Petit Jean Farm
Weekly Farm Newsletter
February 9, 2009
Dear Folks,
Happy Valentine’s Day! Did you know that St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying young couples? That’s how one of the stories goes. And years later we celebrate a holiday in his name.
Can you imagine a holiday sometime in the future centered around raw milk? Well, maybe not. But in the meantime, it’s still illegal. House Bill 1114, which would allow the sale of up to 100 gallons of unpasteurized milk, was stopped by the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor last Wednesday.
The fight is not over, though. We at Petit Jean Farm and many others are still working to get this bill passed. Representative Mark Martin, who originally introduced the bill, plans to amend it and bring it back to committee. If passed, the bill will demonstrate support of small independent farms and will affirm citizens’ rights to choose what we eat. It will also allow those of us selling and buying raw milk to forego the nuisance and formality of “pet milk.” Meow.
People in central Arkansas are sometimes driving to Mena or Oklahoma to buy raw milk that they can’t get locally. More and more people are discovering its health benefits. Twenty-seven other states already have laws in place allowing it. Is Arkansas just trying to be in last place again?
To be involved in the fight for Arkansans’ right to drink real milk, you can contact the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee members (http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Pages/CommitteeDetail.aspx?committeecode=430) and contact your own state senators (http://www.arkansas.gov/senate/senators.php) .
While you’re taking action to make your state a better place, don’t forget to place your order for delicious meat and dairy products this week. What could be a better Valentine’s pair than sausage and bacon? In honor of St. Valentine, place your order for a Valentine’s Special: one package of sausage and one package of bacon, together for $8. Also check out the rest of our inventory at www.petitjeanfarm.com/farminventory.html .
Be sure to make your order by noon on Thursday, February 12, by phone (501-727-5659) or e’mail (ed@gatewayfarm-ar.com). We will be at the Transportation Plaza in downtown Hot Springs from 12:00 to 1:00 on Friday, February 13, and at the Carmona Center in Hot Springs Village from 3:00 to 5:00. The Carmona Center has simply been buzzing with activity! Last week over half the people there were there for the first time. It is definitely the fastest growing market around. Invite your friends!
Enjoy your week!
Your Petit Jean Farmers
Petit Jean Farm
1039 Winrock Drive
Morrilton, AR 72110
501-727-5659
www.petitjeanfarm.com
