April 2016

“We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.”

Lester Brown

 

 Thomas and Jenny in front of our new barn.

This winter saw many projects on the farm, as we continue our attempts at making our farm more efficient and sustainable.  The barn above was one of these projects.  It actually began several years ago with an alliance we have had with the Soil and Water Conservation District, the National Resources Conservation Service and some very special people in those agencies.  We have been striving to improve the soil and water quality on our farm and were awarded a conservation grant after completing soil testing and a comprehensive nutrient management plan.  Construction began in October and is just about completed.  The rest of the funds came from loans from some wonderful, long time customers and friends who want to see us survive;  as they put it, they are ensuring their food security.  It is a very rewarding and also humbling feeling to be the recipient of such amazing generosity.  It is truly one of the things that keeps us going, especially when things can sometimes be discouraging.  Growing and producing healthy food for our customers and friends is both a blessing and our love, as is being a steward of our land for our children and for future generations.

We have also been working on improving some of the genetics of both our beef herd and our pigs.  A new boar, pictured laying to the far left in the above picture, along with a new female (sow),  second from the right, will bring some heritage genetics that will add to the hardiness of our piglets as well as help make our pork even tastier!  The black bull pictured below, lying next to some of his sleeping calves, we believe,  will also add to the wonderful genetics of our beef herd!

Little Wendy snoozing in the sun

Below, Lexie, one of our newer dairy cows poses for the picture.  She is part of a team responsible for some delicious and healthy dairy products coming from our farm!

We have also expanded our array of veggies, herbs, and flowers this year.  Our new high tunnel and some changes made to our greenhouse have enabled us to do this.  We have enjoyed providing some of our customers with vegetables year round as a result!

Parsley and tomato seedlings growing in our greenhouse

Vegetables available from our farm this month:

Arugula,  Spinach,  Swiss Chard,  Spring Salad Mix,  Tatsoi,  Joi Choi,  Radishes

We want to thank all of our returning CSA customers!  We value your loyal support of our farm and we are thrilled that you have joined us for another season!  We also extend our thanks to our new customers and look forward to sharing this new season with you all!  Please ask about our year round all-inclusive CSA.  It is an incredibly economical way to eat healthy.  It breaks down to $9.50 per day to eat local, organic veggies, eggs, dairy, chicken, beef, pork and turkey, all from our farm, with home delivery during the winter months!

some of the produce from our farm

 

Arugula Salad with Olive Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan

1 bunch arugula, washed, and rough chopped

juice from 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup olive oil

sea salt and fresh ground pepper

freshly grated parmesan cheese

Place arugula in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt, pepper and parmesan.  Toss to coat.

Thank you for being a part of our farm family!

 

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

Dalai Lama