Saturday, August 4, 2012

Cluck N Chatter: Ranch - Woodstock Farmers Market

Baby chick standing in front of orange and yellow flowers

I feel that the last few articles, though very important for beginning backyard chicken keepers, have been very instructional, and informative, but also not very personable. So, in this article, I would like to tell you a little bit about me, what I do, what I want to do, and maybe a little bit of why I do it?but I think that one is pretty easy to figure out?. I love the Urban Farming Lifestyle?(and Chickens!!!)

I am currently enrolled in the Beginning Urban Farmer?s Apprenticeship (BUFA) program through Oregon State University Extension Services, partnered with Multnomah County, which focuses on all aspects of Urban Farming and business practices. One of the sites where we grow is the Learning Gardens Lab, on SE 60th, across from Lane Middle School, and we sell our produce at the Lents International Farmers Market. Our other farming site is called the CROPS (Community Reaps Our Produce and Shares) site, located across the street from McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, where along with community volunteers, are able to donate thousands of pounds of fresh produce to the Oregon Food Bank, at SnowCap.

I am in the beginning stages of developing my small business, Cluck N? Chatter Ranch. We are located right ?down the hill? from the Woodstock Farmer?s Market, on ? acre in the Johnson Creek Watershed. I have a beautifully diverse flock of about 20 hens, 2 ducks, 2 pheasants and 15 quail. I breed and raise chickens, as well as quail, and I sell birds (for pets, not food) and eggs.

My garden has been ever expanding. This year we plowed out the large section of yard adjoining the garden and I planted all flowers. I am using the Good Agricultural Practices learned through BUFA and attempting to grow as much of the highest quality produce in a small space that I can. With the arrival of summer (Finally! Woohoo!), the veggies are absolutely ?popping? and I have been able to sell gorgeous baskets of local produce to my friends. Anyone is invited on a tour of the ranch, as well as a ?meet and greet? of the Chickens.

I am also a licensed teacher, working as a substitute, and future plans include guest speeches on Urban Farming, Backyard Chicken Keeping, and overall sustainability to students in local schools. I have already visited one school, before the summer break, and brought some of my ?Chicken Ambassadors? who were a huge hit!

I have also started a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CluckNChatterRanch, and invite you all to check it out. I post daily pictures and stories of all of the things I am doing down here! If you enjoy it, please feel to ?like? and share with your friends. I also welcome comments and stories!


Our series Cluck N? Chatter is written by?Wendy Bruder and owner of Cluck N? Chatter Ranch

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Source: http://www.woodstockmarketpdx.com/2012/08/02/cluck-n-chatter-ranch/

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