Change is in the wind at Comstock Ferre & Company in Wethersfield, where we recently met Randel Agrella, manager. Jere and Emilee Gettle, owners of Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, acquired Comstock, Ferre & Company, the oldest continuously operating seed company in New England. In addition to the farm and lands in Missouri which are home to the seed company and the Wethersfield location, is the Petaluma Seed Bank in California. The life work of the Gettles is to grow and offer seed that is “non-hybrid, non-GMO, non-treated and non-patented.”

In deep winter the packaging of seeds and groundwork for the growing season continues. Agrella is a writer and owner of Abundant Acres, a niche business that offers more than 330 heirloom tomato, peppers, sweet potato, herbs and more. With a goal to “sell only open-pollinated (non-hybrid) and heirloom varieties because we care about wholesome, healthful foods, free of human tinkering” the symbiotic relationship works well with the Gettles goals.

We plan to re-visit and report on progress, to see the greenhouse sprout with new life and learn more to share with readers as the days lengthen with light. In winter, Agrella is busy setting up classes and workshops for a spring and summer schedule of classes at Comstock Ferre and welcomes inquiries from those with skills or crafts interested in leading sessions.

Meantime, gardeners can order a free catalog or peruse a “flip” version of it online.

An event that is of particular interest to anyone who grows food or crops is the “Citizen’s Assembly of Support for Family Farmers vs. Monsanto” on Tuesday, Jan. 31, starting at 9 a.m. in the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, New York, NY. (To read a complete report on this event, visit Connnecticut NOFA’s blog, linked here.) A jumping-off point to learn more about genetically modified foods, including reports from around the world, we’ve linked to The New York Times page of indexed stories about the issue.

“Growing food was the first activity that gave us enough prosperity to stay in one place, form complex social groups, tell our stories.”

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Another update – Carleen and Bill Quinn, owners of A.S. Labieniec Farm & Pet Supply, are at their new location, 817 Farmington Ave., still in Kensington, right across from Dairy Queen. They recently added The Blue Buffalo Company cat and dog food line of products – and it is a Connecticut business. Also, those with good timing may get to say hello to the newest family member, Lydia Marie Duffy- if mom Anna and baby are in. Take a walk around to check out all sorts of country gear, collectibles and home decor – interspersed with pet and livestock supplies in a new roomy and bright shop.
At chick day last season, we met rabbits, a kid goat, a blue-eyed pony, a mobile pet groomer, and a business owner who connects eldercare centers with ways to help people keep gardening even with limited mobility.

Anyone with livestock or pets knows that good nutrition and paying attention to regular upkeep can keep small issues from turning into large problems.

Basic health practices and hoof care for dairy goats on Saturday, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH, is part of a state-wide series being held this winter. While there is less opportunity for hands-on practice due to this location, there will be goat hoof models to work with. Dr. Steve Crawford, state veterinarian and Dorothy Perkins, education program coordinator, agricultural resources, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, lead the session. Registration is $5 per family; 4-H age youth, free. Proceeds go toward the conference and 4-H dairy goat activities.

As the organizers of the North American Alpaca Show (NAAS) prepare for their 11th year, it’s noteworthy that the regional event held at Eastern States Exposition in March is under new management.

The new show organizers will continue the commitment to the camelid industry by making a major donation to the University of Massachusetts Camelid Studies program each year. The show is open to the public. The folks we met were not only friendly but also quiet patient explaining the ins and outs of fiber quality, crimp, alpaca sounds and judging pointers.

“One of the oldies but goodies on the show circuit, our great friends at New England Alpaca Tours have worked incredibly hard over the last 10 years to create an iconic experience for all that attended the show,” according to a statement on the official NAAS site. “The group decided they just wanted to bring animals to the show instead of running it so they have turned over the reins to Alpaca Show Management Services, which is a blending of show coordinator veterans Kevin O’Leary and Scott Young who together have run more than 40 alpaca shows across the country.”

O’Leary is also a member of New England Alpaca Tours.