Indiana Students Encouraged to Participate in 3rd Annual "Our Food, Our Farmers" Essay Contest

Prizes for written essays include Apple iPad and Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 13, 2012)-Students in grades 4-12 are again encouraged to consider the impact of Indiana foods and farmers for the 3rd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled "Our Food, Our Farmers: Nourishing Generations of Hoosiers."  The essay competition includes three grade levels: 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, and aligns with a number of state standards. A breakdown of the state core academic standards met by the essay contest is available on the Indiana's Family of Farmers website. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2013. "This essay contest is a great way for teachers to meet curriculum demands while providing an interesting and engaging outlet for students to learn about one of the state's most important industries," said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. "By participating in this contest, we hope students will think, read and talk more about Indiana's rich agricultural history and its future." Sponsored by Indiana's Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities, the essay contest encourages students to recognize and share all the ways Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their own lives -as well as in the lives of those around them.  For the 2013 competition, we are asking the same question of all three grade levels:  Describe how Indiana farmers 1) nourish our families, 2) our animals, and 3) our earth (soil). Please provide an example from each of the three areas. There will be a first and second place winner from each grade level. First place winners will receive an Apple iPad and second place winners will receive a Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones.  All winners will be invited to attend a special recognition ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse on March 5, 2013 in celebration of National Ag Day.  "Indiana's family farmers are committed to providing an abundant supply of healthy food and fiber to nourish Hoosiers, while also caring for our natural resources," said Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay. "We look forward to hearing from our next generation and learning how these foods impact their lives and the lives of their families."  Entry guidelines can be found at: www.indianahumanities.org or www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com. This contest is part of Indiana Humanities' two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition will celebrate the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.  ### About Indiana's Family of Farmers Indiana's Family of Farmers grows the grains, produce and meat you eat every day. We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your family and the environment.  Food for your family, from our family.  Learn more at www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com. About Indiana Humanities Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk.  Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org. Contact information: Jeannie Keating                                                                        Manager of Media Relations                                           Indiana State Department of Agriculture                           317.696.9695                                                            jkeating@isda.in.gov                                               Kristen Fuhs Wells   Director of Communications  Indiana Humanities  317.638.1500 x125 kwells@indianahumanities.org

Prepping for Holiday Meals

Submitted by Denise Derrer of BOAH from (FightBac.org)

Once you've selected your menu and collected all the recipes, purchase all non-perishables ahead of time (Check the local newspaper and web sites for holiday food coupons and grocery store bargains!)

Shop for fresh items (perishables) on your final shopping trip.

Remember to order your turkey in advance! A frozen turkey should be timed for pickup so it can go straight into the refrigerator to thaw. Plan on 24 hours for each 4-1/2 pounds of whole turkey. A fresh turkey should only be picked up one or two days in advance.

Get Your Holiday Meal Prep Lists

    

The Partnership for Food Safety Education is your resource for promoting food safety this Holiday season.  Holidayfoodsafety.org is a free, go-to resource for consumers.  

Soup's On!

By Michelle Plummer of Winners Drink Milk

Hearty Soups and Stews

The leaves are on the ground and the winds are chilly and this is the perfect weather for making homemade soups and stews which I believe are the ultimate comfort food, add a piece of warm bread and butter and this is simple elegance.

Rachel Ray is the self-proclaimed queen of "stoups" which are rich soups and thickened to eat like a stew.  In just 30 minutes your family can have a rich hearty stoup that makes the feasters clean their bowls.

  

I am a big fan of thick and rich soups and stews.  My favorite being potato soup and then beef stew.  I found this recipe much like other readers, searching the web for a twist on the basic!  WOW, this is twice baked potato soup meets ranch dip!  The flavors mingle and marry to make a soup that is thick and each spoonful is an adventure.  Serve with a family favorite Katrina’s Bread (recipe below) and the meal is cheesy, creamy, crunchy and more than comfort food!

I love beef stew, the texture, the richness and the appearance.  For years I have made and served mediocre beef stew, it was OK, but for all the work I was disappointed until I came across this Tyler Florence recipe.  I must admit this is a weekend meal, it takes about four hours from start to finish but well worth it!  I really enjoy the horseradish sour cream topping, it steals the show.  Don’t take my word for it but try it, there are many cold weekends ahead of us, there is one just perfect for this stew.  

