CLUCK NEWS: Organic Food Sales (Including Eggs) Remain Strong

The New York Times picked an organic egg producer in France to lead a story about continued strong sales of organic foods despite "weak economic conditions and rising inflation". Damien Bignon has 3,000 chickens near Paris and sells his eggs for the equivalent of $5.64 a dozen, "about twice the cost of factory-farmed eggs at a French supermarket". Comparable eggs in Sarasota sell for a comparable price, which is roughly five times what chain pharmacies sometimes advertise for a dozen.

CLUCK Bookshelf: Susan Orlean's ANIMALISH

Just days after learning Alice Walker has a new book about chickens, we now learn Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief)  is coming out with a new essay/book Animalish that will, among other things, get to her deep connections to chickens. In fact, the New York Times features a picture cuddling a favored hen, Mabel Black Label. The Times article revealed that her latest acquisition of Swedish Flower hens came from Florida, we suspect from Greenfire Farms.

CLUCK: Chickens 101 Workshop June 4 Still Has Openings

It is not too late to sign up for the third Chickens 101 workshop, which will be held Saturday June 4th from 8:30 until noon.This is the half-day workshop recommended for people that are considering getting backyard hens. This is not a lecture in an empty classroom, but experiential education with lots of chickens of all ages. The workshop covers local laws and resources, benefits of chickens, basic care, biosecurity, and getting started. The cost is $15, which is great value for the expertise. You can register at the local ag extension website or have questions answered by calling 941-861-9900.  This event is limited to 30 people and pre-registration is required so don't delay if you are considering participating. 

Five More Sarasota CLUCK Milestones

Sarasota CLUCK just keeps on keeping on -- we have five new milestones to announce that involve our blog, Facebook, our supporters, and the support we are providing:

CLUCK bookshelf: Alice Walker -- The Chicken Chronicles

Author and New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean is a fan. Martha Stewart is onboard. And now author, poet, and Pulitzer Prize (not pullet surprise) winner Alice Walker is on the chicken bandwagon. The Diane Rehm show recently featured an interview with Alice Walker that focuses on her new book, The Chicken Chronicles.

Manatee CLUCK now on Facebook!

Sarasota CLUCK now has company on Facebook -- friends in Manatee County have started Manatee Cluck and can be found on Facebook. If you know people who support backyard chickens in Manatee County, please direct them there.

3.2 Million Dead Complicate Tornado Recovery

According to the Wall Street Journal, ravaged chicken production facilities in Alabama are complicating recovery from the tornados that recently ripped through the southeast. In addition to more than 300 people that were killed and widespread infrastructure damage, it is now estimated that more than 3.2 million chickens were killed by the twisters in Alabama alone.