Our annual meeting was held at State of Maine Cheese Co., located on Route 1 in Rockport. We reviewed our year, we re-elected Cathe Morrill (State of Maine Cheese Co.) to another board term, as well as to the Vice Presidency (congratulations Cathe, and thank you for arranging for lunch), we set our 2012 meeting schedule (found on the Guild page), discussed Spring workshops, as well as firming up some “topics” for each meeting. First up, at our December Christmas Party, we will be reviewing CHEESE CLOTH SAMPLES, as well as having a SELL/SWAP MEET for lightly used equipment like molds and other supplies.

–Eric Rector
President, Maine Cheese Guild

Our October meeting was hosted by Turner Farm in North Haven, a ferry ride from Rockland. Despite an overcast morning, we got a tour of the farm and all of its projects (cheese, pork, beef, chicken, turkeys, eggs, and lots of vegetables), a wonderful lunch, an informative workshop on yogurt making and lactic cheeses, and then had a delightful ride in the sun back to Rockland.

Foggy morning ride out to the island from Rockland on the ferry.

Docking at the town of North Haven

Bus ride to Turner Farm.

Goat's view of the moveable hoop houses, moveable chicken coops, and bay from their moveable pasture.

Pigs help to make pasture out of cleared forest land.

Beef steer's view of the bay.

Last of the row crops until next spring.

Lactic cheese making demo with Caitlin Hunter and Jamien Shields

Return to the mainland.

Please join many friends of Natural Resources Council of Maine (including the Guild) at the Art of Local Food, a tasting party and art sale in Northport at The Summit at Point Lookout 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday October 30. The party features tasty local foods created by volunteers and 20 other farmers, restaurants and organizations like us; great local wines, beers and cocktails; gorgeous artwork, live music, and a breathtaking view from the top of Ducktrap Mountain across Penobscot Bay! This event benefits Natural Resources Council of Maine’s important work protecting Maine’s environment. We hope to see you there! Read more about it and register online at http://www.nrcm.org/artoflocalfood.asp