Katrina’s Bread

1 loaf Italian bread sliced down the middle horizontally

In measuring cup combine:

1 stick butter, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 cup salad dressing and 3 tablespoons of your favorite herbs (these change with the dish and season).  

Combine well, spread over bread, place on baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or golden brown.  

Remove from oven, cut into pieces and serve warm with stew.

Table Talk: This Time of Year

It is that time a year again. 

While farmers all over the Hoosier state are finishing up harvest, the fall air is turning crisp and cool and causing everyone to grab for those warmer clothes in the back of the closet.

This season also marks the time of year that a lot of Hoosiers settle into some familiar traditions. So, we asked our Table Talk Contributors to share with us about this time of year and loved seeing all the great activities Indiana families are digging into.

Like many families, Michelle and her crew took every advantage that this past October had to offer. From pumpkin patching to apple picking and corn mazing, they got their fall fun in.

Bloggers Beth and Angie also participated in all the fall fun by visiting a local dairy farm. Angie soon discovered that once her kiddos got up close and personal with "Where milk comes from," the questions started flowing and used this seasons ample opportunities to help teach them about the food they eat.

Last but not least, Sarah shares how this time of year gets her back to baking, much to her family's delight. Sharing that this season leaves little to want... except more counter space.

What is it about this time of year that you love most?

Thawing Frozen Foods Safely

Submitted by Denise of BOAH (From FightBac.Org)

One of the advantages of freezing foods at or below 0 °F is that they can be preserved indefinitely. But, once the food begins to thaw in temperatures warmer than 40 °F, bacteria can multiply rapidly and the food can become unsafe to eat.  

Before preparing frozen meat, poultry, seafood, or frozen fruits, thaw them using one of these methods:  

1.      In the refrigerator - never at room temperature or in warm water 

2.      Under cool, running water (less than 70°F) as long as the food is small enough to be thawed in under two hours.

3.      In a microwave, if the food is going to be cooked immediately or use a microwave for thawing fruits that will be served with some ice crystals remaining.

Get more BAC Down materials. 

Fall Family Fun

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

If you are looking for a fun fall activity for your family, Kelsay Farms is one example of the many farms that open their doors to the public throughout the year. The Kelsays are a sixth generation dairy farm that milks around 500 cows and they open their farm to the public on the weekends throughout October.  They also farm approximately 2,200 acres. 

Kelsay Farms was land-granted by President Van Buren in 1837 making this year their 175^th anniversary!  Amy Kelsay states, "We are blessed to have four generations on the farm today-from Great Grandma all the way down to our children.  It's amazing when you think about it that we are still farming the same ground that has been in our family for all of those years!"

When asked why they decided to open their farm to the public Amy explained, "I have always loved working with children and in Ag/Youth Education so in 2007 I decided to combine the two and open our farm up for school field trips and to the public.  We live in a highly populated county and it's been a pleasure to give thousands of children the opportunity to see first-hand where their milk and other dairy foods come from."

The Kelsays have taken things around the farm that they loved to do as kids such as: play in the corn, climb on straw bales, roast a hotdog on a campfire-and they have recreated them for our customers to enjoy.  According to Amy, "Most kids today don't get the opportunity to walk through a corn field or take a hayride, so we really enjoy not only providing that experience, but also watching them as they may experience it for the first time."

So if you and your family would like to experience dairy farm tours, baby calves, a 7 acre corn maze with a scavenger hunt, hayrides, Moo Choo train rides, Bale Mountain, Corn Crib, Baby Barnyard play area and many other games and fall activities then visit Kelsay Farms at 6848 N. 250 E. Whiteland, IN 46184.  You can also visit their website:www.kelsayfarms.com or www.twomaidsamilking.com or follow them on Facebook at Kelsay Farm Tours or Twitter at @Kelsay Farms.

If you are interesting in finding more great Indiana Farms to visit this fall, check out the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Agritourism Guide and My Indiana Home's Pumpkin Patch Locator and Corn Maze Locator.

Food Recall Basics: What You Should Know

Submitted by Denise of BOAH (From FightBac.Org)

Food recalls are issued for your safety and should not cause panic. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to be informed and pay attention to guidance issued when a major food recall occurs.

Food recall notices are given in the news, at your local grocery store, or online at www.recalls.gov.

Understand that the recall of one product does not mean all forms of that product are a potential problem. 

Find more on Recall Basics and a FAQ's flyer here.