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Market At Dothan News & Coming Events
Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns always welcome!
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Market Late Breaking Announcement


No rain, warmer temps and the good Lord’s blessing has produced STRAWBERRIES!!!!

Which means we’ll have fresh picked, locally grown, sustainable, chemical free beautiful and delicious berries available at the Market tomorrow for customers who pick up and anyone else who wants to run by.

There are a couple of pounds of early RHUBARB as well for anyone interested. The Mr. who picked it tells me he’d be perfectly content to eat it himself, but he knows people have been asking for it.

Blessings to all,
Ros

Market at Dothan is now OPEN


Welcome to Dothan’s SUSTAINABLE Market!

You’ll Find Us . . .

Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net

Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan

For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303




Regular Schedule Resumes this Week

A hearty Thank You to everyone who came out to our Spring Open House! The weather was perfect, the food was plenteous, the samples were delicious and the time went too fast. Can’t wait to do it again!


May 2016 ORDERING SCHEDULE
Order May 7 – May 10 for Pickup May 13
Order May 14 – May 17 for Pickup May 20
Order May 21 – May 24 for Pickup May 17



This Week’s Vendors


AUGHTMON – Get your all natural insect repellent right here!
CASABLANCA FARMS – Fresh Grass Fed Beef
We hope DAVIS FARMS has more exquisite greens!
HORTON’S FARM – Raw Local Honey, Farm Fresh Food products, FIRE ANT FIRST AID – good for ALL insect bites and for when you forget to use Aughtmon’s insect repellent


JUST GOT LAID EGGS won’t be with us for a while as a family of predators destroyed their beautiful flock. We wish them the best as they rebuild and get over this tragedy.
KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from the happiest chickens in Henry County!
MARY’S PEEPS – Mary is now convalescing from surgery. We wish her the best and look forward to her awesome home made goods again.


Fresh Summer Vegetables from PRICELESS HEALTH FARMS
RICHTER FARMS – Local, Fresh, Sustainable Pork – check them out at http://richterfarmspork.com/
SMITH FARMS – Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef


SPRING HILL FARM is not open this week and will be available for ordering on May 14.
SANDSPUR FARMS – Grass Fed Longhorn Beef, Pork, Tasty Vegetables, and Farm Fresh Goodness from Jen’s Kitchen


Farm to Table Recipes

Aztec Chicken Salad


Be it known far and wide that this recipe has been used to the point of abuse in the Horton household. It has served many groups, parties, and special occasions and has been replicated by many people in many places many times over the years. It’s one of two dishes Mama Roz won’t become famous for.

This recipe is very forgiving and can be adapted for conventional or organic consumption. Notes about substitutions are included


SALAD INGREDIENTS
2 boneless chicken breasts, baked, cubed and cooled
*Dark meat or canned chicken may be substituted
*Mama Roz likes to bake the chicken with cumin
1 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded or torn.
*Substitute one bag of lettuce or two heads of Romaine lettuce
3-4 Roma tomatoes chopped
*Other type tomatoes will work if Roma is not available
1 bundle scallions chopped
*a small onion finely diced may also be used.
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can whole kernel corn, drained

DRESSING
1 bottle Catalina dressing mixed with Louisiana Hot Sauce. Mix the ratio to suit your individual taste

Lightly toss salad ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately with corn chips.
Peppers are optional
A light sprinkling of cheese is optional

Footnotes

Market At Dothan is a small group of niche growers and producers promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting our local economy. Each grower/producer is dedicated to providing the freshest, highest quality products to their customers. Our growers use natural growing principles without synthetic chemicals. Local products available include: fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, goat cheese, frozen casseroles, pottery, nuts.
All growers /producers believe in providing locally grown foods and goods seasonally to promote a strong, local community and economy. Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns are welcome!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Priceless Health Ordering


If you love Priceless Health Farms products you are in luck -16 items just listed on the website for Pickup at Open House this Thursday between 3pm and 7pm.

Open House is Thursday May 5 at Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL.

