tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361428112012-01-27T12:23:11.351-06:00This is the official fake blog of the Genuine Faux Farm. We are a small, family farm that focuses on raising vegetables for our 120 (or so) member CSA. We are certified organic and believe in using sustainable methods. We specialize in heirloom and open-pollinated vegetables. We also raise turkeys, chickens and ducks. We are hopeful that interested persons can learn a bit about what it takes to run a small (14 acre), diverse farm.rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.comBlogger3891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-67734188140017458742012-01-27T11:32:00.000-06:002012-01-27T11:32:31.773-06:00

Here it is!  Our 2011 Veg Variety Winners!   We know some of you enjoy this every year, so we feel like we should make sure to get this out there for you! First off - here are links to prior awards and variety reviews you might find useful: 2010 Veg Winners Prior Years Winners - Where are they now? Highly Recommended Move Veg Recommendations  Drumroll please.......  Ok, you can stop now. 10.

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-9531035169477905442012-01-24T11:09:00.000-06:002012-01-24T11:09:58.419-06:00

Fifth in a series of favorite photos.  This one comes from our high tunnel build in 2010. Unfortunately, I do not recall who took this one.  I just know it wasn't me. The high tunnel build was a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day and we had several people attend and work on this project.  We remain grateful for all the help we received and would like to report that the tunnel continues to do

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-84994788169686642112012-01-17T12:20:00.000-06:002012-01-17T12:20:56.343-06:00

Ah.... real Winter has arrived.  We *really* don't have a need to work outside today. So... we plan. A number of people tell us they like getting insights as to some of the things we do for our farm that might not be as apparent on first glance.  So, I thought a quick look at planning for the 2012 CSA might be interesting.  At least it might be as long as I don't get too long-winded.  And, if

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-62571763770704341792012-01-10T12:50:00.000-06:002012-01-10T12:50:59.303-06:00

  In honor of what looks to be a sunny and warm January day, we give you exhibit D - a daisy on our farm..in July. We both like looking at this picture.  And, this is especially true in the Winter months.  We've nicknamed Rudebekia flowers "smiles" because it is hard for us to see these flowers any other way.  These plants are short-lived perennials, but they are also quite willing to set seed

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-69366323481831922762012-01-09T18:43:00.000-06:002012-01-09T18:43:15.638-06:00

Likely the last in the series for some time and we'll get back to farm related posts.  We are now back from travels away from the farm and it was a good thing to be off farm for a while.  This cover is one of my favorites because there is so much going on!  Let me explain.  No, there is too much.  Let me sum up.   Essentially, this letter was sent to London from Worcester, Mass in early 1866. 

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-5012184334445956792012-01-05T11:14:00.002-06:002012-01-09T18:49:08.900-06:00

It's still break week.  And, I'm trying not to think about things farm related.  So, here's another interesting item that I have enjoyed researching. For the most part, this item is fairly typical of mail from the United States to the U.K. in 1865.  The treaty still called for 24 cents per half ounce, so a 24 cent stamp is used to show payment of that rate.  It entered the mail at Street Road,

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-57483024955031192672012-01-04T10:23:00.001-06:002012-01-09T18:50:28.761-06:00

You might have noticed that we are not doing so much on the blog, email, the website or facebook the last week.  And, just so you all know.  It's because the farmers are taking a break from farming for a short while.  But, not to worry, we'll be figuring our seed orders next week, attending a farming conference and making our year plan.  Not to mention farm tasks like putting electrical in a

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-73438247873984572062011-12-27T19:19:00.002-06:002012-01-09T18:51:32.620-06:00

We do! We consider this a great Christmas gift - a very rare sighting of a Snowy Owl in Iowa.  This was located on Highway 9, just east of Armstrong on the morning of December 24.  We have been told there are 63 snowy owls documented in Iowa of which this is one, so it is not a 'new' discover.  They have come further South due to food shortages in Canada. (Thank you Kip for the info!)  To give

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-18204561841604457362011-12-22T22:59:00.001-06:002012-01-09T18:54:06.591-06:00

