Last week, Brian and I had the honor of being a part of the Sierra Club's speaker series.  We gave a speech entitled, "The Road to Black Sheep Farms."  People are always asking us why and how we came to be farmers, so this was the perfect opportunity to tell our story.  We had a pretty good sized crowd, and we had so much fun!  After the presentation, we got to meet with several people who are looking to do the same thing we do, or know someone who is.  It's so exciting to hear that this movement is gaining momentum.  Through this event, we found out about some great land that is for rent for anyone wanting to farm an acre this summer.  The farm is in Sarpy County around Schram State Park.  If you are interested, contact me at Kelly@BlackSheepFarms.com, and I can put you in touch with the right person. 

On Saturday, Brian attended the No More Empty Pots Food Summit.  It was a locally organized event to discuss several issues dealing with local food, such as a need for a commercial kitchen space and  setting up local food distribution.  It was very informative and exciting, and we hope to stay involved as these projects develop further. 

I was not able to attend the Food Summit on Saturday because I was on the farm teaching a class on how to build a worm bin.  I've been a "worm farmer"  for a few years now, and I love it!  It's so exciting to watch these amazing creatures, and it's a great opportunity to teach my kids about food cycles.  Since this was my first time teaching the class, I wasn't exactly sure what the most important points to teach were.  Luckily, several families in our local homeschool group were eager to be my guinea pigs.  We all had a great time, and the kids had a ball climbing all the snow mountains outside. 

Now I'm looking forward to a quiet, relaxing week because next week, planting begins!!!!!

~Kelly

Want to meet your favorite farmers? Kelly and Brian Smith are scheduled to speak to Sierra Club Nebraska on February 25, 2010. Our topic will be "The Road to Black Sheep Farms," and we'll discuss how we got started in farming and the rural-urban food connection.

The event is free and open to the public. Full details are available on the Sierra Club Nebraska blog.

- Brian

This week will be a very busy week on Black Sheep Farms. Besides our regular farm work, homeschooling and other jobs, we have some special events scheduled.

On Tuesday, Kelly and I will go to a one-night screening of Food Fight at Film Streams with Director Chris Taylor. (Want to watch the trailer?) We are looking forward to the Q+A session after the film and hope to field some questions about farming.

Wednesday, we have our third CSA pick-up. I can't believe it's going so quickly! We will also host a farm tour for a group from The Nature Conservancy. They are holding a Staff Enrichment week at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. They expect over 160 people from 19 states.

On Thursday, I will be presenting to The Nature Conservancy group on the topic of "Good Food, Good Community, Good Earth." I gave a presentation last year and was invited back for a second year. I'm grateful to my friends at TNC for the ability to talk about food again.

Friday... back to harvesting for Saturday's farmers market.