Passages
Sustainable Food and Farming Systems
Serving the Community of Sustainable Farmers, Consumers and Businesses Throughout Pennsylvania and Beyond
Number 47
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
An Uncommon Man
By Kim Miller
As usual the PASA
conference blew me
away this year. So much
to learn and so little time
to do it. I have yet to
meet a PASA member
that does not have an
interesting story and
something to share. But
the man who made the
greatest impression on
me this year was Percy
Schmeiser. I am sad-
dened that only 400 of
us were privileged to Percy Schmeiser begins his story, “Here’s what happened to me.”
hear Percy speak on
Thursday evening. He is the most uncom-
mon common man that I have met in
years.
I met Percy prior to his speaking and
chatted with him at length during the
social hour. We talked about the things
that farmers talk about, our farms, our
families, the weather, and the state of
farming today. You don’t have to spend
much time talking to Percy to realize that reached the time in their lives where they
he is a lifelong farmer. He is quiet,
straightforward and not out to impress
anyone, just an honorable farmer and a
gentleman. I secretly wondered if he
would be able to excite any interest in the
PASA crowd.
And then he shared his story. He began material into rapeseed they have been able
by stating simply “This is what happened
to me.” So he talked about his farm and
the raising of rapeseed for the production between this new plant and rapeseed is its
of Canola oil. And he talked about saving
seed and trying to develop seeds that
would do well on his farm and in his local-
March/April 2004
ity. He established his emotional connec-
tion to this work by he and his wife devot-
ing fifty years to this annual practice. It is
clear that he is proud of the work that he
and his family accomplished in develop-
ing better seed varieties; ones with appli-
cation to his geographic area and climate.
Through hard work and proper steward-
ship of resources, Percy and his wife
might contemplate a well-planned retire-
ment. And then along came Monsanto.
It is public knowledge that Monsanto
develops Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMOs) as a way to increase the market
for its products. By splicing new genetic
to create a plant that is in most ways just
like rapeseed. The most obvious difference
tolerance to being sprayed with the Mon-
santo herbicide, Roundup. Research has
Continued on page 6
Newsletter of the
Pennsylvania
Association
for Sustainable
Agriculture
2004
Farming for the Future
Conference Recap
By Michele Gauger
Do you know how the US Postal Ser-
vice has the motto “We Deliver for You”
— through any type of weather? Maybe
PASA should consider adopting that as
our conference motto. The number 13
was starting to feel a little unlucky, as
this year a late evening snow/ice storm
threatened to derail our scheduled pro-
gram. Brian Snyder, executive director of
PASA commented, “This is the one we
made happen against all odds.”
In usual style PASA members rallied
and made the trip to snowy State Col-
lege for the 13th annual conference Feb-
ruary 5–7. The PASA conference had a
record number of over 1400 attendees
from 28 states and 3 provinces. The new
pre-conference Thursday format attract-
ed about 400 participants, and the usual
Friday and Saturday workshops were a
hit. Many of us left tired — but inspired
for the next growing season.
Continued on page 4
Got Milk?
Got Freedom
of Speech?
PASA Farmers in Tioga County Win
Case vs. Ann Veneman & the National
Dairy Promotion Board (see article
page 3).
 March/April 2004
Pennsylvania Association
for Sustainable Agriculture
1 President’s Corner
114 West Main Street
P.O. Box 419 2004 Farming for the Future
Millheim PA 16854
Phone: (814) 349-9856 • Fax: (814) 349-9840 Conference Recap
Website: www.pasafarming.org
3 Director’s Corner
Passages STAFF & OFFICE
Staff Editor: Michele Gauger
9 Success for the Silent Auction

Layout: C Factor 10
Advertising Sales: Michele Gauger,
7 12 Farm-Based Education

PASA office, michele@pasafarming.org

16 PASA Update

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 18 Regional Marketing

President: Kim Miller, Westmoreland County
Vice President: Kim Tait, Centre County 19 Volunteer Listing 8
Secretary: Lyn Garling, Centre County
Treasurer: Chris Fullerton, Huntingdon County 20 Membership Resources
Mary Barbercheck, Centre County
David Bingaman, Dauphin County 21 Editor’s Corner: The Grapevine
George DeVault, Lehigh County 9
Mena Hautau, Berks County 22 Calendar
John Hopkins, Columbia County
Classifieds Ads & Opportunities
John Jamison, Westmoreland County
Dave Johnson, Tioga County
Don Kretschmann, Beaver County
Brian Moyer, Berks County
Anthony Rodale, Berks County
Kim Seeley, Bradford County

PASA STAFF
Headquarters 12
Brian Snyder
Executive Director
brian@pasafarming.org Passages March/April 2004 Contributors
Lauren Smith
CONTRIBUTORS: George DeVault, David Eson, Michele Gauger, Heather House, Lancaster Farming, Kim
Director of Development
& Membership Programs Miller, Brian Moyer, Eric Nordell, Sarah Rider, Amy Souza, Lauren Smith and Brian Snyder PHOTOGRA-
lauren@pasafarming.org PHERS: Barrie Audio Video, Inc., Dave Lefever, Pat Little, Heather House, Brian Snyder.

Heather House
Director of Educational Outreach PASA’s Mission is… PASA in the News
heather@pasafarming.org Have you seen articles about PASA in your local news-
Promoting profitable farms which produce healthy
Michele Gauger food for all people while respecting the natural envi- papers or other media? PASA is active across the state,
Membership & Research Assistant ronment. and we’d love to know what coverage we are getting
michele@pasafarming.org in your area. Please clip any articles you see on PASA
PASA is an organization as diverse as the Pennsylvania
and mail them to our Millheim headquarters to the
Brandi Marks landscape. We are seasoned farmers who know that
attention of Office Coordinator Brandi Marks.
Office Coordinator/Bookkeeper sustainability is not only a concept, but a way of life.
brandi@pasafarming.org We are new farmers looking for the fulfillment of land
stewardship. We are students and other consumers, Do you have a great
Regional Office anxious to understand our food systems and the article idea for Passages?
choices that must be made. We are families and chil- Want to share a farming practice with members? We’d
David Eson love to hear from you. Please contact the newsletter
dren, who hold the future of farming in our hands.This
Director of Southwest Programs staff at newsletter@ pasafarming.org.
is an organization that is growing in its voice on behalf
Phone: 412-997-2343
of farmers in Pennsylvania and beyond. Our mission is Deadline for May/June Issue: April 12, 2004.
david@pasafarming.org
achieved, one voice, one farm, one strengthened com-
munity at a time.

PASA is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to:
Passages is printed with soy inks on recycled, chlorine-free paper
USDA Office of Civil Rights Washington, DC 20250-9410.

2
Director’s Corner
A Profile in Courage:
Tioga Farmers Win Checkoff Appeal
By Brian W. Snyder
Driving north on Rt. 287
north of Interstate 80, deep into
Tioga County, is almost like a trip
back in time. The road is dotted
with small rural villages, stream-
side campgrounds, used tractor
dealers and well-worn watering
holes like the Crossroads Tavern.
By the time you get to Wellsboro,
and see the gaslight streetlamps,
you really begin to wonder.
But there is ultimately no mis-
taking the passage of time…most
of these villages are lined with
boarded-up or otherwise under-
utilized storefronts, mere vestiges
of a previous era when the coun-
tryside, and its farming heritage, Joe and Brenda Cochran of Westfield, PA.
flourished with the economic promise of each new season.
When you finally leave the mother road and head fur-
ther north toward the New York border, especially in late
February, you start to think the edge of the continent or
the Arctic Circle might be just over the next hill. And just court decision on behalf of independent dairy farmers
about five miles beyond the aptly named village of Cow-
anesque, on a meandering country road presumptuously
named California, you finally arrive at the humble-looking
dairy farm operated by Joe and Brenda Cochran.
In addition to the proprietors, the Cochran farm is
home to about 200 predominantly Holstein dairy cows
and most of the Cochrans’ fourteen children (others are
grown and gone), who seem to relish their lives of farm
chores mixed liberally with home-school lesson plans. In
many ways, the Cochran farm is a village unto itself.
My trip to see the Cochran clan was intended to con-
gratulate these PASA members on their recent victory in
the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. On
February 24th of this year, the court, by a unanimous deci-
sion, overturned a previous decision of the District Court
in Williamsport, which had found for the defendants in
the case, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman and
the National Dairy Promotion Board. As a result of the
successful appeal, the Cochrans no longer are required to
participate against their will in the “Got Milk” campaign
that is financed by checkoff fees assessed to dairy produc-
ers.
Way up north, on what some people call the “Canadi-
an side” of Pennsylvania, where the passage of time is hard
to detect, it seems that some folks still believe the United
3
States Constitution was intended
to protect the rights and welfare of
individual, hardworking citi-
zens…the Cochran case was
decided on the basis of freedom of
speech.
This latest decision was just
one in a series of recent judgments
across the country that call into
question the government practice
of collecting such fees from a vari-
ety of livestock production farms,
including so far beef and pork as
well. To hear the Cochrans’ expla-
nation, it’s as though the ground is
beginning to shake from the pent-
up frustration of farmers who for
decades have seen one government
program after another take more
from average farmers than it gives. As Joe put it, “We’ll be
glad to hang onto the extra $4,200 this year, thank you.”
To listen to Joe and Brenda describe the path that
brought them to their current farm, and this momentous
everywhere, one must be prepared to sit back, relax, have
lunch and stay awhile. It helps also to fasten your seatbelt,
because the information comes fast and furious.
They originally met as students in a University of
Maryland dairy barn, perhaps sealing their fate for better
or worse as lifelong dairy farmers. After tying the knot in
the early 1970s, the Cochrans operated a series of dairy
farms in Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania (Ship-
pensburg and Waynesboro), and finally moved to their
current location in Tioga County in 1993.
To describe the Cochran dairy farm as ordinary would
not be far off the mark, but there is nothing ordinary about
these two dairy farmers and their burgeoning family.
Right from the start, they describe themselves as being
“sensitive to injustice,” beginning with revulsion to the
urban sprawl that continues to plague the Maryland coun-
tryside they grew up loving, where “some of this country’s
best soils” can be found.
Later, by the mid-1970s, the Cochrans also became
aware of the potential injustice endured by farmers when
the large dairy co-ops began to integrate vertically by
adding processing operations. Now, in their minds, the
shoe was on the other foot; the co-ops would want to
ensure profits by keeping milk prices low.
Continued on page 14
Conference Recap
Percy Schmeiser
The success of Thursday’s pre-confer-
ence set the tone for the evening “winter
picnic” where attendees had the oppor-
tunity to hear the story of Percy
Schmeiser. Schmeiser detailed his cur-
rent legal struggle with Monsanto,
which is now in the hands of the Cana-
dian Supreme Court. You can read more
about Schmeiser’s story on the cover.
Contributions were collected after the
“picnic with Percy” and we were able to
raise close to $3,000 for his defense
fund. Thanks for the generosity! If you
were not in attendance but would like to
make a contribution, you can do so by
visiting www. percyschmeiser.com.
Paul Hawken delivered an inspirational
keynote that reminded us “The fate of the
world lies in the hands of ordinary people —
thank God for that.”
Paul Hawken
“I’m not wearing a suit so don’t mis-
take me for a businessman.” Those were
the opening words spoken by Paul
Hawken in his keynote address Friday.
The noted author and business-minded
environmentalist brought a message of
support and acknowledgement of the
important work of PASA and other
organizations across the world focusing
on environmental sustainability.
Hawken began by describing his
childhood in the San Jacquin Valley of
California including details of his grand-
father’s farm. This farm formed a part-
nership with Safeway, which ultimately
would result in his grandfather’s bank-
ruptcy. Today Hawken has become an
advocate of a new ecological economy.
“Business has the power to destroy or
restore, it goes both ways,” he said. “But
in my experience the bigger a corpora-
tion gets the less likely they are to serve
humankind.” Hawken added that cor-
porations force uniformity and lack of
diversity. However it is diversity that is
key to healthy economies.
“The fate of the world lies in the
hands of ordinary people — thank God
for that. People have the right to deter-
mine their own destiny and the only way
the sustainability movement is going to
succeed is on the local level. We can’t
achieve sustainability from our current
economic model that is hurting our
rural economies,” he said.
Renee Troutman gave an overview on raising
honey bees that gave beginners the confi-
dence they need to get started. Troutman’s
was one of over a hundred presentations
that varied in nature from nuts and bolts to
broad and philosophical, appealing to both
the beginner and expert alike.
Workshops
Passages has detailed the “who’s who”
listing of presenters that came to this
year’s conference in previous issues. And
they certainly did not disappoint. One
complaint we don’t mind getting is that
the superb line-up of quality workshops
we offer makes choosing among them
difficult. If you missed a workshop, you
can order directly from Cocalico Cas-
settes by calling 717-336-4179.
Anuradha Mittal spending some time greet-
ing conference attendees during her book
signing.
Anuradha Mittal
Anuradha Mittal, a native of India,
interim Executive Director of Food First
offered an optimistic vision and reasons
for a continued struggle versus industri-
alized agriculture throughout the world.
So how does Mittal remain optimistic
when “Farmers around the world are
under social, economic, and political
abuse from modern industrial agricul-
ture?” Her answer is “By looking at all of
you. I find inspiration to keep fighting
in each one of us. I see that we have not
quit and we are not hopeless.” she said.
“This [PASA conference] has been an
incredible experience and I have learned
so much” she said. Mittal noted that
change is taking place slowly in this
“new face of agriculture.” She further
added, “Food is a personal and political
issue as we all need food to survive. Food
sovereignty is a basic human right. It is
time to fight against hopelessness versus
large industrialized agriculture. It is time
to create a new future.”
Sustainable Ag
Leadership Award
This year’s award went to Mike and
Terra Brownback of Spiral Path Farm
(Business Member Profile, Passages #46)
in Loysville, PA. Brian Snyder, Executive
Director of PASA and Leslie Zuck, Exec-
utive Director of Pennsylvania Certified
Organic offered introductory praises for
the couple who have been key in the
establishment of both organizations.

