October 18, 2012
PLEASE FILL OUT OUR EVALUATION FORM http://earthdancefarm.net/2012-evaluation-form
Quote of the Week:
Reflection from Norm
I am constantly amazed at how the summer season somehow scampers by. I really cannot believe we are already delivering the final CSA box. Indeed, there was some celebrating as we moved the 160 freshly packed boxes into the cooler around 8:00 this evening. The pace here at the farm has noticeably slowed a notch. The planting (except for the garlic), irrigating, and weeding is in the rear view and we are left with harvesting, clearing some plastic, drip line, and row cover from the fields, and working in the hoop house. We make some time for small adventures these days like a leisurely hayride around the fields, scouting out the nearby cliffs, and butchering/cleaning our two roosters. It is important to slow down a bit now as the cooler temperatures begin to advance. I hope you can do the same.
As I encourage you to evaluate our business and service to you this season, I would like to pass on my own evaluation of the year. When folks ask me how the produce fared this summer I say, “Oh, fair to good.” It was definitely not a spectacular season. One member commented that she missed the honey, apples, and strawberries this year and, boy, we sure did too. The lack of snow melt and a very dry summer (we are 9 inches below normal), along with very early heat seriously affected the development of quite a few crops: early apple blossoms froze, strawberries were too early, no spring broccoli and cabbage, small corn and onions etc. All of the heat-loving vegetables like the melons and nightshades produced wonderfully. When I look back at this season I can really appreciate the wisdom of planting a great variety of vegetables instead of a monoculture. I am very grateful that we always had produce to deliver that was seasonal, fresh, and grown without the use of any harmful chemicals. We have had the most awesome interns one could hope for and more than 100 of you came to celebrate with us at our fall harvest gathering.
Our hands are dirty, our hearts and bellies are full and our health is strong – one cannot ask for too much more. We are truly grateful for your trust in us and wish you plenty of laughter and love. We hope to see you again next year!
Farmer Notes on this week’s delivery:
- This the final delivery of the 2012 summer produce season
- Next Th., Oct. 25th I will come by to pick up any remaining boxes/ice packs
- Next Th., Oct. 25th is the first of 3 fall deliveries
- Please fill out our evaluation form so we can serve you better
- Butternut and acorn squash store well and sweeten over time
- Brassica farmer’s choice is broccoli/cauliflower/red cabbage
- Heads up for the little green worms hidden in the brassicas
- Pumpkins are again the sugar pie for good eating
- Celeriac is basically celery greens for soups, stir fries, tuna salad etc.
- Black on some potatoes is a superficial blemish called scab
- Wash all of your produce please
- Thank you so much for being a part of Earth Dance Farm!
Hello everyone,
This is the last of the summer deliveries. Thank you for being a member of our CSA this season. Please fill out an evaluation form so we can continue to improve and serve you better (http://earthdancefarm.net/2012-evaluation-form). Blessings and peace to you and your families and we hope to see you next season.
Sincerely,
Earth Dance Farm family
