I am home in Ohio for 2 short weeks and I finally have time to sit down for a real update:
As the next step in my apprenticeship, Scott suggested that I take a turn at running the business for the winter. At first, I was terrified at the "make it or break it" opportunity ahead of me...but Scott and Jen both pointed out that is exactly what farming is. You have to be willing to take that chance. And in the past couple months of November and December, after attending a few holiday craft shows and some markets in Skowhegan, at the new 7 Island Marketplace, I've received great feedback and awesome reviews from all the new people I've met. --And I've been able to pay my bills. :)
So how does it work?I run cow's milk cheeses in the cheeseplant (with our unlimited supply of fresh organic cow milk from Clovercrest) throughout the winter months and find new markets to attend with my cheese. I handle the advertising, the cheesemaking, the market setup, and the costs of supplies and utilities to run the cheeseplant. Normally, Olde Oak Farm pays Clovercrest farm for half of any and all profits from cow's milk cheese. I talked to Steve (owner of Clovercrest, our partner farm) and we decided that I would pay him 40 percent of all cow cheese profits and would keep 60 percent to help offset the costs of gas, and the higher price of these markets.
Now with the holidays coming to a close, I'll be out looking for some new outlets for my cheese...Any suggestions??
I am very lucky to have such awesome mentors (Scott and Jen!) at Olde Oak Farm. They have really pushed me this year to be not just an employee at the farm. I have learned through invaluable experience some of what it takes to run my own farm...and l'm sure this next year will take me even further towards that goal.
Now, I said in my last post that if you live in the state of Maine, you'd be able to get your cheese fix all winter long and that is true. Olde Oak Farm attends the Orono Farmer's Market on the 4th Saturday of each month through April. The market is located downtown in Orono in the parking lot behind Pat's Pizza and the hardware store. You can't miss it! Market hours are shorter in the cold cold winter months. 9am till noon. See you there!
And I'll still be attending the Skowhegan indoor market place every other Saturday. The next market for me will be Saturday, January 9th. From 9am till 5pm at 7 Island in the big, old factory building there. Hope to see you!!
