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ECAA Roundup 3/24/2023

March 24, 2023

 

Homestead Fair Update

Be on the lookout for information on how to register as a vendor for this year’s ECAA Homestead Fair. We are currently working out details to partner the Homestead Fair with the First Responders’ Memorial Rodeo at Elbert County Fairgrounds on August 19. We will provide live music, demonstrations, and an authentic Chuckwagon Supper. Crafters, makers, and producers are welcome vendors for the homestead event. Separate sponsorships are available for the Fair and the Rodeo. 

 

Chickens Have Class

Last week’s Chickens 101 class was a hit with 17 online students. Some joined from as far away as Gainesville, Florida and Edmonton, Alberta. Turns out we had several students from different parts of Canada wanting to learn about raising chicks. Chickens 101 will be back next year!

 

This Week’s Trivia Question

How many hours of daylight are optimal for egg laying?

 

Member Meeting and Potluck

Join us next month at Ponderosa Plains Farm for a member meeting and potluck, April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Bring a dish and mingle from 2:00-3:00 p.m. then join in the conversation as guests from Elbert County and beyond join us online to Ask a Farmer. Socializing resumes at 4:00 p.m. Their may be trivia too!  Not a member? Come over and find out why you should join. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/member-meeting-and-ask-a-farmer-event-tickets-431907335467

 

Safeguarding Farm Finances

Silicon Valley Bank’s deep connections with the health of the tech industry is thought to have been a contributing factor in its failure, have you considered whether your own bank is overly reliant on agriculture? Are all of your eggs in one basket? It may be time to think through where and how your finances are held, a task that isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Here’s an article on issues to consider in making sure your farm finances are safe: https://www.agweb.com/news/business/taxes-and-finance/safeguard-your-funds-what-farmers-can-learn-recent-bank-collapses.

 

Share Your Skills

Do you have a homesteading skill you love to share? Would you be willing to teach an ECAA sponsored class or provide a demonstration at an ECAA event?  Contact your board of directors at BOD@elbertcountyagalliance.org with your idea. We’d love to help you share your passion.

 

Making a Big Impact with Microbusinesses

This year the Elbert County Agricultural Alliance has provided educational and marketing opportunities to our members and our community. We’ve created events and educational programs that build up the community in our county and open the door to business partnerships. If you support these efforts we hope you will consider volunteering. ECAA is truly one of those organizations where you get out what you put in. Now is a great time to get involved in the supportive ag family that is ECAA. You can help with upcoming programs, teach a class, join the board, update the website, contribute to the Roundup, or join the the Homestead Fair Committee. Your volunteer time can be short and sweet or an ongoing project. Contact sheila.zuschek@elbertcountyagalliance.org to talk about your interests.

 

More Events Coming Up 

  • Sunday, April 23, 2:00 PM – ECAA Member Meeting, Potluck and Ask a Farmer Panel at Ponderosa Plains Farm. Register on Eventbrite. (Online Ask a Farmer event begins at 3:00 PM).
  • Saturday, June 3 — Meet ECAA at Elizabash on Main Street in Elizabeth. Dues paid members who volunteer may hand out promotional literature for their own business in addition to providing information about ECAA and its programs.
  • Friday, June 23-Saturday, June 24 — Meet ECAA at Cowboy Up in Kiowa. Dues paid members who volunteer may hand out promotional literature for their own business in addition to providing information about ECAA and its programs.
  • Saturday, July 8 — Meet ECAA at Elbert Day. Dues paid members who volunteer may hand out promotional literature for their own business in addition to providing information about ECAA and its programs.
  • Friday, August 4 – Sunday, August 6 — Meet ECAA at the Elbert County Fair. Dues paid members who volunteer may hand out promotional literature for their own business in addition to providing information about ECAA and its programs.
  • Saturday, August 19 — Fourth Annual ECAA Homestead Fair. Details to come!
  • Saturday, December 2 — Join ECAA in supporting the community by baking and serving free cookies at the Elizabeth Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

If you have announcements or classifieds that should be included in the next Roundup? Send them to news@elbertcountyagalliance.org.

Trivia Answer: During winter months when days are shorter hens may cease or reduce laying. Hens will begin laying regularly when the amount of daylight reaches 14 hours per day during early spring. Maximum egg laying will occur when the day length reaches 16 hours per day. Commercial layer operations rely on timed lighting systems to create optimal laying conditions year round.