Third in a series of photos we like with various and sundry attached musings. This installment features some of the wildflowers on the farm.  The area pictured below isn't quite as big as it looks and its origins were not nearly as wild or wonderful as it is now.  But, the Rudebekia, Shasta Daisies, Coneflower, Blue Flax, Monarda and Gaillardia are enjoyable nonetheless. Tammy and I were avid

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-85772396274831781062011-12-22T13:14:00.001-06:002012-01-09T18:55:21.120-06:00

Part 2 of a series where we feature photos we like.  We just got a quarter to a half inch of snow on the 22nd of December. The likelihood that it will stay until Christmas this year is low.  So, here is one of our favorite snowy/frosty day pictures to help you get into the seasonal mood. We've found a good hoar frost is a great opportunity for pictures on the farm.  And, this is one that has

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-78350286382948849382011-12-21T23:01:00.001-06:002012-01-09T18:58:13.765-06:00

Like many things we might like to do, this mini-project may end up being only one blog post long.  Or, it may become a small series if the mood strikes.  Every once in a while, the creative bone my body wants to do something.  In this case, we've recorded some nice pictures of the farm (and elsewhere) that we enjoy sharing.  And, many of those pictures make us think things that might also be

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-67681987088541721042011-12-20T21:50:00.000-06:002011-12-20T21:50:58.412-06:00

Wednesday is going to be an interesting day.  Please note, this is where you are supposed to say... "Really?  What's so interesting about Wednesday?" Why, thank you for asking.  We're ever so glad you did and we'll do our best to be polite and keep it brief and interesting.   After all, we are aware that we normally have trouble with the first and sometimes wonder if we can achieve the second.

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-69166638837287383632011-12-11T21:18:00.000-06:002011-12-11T21:18:57.024-06:00

A jury of one has selected what were thought to be some of the best posts of the Genuinely Faux blog for 2011.  You can help us select the posts from this year that go onto the left side bar of the blog (where we put our best posts all time).  Give us some feedback here or via our email address.  And, hey, if you think the jury of one missed a better post, tell us! FebruaryThere's Snow Business

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-4494742954787964122011-12-08T11:07:00.002-06:002011-12-08T14:22:18.683-06:00

There it is.  The hose reel.  Doesn't seem like a terribly complex contraption.  Also, it seems like a pretty good idea on our farm when we are often dealing with 300-400 feet of hose at a time. Since I am also an academic (read in, thinks he has to know more then he should before he acts and believes such information is findable), I had to do some reading and researching to find the best made

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-11832737014489197332011-12-06T14:14:00.000-06:002011-12-06T14:14:23.443-06:00

IronyBack in March of 2009, we used the title "Irony" and my brain had some memory of it.  So, I hunted it up and you can feel free to take the link if you are curious. Tammy and I have one smallish television in the house.  We do not have satellite tv, we can't get cable, internet is too slow and the bandwidth isn't there and we don't have a converter box.  In short, the tv is there to watch

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-50477288237584840212011-12-04T20:10:00.001-06:002011-12-04T20:17:00.754-06:00

Somebody saw me today and said "Hey!"  I nodded in greeting out of habit, but my brain was thinking "Hay!" Why was I thinking about hay?  Well, we had two large bales of hay in the field next to the garlic.  We'd spread about 100 row feet already, but still had alot more to go.  We're trying to not let ourselves hibernate and we forced ourselves to go out each day this weekend and do a little

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-21967800097314924382011-12-03T20:03:00.000-06:002011-12-03T20:03:22.780-06:00

At today's Harvest Market, we put out a quiz asking people to try to match vegetable variety names with the type of vegetable.  We grow all of these and they are all open-pollinated and most are heirloom/heritage varieties. Our winner got 9 of the 12 correct!  Congratulations Sophie!  Sophie will get a 2012 GFF T-shirt once the order is made in January/February. Napolean Sweet    d- Pepper

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-71024951190628147572011-11-30T22:36:00.002-06:002011-11-30T22:36:32.734-06:00

There will be a harvest market in Waverly this Saturday morning from 8:30 - 11:30 am.  We will be indoors at the Civic Center at 200 1st Street NE.  We have recruited Hansen's Dairy to join us (check out their cheese curds and milk).  The Vegan Baker will be there as well. The Genuine Faux Farm will have eggs, winter squash, perhaps some potatoes, maybe some greens like arugula and lettuce,