4

Mike and Terra Brownback were presented the 2004 Sustainable Ag Leadership Award. Leslie
Zuck, director of Pennsylvania Certified Organic, presented the award saying, “Mike and Terra
have been mentors for many, many people.” (pictured above: Mike, Terra Brownback, Leslie Zuck
and Cheryl Cook, Deputy Secretary for the Pa Dept. of Agriculture.
Mike and Terra operate a 118-acre pro-
duce operation with a 300-member
CSA. Many who know the Brownbacks
describe them as inspiring and dedicated
people. Mike’s acceptance speech was
filled with tears and gratitude for the
recognition.
The Brownbacks lost their son Arias
in 2001 and have started the Arias M.
Brownback Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Each year this fund allows those new and
beginning farmers who may not finan-
cially be capable of attending the PASA
conference a chance to do so. This year’s
scholarship helped 15 participants.
Past award recipients have included:
Robert Rodale (1993), Paul Keene
(1994), Herbert Cole (1995), Cass
Peterson & Ward Sinclair (1995), Pre-
ston Boop (1996), Linda & Don Weaver
(1998), Anne & Eric Nordell (1999),
Lucy & Roman Stoltzfoos (200), Steve
& Cheri Groff (2001), Moie & Jim-
Crawford (2002), Tim Bowser (2003).
Sustainable Ag
Business Award
This new award was created to recog-
nize businesses that have been leaders in
creating links between producers and
consumers, while offering services in the
area of sustainable agriculture. The first
award winner was Judy Wicks, founder
of the White Dog Café in Philadelphia.
PASA board member Lyn Garling and
Tim Bowser, Executive Director of
FoodRoutes Network presented the
award to Judy, “One day Judy learned
how conventional pork was raised,
marched into the kitchen of the café and
told the chef not to serve any more pork
until a local source was found” said
Bowser. Wicks has been in business for
20 years, buys from local producers and
the café now buys 100% of its electricity
from wind-generated sources. Wicks has
Judy Wicks, founder of the White Dog Café, accepted the first ever Sustainable Business Award. It’s
this type of courage and resoluteness that has made Wicks, her business, and the foundation she’s
established synonymous with conscious eating. (pictured below: Brian Snyder, Lyn Garling, Judy
Wicks, Cheryl Cook and Tim Bowser).
5
also established the White Dog Café
Foundation that supports various organ-
izations in the pursuit of sustainable
agriculture. Wicks, surprised by the
award acknowledged her kitchen staff
and foundation employees that were in
attendance. n
Reflections on a Conference
that Almost Wasn’t
By Brian Snyder
I suppose everyone who has been to a
PASA Farming for the Future conference
would have their own favorite memories
to share. The evaluations every year
make us aware of the things that various
people appreciate. For some people it’s
the opening and closing keynote
addresses. Perhaps for most it’s the many
workshops to choose from — even “too
many” by some measures. Others will
comment that it’s the meals that keep
them coming back year after year.
My own favorite item on the confer-
ence agenda is the presentation of
awards. This year, in addition to the
familiar Sustainable Ag Leadership
Award, we added a new permanent
award category for Sustainable Ag Busi-
ness Leadership. We were delighted to
give the ag leadership award this year to
Mike and Terra Brownback of Spiral
Path Farm, while the inaugural business
leadership award went to Judy Wicks of
the White Dog Café in Philadelphia.
Continued on page 6
Conference Recap
Continued from page 5
With both awards, we were able to
maintain the surprise right up to the
end. And as per the usual at our confer-
ences, the recipients wondered aloud
how it was they were deemed worthy.
There is always such a strong sense of the
group when we get together, I suppose it
would seem odd for anyone who hap-
pens to get singled out for recognition.
This is why I love this part of the event,
because we are vividly reminded each
year of the “all for one and one for all”
nature of our community by the sincere
humility of our members who happen to
receive awards.
You see, whatever the favorite part of
the conference, many people will say
that somehow it is the experience of the
whole group being together that has such
an impact on those who attend. People
sometimes search for words to describe
it, calling it the “feel” of the group, the
“excitement” of being together with like-
minded people, or the “regeneration of
spirit” that results from their participa-
tion.
At the close of this year’s conference,
my eight-year-old daughter asked rather
innocently, “Daddy, can we come back
here before next year’s conference?” I
had to patiently explain to her that the
conference center itself is just a
big hollow box without all the
PASA people there, and she
wouldn’t enjoy it as much.
For me, this was the match-
ing bookend to the remarks of
Bob Steele, dean of the Penn
State College of Ag Sciences, at
the opening session. Noting that
the entire University was shut
down due to the terrible ice
storm, Dean Steele exclaimed,
“But I knew this crowd would
still come!”
Yes, they did come. Despite
the realization of our weather
nightmares, which occurred at
the worst possible time, we fig-
ure that only a hundred or so
out of a potential crowd of fif-
teen hundred loyal PASA
members stayed away over the
three-day period of the confer-
ence. I have to pause to reflect every time
I think about how so many people actu-
ally risked their lives to be with us.
The simple reality is, we have redis-
covered the spirit of “being together” as
the source of our vision, strength and
determination to go out there and
change the world for the better. And it’s
especially gratifying to hear from many
Thank you for a wonderful conferen
ce. It was
perhaps the most enlightening that
I have ever
attended. The people (members) of
PASA are won-
derful and I don’t think I ever met
a stranger. I
attended because of the APPPA meet
ing and the
programs that they offered.
I must say that your state must offer
wonderful
opportunities…it seemed that when
I left on Sun-
day morning to return to my home
state of Indiana
I exited I-80 East instead of I-80 West
. The beauty
of your state off I-80 was so wonderfu
l and I was
enjoying the farms and the scenes
so much I was in
New Jersey before I realized the mist
ake I had made
in taking I-80 east.
Two and a half hours later!!!
The trip was just as wonderful as your
confer-
ence. Please keep me on your mail
ing list for
future conferences.
Sincerely,
JAMES WHELAN
Thorntown, Indiana
folks each year who encounter that spir-
it for the first time. Above is a letter we
received from one such soul, who
encountered even more unexpected
diversions than the rest of us (used with
permission.) His words are a testament
to the success of what I will always
remember as the conference that almost
wasn’t. n

Left: Kids enjoyed making sweet music with the harp, while older kids (left) practice
keeping a steady beat. Kids who participated in the youth program also enjoyed
learning to contra dance, decorating gift bags, swimming, scavenger hunts and
more!

Below: Even the season’s worst wintry mix couldn’t keep PASA conference registrants
away! By the time we got started on Friday, following a one hour delay in schedule,
the 1,200 person capacity room was nearly full! In sum, over 1,400 participants
passed through the conference doors, making this year the largest PASA conference
ever! Addressing the audience during the Friday morning session is Dan Desmond,
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

6
 Conference Food Donors
The ingredients for the meals served during
the conference are gathered from supportive
farmers, processors, and distributors.
Applegate Farms • Blue Grass Beef • Cow-a-Hen Farm •
Dancing Creek Farm • Eberly Poultry Farms • Elk Creek
Fish Hatchery • Forks Farm • Four Seasons Produce •
Frankferd Farms Foods • Green Haven Farm • Green
Hills Farm • Hares Valley Growers • Help From Above
Farm • Honest Tea • Jamison Farms • Journey’s End Farm
• Jubilee Organic Farm • Keswick Creamery • Kettle
Foods • King Farm • Kretschmann Farm • Lady Moon
Farms • LeRaysville Cheese Factory • Lost Hollow Honey
• Mad Mex Restaurant • McGeary Organics • Milky Way
Farms • Natural Dairy Products • New Morning Farm •
Old School Snacks • Over the Moon Farm • Paradise
Organics • Penn Cheese Corp •
Penn State Bakery • Penn Stater
Conference Center • Phillips
Mushroom Farms • Pure Earth
Organic Farm • Seven Stars
Farm • Snyders of Hanover • Spi- Above: In a survey issued to all participants at
the conference, folks overwhelming cited “the
ral Path Farm • Spring Bank
food” as the one thing they absolutely would
Acres • Spring Creek Natural not change about the conference. PASA is given
Foods • Sunny Ridge Farm • Tait the opportunity to use sustainably produced
Farm Community Harvest • Tait foods contributed by PASA farmers and other
friends with the help of Chef Stout.
Farm Foods • Townline Farm
Poultry Reserve • Tuscarora Below: Patron of Sustainability conference
Organic Growers Cooperative • sponsor Lady Moon Farms’ exhibit featured
photos of both their Florida and Pennsylvania
Wil-Ar Farm • Wil-Den Family
operations.
Farms • Willful Cedar Farm •
Windy Knolls Farm

