Pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.
Kahlil Gibran
Reflections from Norm:
As I was driving to and from some neighboring towns last week I was astounded by the farm landscape. We have had an unprecedented spring here in SE Minnesota: 14” of snow on May 2nd, the wettest May on record, and the latest/coolest spring since 1975. There were only 5 days in May that we did not receive precipitation.
The area farmers managed to plant about 30% of their crop during a small 3 day window in mid May. After that they were forced to leave the land for corn unplanted and receive a 60% payment of an average crop yield from their insurance, or wait and hope to no-till plant 80 day corn. This second option requires a special machine and more herbicide to knock down all of the weeds and results in a lower yield. My drive revealed approximately ¼ of the cropland lying fallow, ¼ in chest high corn, ¼ in 80 day corn 3” high and ¼ in soybeans 6” high. There is also some small grain and hay ground smattered between. I have never before seen such a patchwork of crops. On my farm the first cutting hay was great, but very late (because of constant moisture) and my oats look pretty sick from prolonged saturation.
I write this to you because I think it is interesting, and because weather directly affects the diversity, quality and quantity of crops you receive in your boxes. The shelling peas this week, for example, are of excellent quality, but because 50% of the seeds rotted in the wet ground there are not many of them. Our cucumbers were transplanted in less than ideal weather and have not fared well. We have now planted a new cucumber patch which may just beat the fall frost. Our broccoli/cauliflower were put out late and now are bolting in the warm sun before they mature. On the other hand, our raspberries and onions have never looked so good. The sweet corn and melons also look outstanding. This is all part of the csa philosophy – many different crops are planted so that there is a decent harvest regardless of the weather.
Farmer notes
- Use the tatsoi, romaine and arugula for an awesome salad
- Cress (full only) went crazy in the heat, use the leaves and flowers only to spice up a salad
- Full shares receive kohlrabi, half shares get scallions
- Peas are the shelling type, so do not eat the pods
- Bok Choy and kale are great in stir fry
- Kale can be drizzled in olive oil, kosher salt and baked until crisp
- Raspberries will be ready for week 4
- Wash all of your produce before eating it