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-42827366708187360572011-11-23T11:01:00.000-06:002011-11-23T15:01:09.165-06:00

If you want to read more about our winter squash crop in general, you can go look at Part I. Galeaux d'Eysines (we call it a Bumpkin) The Bumpkin is one of those winter squash we've had a 'love-hate' relationship with.  They are ever so cool looking when they do their thing.  They are ever so frustrating when they do not.  This year, they did their thing.  We classify these as a pumpkin and

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-20199221452020333132011-11-20T21:40:00.000-06:002011-11-20T21:40:00.465-06:00

It is November, and things are quieter than they have been for some time.  Unless, of course, you count the windy days and combine that with plugged up ears from a head cold.   Then, things can seem pretty loud. Probably the nicest thing that happens for us in the Fall is the reduction in daily chore work load as we take the various birds to the 'park.'  At this time, we only have our egg laying

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-57924025574590885172011-11-10T21:51:00.001-06:002011-11-10T21:54:34.162-06:00

Welcome to our 2nd edition of the new format newsletter.  Thank you to everyone who gave us feedback on the last.  It was nice to hear from some of you and reconnect.  If something here gives you the urge to get back in touch with us, post a comment in the blog, send an email or otherwise reach us! If you wish to simply read our blog posts from most recent to least recent, scroll down! 

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-45741187467693271072011-11-10T10:23:00.000-06:002011-11-10T20:53:26.499-06:00

We managed a few pictures of some of our winter squash this season.  While it was not our best winter squash year, we managed to get a reasonable crop.  Earlier in the year, we had a much higher population of cucumber beetles than we've seen in the past.  As a result, a significant percentage of the seedlings perished as the beetles girdled the plants.  If that isn't bad enough, these insects are

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-8345846532057862592011-11-04T22:21:00.000-05:002011-11-04T22:21:34.764-05:00

November 4!  You know what it is time for?  No?  I was hoping YOU did.  Since neither of us is sure, I'll just do some stuff about the farm. Durnik Returns Finally, the tractor is back in our possession - and it runs better than ever.  We were able to get the rotary cutter on and found that it works very well.  We'll finish up with the rotary cutter this weekend and move on to trying the other

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-32904900331796168252011-11-01T11:37:00.001-05:002011-11-01T20:44:47.995-05:00

GFF Stories: A Box of Maple [Ed. At the risk of providing too much insight into the personality of at least one of your farmers: we bring you the compelling story about a boy, a tree, a box, and a mission.  Originally published in our Feb 2008 newsletter.]Once upon a time there lived a family who had a backyard that was filled with one too many trees.

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-38805028889383809782011-10-30T20:55:00.001-05:002011-10-30T21:00:28.887-05:00

The good news for us was that Tammy had Fall Break on Thursday and Friday of last week.  While she had plenty to do for her job...grading and prepping and etc   Oh my!  It also meant we could do some work on the farm together. This is a good thing.  Why? 1. Carrying/moving certain things is *always* easier with *two* people Things like that cabinet that was in the barn and is now in the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-80323248173850941482011-10-29T22:14:00.000-05:002011-10-29T22:14:41.815-05:00

Every once in a while, there  are cartoons that really hit the spot. B.C. is a long time favorite.  Read it, let it sink in.... Pearls Before Swine occasionally gets me good.  The solution shown below isn't recommended, but sometimes....

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-50945422756485176192011-10-26T15:52:00.001-05:002011-10-26T21:46:20.957-05:00

It's been a few weeks since our last farm report.  So, I've heard it is time to do another one. Crops There is a mistaken perception that we are not growing anything by the time we hit late October.  But, we do have lettuce, greens, turnips, radish, chard, kale and other crops going.  And, believe it or not, we still have green beans to pick in the high tunnel.  The dry weather has slowed growth

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-27656749254140075222011-10-26T11:28:00.000-05:002011-10-26T11:28:31.909-05:00