2004 Conference Sponsors

American Farmland Trust • American Pastured Poultry Producers Assn. •
Animal Welfare Institute • BCS America • Center for Rural Pennsylvania •
Centre County Community Foundation • Chesapeake Bay Foundation •
Dairyland Sales and Service • Delaware Valley College • Duquesne
University, Environmental Research Center • East Coast Organics • Eberly
Poultry Farms • Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania • Ernst Conserva-
tion Seed • EverPower Global Corporation • Fertrell Company •
FoodRoutes Network • Goodville Mutual Insurance • Goodwill Industries
of Pittsburgh • Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank • IPM Labora-
tories, Inc • Lady Moon Farms • Lakeview Organic Grain • Lancaster Ag
Products • Le Raysville Cheese Factory • Moyer’s Chicks, Inc. • Natural Dairy
Products Corp. • Nature’s Best Organic Feed • NC+ Organics • Organic
Unlimited • Organic Valley Family of Farms • Pa Department of Agriculture
• Pa Department of Environmental Protection • Penn State University,
College of Ag Sciences • PennFuture • Pennsylvania Certified Organic •
Pennsylvania College of Technology • Plains Animal Hospital • Poultry
Man • Professional Recyclers of PA • Rodale Institute • Sierra Club, Penn-
sylvania Chapter • Slippery Rock University • Spiral Path Farm • Tait Farm
Foods • Tuscarora Organic Growers Cooperative • Waterkeeper Alliance •
White Dog Cafe Foundation • Wilson College • Wiscoy Pet Food Co.

7
Conference Recap
Friends of the Conference 2004
These “Friends of the Conference” have acknowl-
edged their support for us in assembling a top quali-
ty event with affordable fees, by contributing $100
each. In a very real sense, they are paying the “true
cost” of maintaining this valuable tradition, and we
thank them.
Claudia Albertin & Becky & Steve Marks
Glenn Vernon
Beth & Ken Marshall
Mary Barbercheck
Dianne & Kim Miller
Nancy & Bob Bernhardt Paula Goetting &
Michele Briggs Jim Minesky
Gene Chenoweth Carolyn Mugar Fifty organizations, farms and businesses sponsored the 13th annual Farming
Moie & Jim Crawford Martha Noble for the Future Conference, and many of them exhibited as well — taking
advantage of reaching out to the eager audience. Pictured (here) are displays
Melanie & George DeVault Anne & Eric Nordell
representing three of our proud Conference Sponsors — Fertrell, Organic
Helen & Bill Elkins Glenn & Jeanne Owens Unlimited and Pennsylvania Certified Organic.
Wendy & David Eson Florence & Anthony Rodale

Therese Fafard & Carolyn Sachs

Nathan Heilman Susan & Don Sauter
Chris Fullerton Nancy Shorsher
Lyn Garling Lauren & Ian Smith
Janet Goloub & Loanne Snavely &
Martin Boksenbaum Gary Gyekis
Mena Hautau & Paula & Brian Snyder
Steve DeBroux Kim Tait
Trent & Rachel Hendricks Amy Trauger
Bernie & Ingrid Hoffnar Michael Wahler
Todd & John Hopkins Anonymous
Heather House Anonymous
Vicki & Donald House Looking for a good book? Conference attendees had the chance to peruse a
BUSINESS FRIENDS
Jacki & Vernon Hunsberger Amsterdam Produce variety of vendors in the marketplace.
Jason Ingle Enterprises, Inc.

Sukey & John Jamison Heifer International,

Mid-Atlantic Office
Becky & Don Kretschmann
Northern Tier Sustainable
David Lembeck Meats Coop
Ann & Hugh Lofting Red Hill Farm CSA

During breaks and between workshops, Matt Steinman (pictured here) and
Peter Johnson hosted an on-going demonstration of their biodiesel machine,
which produces 55 gallon batches of the renewable fuel.

Left: PASA Treasurer Chris Fullerton, seen here holding an antique butter
churn from the Silent Auction, informed members that over half of the funds
used to support PASA’s mission are considered “restricted,” designated for
specific funder-related projects. To gain flexibility in work PASA can do, PASA
must increase the flow of “unrestricted” funds, which come from individual
donations and unique fundraisers like the Silent Auction.

8
 Success for the Silent Auction
By Sarah Rider Thursday prior to the conference. We are already thinking ahead for
PASA’s second annual Silent Auction Thanks to Ian Smith, gallery overseer, next year and anticipating some new and
at the Farming for the Future Conference the very best of PASA member’s artistic exciting items. If you have a great auc-
was a huge success. Many thanks go out talents, creativity, and generosity were all tion item idea, contact Lauren Smith at
to our generous donors and avid bidders. laid out in a beautiful display. PASA headquarters at 814-349-9856. n
We are proud to report that the auction
raised over $8500 in revenue, with over
70% of the items going at or above fair A Big Thanks to the Silent Auction 2004 Donors
market value.
Jean Bentz Fertrell Company Kim Miller Slow Food
The auction had a unique array of
Pittsburgh
items, including original art and crafts, Nancy & Bob Ilene & Phil New Trends
Bernhardt Freedman Publishing, Inc. Lauren & Ian Smith
weekend getaways, creative food pack-
ages, gift certificates, books, farm and Angela Brubaker Brian Futhey Patti Olenick Soil Secrets, Inc.
garden equipment, and even a live cow! Roy Brubaker Ben Gatski PA Department Steam Valley
The other cow that was on display was Harping
of Environmental Mountain Fiber
from Cows on Parade (see photo below) Sabine & Tom Carey Protection
For Harmony Farm
— to learn more about this unique char- Gene Chenoweth Foundation Parker’s New
Jack Vanderwende
ity event visit www.cowparade.net. For Eileen G. Clark Heifer International American Bistro &
the second year in a row Maysie’s Farm Glendennis B&B Wegmans Food
Cottage Rose Carl Hursh Markets, Inc
Conservation Center donated a CSA Penn Stater
Interiors Hugh Lofting Conference Center
subscription and Schorn Construction Janna Weil
Timber Framing, Inc. Hotel
Company donated a PASA Lifetime Cow Parade
Harrisburg Jamison Farm Mary Whittam
Membership. Hugh Lofting Timber Rachel Rider
Framing, Inc. also donated a timber Chef Mike Ditchfield Jerry Jackson Fine Sue Ripley Whizbang Books
frame corncrib, which was constructed Pewter
Dairyland Sales Sam’s Club Wil-Den Family
on-site during Thursday’s pre-confer- and Service Lidia’s Pittsburgh Farms
Schorn Construction
ence. Demeter’s Garden Maysie’s Farm Chris Wise
Company, Inc.
There was an overwhelming response Conservation Center
Jean Downing Louise Schorn Smith Suzanne Wittman
by PASA members who were willing to McGinnis Sisters
contribute items and it was heartwarm- East End Food Coop Special Food Stores Nancy Shorsher Alma Wynne
ing to watch as the items poured in on

One of the best things about the PASA conference is network-

ing with new contacts and catching up with old friends! We
heard a thousand “thank you’s” for moving breakfast and the
Sustainable Social Hour to Deans Hall. Folks had a little more
elbow room in which to mingle and a chance to admire the
timber framed corncrib built during the pre-conference. The
corncrib was the premiere item in this year’s Silent Auction,
and was donated by Hugh Lofting Timber Frame, Inc. in West
Grove, PA.

Tickets to Cow Parade 2004 (cowparade.net) in Harrisburg

were just one of 62 unique items sold in the Silent Auction,
which raised over $8,000 for PASA!

9
President’s Corner
PASA-tively Speaking:
An Uncommon Man
Continued from page 1
not been done to see in what other ways
this new plant might differ from rape-
seed and so the governments of both
Canada and the U.S. have allowed the
planting of this new plant under the
assumption that if it looks like rapeseed
it must be rapeseed and, therefore, can-
not be prohibited. They have made sim-
ilar assumptions with soybeans, corn
and potatoes allowing new genetic forms
of these plants as well. Many other coun-
tries are not so sure, most notably India
and many European countries. They will
not buy GMO seeds or food containing
GMOs. Monsanto finds this behavior
outrageous and unfounded.
What is, in fact, outrageous is what
Monsanto has done to Percy and other
farmers in both the U.S. and Canada.
GMO adulterated rapeseed does cross-
pollinate with conventional rapeseed.
Monsanto discovered that Percy’s rape-
seed had become contaminated with
their licensed GMO material and
demanded a licensing fee of more than
$100,000. This contamination ruined
the fifty years of Percy’s breeding work.
Further the widespread contamination
of conventional rapeseed farms in Cana-
da crushed the price for canola oil on the
world market as many countries refused
to buy GMO tainted products. Percy
never planted a single seed of GMO
adulterated rapeseed on his farm, doesn’t
want it on his farm, and yet, he was sued
for failing to pay for the required Mon-
santo license.
In a non-jury trial in front of a lone
judge he lost his case as the judge decid-
ed that intellectual property rights take
precedence over the property rights of
farmers. A three judge appellate court
upheld the first ruling. And so it went to
the Canadian Supreme Court on appeal.
Percy now awaits the result of this hear-
ing. As do we all. Should the Supreme
Court find in Monsanto’s favor then any
of us who farm can ultimately expect to
have our crops contaminated by Mon-
santo’s or other companies GMOs and
have those companies demand licensing
fees from us. Surly this is a plot straight
from the Twilight Zone. I wish it were.
Uncommonly, Percy has stood up to the
Corporatists. He has spent nearly
$400,000 defending his family and the
rights of farmers everywhere from the
predatory practices of corporatism. He
understands that the greatest legacy we
leave our children isn’t the money in the
bank. He is a man that lives by principle.
Absurd as it is, the assertion that
intellectual property rights have prece-
dence over the rights of landowners is
not the scariest part of this mess. It is the
assertion by agricultural Corporatists
that a plant that has been genetically
modified is the same as the unmodified
plant that I find most scary. If it has dif-
ferent genetic material, I would argue, it
is a different plant. Ironically, Monsanto
has a patent on this plant precisely
because it is a new plant; yet they want it
to be viewed by the world as being exact-
ly like conventional rapeseed, except
when they want to be paid a license fee
for its use. Some might see this as being
disingenuous. Evidently they are just
ignorant of the ways of the new Ameri-
can commerce. Let me raise the veil of
ignorance with the following example of
the logic of the new commerce.
In my neighborhood farmers don’t
have a very high opinion of a farmer
who does not keep his fence in good
repair. If a farmer’s cows get out and do
modest damage on another farm once or
even twice, then that is probably accept-
able. More than that and there might be
some price to pay. Now if my neighbor’s
cows came to my place and eat most of
my crops and track disease onto my
place so that I can’t continue to raise my
own cattle, then that is a very serious
problem. My neighbor can expect to see
me in court.
10
Imagine now if we went to court and
the judge ruled that I should have main-
tained my fence so that my neighbor’s
cattle could not come onto my property
and that since I didn’t his cattle were
welcome to eat their fill. Further that I
should harvest the rest of my crops and
give them to my neighbor to compen-
sate him for abducting his cattle. I
should pay him for the disease brought
onto my farm because, though I may not
want it, I took it, stole it in fact from his
cattle. This is the Monsanto argument,
though what I call a disease in my exam-
ple, they call intellectual property in
reality.
Is it clear now?
A genetically modified organism is
not the same as the unmodified organ-
ism. It has new genetics. We have seen
over and over the problems created when
a species is imported into a new envi-
ronment. We are very careful to try and
limit that kind of thing today. And yet
we casually allow the introduction of a
species with new genetics simply because
some company can make a buck on it.
In fact we might want to consider
laws that require a company like Mon-
santo to post a financial guarantee bond
that would be used to compensate those
whose farms are contaminated with
adulterated rapeseed. If rapeseed grown
on a farm, conventional or organic,
becomes contaminated with Monsanto’s
product then that farmer would have a
claim against Monsanto. It could also be
used to compensate the local govern-
ment whose job it is to remove the
genetically altered plant (now a super
weed according to Percy) from the road
and power line rights of way. These
bonds should be required until the
“owner” of the patented plant demon-
strates conclusively that there are no
unplanned adverse consequences from
the use of “their” plant.
We can also boycott the products of
companies that sell and promote
GMOs. And we can spread the word
that a genetically altered plant or animal
is a new life form. Corporatism and its
attending arrogance will be the death of
us all. Unless all of us, like Percy
Schmeiser, stand up to the Corporatists
and just say “No.” n
 Conference Cassettes
Are Available!
The Farming for the Future Pre-Conference,
Keynote Addresses, and Workshops were audio
recorded courtesy of Cocalico Cassettes
To receive an order form, contact