Hope to see you there,
Ros

Snadspur Farms Mini Market Announcement


By now we hope you have Thursday, May 5, on your calendar for Dothan Nursery’s Open House. For those of you who LOVE Sandspur Farm’s meats, please make special note that they will be selling ALL cuts of beef and pork for $7 a pound.

Yes, you read that right, ALL beef and pork!

Hope to see you Thursday!

Ros

Market is OPEN! and OPEN HOUSE IS THIS THURSDAY


Where to Find Us:

You’ll Find Us . . .

Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net

Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan

Normal Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303




Pickup is at Open House this Thursday!


SPRING 2016 ORDERING SCHEDULE
Order April 30 – May 3 for Pickup at
SPRING OPEN HOUSETHURSDAY MAY 5, 3-7pm!
Join us for Door Prizes, Fun, Samples and Making New Friends! Meet your Growers and Producers!


Regular Order Schedule will Resume on Saturday, May 7 2016.



OPEN HOUSE SPECIALS ARE INCLUDED WITH THIS WEEK’S VENDORS LISTINGS


Welcome Back CASABLANCA RANCH!
Casablanca’s Open house special is sirloin steak at $7 per lb.


AUGHTMON – “Select soaps will be $3 each and I have over 8 different scented lotions in my 2 ounce bottles and I will have them for $1.50 each and lip balm for $1 and the all natural insect repellent for $4. There will be a limited supply so they will want to get there early.” 


Exquisite Greens from DAVIS FARMS


HORTON’S FARM – “Rich Rosemary Lip Balm available at Open House for $1 per tube! We hope to have a few strawberries on site. If you’re not familiar with our all natural bath and body products come and check them out!” Don’t forget to order greens, honey, etc.


JUST GOT LAID EGGS – The name says it all – Rehobeth fresh eggs from fresh chickens. Online Orders Only


KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from the happiest chickens in Henry County! Online Orders Only


MARY’S PEEPS – Farm Fresh herbs, eggs, jams, jellies and home made goodness. Be sure to check Mary’s listings. Online Orders Only


RICHTER FARMS – Local, Fresh, Sustainable Pork – check them out at http://richterfarmspork.com/


SMITH FARMS – Online orders only this week. Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef


SPRING HILL FARM is open for orders and will be at Open House with their wonderful breads, nut butters, soup mixes and more.


SANDSPUR FARMS – “Beef is RESTOCKED! Some pork cuts still available too. 
This beef was able to enjoy the sweetness of winter grazing
so the taste may be a little different, but in a good way. I hope 
everyone enjoys their purchases from us and if there is ever 
a problem, please be sure and let me know. 
Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction! Thanks, Jen”


Your SUSTAINABLE Market

Where’s the Beef?



As Americans become more knowledgeable about the the health benefits of eating healthy, non processed food, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about beef. More and more people are understanding that conventional beef is not as healthy as organic, pastured or grass fed. With various healthy diet plans recommending different types of healthy beef it can become confusing!


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRASS-FED AND ORGANIC BEEF?
There is a lot of overlap between organic and Grass Fed beef, because both practices represent a dedication to raising healthier, less chemically-contaminated cows. However, not every cow raised on the pasture is USDA Certified Organic, and not every organic cow is fed a 100% grass diet or allowed unlimited access to the range. If you have to choose between one or the other, it’s important to understand what each label means, and how they each impact the health of your family.

WHAT GRASS FED BEEF MEANS:
Grass fed beef simply means that the cattle were allowed to forage and graze for their own fresh food. They may be given close substitutes like alfalfa during the winter, but unlike grain-fed animals, the emphasis is still on providing the closest thing to a natural diet as possible. Grains are higher in calories, and encourage the cows to grow much faster and cheaper, but grass is much higher in key nutrients like Omega-3s and B vitamins, and result in steaks that are leaner, healthier, and much more flavorful. This is why grass-fed meats are strongly recommended by the Paleo Diet.