October 20 was our final CSA distribution for the 2011 regular season CSA.  As a number of you remarked, it seemed as if the season had only just started.   How can twenty weeks go by so quickly? We would like to thank all of the fine people who participated in our regular season CSA program this year.  It seemed as if members knew when we needed a good word, since someone always seemed to

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-38204251036898124032011-10-23T22:05:00.001-05:002011-10-23T22:06:33.201-05:00

It's October and relatively close to Halloween.  So, we thought we'd show you some scary pictures. The scene - our high tunnel.  Home of some beautiful tomatoes and green beans in October.  The tomatoes are on the left, the yellow box holds some green beans we were picking... in case you want to know.   This picture seems tranquil enough.  Harvest was going relatively well.  We decided we

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-52466193145649306682011-10-21T15:28:00.003-05:002011-10-21T15:28:56.207-05:00

Some Like it Hot Prior posts on Pepper Variety Reviews are here:  Part 1 and Part 2 We've already mentioned Joe's Long Cayenne (top keeper) and Numex Big Jim (not returning) in Part 1. We're not really going to rate these at this time except to say that we're pretty happy with this rotation of peppers. Fish Cool plants with variegated leaves.  They tend to be brittle (breaking easy when you

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-86358338586221895792011-10-18T09:24:00.000-05:002011-10-18T09:24:31.025-05:00

What's happening on the farm? End of Regular Season CSA This is the last week of the regular season.  For many of us, it seems like we just started.  There are many mixed feelings at the end of the year.  We're both pleased and sad about the conclusion of the regular season CSA.  However, we can say, without any reservation, that this has been the best bunch of CSA subscribers we've had the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-72842567499867244252011-10-17T15:56:00.000-05:002011-10-17T15:56:00.442-05:00

 Continued from Part I Showing Potential Quadrato asti Giallo The picture above gives you a decent representation of what you get when you grow this pepper.  Variable size and shape fruit that turn yellow, but not uniformly so.  In 2009, we had fewer fruit, but the fruit were giants (and much rounder).  We suspect these plants would be stars in a personal garden, where every plant is in thick

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-13454261102529359362011-10-14T16:55:00.001-05:002011-10-14T16:56:14.553-05:00

Something we often did in our newsletters was review varieties for gardeners who might read what we write.  Since the season is concluding on our pepper crop, we thought we do a little bit on them to finish up what turned out to be a series of posts on them this year. Prior Posts of Interest: Summer Crops Winding Down (focus on peppers) By The Numbers - Part I and Part II Veg Variety

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-47755817803285745472011-10-13T12:42:00.000-05:002011-10-13T12:42:05.708-05:00

You know, Lafou, I've been thinking... A dangerous pastime. I know... Our farm is a good place.  We like it here, most of the time.  But, we cannot deny that there are certain things that build up pressure and stress over time.  Sometimes, it increases so slowly that we aren't fully aware of it until we come to a harvest point - such as the one we have entered recently. It is poultry harvest

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-2235023022913481432011-10-07T15:03:00.000-05:002011-10-07T15:03:23.166-05:00

So, we mentioned our exploits at a recent auction in Northern Iowa... and if you missed it - it is at this post. Two Bottom Plow Disk Harrow Scraper Wooden Frame Running Gear Rotary Mower

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-77050274680316297752011-10-07T10:26:00.001-05:002011-10-07T10:29:48.045-05:00

We've been coughing and sneezing more lately.  We've also both noticed more tendency to getting bloody noses the last week and a half.  What's going on? It's harvest season. If you live in town, you may not understand.  But, if you live on a gravel road, in the country - you do.  The Fall breezes on warm days are from the South.  We live on the north side of the gravel road.  With harvest going

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-33250879639772417792011-10-03T22:12:00.001-05:002011-10-03T22:19:03.182-05:00

Those who get a weekly CSA email might find the opening line and paragraph familiar...but from there it's ALL NEW(ish). A funny thing happened on the way to wherever it was we were going... We're not entirely sure what the punch line is supposed to be here, but the last week has been an odd one.  The weather kicks it off with some pretty cold nights and a very VERY windy day bracketed by some

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-31565291902236746012011-09-28T22:31:00.000-05:002011-09-28T22:31:39.403-05:00