Growing
PASA Headquarters:

Organic Seed
814-349-9856 or info@pasafarming.org

for the Future

• Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa,
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• Independent GMO Testing
• Convenient Ordering and Delivery

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www.ncorganics.com
for ordering info call: 1-800-370-7979

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$695.00

11
Farm-Based Education
“It’s About Reading the Animals”
By Sarah Rider
“Even with good planning and
good thoughts, it all goes wrong.
The handling of animals is
extremely variable.” Those were
the words of Dr. Jennifer Lanier,
director of the Humane Society of
the United States and a prominent
researcher in animal behavior and
livestock handling. Dr. Lanier,
who has studied with Dr. Temple
Grandin, the revolutionary figure
in animal handling systems
design, presented a PASA work-
shop on the topic of animal han- If animals are stressed, they are much harder to handle.
dling. Ask any livestock producer
and the most stressful part of their job
likely would be handling animals for
hauling or medical reasons, anything
that would change the animals’ routine
and be unnatural for the animal. These
are the days when peaceful existence as
farmer and livestock disintegrates.
The idea of no-stress handling is not
new and PASA hoped this workshop
would offer ideas on how to create a
potentially harmonious handling sys-
tem. This system would then change the
most stressful part of raising animals
into a respectful and pleasant experience. Even after our lessons that day, with the
Dr. Grandin’s research has influenced
significant changes in industrial pre-
slaughter handling of animals. The meat
industry has also taken note of the link
between pre-slaughter stress and meat
quality. Hormones released when ani-
mals are stressed produce tough, dry
meat. A Colorado State University study
on a national beef-quality audit found
that bruises on cattle cost the beef indus- animals. It takes practice, lots of it, to
try an average of $1/animal. That
amounts to an industry loss of $22 mil-
lion/year.
A relatively small group of partici-
pants in the workshop was experienced
with animal handling and each had their
own livestock handling nightmare story
to tell. There were students, extension
agents, farmers and animal researchers,
everyone looking for a new approach to
animal handling. In doing hands-on
handling exercises with Penn State’s well- day and finally had to put into practice
trained beef herd, the group learned first
hand inherent difficulties of dealing with
livestock.
We were given the assignment to
move a group of steers from one holding
pen, down an aisle, into another holding
tub, through a curved chute, weigh them
on a scale and finally move them
through a squeeze chute. Several produc-
ers, including myself said under their
breath that this would be no big deal as
Penn State has a handling set-up of
which any farmer would be envious.
“best” equipment and a group of experi-
enced folks, we still struggled with the
chore. We tried for almost an hour to
move the herd and only got about 80%
where we wanted them.
Dr. Lanier was quick to take advan-
tage of the teachable moment to remind
us, “It’s not about your facilities or what
you are wearing, its about reading the
truly empathize with animals, assess
their temperament, read their stress lev-
els in a situation and to change our
human behavior to accommodate their
natural tendencies.”
Dr. Lanier continued, “The only
thing you can plan on is using every
modicum of your patience, self-control
and empathy. And most importantly,
when in doubt, take a break.” This was a
major principle we heard throughout the
12
that afternoon, which was more
difficult than it seemed when the
animals were so close to where we
wanted them!
Most importantly, when prob-
lems arise, before the pushing and
shoving starts, stop and re-evalu-
ate the situation. Cattle have two
points of balance, one at the
shoulder and one at the hip. By
directing pressure at these areas it
is possible to use the cattle’s natu-
ral reactionary movements to
make them move forward or back-
ward. Once the animals reach the
point of being stressed out, they
are much harder to handle and generally
more dangerous. As we were fruitlessly
working the animals one participant dis-
covered the benefit of stopping pressure
before the situation got out of control.
She found that when the animals balked
at going into the holding tub, if she
“released the pressure and gave them a
minute, they walked right in. If she fol-
lowed her natural inclination to contin-
uously push them when they stop, they
would turn around and bolt.”
We also learned how to determine an
animal’s biological proclivity towards
skittishness. Subtle information based
on body characteristics could help tailor
a handling approach for a herd. Dr.
Lanier detailed Dr. Grandin’s studies of
associations between hair whorls on an
animal’s forehead and temperament.
Generally, the higher (above the top of
the eye) the whorls on the forehead, the
more skittish an animal. No whorls on
the face generally indicate the most
high-strung animals. Bone structure is
another phenotypic indicator of tem-
perament. The smaller the frame and
bone structure the higher likelihood of a
“hot” temperament.
I was once told “the fastest way to
move animals is slowly,” and have found
that advice to be very sound. The hard-
est part to change about animal handling
is the way we move. There is some
instinctual reservoir that humans draw
from when dealing with animals. You see
the animal you want and they look like to drive cattle. Animals can see these
they are going to the right place, they clearly.
W
just need a little push. If we don’t read
the animals and adjust our plan accord- R O E R’
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Other Stress Factors
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ingly, we tend to fall back on brute force, • Something new or out of place (to 1234567890123456789012
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which almost always is stressful for the 1234567890123456789012
animals). 1234567890123456789012
animal. 1234567890123456789012
• Shadows, contrasting colors and 1234567890123456789012
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glare. 1234567890123456789012

LS
DIS
Human Behavior Changes 1234567890123456789012
• Overcrowding — cows are hierarchi- 1234567890123456789012
to Make Handling Animals Stress Free 1234567890123456789012
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cal and crowding causes challenges to 1234567890123456789012
• Train animals to be handled. Famil- 1234567890123456789012

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the dominance structure, while soli- 1234567890123456789012
iarize cattle to objects on the farm 1234567890123456789012

C
tude is rarely welcome. O
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and spend time walking out amongst
cattle to tame them down. • Fear of falling — animals avoid UNT LA
• Watch body movements — move uneven or slippery surfaces, mud,
slowly with no jerky motion. water, anywhere the underlying sur-
• Beware of your size — facing a cow
you are larger than, flapping your
face is unpredictable. Reap profits
arms, wearing a big hat or blowing
shirt makes you look even bigger.
Remedies from direct
• Tape cardboard over space to give the
• Work quietly with as few people as appearance of more solid sides. marketing with
possible.
• Leave the dog and kids at home,
• Use lights to illuminate dark corners.
• Work at a time of day to minimize
our labels!
both are seemingly predacious with
quick, unpredictable movements and shadows.
• Dry up mud holes. We design and print labels
high-pitched voices.
• Partition off corners, so holding areas for berries, vegetables,
• Discontinue use of electric cattle
sauerkraut, soap, lip balm,
prods. Use plastic paddles or sticks are rounded and animals are less like-
ly to get stuck. n
yoghurt, cheese, meat, eggs,
with flags or plastic streamers attached pastured poultry —
labels for almost anythingg!
ON-FARM RESEARCH SURVEY UPDATE
A recent survey of PASA producer members indicated a strong interest in increasing SERVING GROWERS
our knowledge and use of cover crops. The Farm-Based Education committee at PASA SINCE 1975
and the On-Farm Research program at Penn State developed a survey recently given
out at the Farming for the Future Conference. Our goal was to identify the areas of
greatest interest concerning cover crops to help direct potential future on-farm request a free catalog
research trials.
The survey results showed high interest in the area of managing cover crops to con-
trol weeds. For those who indicated interest in this area and also for hosting an on-farm
1-800-693-1572
research trial, we will be making contact with you in the coming weeks. For more infor-
mation on the On-Farm Research Program contact: Ron Hoover at Penn State (814-865- growersdiscountlabels@tds.net
6672, rjh7@psu.edu) or Michele Gauger (814-349-9856, michele@pasafarming.org).

FARM-TO-SCHOOL UPDATE PASA 1/4 hor. page Ad 1 2/9/04, 2:09 PM

Materials designed to support Local Food

26110 Nanticoke Rd, Salisbury, MD 21801

projects will be made available online or by
request mid-March. Table tents, announce-
Ph/Fx: 410-546-8480 • Cell: 410-430-8100
Connie & Pat Dolbey
ment cards, sample cookbooks, and posters

• Growers of quality vegetable & herb transplants for market gardeners

should be useful tools for students, food serv-
ice directors, and community organizers & large scale growers.
hosting Local Food Dinners at their schools • Ability to custom-grow your variety choice for your planting date.
Ideally suited to start-up CSAs.
or within their communities.Visit our website
• Certified organic by MD Dept. of AG.
at pasafarming.org or contact Heather House
“Flying Mother Nature’s Silver Seed To A New Home In The Sun.” Neil Young, after the goldrush
at 814-349-9856 for more information.

