Terra Madre is an international network of food producers, cooks, educators and students from 150 countries who are united by a common goal of global sustainability in food. The "food communities" of Terra Madre come together biennially to share innovative solutions and time-honored traditions for keeping small-scale agriculture and sustainable food production alive and well.

Several months ago Liza Jane and I submitted an application to be chosen as delegates from the United States. We were chosen based upon the traditions we uphold in ranching and the values we maintain in raising food. I also submitted based on my aspirations to become a restaurant owner and chef.

We will be getting on a plane next this Wednesday from Portland to Torino, Italy and could not be more thrilled. The event is held to honor small producers and help them succeed. I cannot wait to fill all of you in when we get home.

I am not a planner and therefore have no expectations for the trip other than I fully expect to come home with enough networks and inspiration to change the world.

Talk to you soon!

Ciao!

The Fall season is a time for transistions, not just of the weather and the tammaracks but for the ranches and livestock as well. Most of our cattle and horses are turned out on good pasture so that they may put on a thick coat of hair and fat, which will help them to winter well. Our family prepares for the long winter ahead as well, firewood is cut and split then stacked in sheds to stay dry until use in the wood stoves. Stew and soup recipes are dug out of the shelves and holiday plans begin to form. For many us living in the beauty of Wallowa County it is our favorite time of year, bittersweet as it is.
The beef deliveries are all done for the year. All of our new and returning beef customers this year have been so great, we enjoy learning about your stories as they play into ours. We would like to start highlighting the stories of our customers each month and will be contacting you all to learn more. It is important to us to maintain the special releationships we've gained with each one of you. Thank you and we look forward to next year's deliveries and ranch tour.