The USDA is back to its usual antics... a common theme among local and regional butchers processors we know and use ourselves - including Joel's shop - is that the USDA loves to spend its time and resources harassing small butcher shops.

For years, Joel's shop had an inspector that forced them to dispose of thousands of pounds of beef liver. Why? Because it didn't look like industrial beef liver. Other report similar silly or capricious actions and standards.

Owners are starting to speak out (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=535742932804990&surface_type=vod&referral_source=vod_newsfeed_unit), but these folks need help from pressure on elected officials to rein in the once again run amok USDA and FSIS.

Also, tickets to our Cincy, Ohio Aberlin Springs Rogue event are now available.

Note, this may be one of the last Rogue events for a few years (or forever!). So, if you have been fence sitting about coming, you won't want to miss. This event will feature TWO local farm tours (one Thursday, then Aberlin Springs on Friday) highlighting two very different approaches to saving the farm and building community, tons of awesome speakers, and more, during a time of year that Ohio is absolutely beautiful to visit. Friday will also feature a wide range of practical Go Rogue workshops (currently 20 total planned slots across the day!).

A limited number of VIP tickets are available for the weekend, where you can enjoy added bonuses like a private tour of Aberlin with its founder - Leslie Aberlin - along with the VIP dinner with speakers and other special guests.

And then we have our regular two day tickets up as well.

We hope to see many of you at what will be a truly one of a kind Rogue event.

Be well and be rogue,

John and Joel