Hello farmers,
We are interested in hearing about your truffle farm - please send pictures, short stories, or farming tips you would like to share with the world through this blog. As I am sure you are aware, blogs can be very powerful tools for sharing information and even growing a nascent industry such as ours.
Thanks,
Duane Verner
NATGA Secretary
The following is an email I received from Bud and Heather Chaney with news from Olde Colley Farm.
Hi Duane,
Thought we’d send you a quick email to let you know what has been going on up in Virginia at Olde Colley Farm. We’ve been busy spreading the word about truffle cultivation throughout southside Virginia. Last December, we attended a Rotary Club meeting where someone asked us if we would put on a presentation about truffles. Of course we agreed, then Heather spent her Christmas vacation learning how to do a powerpoint presentation. We were scheduled for January 3 so on January 1 Boomer and Heather went out to hunt for a truffle. We found a lovely black Perigord as well as what is now known as the “Mecklenburg white”. We shared most of this with everyone at the NATGA meeting. We received newspaper coverage in the local publication, and from there Bud had some phone calls from chefs wanting to buy truffles.
Our little presentation became known and we’ve since presented to the Lions Club in South Hill, the Ruritans in Chase City, and last week were at the Rotary Club in Emporia, VA. At each of these presentations, we’ve had strong interest in what we’re doing and requests to come and visit the farm.
The past season was just a “tease” in terms of the truffles found, however, we’re hopeful there will be a bigger harvest this year which will prompt even more interest locally. By getting the word out, we hope to see more farms in the area take an interest in establishing orchards.
See you soon.
Bud & Heather Chaney
Throughout Europe the Perigord black truffle is in jeopardy of being overtaken by the invading Chinese truffle, Italian scientists report.
I came across an article (link below) a few months back about the death of truffle pioneer Bill Griner. While there are many reasons to post this article on the NATGA blog, I was particularly interested in the article’s portrayal of Bill’s “simple life in the country”, growing truffles to support his dogs.
Since this article originally circulated a few people have inquired as to the whereabouts of the truffle dogs. If anyone out there has any information please reply to this post.
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080306/WIRE/803060323/1065/NEWS06
Regards,
Duane Verner
NATGA Secretary
Welcome to the North American Trufle Grower Association Blog!