Farm News----

Many Rocks Farm frequently hosts groups that come to the farm to learn about Kikos and our sustainable agriculture and rotational grazing practices. We have welcomed University of Maryland sponsored visitors from as far away as Turkey and Kazakhstan. 

We also participate heavily in regional 'farm to table' events. Many Rocks Farm is dedicated to promoting goat meat (chevon) as part of healthful American diet.

February 21, 2009:

The Hagerstown Mail (Hagerstown MD) ran an article on home soapmaking. Jeanne was interviewed for the article as a local soapmaker. The increased public interest in fresh local products provides many new niche market opportunities for famers. View a copy of the article here.

January 16-17, 2009:

2009 Local Harvest: Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference

Connect Locally: Food, Farms, and Community

Jeanne attended workshops on healthy soils, grass-based systems, agritourism, and farmers markets. There were many networking opportunities with other regional farmers, farmers market managers from throughout the area, commercial buyers interested in local food, and foodies of all kind. The keynote speaker was Nina Planck author of Real Food and longstanding expert in farmers market management. Nina's company manages large farmer's markets in London (England), New York, and Washington, D.C. The meals provided at the conference were all created using local food produced by area farmers....fresh, delicious and just how food is suppose to taste!!!!

October 23, 2008:

Many Rocks Farm was invited to participate in a workshop designed to look at the role of University of Maryland Extension in rural economic development initiatives. Jeanne made a presentation about her experiences as a new 'agripeneur' engaging in designing and launching private-label farm products. Regulatory and capitol investment/infrastruture issues were discussed. A group of regional and state-level Cooperative Extension personnel visited Many Rocks Farm to review the goat farming operation and to see the farm products being produced by the farm. Many Rocks Farm provided taste samples of goat Chorizo-style sausage and discussed plans for future product development.

October 22, 2008:

Many Rocks Farm participated in an Agro-Depot farmers market sponsored by the Discovery Communications corporation. Company employees were treated to an array of fresh farm product samples and were given the opportunity to meet the farmers and purchase farm products directly. Quite a few people tasted goat meat for the first time. Many Rocks Farm soap products were also well-received. At the end of the day, the company gave farmers a tour of the Discovery Channel(s) broadcast studios-----and, YES, some people really do get paid to watch TV!!!

September 11, 2008:

Local Harvest: Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture held a twilight workshop on our farm where Jeanne spoke to the group about Kiko goats, led a tour of the farm, and discussed value-added goat product opportunities. The discussion was lively and all participants went home with a full stomach of goat chili. Lancaster Farming covered the event. Click HERE to read the article about our farm.

October 2, 2006

A delegation from Turkey visited Many Rocks Farm to see an example of meat goat farming in the U.S. Jeanne discussed with the group such topics as artificial insemination, rotational grazing, goat health, FAMACHA, and parasite control. Learn more about their visit to Maryland on the Shepherd's Notebook blog site.