13

Tioga Farmers Win Appeal
Continued from page 3
While resignation is the more “conven-
tional” response to injustice as far as most
farmers go, such has never been the case for
the Cochrans, especially Brenda. “I always
felt we should try to do something,” she
explains.
Her eyes light up as she further describes
what, to her, is the self-evident truth about
modern farming. “Commercialism in farm-
ing today is a cataclysmic event for family
farmers,” and “we are in danger of repeating
the mistakes of collectivization” in the old
Soviet system of agriculture. Brenda asserts
that “central planning just doesn’t work,” as
it always seems the planners themselves end
up reaping the biggest profits.
Over the years, a series of organizational
affiliations have been instrumental in sup-
porting the Cochrans’ quest for agricultural
justice. Most prominent in years gone by
had been the American Raw Milk Produc-
ers Association (ARMPA), which was part
of the National Family Farm Coalition
(NFFC). This was followed by strong
stands on behalf of farmers taken by various
branches of the Catholic Church. And
finally, help came from the Center for Indi-
vidual Freedom and Institute for Justice in
pursuing the recent checkoff case.
When asked why they ended up going to
court to fight what seemed like a futile
uphill battle, Joe apologetically explained
that “we grew tired of efforts to organize
individual farmers” into a force for change.
The time had come, it seemed, for powerful
individual action on behalf of a community
that by its nature resists collective action.
Still, over a simple Lenten meal of tuna
salad sandwiches and fresh milk from the
barn, there was little feeling of triumph
shared across the Cochran dinner table that
day. Fact is, they expressed an enduring
sense of “anxiety” that a win such as theirs
might be too little to turn the tide of com-
mercialism, and too late to save their own
farming ambitions.
“There’s very little hope out there,”
Brenda explains. “If it weren’t for the grow-
ing sustainability movement in farming,
we’d have nothing to hang on to.” Joe adds
wistfully, “If farmers could just count on a
fair price, say $16/cwt, we could keep it
together.” With this, the conversation
turned to thoughts of a smaller operation,
with direct contact to customers who know
what they’re getting and are willing to pay.
Joe and Brenda Cochran are proud of
what they have achieved. They farm almost
900 acres of mostly rented ground. They
maintain a closed herd of handsome ani-
mals, not buying a single cow since 1981.
They have kept their cows mostly outdoors
on good pasture, and have never used syn-
thetic growth hormones to boost produc-
tion beyond what God had intended. They
14
are successfully raising a small busload of
noticeably intelligent children without bur-
dening the public school system. And now
they have won a constitutional victory that
will save perhaps countless farms in due
time, even if not their own. Beyond these
feats, what would anyone ever need to apply
the term “heroes” in full force?
The trip back down the now familiar
road to more modern times might have
been quicker that day, but for the unexpect-
ed encounter with a large, liquid manure
wagon that had just dumped its load, per-
haps from one of the confined livestock
operations in the vicinity. There it was,
along the road and plain to see. The stink-
ing brown substance had been applied to
still-frozen fields of late winter snow, right
along the banks of a meandering stream —
in all other respects, a nice looking place for
native trout to thrive.
The forecast of unseasonably warm
weather meant that much of the load would
soon run downstream as part of the
snowmelt, along with the hopes and dreams
of untold thousands of traditional dairy
farmers who had been taunted for their fail-
ure to change. I wondered if Joe and Bren-
da Cochran would be among them, along
with our society’s remaining connection to
the things that really matter. n
Editor’s Note: An edited version of this
article and photo appeared in Lancaster
Farming.
 Founder’s Fund — A Lifelong Commitment to Sustainability
All of us at PASA are proud of the growing roster of lifetime members. Contributions for lifetime membership will be managed with care as part of the PASA
Founder’s Fund, sustaining both ongoing membership as well as the long-term future of PASA. There are few things a member could do to symbolize their
lifelong commitment to sustainability than to place such confidence in the value and viability of PASA itself. It is our pleasure to list all new lifetime mem-
bers in each issue of Passages, and to print the entire list (on an annual basis.) Following is the complete list of PASA Lifetime Members as of March 10, 2004.

Claudia Albertin Barbara Crosby Janet Goloub & David Lembeck Claire & Rusty Orner Paula & Brian Snyder
& Glenn Vernon Portageville, NY Martin Boksenbaum State College, PA Brookville, PA Centre Hall, PA
Loganton, PA Treichlers, PA
Jonda Crosby Becky & Steve Marks Cass Peterson Barbara Songer
Nitya Akeroyd & Jeff Zehr Helena, MT The Hass Family Bloomsburg, PA Flanders, NJ Clarion, PA
Boyertown, PA Bear Creek, PA
Andrew Crowley Martha & Allen Matthews Dan Reinhold John A. Stellmack
Mary Barbercheck Glendale, OH Mena Hautau & Family Mill Hall, PA State College, PA
Port Matilda, PA Steve DeBroux Burlington, VT
Bill Deitrick Family Barto, PA Rita Resick Debbie Swettenham &
Judy & Henrik Berger Dave Mattocks
New Columbia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Linda Humphreys
Family Bainbridge, PA
John Heinz Sarver, PA
Huntingdon, PA Dan Desmond Susan Richards & Robert
Upper Black Eddy, PA
Lancaster, PA Tracy & Jeff Mattocks Amsterdam
Katherine Bigler & Phyllis & Mark Terwilliger
Debra Heller & Middletown, PA Mechanicsburg, PA
John Kramb Honesdale, PA
Melanie & George Brian Futhey
Adams, PA Sue & Tom Maurer
DeVault Woodward, PA Ardath Rodale Joan S. & Dennis W.
Annville, PA
Linda & Tim Blakely Emmaus, PA Kutztown, PA Thomson
Eglon, WV Bobbie Hineline & Margery McIver &
David Dietz Florence & Anthony University Park, PA
Tom Ljungman Family Leo Horrigan
Wanda & Preston Boop York, PA Greensburg, PA Rodale Ruth Tonachel
Baltimore, MD
Mifflinburg, PA Kutztown, PA
Elizabeth Dropp & Towanda, PA
Susan & Joel Hubler Dianne & Kim Miller
Timothy Bowser Wesley Ramsey Slatington, PA Carolyn Sachs
Millheim, PA Family Nan & Chris Uhl
Youngsville, PA New Alexandria, PA State College, PA
John Ikerd State College, PA
Terra & Michael Dale & Jack Duff Gail & Marcus Sheffer
Columbia, MO Ted W. Mitchell Jodi & Evan Verbanic
Brownback Family Natrona Heights, PA Wellsville, PA
Loysville, PA Levittown, PA Pittsburgh, PA
Cindy & John Irwin
Chris Fullerton Pequea, PA Babs Mumma Sondra & Ben Simmons
Jane & Dick Burlingame Karen & Jan Vollmecke,
Hustontown, PA Mechanicsburg, PA Hershey, PA
Russell, PA Wes Jackson Jeff Beyea
Nancy Gabriel Salina, KS Philip Jan & Daniel Nagel Hammer & Roy Sletson Coatesville, PA
Virginia & Mike Byers
Spring Mills, PA Ithaca, NY Ottsville, PA Madisonburg, PA
Rose Marie Kendall Althea & William
Gene Chenoweth Lamonte Garber Family Hookstown, PA Anne & Eric Nordell Lauren & Ian Smith Wagman
Mifflinburg, PA Hopewell, NJ Trout Run, PA Spring Mills, PA Fort Littleton, PA
Becky & Don
Moie & Jim Crawford Lyn Garling Kretschmann Joan & Drew Norman Melissa & Andrew Smith Beth Whiteman
Hustontown, PA Rebersburg, PA Rochester, PA White Hall, MD Collegeville, PA Boalsburg, PA

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15
PASA Update
Changes at PASA…
We thought we should bring our
membership up to date on staff changes,
as we are striving to maintain quality
programs and services that they have
come to expect. Please note the follow-
ing:
l In 2003, Kate Gatski continued to
coordinate our busy schedule of Farm-
Based Education field days. This was a
transition year for her as she joined her
new husband Ben Gatski on the family
farm near Bloomsburg. As Kate will not
be working with our FBE program in
2004, we thank her for hard work and
dedication to PASA over the years, and
wish all the best for Kate and Ben in
their life together.
l We are very pleased to announce
that Heather House, who joined PASA
as the Farm-to-School Coordinator last
spring, and so ably coordinated the pro-
gram for this year’s annual conference as
well, has been promoted to the position
Here’s Your Chance to be Involved in Your Region
At the 2004 PASA Farming for the
Future Conference there was an opportu-
nity for attendees to participate in
Regional Breakout Sessions. These brief
meetings were a chance to do some
brainstorming and goal-setting for PASA
programs in each region. The four break-
out sessions this year covered the (1)
Western, (2) Southeastern, (3) Southcen-
1
of Director of Educational Outreach.
This new department will encompass
our programs for Farm-Based Educa-
tion, Farm-Based Research, Farm-to-
School and, of course, the Farming for
the Future conference each year. Heather
has shown tremendous enthusiasm in
moving PASA ahead in these important
program areas.
l Ruth Sullivan, who joined PASA
as our Director of Southeast Programs in
the fall of 2002, announced in Novem-
ber 2003 that she and her husband Bob
had purchased a farm on the Blue Hill
Peninsula of Maine. Ruth and Bob
moved to their new place on January
2nd, and we wish them all the best in
their new endeavors. The position of
Director of Southeast Programs will
remain open until an extended funding
strategy can be developed, at which time
we will make a further announcement.
l Last fall, Michele Gauger joined
tral, (4) Northcentral/Eastern regions of
Pennsylvania (see adjoining map). These
regions will likely evolve in years to come
to suit members’ needs and market reali-
ties. We are hopeful this opportunity to
come together will allow the PASA mem-
bers in each region to better organize
their efforts throughout the year.
Those who were unable to attend the
2 Mena Hautau, 610-378-1327
4
3 Northcentral/Eastern
16
our staff on a part-time basis to help
generate the Fall and Winter newsletters,
and also to help with the membership
campaign. This arrangement worked out
so well that Michele has now come
aboard full-time, splitting time between
the Membership department, where she
will continue to coordinate the newslet-
ter among other duties, and the Educa-
tional Outreach department, where she
will assist Heather House, primarily with
the Farm-Based Research program we
are doing in cooperation with Penn State
University. n
Results of the PASA Board of
Directors elections held during
the conference in February
George DeVault
Lehigh County
Chris Fullerton
Huntingdon County
Lyn Garling
Centre County
John Jamison
Westmoreland County
Kim Miller
Westmoreland County
conference, but would like to be involved
within their respective regions, should
contact PASA’s regional contacts for infor-
mation on upcoming events.
REGIONAL CONTACTS
Western
David Eson, 412-997-2343
david@pasafarming.org
Southeastern
Brian Moyer, 610-944-9349
brianm22@aol.com
mmh10@psu.edu
Southcentral
Rob Amsterdam, 717-691-3531
ra@jet-fresh.com
Chris Fullerton, 814-448-2173
chris@tog.coop
Leah Tewksbury, 570-437-2620
tewks1@aol.com
 PASA Merchandise
New Farm
er Film
Now Availa
ble!

“You Want To Do What?!… Farming!”

Real farmers, real advice, and real
facts about the joys and chal-
lenges of sustainable agriculture.
Five farms share why they do
what they do, and the rewards
they receive along the way —
including a greater connection to
their community from practicing
sustainable farming methods.
This 15-minute video was pre-
miered at the 13th annual PASA
Conference to rave reviews. Pick up a copy on VHS or DVD format. A great piece
to show to a wide variety of audiences — from community groups to new
’wannabe’ farmers to consumer groups. VHS or DVD
Either format $15.00

Conference T-Shirt — On Sale Now!

