The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.
-William Blake
Growing up in the small German community of Westphalia, IA. (population 100, give or take a few) can be summarized in several words: faith (read Catholic Church), family (I have 12 siblings), farming and baseball. One landmark in this town was a large green corn crib that sat right beyond the center field fence. It belonged to the parish was filled each fall by the area farmers/parishioners who brought in the ‘first fruits’ of their harvest. It was a way to tithe, yes, but more so it was a tangible way of expressing thanks for the gift of work, land, livelihood – life.
We will be hosting our annual Farm Harvest Celebration on Saturday, October 11th. It is our way of showing our appreciation for the wonderful abundance that these 40 acres have provided for us this season, and for you folks who have supported us and allowed us to have this business. It is also a great opportunity for our members to visit the farm and walk the land that provided healthy, delicious produce all summer. We would be delighted to meet many of you and share that time with you.
Itinerary for Harvest Party:
- Hours are from 2-8 o’clock – come anytime and stay as you are able
- Farm/garden tours at 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 o’clock
- Horse grooming and rides from 4-5
- Corn husk doll making from 5-6
- Hayride and pumpkin picking every half hour starting at 5
- Chili, cornbread and pumpkin bars from 4-7
- Bonfire ongoing throughout the evening
- Large yard for lawn games, badminton etc.
- Anyone is welcome to pitch a tent and stay the night
Farmer Notes
- Late season corn for singles is small and has worms
- Some crops like Napa, Bok Choy, Chard, Braising mix love the fall temps
- Basil, on the other hand, shows the ‘burn’ of the cool temperatures
- Winter squash is Sweet Dumpling with its dry, smooth, sweet flesh
- Pretty much the last of the Canteloupe – Watermelon next week
- Bok Choy is only for the full shares
- Napa cabbage is huge – stir fry or roll something up inside of the leaves
- We are very much enjoying the beauty of this season and the comfortable working temperature it provides
- The aphids found the Bok Choy and Napa. Some have been washed away but some might remain. The vegetables are otherwise great.
- The CSA main article includes the Fall Gathering schedule for Oct. 11th
- Consider signing up for our 3 delivery Fall Share
- Wash all of the produce before you eat it
