February 2008 eNewsletter

Welcome to OurOhio.org

Local growers give flavor to global brand
Before it was bottled and boxed, before it was squeezed for all it was worth, before it was heaped in the back of a truck, it was a carrot in the dirt on Tom O’Neill’s farm. And the trip from his soil to your juice glass may be shorter than you think.

It’s an interesting twist on a buying local trend. Consumers, tired of anonymous and travel-worn produce, are turning to locally grown foods that are fresher, tastier and support their community. But if you don’t see O’Neill at your farmers’ market, don’t count him out.

In fact, if you’ve sat down to a bowl of Campbell’s soup or a glass of V8 juice, Ohio farmers such as O’Neill appreciate your support. Although they don’t sell directly to consumers, they are providing Ohioans with locally grown food. It’s just that their products first make a stop at the Campbell Soup Company’s plant in Henry County. To read this entire story, click here.

All about Ohio vegetables
Visit the TV/Videos section of the Web site and see the Carrots and Campbell's video previously shown on Our Ohio television by clicking here. Find out everything you need to know about carrots, including nutritional information, recipes, how to grow the best carrots and where to buy the best carrots. Also, find a special Education Expander carrot harvest lesson.

Buying Local
Don't forget about the Buying Local Directory where you can search for specific products and services and see what local food selections are available in your area. You can also register a market, list an event and view the Buying Local Map on the Resources section of the Web site. Check it out by clicking here.

The Paint Valley Jamboree

A night at ‘Ohio’s oldest country music show’
Each Saturday night in the southern Ohio town of Bainbridge, a crowd gathers at the 100-year-old Paxton Theater where a group of seasoned musicians offer a lesson on the roots of country music. Each performer brings a unique sound ranging from bluegrass to classic rock ‘n’ roll.

You can’t miss the Paxton Theater as you head down state Route 50 in Ross County. The glow of the illuminated marquis is rivaled only by the adjacent Dairy Queen in the town of about 1,000 people.

“If I was to shut this place down, they’d go berserk,” said Jamboree owner Ralph Cooper of the show’s loyal fans.

For more information on the Paint Valley Jamboree, click here.

The Language of Flowers

When it comes to gift giving, fresh flower arrangements are the first choice of many and are often better received than any other gift, except maybe diamonds. Vibrant, fresh flower arrangements can be a mood lifter or a thoughtful contribution to a dinner party. They can tell someone he or she is in your thoughts.

Before setting out to choose the right flower for the occasion, bear in mind what seems to be a simple bunch of flowers can really be imbued with deep significance. There is a long-established tradition of assigning meaning to flowers and using carefully chosen arrangements to convey intentions without saying a word.

Click here to find the meaning behind several different floral selections.

Our Ohio Web site Trivia

Hey, do you know the difference between hay and straw? Look it up in the How to Speak Farmerese glossary and you could win an Our Ohio keychain. Please email both definitions to info@ourohio.org. We will award a keychain to the first 20 correct respondents. Good luck!

February Recipe Highlight

Southwest Soup

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 can Rotel (with tomatoes and chilies)
1 can corn, undrained
1 can tomatoes, diced and undrained
1 can pinto beans, undrained
1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain. Add Rotel, corn, tomatoes and pinto beans. Heat the mixture until hot. Add Velveeta, stir until the cheese has melted.

For some other great soup recipes, click here.

How Much Do You Know
About Safe Winter Driving?

Special tips for safer travel
Winter brings unique challenges that drivers must be prepared to meet. Preparation for severe weather driving should begin long before the first frost or snowflake ever hits the windshield.

Apply the “Three Knows to Safe Driving” to keep everyone safer this winter. These include the importance of knowing your vehicle, knowing the roadways, and knowing yourself when driving in the winter, with its less-than-ideal road conditions. The tips are offered by Nationwide Insurance.

To view detailed descriptions of the "Three Knows to Safe Driving" click here.

Test drive a Farm Bureau membership today!

Ohio Farm Bureau is offering an introductory membership for new members. For $35, new members can experience Farm Bureau and all its member benefits for 2008. To join, visit www.GrowWithFB.org or call 888-GrowWithFB (888-476-9948).