Commemorative 13th annual addition. Attractive 2-color design on 100% cot-
ton. Available in a variety of colors — orange, yellow, green, or natural colored
organic cotton. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.To order, request size, and first and second
color choice. Buy two and save!
$9.50 for one, $17.00 for two.

PASA Caps — Protection From the Sun!

Comfortable cotton caps available in a variety of designs and colors.

n The popular brushed twill caps embroidered with the PASA logo, or the bold
‘PASA — Farming for the Future’ phrase. Available in blue, green, charcoal or
natural. Adjustable back strap fits most. $20.00

n Cool, bright and lightweight caps are available screenprinted in black with
the PASA Logo, or the bold ‘PASA — Farming for the Future’ phrase. Available
in melon, turquoise, green, goldenrod, magenta pink, or purple. Adjustable
back strap fits most. Buy two and save!
$8.00 for one, $15.00 for two.

Order Form
Name

Address

City/State/ZIP

Phone E-mail

Record the product you want, quantity, and color and size choices if appropriate.

Subtotal Products: add $4.00 shipping Total Due:

and handling
Payment
Check Make check payable to PASA Credit Card Complete below

Card No.

Exp. Date
VISA MasterCard

Cardholder Name

Signature

17
Regional Marketing
Buy Fresh, Buy Local
If you’re serious about promoting regional growth,
put local produce on your table
By Amy Souza
The idea of seasonal eating left main-
stream American consciousness decades
ago. And as the global marketplace has
become more of a reality, consumers
have grown less concerned about where
food comes from and more focused on
having whatever we want whenever we
want it. There’s a movement afoot to
change that. Grassroots activists in near-
ly every developed nation around the
world are trying to reconnect people
with their food using a fairly simple con-
cept: Buy local.
“There are so many reasons to buy
local,” says Christine Robinson, of
FoodRoutes Network in Millheim,
Pennsylvania. “We get so many benefits
from responsible, sustainable agricul-
ture. And it’s one of the most effective
ways consumers can contribute to pre-
serving their community and the envi-
ronment. Sustainable farming practices
represent the intersection of agriculture
and environmentalism,” Robinson adds.
“These farmers are responsible stewards
of the land and water, conserving and
protecting their vitality for future gener-
ations while meeting our current food
needs.”
The nonprofit FoodRoutes Network
helps organizations across the country
promote local food systems. Their most
recent project is a “Buy Fresh, Buy
Local” campaign, currently being imple-
mented by 10 groups from Oregon to
Maine. “Around the country, advertising
of ‘Come to our farmer’s market’ com-
petes with ‘Buy a Big Mac,’” Robinson
explains. “High-quality materials are
expensive, so we focus on doing things
groups wouldn’t be able to afford on
their own.”
So just why should consumers care
about buying local produce? David
Eson, PASA’s director of southwest pro-
grams, says it boils down to three things.
“Environmentally, it cuts down on CO2
emissions. You’re not dealing with trucks
driving 2,000 miles from California to
ship lettuce. Socially, rural economies
are suffering. In an area like Pittsburgh,
where you’ve got people moving away
from both cities and suburbs, local farms
support the interconnection between
urban and rural areas. Economically,
we’re saying, especially to consumers
who are buying perishables, keep your
local food dollar close. A small business-
man, the farmer, will buy more local
products with the money they make.”
Eson admits that’s a pretty heavy
message and potentially a hard sell.
American consumers have been spoiled
on cheap and abundant food, Eson says.
“People get the circular from the major
18
grocery stores every Sunday and see
what’s on sale.” Food, in that sense, has
become a commodity like any other.
Consumer Education
The state of Pennsylvania agriculture
is somewhat confusing. On one hand,
it’s the commonwealth’s leading indus-
try, with $1 billion of goods exported in
2000 — including agriculture, food and
wood products. Pennsylvania also leads
the country in mushroom production,
with 425 million pounds grown here
each year, and is a leading egg producer.
American Farmland Trust also reports
that Pennsylvania leads the nation in
number of farms and acres of farmland
protected under easements.
Anecdotally, however, farmers in the
southwestern part of the state tell a dif-
ferent story. Many know farmers who
have gone out of business. Some lament
the reworking of farmland into home
subdivisions. And most see the need to
promote small farms as paramount, lest
they go the way of mom-and-pop shops
in the face of competition from big-box
stores.
Pennsylvania is already a leader in
direct farm sales to consumers, Brian
Snyder, Executive Director of PASA
points out. “There’s a tremendous tradi-
tion in this state of marketing fresh food
locally. Lancaster County, of course, is
the hotbed. But it’s not just the Amish
and the Mennonite communities that
grasp the issue,” he adds. “Middle-class
and upper-middle-class consumers are
beginning to understand the importance
of buying fresh food.”
In Pittsburgh, Snyder admits, “It’s
probably a slightly harder sell. What we
lack is consumer education, primarily
the value of eating seasonally.” Still,
there are over 30 farmer’s markets in the
greater Pittsburgh area, and the East End
Food Co-op has been pushing local and
organic food products for 25 years.
Today the co-op has 5,000 active mem-
bers and 40 percent of its yearly sales
come from nonmembers. When Whole
Foods Market opened here last year, it
was the largest store opening in compa-
ny history to date. (That has since been
surpassed by an opening in Ann Arbor.)
David Eson calls the Whole Foods suc-
cess a “huge test balloon,” proving that
people are willing to drive to East Liber-
ty to buy what they perceive to be high-
quality food. Eson believes the time is
now ripe to launch a Buy Local cam-
paign in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Even if you find food production pol-
itics hard to swallow, it’s hard to argue
with freshness. “The best way to get peo-
ple to buy local is to get them to taste the
difference,” says Robinson
FoodRoutes Network. n
Reprinted with permission by author.
Full article appeared in the 11/20/03
edition of Pulp.
SOUTHWEST REGION
“In the Works”
Western Regional Meetings
During the PASA conference approx-
imately 40 members from the Western
region of the state (a geographic area
totaling 19 counties) met and discussed
future activities for the region. The
group decided that PASA staff will
organize two meetings per year for the
whole group (one at the conference and
one in the region). Beyond the meetings
for the whole group, one meeting per
year will be held in the northern section
of the region (PASA members living
north of State Route 422) and one meet-
ing will be held in the southern section
of the region (PASA members living
of
south of State Route 422). Stay tuned
for more information in upcoming
issues of Passages. Western Counties (19
Counties) — Erie, Crawford, Warren,
Mercer, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jeffer-
son, Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, Arm-
strong, Indiana, Washington, Allegheny,
Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette and
Somerset.
McGinnis Sisters
Special Food Stores
In late January PASA hosted a meet-
ing between McGinnis Sisters and area
farmers. The McGinnis Sisters manage-
ment team discussed their purchasing
needs for the upcoming year. If you are
interested in receiving the meeting notes
or contact information, please call David
Eson at (412) 997-2343 or david@pasa-
farming.org.
Survey
Thanks to all the PASA members for
returning their farmer and “Buy Fresh
Buy Local” surveys. PASA staff will be
tallying survey results by the end of Feb-
ruary. Survey results will be used for the
local foods directory and our Buy Fresh
Buy Local label design.
Buy Fresh Buy Local
PASA is in the process of developing
a local food directory for the “Buy Fresh
Buy Local” campaign launch in June.
The guide will be similar to PASA’s pre-
vious southwest directory, the South-
western Pennsylvania Consumer Guide
to Farm Fresh Products. The guide will
list farmers’ markets, on-farm markets,
businesses and farms in the region who
offer fresh, local products.

THE BOARD AND STAFF WISH

TO THANK THESE RECENT VOLUNTEERS
Bob Ambrose Peter Kilpatrick Phyllis Rubin
Georgia Berner Dave King Penny Sandoval
Charlie Boyer Becky Paul Sarver
Sarah Bowen Kretschmann Ann Seeley
Angie Brubaker Kristen Markley Shon Seeley
Mike Byers Julie Mason Roy Sletson
Bill Callahan Sue Maurer Ian Smith
Tom Maurer TranslationError.
Pat Callahan Ronald Stanley
Noreen Campbell Dennis Mawhinney Kyla Stewart
Nicole Carman Andrew McMullen Tom Streble DSC01559.tif
Gene Chenoweth Dianne Miller Genelle Sweetser
Eileen Clark Maggie Moore Karen Taphorn
Sara Colson Gil Morrison Martin Thomas
Barbara Corson Gayle Morrow Bette Toth
Moie Crawford Holley Moyer Amy Trauger
Jack Duff Suzy Meyer Randy Treichler
Liz Elmore Patti Olenick George Vahoviak
Rita Wise Favinger Ryan Peterson Eric Van
Bill Fuller Virginia Phillips Bob Vernon
Ron Gargasz Kurt Plummer Joani Walsh
Karen Grubb Maria Pop Janna Weil
Craig Richards Volunteers are essential to running a conference of this size! Our volunteers helped
Sue Haney Karin Welzel
at the registration desk, sold merchandise at the PASA booth, set up audio-visual
Paul Hepperly Sarah Rider Melanie Wertz for speakers, organized the Silent Auction, coordinated the youth and teen pro-
Todd Hopkins Michael Risser Will Wise gram, and lent general support throughout the conference. Pictured above are
Julie Hurst Jason Ritchey Alma Wynne Todd Hopkins (left) and Bette Toth.

19
Membership Resources
vide a reliable source of locally grown and
Fresh Off the Internet — often organic vegetables. These websites can
also be used to locate local farmers’ markets,

Sites to Connect Producers CSAs, restaurants, and food co-ops.

PASA encourages our farmer members
interested in new markets to get their opera-

and Consumers tions included in these searchable databases.