WHAT ORGANIC BEEF MEANS
The organic label doesn’t so much describe how the cattle was raised as list all the ways that they can’t be raised. The cows cannot be confined in a feed lot for any extended period of time, cannot be over-crowded or kept in unsanitary conditions, and cannot be directly or indirectly exposed to artificial pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, GMOs, or other synthetic contaminants.

THE OVERLAP-SOME OF THE BENEFITS WITHOUT THE LABEL
Certified organic beef can be raised on a diet of corn or grain, but they must have at least some access to a pasture, so at least some of their nutrition will probably come from grass. However, unless you talk to the farmer directly or do your own laboratory analysis, it’s impossible to say how much. USDA Certified Organic guarantees that the beef will be free from artificial contaminants, and suggests that it might be higher in nutrition as well.
Grass fed beef  does have many of the benefits of organic beef, simply as side effects to raising their cattle on a pasture.  Because the cows are in their natural habitat, with access to all of the open space you need to support a herd of cattle, their lives are more humane, less stressful, and much more sanitary, which means their immune systems are under less pressure, don’t require artificial assistance, and their meat is much less likely to be contaminated with diseases like E. Coli. If antibiotics are used on grass-fed cattle, it’s only in rare cases when the animals are actually sick, not constantly like feed-lots have to use them. Why pay for gallons of antibiotics if your animals are healthy and clean all on their own? Cows eat all kinds of plants on the pasture, including weeds, so it doesn’t make sense to spray their pastures full of herbicides. Pastures are essentially wild, with their own balanced ecosystem and plenty of help from cow manure, so pesticides and artificial fertilizers are really unnecessary. While grass-fed, non-organic beef may be exposed to more chemicals than organic, it’s certainly cleaner than conventional beef.

adapted from toplinefoods.com

Footnotes

Market At Dothan is a small group of niche growers and producers promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting our local economy. Each grower/producer is dedicated to providing the freshest, highest quality products to their customers. Our growers use natural growing principles without synthetic chemicals. Local products available include: fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, goat cheese, frozen casseroles, pottery, nuts.
All growers /producers believe in providing locally grown foods and goods seasonally to promote a strong, local community and economy. Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns are welcome!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Market is OPEN!


News, Views, Messages and Recipes!

You’ll Find Us . . .

Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net

Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan

For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303




Make Sure May 5 Is On Your Calendar!


SPRING 2016 ORDERING SCHEDULE
Order April 23 – April 26 for Pickup on April 29
Order April 30 – May 3 for Pickup at


SPRING OPEN HOUSETHURSDAY MAY 5, 3-7pm!

Join us for Prizes, Fun, Samples and Making New Friends! Meet your Growers and Producers!

Regular orders will resume May 7




THIS WEEK’S VENDORS, PRODUCTS, IDEAS ETC.


WELCOME – Davis Farms!
AUGHTMON – Delicious Bath and Body Products!
HORTON’S FARM – Fresh Greens, Local Honey, Fire Ant First Aid, BEEMU & Simply Because Bath Products
JUST GOT LAID EGGS – The name says it all – fresh eggs from fresh chickens
KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from the happiest chickens in Henry County!
MARY’S PEEPS – Jams, Jellies, Baked Goods.
“Surgery has been postponed so we’re here till after Open House. Thank you for your support.”


RICHTER FARMS – Local, Fresh, Sustainable Pork – check them out at http://richterfarmspork.com/
SMITH FARMS – Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef
SPRING HILL FARM is off Market this week but will have and have their wonderful breads, nut butters, soup mixes, etc for order the following week. Please note that they will be at Open House May 5!


SANDSPUR FARMS – “Beef is RESTOCKED! Some pork cuts still available too. 
This beef was able to enjoy the sweetness of winter grazing
so the taste may be a little different, but in a good way. I hope 
everyone enjoys their purchases from us and if there is ever 
a problem, please be sure and let me know. 
Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction! Thanks, Jen”


SWEET CAKES – delectable fresh made pasta, gnocci and baked goods

Your SUSTAINABLE Market

The Low Down on COLLARDS



The cholesterol-lowering ability of collard greens may be the greatest of all commonly eaten cruciferous vegetables. In a recent study, steamed collard greens outshined steamed kale, mustard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage in terms of its ability to bind bile acids in the digestive tract. When this bile acid binding takes place, it is easier for the bile acids to be excreted from the body. Since bile acids are made from cholesterol, the net impact of this bile acid binding is a lowering of the body’s cholesterol level. It’s worth noting that steamed collards show much greater bile acid binding ability than raw collards.

