🌱 Who Can Save Small Dairy Farms +Snowshoe Trails+ Liquor Stores

Paula Constance
Updated ·4 min read
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Happy Friday! Let's get started. Here's everything going on today in Bedford.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with flurries. High: 35 Low: 18.

Watching for a winter storm with snow starting Friday night into Saturday with high snowfall possible on Saturday. Winds Friday north at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40 percent. Snow accumulations Friday night less than one inch.

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Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

  1. One million rapid COVID-19 tests will be sold in New Hampshire liquor stores, Gov. Chris Sununu said Wednesday. The state purchased one million rapid tests authorized by the Executive Council and will soon be available in New Hampshire liquor stores. The tests were purchased with federal pandemic relief funds and will be sold at cost, which is "about $13," Sununu said. The cost to purchase a test can be reimbursed through health insurance, but the amount will vary from company to company. While cases have started to decline in the state, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said the state has around "3,000 cases a day." A University of New Hampshire poll estimated that more than one in eight people in New Hampshire has tested positive for COVID-19 since Christmas. (WMUR)

  2. You may have noticed Organic Valley products at Whole Foods and other markets in Bedford. The milk and dairy products they produce may help save small Northeast dairy farms. Organic Valley has stepped in to help Northeast dairy farms at a time when essential customers like Horizon Organic, a brand owned by Danone North America, announced in August that they would cancel contracts with 89 organic family farms across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and eastern New York. Maple Hill Creamery later announced it would cancel 46 contracts with small, family-run organic dairy farms. In an interview with the Union Leader, Bob Kirchoff, Organic Valley CEO, said many companies are using a “large farms, low cost” approach, but added, “That’s not our model.” Gary Hirshberg, co-founder of Stonyfield Organics, launched the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership to help save small organic dairy farms. The local economy could lose upward of $68 million if family-run organic dairy farms are forced to close. You can read more about this story here: (The Union Leader)

  3. With a big snowfall predicted over the weekend, you may be wondering where to go snowshoeing in New Hampshire. New Hampshire Magazine published a roundup of great winter trails that are ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is a great winter sport as it can be done for no cost on local trails if you already have equipment, or at a low cost if you are renting snowshoeing gear. You can read the full story here: (NH Magazine)

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Today in Bedford:

  • "Wizard of Oz" by The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Bedford Public Library: This week's readings to commemorate Jan 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day: (Bedford Patch)

  • Pet Adoption in The Bedford area: New pets added this week. (Bedford Patch)

  • Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: "Last call to sign up for Yoga for Daisies — online event!" (Facebook)

  • Bedford N.H. Public Library: "Federal tax forms have arrived at the Bedford Public Library! You can now pick up 2021 1040 and 1040-SR forms and instructions on the table right inside the main entrance. Looking for additional forms?" (Facebook)

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You're caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

This article originally appeared on the Bedford Patch