Web Exclusive
Florida Tax Loophole: Rent-a-cow
Florida's greenbelt law was originally put in place in the 1950s to protect farmland by taxing it at a lower rate than other land. But recently, some Floridians have been taking advantage of this tax break by literally renting cows for their land or even hiring ranchers to keep cows on the land.
Other beneficiaries of the law have included Walt Disney World ($1.5 million in savings), as well as U.S. Senator Bill Nelson ($43,000 in savings), who keeps about six cows on 55 acres of land near the Indian River, courtesy of a cattle ranching operation that leases the property for free. Like Nelson, some developers simply offer their land to ranchers for no charge. Others, as the Herald noted, actually pay the ranchers -- hence the loophole's nickname, "rent-a-cow."
Lambing Season in Wales: No Sleep for the Weary
Kate Humble, who's new to farming, recounts the joys and dramas of lambing season on her farm in Wales.
The lamb was beautiful. I had managed to ease her out backwards, and now she was lying next to her mum, being licked and fussed over. I sat there looking on, feeling a bit tearful, like a proud granny. Over the next couple of days we had a set of ram lamb twins and another couple of single lambs, all born on their own without help or incident. Our little flock was growing.
Max McCalman on Riesling and Cheese
Max McCalman compares Riesling to goat cheese in his latest blog post over at Artisanal Cheese. People have a blanket preference for it or against it, and he suggests its worth having another try if you're not a Riesling fan.
if you happen to be someone who is not so fond of Riesling, try one of those stinky wash-rind cheeses with the orange rinds. No other varietal will match this family of cheeses nearly as well. You may become a new fan for Riesling.
The Battle Over Stilton Rights Carries On - Plaque Added to Village Sign
The Cambridgeshire village of Stilton is fighting to use the name "Stilton" on its own version of blue speckled cheese, which currently can only be produced in neighboring East Midlands. Here's the latest development:
A plaque added to Stilton's village sign claims the cheese as its own.
Read the full story with more history here.
Sheep Deaths in UK May Be Linked to Dog Fighting
It's lambing season all over the UK and farmers are aiming to keep their new little ones safe. Last week dog owners in Scotland were told to keep their animals under control around sheep herds. This BBC article reports that the recent rash of sheep and lamb deaths in England could be linked to dog fighting rings. Owners give their dogs a "taste for blood" by poaching easy prey - lambs.
On one occasion police said a gang of up to five poachers with torches was spotted near some sheep but fled when challenged by a farmer in a jeep.
Four Accused of "Washing" Spoiled Cheese and Reselling It to Retailers
Last week, in a stunning example of cheese crime at its finest, four people were charged with allegedly "washing" 110,000 pounds of Mexican cheese that was covered in mold (and not the good kind), then reselling it to the same retailers that had sent back the spoiled product in the first place.
Retailers returned the cheese to the companies, complaining that they couldn’t sell it because customers said the cheese was slimy and moldy — the men are accused of scraping off the bad parts and sending it off to be sold again.
In all, more than 110,000 pounds of tainted Mexican cheese was shipped out in 2007.
The FDA took samples of the cheese and determined that they contained salmonella. E.coli and other bacteria. .
Now Fill Up Your Craft Beer Growlers Along with Your Gas Tank, At Sunoco
In July 2011, Sunoco launched its Craft Beer Exchange Program at 12 stations in Western New York. Customers can refill growlers at taps and kegs inside the stores after they're done pumping gas. Following its success, the company expanded the Craft Beer Exchange throughout New York state and is planning on launching to new locations in South Carolina.
The typical Craft Beer Exchange offers as many as 12 rotating craft beers available to-go in 64-ounce growlers. Customers also have the option to create their own six packs from a selection of 12-ounce single bottles for $9.99. The selections change seasonally and include craft beers from well-known breweries such as Allagash, Abita, Dogfish Head, Victory and New Belgium.
Comté & Herb Omelet
Comté is an incredible addition to a classic French omelet, which is folded like a letter and tender on the outside with a creamy center. The folding technique can take a bit of practice, but the results are well worth it. Within just minutes you’ll have a delicious dish worthy of any bistro in Paris!
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are evenly combined. Whisk in the milk and herbs; season with salt and pepper.
Lambing Season on the Farm
'Tis the season for all sorts of baby animals -- lambs included. Check out this video on Sudan Farm to see a lamb being born, lots of cute babies, and hear farmer Susan Wilson discuss her business.
Warning: This video contains graphic images of a lamb being born.
Read More
Photo by Tambako The Jaguar
A Comprehensive List of Beer and Cheese Pairings
Everybody loves cheese and beer! This list, put together by Stylist.co.uk, provides several pairings and an explanation as to why they work.
Just like having cheese with wine, a complementary cheese can bring out the depth and subtle flavours of beer, and equally, a refreshingly bitter beer can cut through the cloying texture of some creamy cheeses like stilton.
Read More
Photo by Craige Moore
