TOFGA Day Two
Jen and I enjoyed a variety of speakers today at the Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association 2009 conference. A comprehensive report would be too long and probably bore you out of your skull so I’m just post the best quotes I was able to snatch and a few observations.
Bob Bard when speaking on Aberdeen Angus:
“What can we do to make our beef taste better for our customers? No one is asking this question.”
Patti Seeley when speaking on Aberdeen Angus:
“When I don’t have cattle I have to go to the auction barn to get my fix.”
Chef David Gilbert of The Exchange Restaurant in Dallas speaking on chef’s buying direct from farmers and ranchers:
“Good chefs are looking to have a long term relationship with the farmer or rancher.”
Joel Salatin on our modern relationship with food:
“It’s prostitution food – food you have no relationship with.”
Lastly…
We watched the beginning of Mel Bartholemew’s Square Foor Gardening promotional video circa 1980’s and it’s earily like Ron Popeil selling the Pocket Fisherman. Apparently, I can build this garden with only a pencil, ruler and trowel. Wow! I’ve never screwed two boards together with only a pencil. I can’t wait to see this majic. However, I’m beginning to think square foot gardening is a cult 🙂
I’m sad to report Mel revealed I also need wood, screws, a drill, screwdriver, newspaper and even more boards to make my square feet. Oh, and soil I buy at the store. I feel so let down. Well, just like hair styles and clothes from the 80’s this video has not aged well, but the technique has.
