In the Mississippi River Hills of Southeastern Missouri

The Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) seeks to develop, connect, and market products that are produced within the region.
Together we seek to strengthen our regional economy while retaining all that is good, for the benefit of future generations.
We also encourage visitors to tour the region, people interested in learning more about rural America - the unique history of the region,
the cultural flavors, the river and the great outdoors, and how great fresh foods can taste.



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Scholarships for Farm to Cafeteria Conference

There are few scholarships still available for farmers interested in attending the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference (http://farmtocafeteriaconference.com/) next month (March 19-21 -- I know this is not good timing for most) in Portland Oregon. The scholarship is worth $230 and is available on a first come first serve basis.

Contact Anupama Joshi at
ajoshi@oxy.edu for more details.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Beekeepers Workshop

Sent by way of Debi Kelley...

The Eastern Missouri Beekeepers Association is sponsoring a full-day beekeeping workshop for both beginners and experienced beekeepers on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Maritz in Fenton (St. Louis metro area). Two of the best beekeeping instructors in the country will be teaching the courses. This workshop will be the first part of a season-long program that replicates and expands the programs we offered last year for beginners.

We support beginners by helping them procure first-class equipment, and bees, at value prices and by providing instructional workshops and mentoring at critical times of the season. The workshop is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about honey bee biology and beekeeping, or who is considering becoming a beekeeper. Last year's workshop drew over 100 people, and the region gained 80 new beekeepers. This year promises an even larger turnout.

Contact: Eugene Makovec
Newsletter Editor, Missouri State Beekeepers Association
314-965-4631

Monday, February 2, 2009

Romancing the Grape for Valentine's Day

ROMANCING THE GRAPE will be held February 14th & 15th on the Route Du Vin Wine Trail, which runs through Ste. Genevieve and St. Francois Counties. Spend an afternoon or the entire weekend in Ste. Genevieve enjoying the fine wines and decadent foods is sure to help you find your Valentine passion.A little more than an hour's drive from St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, journey through the rolling hills, big skies, and beautiful views of the 6 unique wineries on the Route Du Vin: Sainte Genevieve Winery, Cave Winery, Chaumette Winery, Twin Oaks Winery, Charleville Winery, and Sand Creek Winery.

Passports for this great adventure are only $20 per person until January 30th; $25 per person after February 6th (includes complimentary wine glass and 10% off wine purchases made that day). Passports may be purchased in advance by calling Sainte Genevieve Winery at 1-800-398-1298 or visiting our website www.RDVWineTrail.com

Ste. Genevieve Chocolate Walk

This may become my all-time favorite event. The first annual Chocolate Walk will be held in the Ste. Genevieve historic district on Saturday, February 14, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Purchase a $5.00 ticket and sample a luscious chocolate treat at each participating downtown establishment...and I counted 28! Talk about your sugar highs, but well worth it. There will be chocolate souffles, chocolate martinis, even dark chocolate jelly beans! Ticket proceeds go to support Ste. Genevieve high schools hard working student associations, Skills USA and FCCLA. Purchase a ticket from participating merchants, the Great River Road Interpretive Center, or the student organizations.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Blog changes

We've adjusted the settings so that anyone can post comments to this blog...we'll see how that goes. To post a comment, simply click on the word "comments" directly below the post.

Also, you should now be able to email sections of the blog, saving you from retyping the information.

New web site for the Route de Vin

Visit the Route de Vin web site at: http://www.rdvwinetrail.com/

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Member News

We're delighted that Baetje Farms now has a web site, visit it at: http://baetjefarms.com/ The Baetje's will be back to cheese production after the kidding season, Veronica says they'll be back at the Soulard Market on March 7.

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The Route de Vin -- wineries in the Ste. Genevieve and St. Francois County area -- now has an email newsletter available. To subscribe and learn about upcoming events, contact Laura Oliver at Cave Vineyard: loliver@cavevineyard.com.

The Route de Vin will hold "Romancing the Grape" on February 14-15. Spend an afternoon or a weekend sampling fabulous food and wine pairings (I've seen the menu...yum!) at all six wineries. Tickets are only $20 per person until January 30, $25 per person after that date. Tickets may be purchased at any of the six wineries or by calling Ste. Genevieve Winery at: 800-398-1298