We get unique health benefits from collard greens in the form of cancer protection. The cancer-preventive properties of collard greens may be largely related to 4 specific glucosinolates found in this cruciferous vegetable: glucoraphanin, sinigrin, gluconasturtiian, and glucotropaeolin. Each of these glucosinolates can be converted into an isothiocyanate (ITC) that helps lower our cancer risk by supporting our detox and anti-inflammatory systems.

Vickie’s actual photo taken last week when she made this recipe


VICKIE’S COLLARD ROLLS

“This was heavenly and really did not take that long to prepare.”

 
Roughly 40 collard leaves, stemmed.
Blanch for 2 minutes then dunk in cold water then drain.
1 lb ground deer meat (other ground meats could be substituted)
¼ C olive oil
1 onion chopped fine
1 & ½ C cooked jasmine rice
2 or 3 minced garlic cloves
¼ each C fresh chopped dill and parsley
2 T ketchup
2 T lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken broth
 
Heat  the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large nonstick skillet and add the deer, onions, garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the meat is done and the onion is tender. Scoop the meat mixture out of the pan reserving the drippings.  Add the rice, ketchup and chopped herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Combine well. 
 
Oil a wide, deep lidded sauté pan or saucepan with olive oil. To fill the leaves, place one on your work surface, vein side up and with the stem end facing you. The leaf may have a big space in the middle where you stemmed it; if it does, pull the two sides of the leaf in toward each other and overlap them slightly. Place about 1 level tablespoon of filling on the bottom center of each leaf. Fold the sides over, then roll up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place in the pan, seam side down, fitting the stuffed leaves in snug layers.
 
Once the leaves are layered in the pan, pour the remaining drippings from the meat over the leaves.  Then drizzle with the lemon juice.  Add chicken broth – just enough to cover the leaves.  Simmer one hour until leaves are tender.
 

Footnotes

Market At Dothan is a small group of niche growers and producers promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting our local economy. Each grower/producer is dedicated to providing the freshest, highest quality products to their customers. Our growers use natural growing principles without synthetic chemicals. Local products available include: fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, goat cheese, frozen casseroles, pottery, nuts.
All growers /producers believe in providing locally grown foods and goods seasonally to promote a strong, local community and economy. Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns are welcome!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Market at Dothan - Midweek Quickie Announcement


Nothing fancy in this message – just GOOD information!

A new grower just joined us! Davis Farms just listed Rapini / Broccoli Rabe so it was not on the market when we opened on Saturday. So if this interests you there’s still time to order for pickup this Friday.

If you’re not familiar with this green leafy vegetable we encourage you to “google” it and check out all the wonderful ways you can use it.

Thank You for your support of sustainable locally grown produce.

Ros

April 16, 2016 - The Market is OPEN


Mid April Market Update

You’ll Find Us . . .

Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net

Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan

For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303




This Week at the Market


SPRING 2016 ORDERING SCHEDULE
Order April 16 – April 19 for Pickup on April 22
Order April 23 – April 26 for Pickup on April 29


Order April 30 – May 3 for Pickup at

SPRING OPEN HOUSETHURSDAY MAY 5, 3-7pm!

Join us for Fresh Food, Fun, Samples and Making New Friends! Your Farmers will be on site and available for all your questions!




THIS WEEK’S VENDORS, PRODUCTS, IDEAS ETC.


WELCOME BACK SWEET CAKES!


