Guide to Local Food and Farms
 
You've probably noticed that the look of Berkshire Grown is different. Just wait until you see the 2017 Guide to Local Food and Farms!
This publication is the go-to reference for local food and farms in the Berkshires and surrounding areas. 

Members will be receiving a copy in their mailbox next week and everyone can enjoy it online now. 

Special thanks to our members, MA Department of Agricultural Resources and the Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn foundation for their help in making this guide possible.

It's Farmers Market Season!
Have we seen you at one of the area's more than 26 farmers markets? With more markets every year, it is easier than ever to find one close to you.

Browse the 2017 Guide to Local Food and Farms or click  here  to search "Farmers Market" and w e will see you there!

Farm Profile: Balsam Hill 

Did you know that one of the largest certified organic dairy farms in Massachusetts is right here in the Berkshires? Balsam Hill Farm in Sheffield is home to a herd of more than 500 cows - read on to meet the farmer and check out the gorgeous views from the farm!


Forgotten Farms film screening 
Monday, June 19, 2017 at 7:00pm
Forgotten Farms
Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington

A discussion will follow the screening - featuring filmmakers Sarah Gardner and Dave Simonds, Berkshire Grown's Barbara Zheutlin and Sheffield farmer Jim Larkin.

Learn more about this amazing film and the issues facing dairy farmers at forgottenfarms.org. 
Hosted by Berkshire Grown and sponsored by Bob and Karen Youdelman.

Tickets are $10 and available at the door or by calling 413-528-0041.

Monthly Membership Options
We have changed the membership benefits and added a recurring gift option for donors who want to automate their giving.

Contributors to Berkshire Grown, support local farmers and promote locally grown food, strengthen the local economy, feed hungry neighbors through Share the Bounty, and preserve open space.

Become a sustaining member by making a recurring gift and receive benefits at the next highest membership level. For example: $10 per month ($120 for the year) will get you membership benefits at the $250 level! Being able to count on regular donations helps us spend more time focused on the important work of providing programs, networking and educational opportunities for the local food and farming community.

Visit BerkshireGrown.org/support to learn more.

Local Farmer Awards

The 3rd Annual Local Farmer Awards were announced recently. Awards went to 49 farms throughout western Massachusetts and totaled $116,000. 

The Awards are possible due to the generous support of two partners: the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation and Big Y. In 2017, awards of up to $2,500 were given to 15 members of Berkshire Grown. 

To learn more about the awards, click  here . 

There Aren't Enough Slaughterhouses to Support the Farm-to-Table Economy
By: Deena Shanker for Bloomberg
Photographer Cole Wilson for Bloomberg
Phil Haynes feeds Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture's heritage breed pigs. Photographer: Cole Wilson for Bloomberg

"C ustomers are increasingly demanding free-range meat from smaller producers that, largely because of the lack of slaughterhouse, aren't able to supply it fast or cheap enough. "

Why has the number of slaughterhouses decreased in recent decades and how has this decrease effected the supply of local meat? It's more complex than you realize.

This article contains a graphic description of slaghterhouse opperations and may not be appropriate for all audiences. 

To read the article, click here.

harvest supper tomatoes
Save The Date! 
2017 Harvest Supper 

Monday, September 25, 2017
Berkshire Grown's Harvest Supper
at Ski Butternut, Great Barrington, MA

Giving Thanks 
 
Thank you to creative director Ben Hillman - for working with us on a new media campaign to promote local food & farms. He designed our new logo and redesigned Berkshire Grown's Guide to Local Food & Farms. Thank you, Ben!
Support Berkshire Grown, local food, and our farmers.

Stay in Touch
Berkshire Grown's e-newsletter comes out monthly. 
Please send information to alicia@berkshiregrown.org . 

Barbara Zheutlin, Director
Kate Bailey, Program Manager
Jamie Paxton, Outreach Program Manager
Alicia Rossie, Membership Outreach Coordinator, Newsletter Editor

Join Berkshire Grown here .