August 16, 2012
Quote of the Week:
“Someone who doesn’t make flowers makes thorns. If you’re not building rooms where wisdom can be openly spoken, you’re building a prison.”
-Eboo Patel
Weekly Reflection from Norm
A few things have changed in the 5 decades that I’ve roamed around. I say things like, “When I was a kid it seemed like August was the hottest month of the year.” The other day I was rambling, “As I was growing up I remember more frequent rains that were less severe.” And then again, many things seem exactly the same: we diligently walk the pastures and chop thistles, weeds are more hardy and prevalent than the crop, and raccoons still love sweet corn.
Farming, like any occupation, has much to do with one’s attitude and perspective.
This morning we were picking sweet corn, all 28 200’ rows. I was frustrated because the weeds were high, the stalks spotty and the ears small if at all. I planted this crop with a newly purchased 2 row planter in early June. No rain lead to germination problems and weak stalks. By the time I was able to cultivate, the in-row weeds were already taking over the corn. We put up a three-wire electric fence to keep the raccoons out and hoped for the best. Today we found out – 12 hours of work yielded less than 1000 small ears out of ½ acre of land. That was not worth it!
By the afternoon my frustration with the corn crop was dissolving amid the juices of a sweet, fresh-from-the-field cantaloupe and the packing of a handsome box of produce for you all. Tonight we will feast on sweet corn, tacos, and more melon. We will sleep with a gentle breeze and the rumble of an incoming storm. The company is always first rate, and so is the food. And the weather; that too can be outstanding and beautiful on any and every day!
Farmer Notes on this week’s delivery:
- Only one eggplant to start – try using it in ratatouille.
- Corn is small due to lack of rain, but the second planting is much better.
- Melons did not quite ripen enough to make this week’s boxes.
- Garlic and potatoes are uncured so eat soon or refrigerate.
- Tomatoes are slicers and Sungold (only in full shares)
- Beginning 2nd crop of basil – so many delicious dishes with garlic, tomatoes, basil, and peppers.
- Everyone gets zucchini – make some bread served warm with butter….yum!
- Half done with the deliveries already. The second half of the season always rocks.
- It is so nice not having to worry about the heat or irrigation.
- Please wash all of your produce.
