October 22, 2021
High Tech Sustainable Grazing
Listen to how the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is trying virtual fencing as a less labor intensive way of managing grazing. https://www.kunc.org/2021-10-19/virtual-fences-may-help-cows-have-less-of-an-impact-on-climate-change
Ranchers Becoming Processors
Ranchers in Nebraska are beginning construction on a small processing plant as their answer to the lack of competition among large processors. Check out this article about the history behind the project and USDA’s position on expanding the processing industry: https://news.yahoo.com/unhappy-prices-ranchers-look-build-125102195.html.
Harvest Festival
Don’t forget to come out to see us at the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Harvest Festival on October 30th. It will be on Main Street beginning at 11:30 a.m. Put on your costume and join us in handing out candy to the kids. Email execcom@elbertcountyagalliance.org to volunteer.
Santa’s Little Bakers
Join in the community Christmas cheer as a Christmas Cookie Elf and help ECAA raise funds for our agricultural and homesteading programs. We need baker elves and booth elves (costume not required) for the Elizabeth Christmas tree lighting on December 4th. We will be handing out cookies and cookie decorating kits. Donations at the event will benefit ECAA and the food banks. In the meantime email Sheila.zuschek@elbertcountyagalliance.org if you are interested or have questions.
Rangeland Practices Workshop
The Douglas County Conservation District is presenting a free rangeland workshop where you can learn about grazing techniques and regenerative ranching practices. The workshop will be held November 4th at 5:30 p.m. at the Franktown Fire Station 181, 1959 N. State Hwy. 83.
Custom Blades and Smithing Classes
It’s officially fall now, and you know what that means. Soon, we’ll all be scrambling to buy Christmas presents! With the hard times from last year, supply is shorter and takes longer than ever. So Ronin Blades is offering a 15% discount on all gift purchases, including classes, custom pieces, and in stock items! Contact Christian at roninblades013@gmail.com.
Brainstorming for ECAA
At the member meeting last week we began a sharing and brainstorming exercise to learn more about ways to serve members and build our community. You can participate too by going online to https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GS6AX93VmqN-JKh90ncO3hr8kiLVmyAldct_stwQA8/edit?usp=sharing and adding your comments to the different questions. You can also see other members answers.
Chili Challenge
Start honing your recipe for the ECAA Chilli Cookoff coming in January. The date and details to be announced.
Board Meeting
Interested members may join the next board of directors meeting via Zoom on November 11th at 2:00 p.m. by going to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81046337317?pwd=bEFnMmhtMWt3SUFhQkQ4WkFJOE9IUT09.
Agritourism
The agritourism group is developing a list of local agritourism businesses as well as businesses that support or benefit from agritourism. This list will be used to develop a directory. If you would like to be on the list go to: https://forms.gle/3UJfs5tjFQBLxszM8 to add your business. Feel free to forward the link. If you are interested in joining the agritourism group the next meeting will be November 13th at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. Send an email to Sheila.zuschek@elbertcountyagalliance.org if you would like to be added to the distribution list.
Have announcements or classifieds that should be included in the next Roundup? Send them to news@elbertcountyagalliance.org