INTRODUCING – Just Got Laid Egg Company
AUGHTMON – Delicious Bath and Body Products!
HORTON’S FARM – Limited quantities of clean grown STRAWBERRIES, Many Fresh Greens, Onions, Carrots & Radishes
Local Honey, Fire Ant First Aid, BEEMU & Simply Because Bath Products


KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from happy chickens
MARY’S PEEPS – Special note from Mary Dale: “I just wanted to let my customers know that I will be having surgery 4-27- and will not have products available that week. Hopefully I will be back when I am able. Keep looking to see when I can put products back on. Thanks for being patient. Mary’s Peeps”


RICHTER FARMS – Local, Fresh, Sustainable Pork – check them out at http://richterfarmspork.com/
SMITH FARMS – Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef


SPRING HILL FARM is at the Market this week and have their wonderful breads, nut butters, soup mixes, ect. available! Please remember they only sell every other week so stock up if you need to!


SANDSPUR FARMS – Pork was RESTOCKED last week. Thank you for your support. Please check beef quantities as we are working hard to restock it. Once again, thank you for your continued support of our family farm. Be sure and like us on Facebook if you have not already.

Your SUSTAINABLE Market

The Low Down on Strawberries


AAhhhhhhhhh – STRAWBERRIES – one of the much anticipated pleasures of spring! Besides the delectable flavor that is the basis for so many dishes and desserts, there is much to be celebrated, and heeded when it comes to consuming them.


Many foods commonly consumed in the U.S. are valuable sources of antioxidants. But researchers have recently ranked the 50 best antioxidant sources among commonly eaten foods and found strawberries to be quite exceptional. When total antioxidant capacity was measured against a uniform amount of food (100 grams, or about 3.5 ounces), strawberries ranked 27th best among U.S. foods. In addition, when only fruits were considered, strawberries came out 4th among all fruits (behind blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries). However, since many foods (for example, spices and seasonings) are seldom consumed in amounts as large as 3.5 ounces, researchers also looked at common serving sizes for all foods and their total antioxidant capacity. In this evaluation based on common serving sizes, strawberries came out 3rd among all U.S. foods including spices, seasonings, fruits, and vegetables! (In this analysis based on serving size, only blackberries and walnuts scored higher in total antioxidant capacity.) When we hear the word “strawberry,” we might think about a very commonplace fruit. But the antioxidant capacity of strawberry is anything but common! Ooptimal strawberry ripeness can be judged by color. You’ll want to consume your strawberries when their amazing pinkish-red color is most vibrant and rich in luster.

On the down side, strawberries have officially replaced apples as the most pesticide-ridden produce. According to the 2016 Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Shopper’s Guide, nearly all “conventional” strawberry samples—about 98%—tested by federal officials had detectable pesticide residues. In addition to that, 40% of all strawberries had residues of 10 or more pesticides detected.

“It is startling to see how heavily strawberries are contaminated with residues of hazardous pesticides, but even more shocking is that these residues don’t violate the weak U.S. laws and regulations on pesticides in food,” said Sonya Lunder, EWG Senior Analyst. Some of the chemicals detected on strawberries are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental damage, hormone disruption and neurological problems according to the nonprofit environmental research organization. Strawberries were once a seasonal crop, but with the heavy use of pesticides, yields grew stretching the fruit’s growing season.

EWG created the Dirty Dozen list to inform and guide consumers on the top twelves fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide loads.On the other hand, avocados remain at the top of EWG’s Clean Fifteen, with less than one percent of samples showing any detectable pesticides. “Fruits and vegetables are important for your health,” says Lunder. “But for those on the Dirty Dozen, we recommend buying the organic versions if you want to avoid pesticides on your food.”
EWG has been releasing The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce every year since 2004. Their analysis is based on results of more than 35,200 samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.

Adapted from Whole Foods and http://ep.yimg.com/ty/cdn/realityzone/NTKstrawberriesToxicPesticides.html

Footnotes

Market At Dothan is a small group of niche growers and producers promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting our local economy. Each grower/producer is dedicated to providing the freshest, highest quality products to their customers. Our growers use natural growing principles without synthetic chemicals. Local products available include: fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, goat cheese, frozen casseroles, pottery, nuts.
All growers /producers believe in providing locally grown foods and goods seasonally to promote a strong, local community and economy. Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns are welcome!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

April 9 Newsletter - The Market is OPEN


Market News

You’ll Find Us . . .

Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net

Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan

For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303




This Week at the Market


A note from Ros – THANK YOU to everyone who brought back all the extra bags (including my personal ones!) that were used during the great April Fools downpour last week.

If you are new to the market, WELCOME! Please take the time to read the FAQ’s about the Market, what we are about and how everything works. And of course ask questions if you need to. We’re here to be a blessing and want your experience to be as great as the food is!


SPRING 2016 ORDERING SCHEDULE
Order April 9 – April 12 for Pickup on April 15
Order April 16 – April 19 for Pickup on April 22
Order April 23 – April 26 for Pickup on April 29


Order April 30 – May 3 for Pickup at

SPRING OPEN HOUSETHURSDAY MAY 5, 3-7pm!

Join the Fun! Your Farmers will be there and look forward to meeting you!




THIS WEEK’S VENDORS, PRODUCTS, IDEAS ETC.


AUGHTMON – Delicious Bath and Body Products!
HORTON’S FARM – Limited quantities of STRAWBERRIES, Plenty of Fresh greens, Onions, Carrots & Radishes
Local Honey, Fire Ant First Aid, BEEMU & Simply Because Bath Products
KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from happy chickens
MARY’S PEEPS! Baked Goods, Eggs, Gourmet Jams & Jellies
RICHTER FARMS – Local, Fresh, Sustainable Pork – check them out at http://richterfarmspork.com/
SMITH FARMS – Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef
SPRING HILL FARM is off this week and will have product available to order next week


SANDSPUR FARMS – A Note from Jennifer: Pork is RESTOCKED! Plus, we’ve added a few new pork products.
Beef will be restocked, hopefully by next weekend. There are a few cuts left.
I failed to label some jelly jars and have them at a discounted price. 
If you like surprises, this is the deal for you!
Once again, thank you for your continued support of our family farm. Be sure and like us on Facebook if you have not already.”


Your SUSTAINABLE Market

How does Sustainable compare to Organic?


Market at Dothan prides itself on offering the freshest, purest, cleanest grown and most natural products in the Wiregrass, but . . . we are not “organic.” The word “organic” was taken over, ‘owned’ if you will, by the USDA in 2002 and can only be used for products that meet minimum certification requirements following basic guidelines they have set forth. The irony of “organic” is that organic products can be (unsustainably) produced on large industrial farms, and farms that are not certified organic can produce wholesome, equally healthy food using methods that will sustain the farm’s productivity for generations.


The word, “sustainable” is much newer to agriculture. In simplest terms, sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fiber, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare.  This form of agriculture enables us to produce healthful food without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

The primary benefits of sustainable agriculture are:

Environmental Preservation
Sustainable farms produce crops and raise animals without relying on toxic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified seeds,or practices that degrade soil, water, or other natural resources. By growing a variety of plants and using techniques such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and pasture-based livestock husbandry, sustainable farms protect biodiversity and foster the development and maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Protection of Public Health
Food production should never come at the expense of human health.  Since sustainable crop farms avoid hazardous pesticides, they’re able to grow fruits and vegetables that are safer for consumers, workers, and surrounding communities.  Likewise, sustainable livestock farmers and ranchers raise animals without dangerous practices like use of nontherapeutic antibiotics or arsenic-based growth promoters.  Through careful, responsible management of livestock waste, sustainable farmers also protect humans from exposure to pathogens, toxins, and other hazardous pollutants. 

Sustaining Vibrant Communities
A critical component of sustainable agriculture is its ability to remain economically viable, providing farmers, farmworkers, food processors, and others employed in the food system with a livable wage and safe, fair working conditions.  Sustainable farms also bolster local and regional economies, creating good jobs and building strong communities.

