Down on the Fram: January News and Notes from Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista

Submitted by Gale Woods Farm

Happy New Year!
Farming is a wonderfully seasonal endeavor. Now that we’ve had a couple months of quiet around the farm, we start dreaming of the days when the white blanket of snow gets replaced by the dripping of sap, the birthing of lambs and the first green onion shoots poking up through the soil in the greenhouse. We are looking forward to experiencing and sharing the cycles of another year with you in 2013. Thanks for being a part of Gale Woods Farm.

More Lamb and Pork Cuts Coming Soon
A nice variety of pork and lamb cuts will be added in mid-January to our current pasture-raised meat offerings. Some of these (i.e. bacon, lamb chops) are tried and true favorites. Others, yet to be tried, but could be favorites are new to our freezers this year. We are looking forward to sharing more of the animal with you and have been working with our butchers to do so. Such odd bits (i.e. lamb neck and pork cheeks and jowls) will now be available for adventurous dining or for fulfilling a new year’s resolution! We still have a well-rounded selection of individual cuts of beef (including beef heart, tongue and oxtail) and whole frozen chickens. We accept cash, credit card and checks. Our visitor center and store is open 9 AM–5 PM Monday through Saturday and 12-5 PM on Sunday.

Grass-fed Beef Price Increase
We will be increasing the price per pound for the majority of our grass-fed beef cuts beginning January 1. For the most part our beef prices have not moved much, if at all, over the last few years. To remain competitive in our pricing as well as reflect today’s living expenses we hope our gentle increase is nothing more than a slight hiccup in your pocketbook. We value your support in sustainable agriculture nearly as much as you value what you bring to your table!

Save the Date – Film and Discussion
Last winter we started a book club to collectively build upon and share the wealth of knowledge, ideas and commitment to improving the world. This year we would like to expand upon the resources out there to include film. We invite you to join us again on Friday, Jan. 25. We will meet at 5:30 PM for a potluck dinner, followed by the film “Play Again,” with discussion to follow. Please RSVP to 763.694.2001 if you would like to join us.

Warm Up with Sheeps' Wool
Our fiber workshops are bound to keep you warm this January. Register now - deadlines are fast approaching!

Grandma's Farm Socks from the Toe Up
Jan.12 – Saturday 1-3 PM and Jan. 19 – Saturday 1-4 PM 
Join Fiber Artist Wendy Johnson in learning how to knit a traditional, sturdy pair of socks from the toe up. The student must have previous experience with knitting in the round on double pointed or circular needles. Yarn provided. Two sessions; $75. Ages: 16+.

Intro to Knitting
Jan. 12 – Saturday, 1-4 PM
Experience the joy of knitting and creating usable art. Farm staff will teach you casting on and off and the basic knit stitch. Leave with a good start on a small cotton washcloth. Knitting needles and cotton yarn provided. $35. Ages: 8+.

Sheep to Slippers or Mittens
Jan. 26 – Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM
Create a wearable felted project with wool from Gale Woods sheep. Meet the sheep, learn how to process wool, and make a pair of warm, durable felted mittens or slippers. Materials included. $60. Ages 12+.

Twined Knitting--Beyond the Basics Workshop
Jan. 26 – Saturday, 1-4 PM
Join fiber artist Wendy Johnson in a twined continuation class. Knit a small, sturdy notion bag while learning how to work twined stitches in color. Experience in knitting and purling with the twined technique required. Yarn provided. $45. Ages: 16+.