donations as the harvest season progresses.
Usually,Keith like many other Sussex County gardeners and farmers, likes to keep his giving and sharing a more private matter. However he's allowed us to help celebrate his garden success- and his Plant A Row sharing- in hopes of inspiring and encouraging other gardeners to do the same.
"I have always loved to garden", Keith said, "And have always found there's been more than enough for my table-cupboard and to share. It's a great feeling to know you're helping someone out...simply by doing what you love to do!"
| Frankford Township resident, Keith Hopler (Left )makes a garden harvest donation to HARVEST HOUSE in Sussex. |
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Meet Churutabis Farm A Sussex County small farm success
NJ Agriculture is much like a beautiful mosaic-comprised of large farm operations and an increasing number of small family farms. Many new small farm operations have their beginnings in a life long dream- to cultivate a deeper connection to nature- a passion for agriculture or a desire to create a small business enterprise. For many, the road from dream to reality is paved with unanticipated challenges, successes and failures. But those who persist- personal and perhaps ultimately financial rewards can be found.Finding the balance between passion and business is key to NJ Agriculture's viability.
Churutabis Farm in Frankford is one of several small farm business success stories in Sussex County. It's also a success story, written over time, and punctuated with challenges, setbacks, adaptations and growth. Founded in 2001 by Hannelie and Werner Rheeder, Churutabis Farm has been evolving over the past nine years.
Agriculture's roots run deep in the family's history dating back to Hannelie's childhood experiences in Namibia, where her family raised bore goats and sheep. After moving to the US and establishing her family, Hannelie and Werner spent many weekends "escaping" urban living and traveling to the beautiful farm countryside of Sussex County. Attracted by the vast open space and agricultural heritage of the County, they eventually relocated their family to Frankford and began to build their vision of a family farm.
Churutabis Farm began as many small family farms do, with a great deal of planning, sweat equity and investment-and a few animals. The family soon became involved in the Sussex County 4H Livestock program and the three Rheeder children began learning about dairy goats through their hands-on experiences in the goat club. Juan, Migael and Lindie learned about breeding, tending and showing their goats with the guidance of their club leaders and fellow members. As a 4H leader, Hannelie was able to contribute her vast experience and knowledge to the organization as well.
For a time, dairy and meat goats were the focus of the farm enterprise. The family grew in their enjoyment,knowledge and expertise in this area- however as a business venture- sustainability was challenged by an over abundance of product which could not be marketed (milk, cheese, butter etc.) and a limited demand for breeding stock.
Poultry was part of the family's operation early on-but as a sideline rather than a focus of their ag efforts. Prompted by a need to evolve from a backyard family farm into a agri-business, the family readjusted their thinking and identified a market niche that could satisfy their personal goals and grow their farm business. Tapping into local expertise,investing in their own internet research and developing a network of friends within the local farming community -Churutabis Farm made a successful shift from livestock to poultry production. Now they are fast becoming one of the area's premier producers of farm raised duck, guinea hen and geese-supplying locally produced meat to satisfy the growing NYC restaurant market demand.
Demand for their product has increased significantly over the past few years. To meet supply demands, Churutabis Farm continually reviews their expansion and management plans-careful to be be certain a market is in place BEFORE making additional dollar or labor investments (a lesson most small farm producers soon enough learn).
Churutabis Farm has developed a carefully orchestrated and timed production schedule and has virtually eliminated "brooding" from their program-reducing many of the management challenges associated with incubation and hatching of new chicks. Now, day-old birds are shipped to the farm. The birds are naturally raised and pastured until they reach their optimum market maturity. They are then sold to a distributor who processes and markets the finished product.
By adjusting their production process and working with a distributor, Churutabis Farm can focus their resources and attention to raising meat products of consistent quality and desirability.This management system also allows the family to take a much needed "breather" during the deep winter months- a welcome change from previous years of livestock production.
Churutabis Farm is a great example of the evolution of agriculture in New Jersey-demonstrating how small farms are adding to the beautiful mosaic of agriculture in the Garden State.
To those small farm producers currently finding their way in the farming business, Hannelie offers this advice: " If you build slowly, and develop a market for your product before adding more to your plate-you can be successful. Though it isn't an easy road, your passion can be profitable, sustainable and rewarding."
The Sussex Naturally congratulates Churutabis Farm for their success in developing a management and business plan that meets the growing demand for high quality, locally grown food products.
Agriculture's roots run deep in the family's history dating back to Hannelie's childhood experiences in Namibia, where her family raised bore goats and sheep. After moving to the US and establishing her family, Hannelie and Werner spent many weekends "escaping" urban living and traveling to the beautiful farm countryside of Sussex County. Attracted by the vast open space and agricultural heritage of the County, they eventually relocated their family to Frankford and began to build their vision of a family farm.
Churutabis Farm began as many small family farms do, with a great deal of planning, sweat equity and investment-and a few animals. The family soon became involved in the Sussex County 4H Livestock program and the three Rheeder children began learning about dairy goats through their hands-on experiences in the goat club. Juan, Migael and Lindie learned about breeding, tending and showing their goats with the guidance of their club leaders and fellow members. As a 4H leader, Hannelie was able to contribute her vast experience and knowledge to the organization as well.
For a time, dairy and meat goats were the focus of the farm enterprise. The family grew in their enjoyment,knowledge and expertise in this area- however as a business venture- sustainability was challenged by an over abundance of product which could not be marketed (milk, cheese, butter etc.) and a limited demand for breeding stock.
Poultry was part of the family's operation early on-but as a sideline rather than a focus of their ag efforts. Prompted by a need to evolve from a backyard family farm into a agri-business, the family readjusted their thinking and identified a market niche that could satisfy their personal goals and grow their farm business. Tapping into local expertise,investing in their own internet research and developing a network of friends within the local farming community -Churutabis Farm made a successful shift from livestock to poultry production. Now they are fast becoming one of the area's premier producers of farm raised duck, guinea hen and geese-supplying locally produced meat to satisfy the growing NYC restaurant market demand.Demand for their product has increased significantly over the past few years. To meet supply demands, Churutabis Farm continually reviews their expansion and management plans-careful to be be certain a market is in place BEFORE making additional dollar or labor investments (a lesson most small farm producers soon enough learn).
Churutabis Farm has developed a carefully orchestrated and timed production schedule and has virtually eliminated "brooding" from their program-reducing many of the management challenges associated with incubation and hatching of new chicks. Now, day-old birds are shipped to the farm. The birds are naturally raised and pastured until they reach their optimum market maturity. They are then sold to a distributor who processes and markets the finished product.
By adjusting their production process and working with a distributor, Churutabis Farm can focus their resources and attention to raising meat products of consistent quality and desirability.This management system also allows the family to take a much needed "breather" during the deep winter months- a welcome change from previous years of livestock production.
Churutabis Farm is a great example of the evolution of agriculture in New Jersey-demonstrating how small farms are adding to the beautiful mosaic of agriculture in the Garden State.
To those small farm producers currently finding their way in the farming business, Hannelie offers this advice: " If you build slowly, and develop a market for your product before adding more to your plate-you can be successful. Though it isn't an easy road, your passion can be profitable, sustainable and rewarding."
The Sussex Naturally congratulates Churutabis Farm for their success in developing a management and business plan that meets the growing demand for high quality, locally grown food products.
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