Some allow members to create and update
their own listings, and write a description of
By Lauren Smith Another effective method of linking con- their operation listing available commodities.
More and more consumers are becoming sumers with local and sustainable farms is to Even if a farm or other food-related business
aware of issues involving our food supply, promote other searchable databases on the is already on the Internet, they can still ben-
and are seeking safe, locally-grown food for Internet, which help consumers locate every- efit from a listing on these websites. Being
their families. We at the PASA office field thing from pastured eggs close to their town, part of these directories will substantially
many calls each week from these folks hoping to a beef farmer selling directly to his com- increase a farm’s chances that potential cus-
to be connected with producers in their area munity, to a variety of farmers who can pro- tomers will locate them on the Internet. n
that are raising food using sustainable meth-
Websites such as FoodRoutes provide services for producers and consumers alike.
ods.
The membership department is always
happy to review our databases and offer some
personal suggestions. Towards this end, it is
very helpful when our farmer members have
competed the member survey that accompa-
nied the annual membership materials. Also,
PASA is in the development stages of offering
a PASA farmer member directory within our
website www.pasafarming.org. This directory
will include farmers who offer direct market-
ing. Interested PASA farmers should contact
the PASA membership department at mem-
bership@pasafarming.org for more informa-
tion on how to be included on the PASA
website.

www.localharvest.org
The LocalHarvest.org web site allows farmer members to create an
extensive custom entry including photos of the farm. It allows visitors
to sign up for customized updates that are sent whenever a new list-
ing is added or an existing listing is modified within a particular area.
They also have a new calendar section and online store. LocalHarvest
includes PASA as an option in their registration process — our farmer
members should check PASA in the “Associated Organizations” page
when registering. That way, people who want to find PASA members
in their area will get a complete list.
www.newfarm.org
Go to the Farm Locator section of www.newfarm.org to check out this
well-developed farmer database that helps consumers, brokers, and
restaurateurs locate farms and farm services they are looking for.
Recent improvements have been added to generate more refined
searches.The Farm Locator is just one element of Newfarm.org, which
is also the on-line portal to research conducted through The Rodale
Institute. This Institute is a nonprofit educational and research organ-
ization committed to sharing information globally about successful
agricultural solutions to health and environmental problems.
http://agmap.psu.edu/
AgMap provides an online directory for Pennsylvania’s agricultural
industry. It serves consumers looking for locally-grown Pennsylvania
foods, and allow farmers to search for agencies and businesses serv-
ing the agricultural community. Developed by Penn State University’s
College of Ag Sciences, this site also hosts job announcements and
classified ads for enrolled businesses.
www.foodroutes.org
The FoodRoutes web site is a fantastic resource for those seeking
information on our food system. It offers communications tools, tech-
nical support, networking and information resources to organizations
and groups nationwide that are working to rebuild local, community-
based food systems. FoodRoutes network is dedicated to reintroduc-
ing Americans to their food — the seeds it grows from, the farmers
who produce it, and the routes that carry it from the fields to their
tables. Their website is well worth a visit, and also has a “Find Good
Food” map, in a searchable database powered by LocalHarvest.org.

20
Editor’s Corner
The Grapevine
by Michele Gauger
SURVEY SHOWS CONSUMERS
WANT LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
A survey conducted by the Leopold Cen-
ter for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State
University, revealed consumers were enthu-
siastic about locally grown food and sup-
portive of the farmers that grow it. More
than 75 percent of respondents chose the
product labeled “grown locally by family
farmers” as their first choice for produce and
meat products. For more on the study, visit
www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/leopold/.
NEW MARKET LOCATION
IN SOUTHWEST PA
The Hempfield Market will be relocated
to the Lynch Field Athletic & Aerobic Center.
In cooperation with the City of Greensburg,
a pavilion and market site has been donated
to the Farmers’ Market Association of Central
Westmoreland County. The new site can
accommodate several sheltered vendor sites
with ample room for tailgate vendor setups.
Those interested in becoming vendors or
who would like additional information
should visit the site on localharvest.org or
contact manager Paul Sarver of Sarver’s Hill
Farm at 724-834-2334.
SEED SAVERS
Kayri Havens, Director of Conservation
for the Chicago Botanic Garden, and ecolog-
ical enthusiasts including boy scouts, sci-
ence students and retirees are fanning out
across the prairie, collecting seeds of 1,500
Midwest plants to preserve for the future.
Seeds are harvested, prepped, catalogued,
frozen and flown to West Sussex, England.
Why England? The Botanic Garden has part-
nered with Britain’s Millenium Seed Bank in a
global project that aims to preserve and cat-
alog the seeds for research for 10% of the
world’s flora or 24,000 species by the year
2010. Havens says,“This project is about our
legacy and preserving plants that are an
important part of our history and culture.”
GRANT OPPORTUNITY —
FOOD PROJECTS
The Community Food Projects (CFP)
Competitive Grants Program provides major
funding for community-based food and
agriculture projects in the U.S. This year
there will be approximately $4.6 million
available with preference given to projects
that develop linkages between two or more
sectors of the food system, support the
development of entrepreneurial projects,
involve public and for-profit as well as non-
profit entities, and promote multi-system,
interagency approaches with multi-stake-
holder collaborations that build the long-
term capacity of communities to address
their food and agricultural problems. Pro-
posals are due April 14, 2004 and more infor-
mation is available at www.reeusda.
gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm.
AGRITOURISM PROJECT
Professor Susan Ryan and the Earth Sci-
ence Department of California University of
Pennsylvania, in conjunction with The Cen-
ter for Rural Pennsylvania, is researching
agritourism in the state of Pennsylvania.
Agritourism is considered a combination of
two of the leading industries in Pennsylva-
nia: agriculture and tourism. The final prod-
uct of this research will make policy
recommendations to understand, develop
and sustain the agritourism industry for the
advancement of Pennsylvania and its rural
areas.
Current work is focusing on developing a
database of agritourism providers. Surveys
will be mailed to these identified providers
as well as individuals who live and work in
rural Pennsylvania. If you require further
information, please contact Susan Ryan at
724-938-4531 or via e-mail at ryan@cup.edu.
OAKHURST DAIRY UPDATE
Update from Passages #45 & 46
In December Oakhurst Dairy of Portland
21
Maine settled with Monsanto and agreed to
change their milk label. The familiar state-
ment of “Our Farmers’ Pledge: No Artificial
Growth Hormones Used” will remain, but
will now include a disclaimer “FDA states: No
significant difference in milk from cows
treated with artificial growth hormones.”
This settlement ends a legal battle that
began last summer, while the dairy promot-
ed their milk as rGBH-free, a growth hor-
mone manufactured by Monsanto. The
settlement could lead the other two major
dairies in Maine — Hood and Garelick Farms
— to follow suit. Both dairies’ labels proclaim
their milk as hormone-free. Since Maine’s
three major dairies require farmers to
pledge not to use hormones, farmers who
do use them have to ship their milk to out-
of-state dairies.
WATER EDUCATION
GRANT MONEY AVAILABLE
The League of Women Voters of Pennsyl-
vania Citizen Education Fund announces
grants available for Water Resources Educa-
tion Projects, applications due April 2, 2004.
Partnerships of local or regional organiza-
tions such as watershed associations, civic
groups, etc. can submit grant applications
for educational projects up to $5,000 that
raise awareness about protecting the com-
munity’s drinking water sources and/or pre-
venting nonpoint source pollution in the
watershed. Applications available by email
at wren@pa.lwv.org, call 1-800-692-7281 ext.
10, or download from www.drinkingwisewa-
ter.org
Classified Ads EDUCATOR/APPRENTICE WANTED —
Phillies Bridge Farm near New Paltz, NY seeks
Educator/Apprentice. Indepth training in bio-
dynamic, organic and CSA farming. Appren-
tice: 100% farming, late Feb–November,
stipend, on-farm housing. Educator/Appren-
tice: 60% farming, 40% education (school vis-
its, day camp, low income family visits), late
April-October, $250/week, assistance with find-
ing off-farm housing. Call 845-256-9108.
AVAILABLE — Certified organic dairy has
eggs available from pastured-raised hens.
Farm fresh produce in season, including heir-
loom tomatoes, Candy onions and red pota-
toes. On farm sales. Green Valley Organics, 279
Maple Shade Road, Christiana, PA 17509 or call
717-529-2898.
FARM APPRENTICE WANTED — 12-month
position on a model sustainable farm in Wash-
ington County, Pennsylvania. The farm is locat-
ed 20 miles west of Pittsburgh and consists of
a 150-acres. Apprentice’s responsibilities will
include tasks related to production of fruit and
vegetables for the Greater Pittsburgh Commu-
nity Food Bank, and working closely with its
volunteers. $1,000 per month plus onsite
apartment. Position begins ASAP. Send cover
letter and resume to Evan Verbanic, Farm Man-
ager, Food Farm, Inc., 1357 Valley View Road,
Bulger, PA 15019 or foodfarm@nauticom.net.
Calendar
April
APR 25 | Homeopathy for All Creatures Great
& Small, Philadelphia, PA — A seminar with
holistic veterinarian C. Edgar Sheaffer, VMD,
columnist for AcresUSA., in the Philadelphia
Area’s Main Line section. Dr. Sheaffer, who has a
veterinary practice in Lebanon County, PA, will
discuss programs that have been safe, easy to
administer and effective for various species of
companion animals. For information contact Cit-
izens’ Alliance for Progressive Health Awareness
(CAPHA): 610-640-2788 or visit www.capha.org.
APR 30–MAY 1 | Organic Beekeeping Work-
shop, Chestnut Ridge, NY. A workshop for active
beekeepers as well as for beginners including a
hands-on session. Contact The Pfeiffer Center by
phone 845-352-5020 ext.20, email: info@pfeiffer-
center.org. or the website: pfeiffercenter.org.
SEEKING FARM BUSINESS MANAGER —
Established family vegetable farm and pro-
duce business in southern Huntingdon Co.
seeks energetic, detail-oriented business man-
ager. Full-time, year-round position w/ salary &
benefits. Experience in small business, book-
keeping, inventory management is desired.
Nice rental housing available nearby. This is a
friendly, exciting place to work, where a moti-
vated person can take big responsibilities and
make a difference. Send resume via e-mail
(moiec@hotmail.com) or write New Morning
Farm, HCR 71 Box 168B, Hustontown, PA 17229
or call 814-448-3904.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED — Sustaining
Greene County is beginning the development
of a model farm near Waynesburg. They are
looking for volunteers to help repair a barn,
shed, and home. Below is a description of skills
that they need. Contact Kevin Paul at sustain-
inggreenecounty@yahoo.com or at (724) 852-
5278. We are looking for people with
experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical,
fund raising or barn renovation skills. Also we
would welcome volunteers to provide manual
labor and cash donations.
ORGANIC LAYER HOUSES WANTED —
interested in areas north of Harrisburg, south
of Route 192. For more information call Kream-
er Feed, 1-800-767-4537 ask for Keith Fleet-
wood or Dale Smeltz.
APR (TBA) | Farmstead Cheesemaking: Three-
day Workshop with Kathy Biss, British cheese
maker and educator. Eastern NY state. For info
and to reserve a place, contact Regional Farm &
Food Project by phone 518-271-0744 or e-mail
farmfood@capital.net.
May
MAY 1–2 | Cheesemaking Workshop, Westmin-
ster West, VT. A two-day workshop taught by
Peter Dixon on making British cheeses, including
Caerphilly, Colwick, Cheddar (cloth-bound) and
Cheshire. Contact Peter Dixon at Westminster
Dairy, 1289 Westminster West Rd., Westminster
West, VT 05346. Telephone 802-387-5110 or e-
mail: pdixon@sover.net.
MAY 7–9 | Grow Biointensive, Sustainable
Mini-Farming, Spring Grove, PA. This three-day
22
LOOKING FOR ORGANIC FARMER —
Approximately 50 tillable acres available in
Schuylkill County for rent or joint venture.
Land has been chemical-free for 5+ years. Con-
tact Joe Michalik at 570-385-4633 or e-mail at
joe@michalik.com.
ORCHARD PRODUCTION/RETAIL SALES
— help wanted full-time on Chester Co. diver-
sified fruit farm. Long-term opportunity. Must
have basic horticultural skills and strong inter-
est in selling retail at farmers’ markets. Mini-
mum pay $12/hr, higher possible based on
experience. Call 610-486-6235 or NorthStarOr-
chard@aol.com.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! — Alternative
homesteaders looking for kindred spirit(s) to
rent mobile home, share organic garden space
in rural Airville, PA. Opportunity for market
garden or CSA. Commuting distance to York &
Lancaster, PA and Bel Air, MD. Beautiful hiking
trails & Susquehanna River nearby. Call Amy
Donohue at 717-862-1737. Mailing address is
637 E. Posey Rd. Airville, PA 17302.
Passages Ad Rates and Policy
Advertising Inquiries: Please call or write the
PASA office for full advertising package and rate
card information. Special rates available for
PASA Business Members and multiple advertis-
ing packages. Contact Michele Gauger at the
PASA office, 814-349-9856 or michele@pasa-
farming.org for more information.
workshop intended for gardeners, farmers and
educators will be taught by John Jeavons,
author of How to Grow More Vegetables. Applica-
tions are due by April 6, 2004 for an early regis-
tration discount. For an application and further
information, please contact: Cynthia Raiser Jeav-
ons, 5798 Ridgewood Road, Willits, CA 95490 or
phone 707-459-5958. www.johnjeavons.info or
www.growbiointensive.org.
MAY 20–23 | 2nd Annual BALLE Conference,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. The
Sustainable Business Network hosts this confer-
ence bringing together the leading thinkers
(and doers!) of the Local Living Economy move-
ment. For more information contact Merrian
Fuller, Coordinator of Sustainable Business Net-
work, Philadelphia’s BALLE network by e-mail
merrian@sbnphiladelphia.org or phone 215-
386-9224 ext. 124.
PASA Membership/Contribution Form
Please clip this application and return with payment to: PASA Membership, PO Box 419, Millheim, PA 16854.