Upholding Animal Welfare
Sustainable farmers and ranchers treat animals with care and respect, implementing livestock husbandry practices that protect animals’ health and well being.  By raising livestock on pasture, these farmers enable their animals to move freely, engage in instinctive behaviors, consume a natural diet, and avoid the stress and illness associated with confinement.

adapted from sustainabletable.org

Footnotes

Market At Dothan is a small group of niche growers and producers promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting our local economy. Each grower/producer is dedicated to providing the freshest, highest quality products to their customers. Our growers use natural growing principles without synthetic chemicals. Local products available include: fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, goat cheese, frozen casseroles, pottery, nuts.
All growers /producers believe in providing locally grown foods and goods seasonally to promote a strong, local community and economy. Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns are welcome!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

The Market is OPEN!


Market at Dothan News

You’ll Find Us . . .

Our Website: marketatdothan.locallygrown.net

Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarketatDothan

For Friday Pickup: Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303




This Week at the Market


SPRING 2016 ORDERING SCHEDULE
Order April 2 – April 5 for Pickup on April 8
Order April 9 – April 12 for Pickup on April 15
Order April 16 – April 19 for Pickup on April 22


THIS WEEK’S VENDORS, PRODUCTS, IDEAS ETC.
AUGHTMON has a new body butter!
STRAWBERRIES, Fresh greens, Local Honey, Fire Ant First Aid from HORTON’S FARM
KATHY’S CHURPERS fresh eggs from happy chickens
MARY’S PEEPS! Baked Goods, Eggs, Jams, Jellies, more!
RICHTER FARMS – check them out at http://richterfarmspork.com/
SANDSPUR FARMS – Certified Naturally Grown meats, vegetables, eggs, baked goods, etc
Ground Lamb and Dexter Beef from SMITH FARMS
SPRING HILL FARM breads, hummus, etc is available this week


Market Notes

I couldn’t write about Easter dinner in the last newsletter as it went out the day before, but when it was all said and done for our family, I realized “Hey, all this deliciousness wasn’t possible without the Market!” So I want to publicly thank all our farmers and suppliers who directly or indirectly, some knowing and some not aware of it, who contributed to our outstanding gluten free and dairy free Easter dinner. My relative with dietary restrictions was elated, my son who requested a carrot cake for a late Happy Birthday was tickled pink, my husband ate greens and LIKED THEM, and I was secretly thrilled that everyone was so happy with a clean wholesome meal.

If you are new to the market, WELCOME! We hope you’ll take the time to read the FAQ’s about the Market, what we are about and how everything works. And of course ask questions if you need to. We’re here to help and want your experience to be as great as the food is!


MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Dothan Nursery’s annual open house is May 5 and WE WILL BE THERE! This is your chance to meet the farmers who grow the delicious chemical free foods we enjoy year round. Plan to stop by between 3pm and 7pm to pick up orders, meet our wonderful farmers/suppliers, enjoy samples and make new friends.

Farm to Table Recipes

FRESH STRAWBERTY BRUSCHETTA
 These make a refreshing light lunch or an an ideal starter for a summer dinner party. The sweetness of strawberries is balanced by the slight tang of creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  A sprinkle of fresh basil and a dash of cracked pepper add a nice finishing touch to this pretty little bite.


INGREDIENTS
1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
1 tbsp. sugar
1 French baguette, sliced on a bias
4 oz. goat cheese
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
¼ cup minced basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS
Combine the  strawberries and sugar in a small bowl; toss to combine.  Let the berries macerate for about 30 minutes so that they begin to release their juices.  Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on top of each baguette slice.  Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture.  Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste. Yield: about 4-6 servings

Please, share your recipes with us on the website, on the Recipes tab. We’d all love to know how you use your Market at Dothan Locally Grown products, so we can try it too!

Footnotes

Market At Dothan is a small group of niche growers and producers promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting our local economy. Each grower/producer is dedicated to providing the freshest, highest quality products to their customers. Our growers use natural growing principles without synthetic chemicals. Local products available include: fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb, honey, baked goods, jams, jellies, goat cheese, frozen casseroles, pottery, nuts.
All growers /producers believe in providing locally grown foods and goods seasonally to promote a strong, local community and economy. Our goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction…comments, questions or concerns are welcome!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!