(the following was a part of a 2008 newsletter and is reposted here for your enjoyment) Our desire to grow our gardens without chemicals has become stronger over the years, but we held this conviction even with our first garden in Burke, Wisconsin. Our landlords were kind and had a section of ground tilled up for our garden. We already knew that there were many

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-35036502649102281442011-09-28T22:24:00.000-05:002011-09-28T22:24:25.889-05:00

One of the projects on the farm has been to convert the truck barn into a more useful space on the farm.  While I don't have a picture here of the building before the work (or while the door was down), I think you'll appreciate the effort and the progress. The east side had two large 10x10 foot doors.  One was nailed shut prior to our taking possession of the farm.  In addition, much of the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-36323503950762356612011-09-28T21:54:00.000-05:002011-09-28T21:54:46.047-05:00

Genuine Faux Farm Fall Festival and Fetid Fruit Fling Sunday - October 2 1pm to 5pm Come to the farm and enjoy flinging fetid fruit to the turkeys and chickens.  Play games and just enjoy being outside and the company of other friends of the farm. Bring something to snack on and share with others.  Unlike other festivals, we are not planning a full-scale meal.  Instead, we want to take

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-4585189081694252042011-09-28T21:51:00.000-05:002011-09-28T21:51:45.028-05:00

We have poultry available for reservation and purchase. Ducks - we still have ducks available.  They are now frozen and can be delivered once we arrange a time with you.  Cost is $6.75/lb.  Size of birds is 4lb to 8.5lbs.  This cost is 25 cents/lb higher than prior years due to increased costs.  However, you will find that this price is competitive with other prices.  AND, these were day-ranged

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-4025970291318619902011-09-28T21:33:00.000-05:002011-09-28T21:33:47.648-05:00

It's true - peppers, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, tomatoes, green beans...  They are with us for such a short period of time.  And, now we will do without them again for a while. We do keep records of all of our crops.  But, we don't have time to keep running totals of all crops as the season progresses.  So, we are selective based on the usefulness of an up to date set of data. For

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-23171739576803315202011-09-27T18:08:00.002-05:002011-09-27T22:47:42.771-05:00

Now that we have a deck on the running gear - making a functional (if not perfect) hay rack.... are we real now? The running gear was picked up at a late summer auction.  It has a few problems - one of which is the simple fact that the tongue/front wheels will NOT turn.  That's the next task. But, the lumber came from the old building that came down several years ago.  The lumber has been

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-43013855817335072352011-09-26T17:47:00.000-05:002011-09-26T17:47:08.999-05:00

We apologize for not getting much on the blog lately.  So - here's the first installment of trying to make up for it! Announcements: GF7 Festival: Scheduled for Sunday, October 2!  Mark the calendar. Ducks: They have been processed and are available for purchase.  We do realize that some have been ordered.  They are currently stored in the Fredericka Locker.  We need to sell more of them to

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-41195282970070863222011-09-15T13:29:00.000-05:002011-09-15T13:29:36.449-05:00

Arrrrrrr!  Or maybe just... Brrrrrrrr? The farm was hit with the first heavy frost of the season last night (Sep 14/15) - which qualifies as a very early frost for our area.  Usually earlier frosts are much lighter than this one.  Some people who were in low lying areas reported temps well below freezing. So, as a result, our plans for crops, the CSA, etc have been shaken up a little bit. 

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-7676133267855275682011-09-13T22:33:00.002-05:002011-09-13T22:33:00.528-05:00

We've had a few experiments running this year and we thought we share preliminary results!  Transplants vs Direct Seeding Many crops provide you with an option.  You can either put the seed directly in the ground and allow them to germinate there or you can germinate the seed in trays or soil blocks and then transplant them into the ground when they are ready.  (I suppose you can also transplant

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-87122599096409497952011-09-11T22:03:00.066-05:002011-09-11T22:03:00.599-05:00

It's been a while since we've done an honest to goodness crop report... Frost Watch Rob has had September 14 down since April as the first possible frost date for the year.  He hopes he is wrong.  But, watch temps as we head toward mid-week! Tomatoes On everyone's mind, including our own, is the slow tomato crop this season.  Part of the issue is the early and prolonged warmer weather this

