A few quick updates:

I neglected to mention a while back that I interviewed for the RFFP/Cheese Guild position. I still haven’t heard back, though I have heard that I’m one of two candidates being considered. It’s been a few weeks since the interview, so I think they probably went with the other person. Really, that’s fine. I have a feeling it would be a lot of work for very little money.

I also spoke with Jonathan at Bobolink about doing a month-long, full-time apprenticeship at the farm in the spring. It sounds like this could really happen. If all goes as planned I’ll be there from May 15th or so—that way he has time to get things running smoothly after milking resumes (around april 15th). It’ll be tough to do money-wise, but Kari and I think a month will be feasible. At the end, I should have a good idea whether or not this is something I really want to do with my life. I should also have a fair idea about how to get started on this myself. That’s the goal, anyway.

I don’t see much cheese activity happening between now and May. I think it’s time to start serious research. I need to know how much money I need to start this thing up. I also need to read up on running a small dairy farm. I’m pretty sure I’ve ruled out cows. Now I just need to decide on goats vs. sheep—or just outsourcing milk. I’m leaning towards sheep, mainly because I’m not the biggest fan of goat’s milk cheese, especially fresh chevre-style cheese; it’s fine, but boring. Maybe aged goat’s milk would be ok, though.

Anyway, if anyone knows of good books or other resources, please send them my way. Thanks.