Healthy Archuleta’s Growers and Producers Forum is coming up on Wednesday, May 28, at the Ruby Sisson Library from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
The forum is part of Healthy Archuleta’s dedication to advancing local food production as part of community wellness. It accomplishes the double purpose of supporting the growers and producers while at the same time educating our public to the availability of healthy local products.
This month, the forum will feature local meat producers. These community members will share about the histories of their operations, and their ranching and land management practices.
The presenters will share different perspectives on ranching, including a third-generation cattle ranching outfit begun in the ‘80s that focuses on cattle production for local beef sales. Another perspective is from a family that moved to Archuleta County about three years ago to start a ranch that focuses on regenerative agriculture who will share about their specialty pork production. And, finally, a third perspective will be from a generational rancher with a large-scale operation, with some beef being sold to the local market and some to markets outside of the county.
Why is all this important to you, the consumer? First, supporting and expanding a local food supply benefits the entire community — wealth stays local also. An abundant local food supply also reduces dependence on long supply lines and the potential consequence of interruption in supply.
Secondly, while the finished product has great taste, more importantly, it is better for you. The animals are raised on pasture and grass-finished, which for beef means increased presence of important nutrients. Pigs raised in a natural environment also exhibit a higher nutritional value.
The forum should be interesting to all who wish to pursue a healthy diet. Show up and discover where local meat can be found.
Please join us at the library on Wednesday, May 28, from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. for this important conversation.
To learn more about the efforts of Healthy Archuleta, please visit our website at www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org or send us an email at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
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