New Issue Coming

I know it's been a busy season here, but we've finally gotten through it. Issue #66 is on its way from the printer to our subscribers as we speak. We're shifting our publication schedule to make it more appropriate to the season, ie. Fall gets to you in the Fall, etc. However, that means the Winter issue is going to be shipping during the holiday season, so please, get us your photos, ads, announcements etc early so we can get the issue to the Post OFfice before all the Holiday cards hit.

A lot has been happening on the legal end concerning small farms. NAIS is still gasping for air, but it may be revived by some of the new legislation coming up. House Bill 2749 and Senate Bill 510 both address "traceability" programs and are written with concern and ignorance about our food suppy. Of course we all want safe food, but treating all farms the same doesn't reach that objective. Using some common sense, along with actual knowledge of the topic, will go along way in making better laws regarding our food supply.

It's breeding season across the nation now, and many of us are trying to figure out how much food we need to make it through, and how many animals we can carry over. I know in the Northeast hay is at a premium, and sales are somewhat down. Part of that is due to competition and some of it is due to people not realizing how healthy goat keeping is, for their bodies and their souls. If you can open your "farm gates," to let people see your operation, you may find a buyer waiting right outside.

Well, does are calling me. Please contribute to Ruminations and help keep the magazine vibrant and relevant. Thanks,

Pat