About You A. Student or Individual Membership

Name Please list one name for this membership level.

Company/Farm

B. Family/Farm or Sustaining Lifetime Membership

Address
Please list all names for this Family/Farm membership. You may include
children between the ages of 14–22, and also multiple generations directly
City State involved in the farm.

ZIP+4 County

Home Phone Work Phone

E-mail

C. Nonprofit or Business Membership

Web Address Please list up to two additional people associated with your business to
receive individual membership privileges.
Name
Are you farming: NO YES — how many acres:
Address
How did you learn about PASA:
City

Membership Category State ZIP+4

Student Please complete Field A $ 15

E-mail
Individual Please complete Field A $ 35
Are you farming: NO YES — how many acres:
Family/Farm Please complete Field B $ 55

$ 100
Would you like to receive mailings from PASA: NO YES
Nonprofit Please complete Field C

Business Please complete Field C $ 150

Name

SUBTOTAL $
Address

Sustaining Lifetime Membership City

Your contribution as a lifetime member will be managed with care as part State ZIP+4
of our Founder’s Fund, sustaining both your ongoing membership and
the long-term future of PASA. E-mail
Sustaining Lifetime Member Please complete Field B $ 700
Are you farming: NO YES — how many acres:
SUBTOTAL $
Would you like to receive mailings from PASA: NO YES
Gift Memberships
In addition to your own membership, you may give PASA membership to D. Gift Membership
a good friend, family member, business associate or other worthy recip- Name
ient on an annual or lifetime basis…a gift that keeps on giving!
Please complete Field D Address
Student $ 15
City
Individual $ 35
State ZIP+4
Family/Farm $ 55

Lifetime Sustaining Member $ 700 Gift from:

SUBTOTAL $

Donation Payment
Tax-deductible donation to Annual Fund SUBTOTAL $ Total amount due Check Make check payable to PASA
$ Credit Card Complete below

Card No.

$
Exp. Date
Total Amount Due VISA MasterCard
Cardholder Name

Signature
 2004 PASA Business Members Keystone Development
Center
Organic Gardening
Magazine
Sierra Club —
Pennsylvania Chapter
These farms, businesses and organizations are committed to working with other State College, PA Emmaus, PA Kempton, PA
progressive members of the business community in the struggle to protect & pre- Keystone Goodwill Skyview Laboratory
Organic Unlimited
serve Pennsylvania farmers and farmland. It is our pleasure to publish the full list Industries Atglen, PA Jennerstown, PA
of Business Members on an annual basis. We will continue the feature Business Millersville, PA Slippery Rock University
Organic Valley Family
Member Profile in our upcoming May/June issue. King’s Agriseeds of Farms Slippery Rock, PA
Ronks, PA LaFarge, WI Slow Food Pittsburgh
Lady Moon Farms Pa Dept. of Agriculture Pittsburgh, PA
Agri-Dynamics Consulting Chilly Philly Corp. Ernst Conservation Seed
Chambersburg, PA Harrisburg, PA Spiral Path Farm
Easton, PA Philadelphia, PA Meadville, PA
Lakeview Organic Grain Loysville, PA
Agricultural Systems Chrin Hauling, Inc. Waste & Everpower Global Pa Dept. of Environmental
Recycling Pen Yan, NY Protection Spring Run Natural Foods
International Corporation
Salunga, PA Easton, PA Lancaster Ag Products Harrisburg, PA Kennett Square, PA
New York, NY
Clean Air Council — PA Wind Bird-in-Hand, PA Penn Ag Industries Sprout Creek Farm
Agro Pro, LLC Fertrell Company
Campaign Lancaster Farmland Trust Harrisburg, PA Poughkeepsie, NY
Lewisburg, PA Bainbridge, PA
Philadelphia, PA Lancaster, PA Penn State Extension Urban Sustaining Greene County
Alice Ferguson Foundation FoodRoutes Network
Community Environmental Landserv, Inc. Gardening Waynesburg, PA
Accokeek, MD Millheim, PA
Legal Defense Fund Boalsburg, PA Philadelphia, PA Tait Farm Foods
Allegheny College-CEED Foodshed Alliance of the
Chambersburg, PA Centre Hall, PA
Meadville, PA Laurel Valley Soils Penn State University,
Ridge & Valley
Concerned Citizens Avondale, PA College of Ag Sciences Thorvin, Inc.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Blairstown, NJ
of Nippenose Valley University Park, PA New Castle, VA
Bay Leona Meat Plant
Jersey Shore, PA Frankferd Farms Foods Townline Farm Poultry
Camp Hill, PA Troy, PA PennFuture
Cornell Cooperative Saxonburg, PA Reserve
LeRaysville Cheese Factory Harrisburg, PA
American Culinary Extension Linesville, PA
Frick Art and Historical LeRaysville, PA
Federation — Laurel Pennsylvania Certified
New York, NY Society Tuscarora Organic Growers
Highlands Chapter Lidia’s Pittsburgh Organic
Countryside Conservancy Pittsburgh, PA Coop
Export, PA Pittsburgh, PA Centre Hall, PA
Peninsula, OH Future Harvest-CASA Hustontown, PA
American Farmland Trust Lionville Natural Pharmacy Pennsylvania College of
Cromwell Valley Park Stevensvill, MD Technology Union County Conservation
Washington, DC & Health Food Store
Baltimore, MD District
American Pastured Gary Gyekis Woodworking Lionville, PA Williamsport, PA
Lewisburg, PA
Dairyland Sales and Service Spring Mills, PA Pennsylvania
Poultry Producers Assn. Maysie’s Farm
Troy, PA Union County Industrial
Chippewa Falls, WI Goodville Mutual Insurance Conservation Center Horticultural Society
Development Corp.
Delaware Valley College New Holland, PA Glenmoore, PA Philadelphia, PA
Amsterdam Produce Lewisburg, PA
Doylestown, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA Goodwill Industries of McGeary Organics Pennsylvania Hunger Upper Mt. Bethel EAC
Delaware Valley Farm Study Pittsburgh Lancaster, PA Action Center
Animal Welfare Institute Mt. Bethel, PA
Center Pittsburgh, PA Harrisburg, PA
Northfield, MN McGinnis Sisters Special Waterkeeper Alliance
Upper Black Eddy, PA
BCS America LLC Gould Farm Food Stores PENNTAP — Tarrytown, NY
Dickinson College Student Pittsburgh, PA Penn State University
Factoryville, PA Monterey, MA Watershed Agricultural
Garden Program Middletown, PA
big Burrito Group Carlisle, PA Greater Pittsburgh Mountain Watershed Council
Pittsburgh, PA Community Food Bank Association Pennypack Farm Education Walton, NY
Duquesne University, Melcroft, PA Center
Blue Ridge Center Environmental Research Duquesne, PA West Virginia University
Moyer’s Chicks, Inc. Horsham, PA
Purcellville, VA Center Greenmarket Morgantown, WV
Pittsburgh, PA New York, NY Quakertown, PA Pfeiffer Center
The Center for Discovery Western PA Conservancy
N.S. Troutman & Sons Chestnut Ridge, NY Pittsburgh, PA
Hurleyville, NY Earth’s Best/ H. Rockwell & Son, Inc.
Hain Celestial Group Freeberg, PA Philadelphia Fair Food Western PA OCIA
Center for Rural Canton, PA
Eugene, OR Natural Dairy Products Project Sandy Lake, PA
Pennsylvania Hacienda Shiloh
Company Philadelphia, PA
Harrisburg, PA East Coast Organics Gettysburg, PA The Westin A. Price
Baltimore, MD West Grove, PA Phillips Mushroom Foundation
Center for Sustainable Heifer International —
East End Food Coop Nature’s Best Organic Feeds Farms, L.P. Washington, DC
Agriculture Mid-Atlantic Region
Pittsburgh, PA Kreamer, PA Kennett Square, PA
Burlington, VT Philadelphia, PA White Dog Café
East Penns Valley Coop NC+ Organics Plains Animal Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Centre Country Hopewell
Millheim, PA Lincoln, NE Plains, PA Whole Foods Cooperative
Conservation District Mesopotamia, OH
Bellefonte, PA Eberly Poultry Farms New England Heritage Poultry Man Erie, PA
Stevens, PA The Hummingbird Room Breeds Mifflinburg, PA
The Chapman Agency, Wilson College, Fulton
Spring Mills, PA Richmond, MA Center for Sustainability
Erie Insurance Group Eco Farms Professional Recyclers of PA
Mifflinburg, PA Blue Ball, PA IPM Laboratories, Inc. North Branch Land Trust Bellwood, PA Chambersburg, PA
Locke, NY Trucksville, PA Wiscoy Pet Food Co.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Endless Mountains RC & D Red Hill Farms CSA —
Harrisburg, PA Towanda, PA Jamison Farm North Union Farmers Market Sisters of St. Francis State College, PA
Latrobe, PA Shaker Heights, OH Aston, PA Woods End Research
Chester County Econ. Environmental Fund for
Development Council Pennsylvania Johnny’s Selected Seeds Organic Approach The Rodale Institute Laboratories
Exton, PA Philadelphia, PA Winslow, ME Lancaster, PA Kutztown, PA Mt. Vernon, ME

Non Profit Org.

Pennsylvania U.S. Postage
Association for PAID
Sustainable Agriculture State College, PA
Permit No. 41
114 West Main Street • PO Box 419 • Millheim, PA 16854

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