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Community Agriculture Alliance: 2010 resolution: Buy local

Nancy B. Kramer/For the Steamboat Today

In 2010, I resolve to lose weight and exercise more.

In 2010, I resolve to be a better neighbor.

In 2010, I resolve to read 36 books.



And so it goes with making New Year’s resolutions. If you are like me, my failure rate is far greater than my success rate. Now I could say I was a “failure,” but after reflection on the subject, I am convinced it is more about making realistic or substantive resolutions. With that said, I plan to take some pressure off my life of failed resolutions this year.

My resolution is realistic, substantive and fail safe — to buy local. Supporting our local producers directly or through local businesses offering local products is a sure path to success in 2010.



Diversity in the local products market continues to grow — from the increase in local food production to the artisan products of textiles, wood, leather and metal. To get you started, here is a buying local “to do list” for a successful 2010:

■ Keep warm with a throw from Routt County Woolens or hat and mittens from WZ Felt.

■ Make your Super Bowl party a local products event by serving wings made with Wing-time Buffalo Wing Sauce, chili made with local beef from Rockin J Cattle or Yampa Valley Beef or buffalo meat from Lay Valley Buffalo or Bear Mountain Buffalo.

■ Buy your sweetie a Valentine gift from one of the many artisans at the Hayden Artisans Market.

■ Purchase those special baby gifts from Catch All Creations and Steamboat Stitchery.

■ Pick your birthday gifts from the plethora of products from Cindy LaDue, of Redclay, Rising Sun Ranch Creations or the many talented artisans at the Artisans Market of Steamboat.

■ Invest in fine jewelry from Sue Fulton, of Elkhead Bead Co., or Tibby Speer, of Music to my Ears, for that lady in your life at anniversary time.

■ Drink Storm. Storm Mountain Coffee, that is.

■ Add fresh, in-season, local produce to your meals by ordering from Door to Door Organics, Moonshine Produce or Sweet Pea Market. Or learn to grow your own with the help of Christina and Chad Yeager, of Firefly Mountain Produce.

■ Join in the fun at the Community Agriculture All­iance and Northwest Colorado Products booths at the upcoming Cowboy Downhill at Steamboat Ski Area. The booth will be set up from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 19. Come enjoy tasty treats of local lamb and beef.

■ Saddle up and head to Denver for the 104th annual National Western Stock Show, and support our local producers in show competitions and the exhibit hall. Look for Pete and Charnel Wille’s lambs, Barry Castagnasso’s beautiful draft horses, Marianne Sasak’s sheep dogs and more.

So experience success in your New Year’s resolution and contribute to the success of our many talented local producers. For more, call Nancy Kramer at 970-879-4370 or visit http://www.nwc

products.org.

Kramer is the project coordinator for Northwest Colorado Products.


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