San Luis Obispo County local, Lynette Sonne, founded FARMstead ED to serve as a conduit between visitors and farmers; something that would educate folks on the importance of sustainable practices, local land, and craft. Sonne organized opportunities for both tourists and townies to learn about everything from meat to mixology. Now, Sonne’s agri-cultural roots are growing again; this time, into the SLO County Farm Trail.
The SLO Co Farm Trail will connect agri-enthusiasts with ranches, farms, and purveyors of San Luis Obispo County using a trail map (both digital and tangible). With the popularity of agritourism on the rise and Sonne’s dedicated fan base from FARMstead ED, it’s no surprise that folks are already welcoming the addition.
Steve Baker, a devout FARMstead goer, expressed his excitement for the Trail based on farmsteading crafts he’s already learned. “From the classes, I have learned how to make soap, cheese, sausages, bacon, shrubs and bitters,
infusions, cook with olive oil, grow our own salad and cocktail gardens, canning, composting, rejuvenating furniture and much more!” Baker said.
The SLO County Farm Trail will celebrate its first “gathering” at the Inspired Home and Gourmet Food Expo at the Paso Robles Event Center this Saturday, February 23rd, at 1:30 pm. A “Taste of the Trail” cooking demo will take place, spearheaded by Trail Partners and artisan olive oil producers, Karen Tallent and Jennifer Tallent Joseph from The Groves on 41. Attendees are invited to savor a Templeton Hills Beef grass-fed slider, crunch on a seasonal veggies from Talley Farms, Windrose Farm and Templeton Valley Farms drizzled with Chaparral Gardens vinegar, sample the sweetness of Leo Leo Gelato, and of course there will be a little something to wet your whistle from YES Cocktail Co. More cool “kids” from the Trail, Life Elements, Stepladder Creamery, Giving Tree Family Farm will be gathering at the FARMstead ED booth providing samples, talking about their farm tours, workshops and handing out maps so you too can hop on the Trail!
FARMstead ED: Bringing folks together with our locally grown via agricultural experiences and gatherings. FARMstead ED’s goal is to promote San Luis Obispo County FARMsteading skills and practices through educational workshops & gatherings at pop-up classrooms held at local farms, ranches and other purveyor related venues. The charm and intrigue comes from these opportunities for people to truly experience locally grown and made through a variety of different hands-on classes and Table to Farm dinners all over the county.
###