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-10039616402115981102011-09-09T22:11:00.000-05:002011-09-09T22:11:18.373-05:00

A "Farm Crawl" has been held for the past couple of years south of Des Moines, featuring farms such as our friends at Blue Gate Farm.  For the first time, there will be a Farm Crawl sponsored by NIFFP (Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership) and the Genuine Faux Farm is a part of this event. What is a Farm Crawl? A farm crawl is simply a series of open houses put on by local farms.  You may visit

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-36310444033732366412011-09-07T09:34:00.000-05:002011-09-07T09:34:07.406-05:00

It's September and the CSA begins to shift to Fall mode! As the amount of daylight goes down and the number of people working on the farm decreases, we must ask you to be patient with us as we set up for the CSA each day.  We will do our best to be on time.  But, as long as the summer crops call out to be picked, Rob will find himself running short on time.  Things that we may ask you to indulge

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-9807416377099449412011-09-02T23:14:00.000-05:002011-09-02T23:14:22.239-05:00

We've had a very good eggplant year thus far.  And, if things continue with any parallel to prior years, we should end up with a record crop (for us).  But, we won't count our eggplant before they...uh... There have been discussions at CSA distributions with several people regarding eggplant preparation.  So, we thought we'd put some things out for your consideration. Online resources:   1. Our

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-46767158156616263592011-08-25T22:25:00.002-05:002011-08-25T22:25:20.268-05:00

Saturday, August 27 starting at 4pm. We've been warning you that it was coming in our CSA emails for the last few weeks and now it is here! Our annual Summer Festival will be held at the farm.  All CSA members are invited.  It is a potluck with an available grill.  We will be providing some cherry tomatoes and will likely grill some veg for everyone to try.  If we can pull it together, we may

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-51808092138608738842011-08-22T21:32:00.000-05:002011-08-22T21:32:21.061-05:00

There was a fine request that some of the content on the blog reflect what we've heard from some of our CSA customers regarding things veg related or CSA related. Finally!  Some time to meet that request: Overheard at CSA distributions: There has been some lively trading of produce between persons picking up at the same time.  Sometimes it isn't at all a bad idea to express how much you might

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-73864841918537329422011-08-15T22:02:00.002-05:002011-08-15T22:02:48.403-05:00

Greetings everyone! Here we are in the middle of August.  A time when we expect things to be warm - and it feels alot like September.  Hmmm. We expect the following for both days in the CSA:  peppers, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, lettuce, garlic, cucumbers, basil These items will come along for the ride depending on time and availability: tomato, green bean, hot peppers, okra News of the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-16537781577742259672011-08-13T22:32:00.000-05:002011-08-13T22:32:46.092-05:00

It is usually August when I start playing with production and other numbers.  It tells you two things about us: 1. Rob likes numbers 2. We take record keeping seriously It's a good thing Rob likes the numbers and we keep the records, because it is an important part for our certification process *and* it is important to help us plan for production levels that satisfy our CSA customers - at the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-35357021274602039172011-08-09T22:59:00.001-05:002011-08-09T23:03:00.174-05:00

Every year I do a few posts that talk about some of our production numbers and how it relates to growing conditions for the season. I took a few moments tonight to look at some of our numbers and here are some interesting things I found. 1. Eggplant started 2 weeks ahead of schedule this year. Well - we did get a very early warm spell with lots of humidity.  What do eggplant like?  WARM

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-66088850601090378942011-08-08T11:32:00.000-05:002011-08-08T11:32:34.546-05:00

Every year, we hit a period where we're just tired of it all.  As a result, we have a harder time getting fun and interesting blogs out there for everyone.  We then fall back on the 'just the facts' approach to blogging - nothing really wrong with that - I hope.  Don't worry, we'll get the fire back.  Everyone in every job hits stretches like this and we're not the exception. CSA:   We were

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-84005167091960002642011-08-03T22:38:00.001-05:002011-08-05T13:13:26.295-05:00

Once again, we fall back on the farm report....  Alas! Our Spring chickens *are* sold out at this time.  We will take reservations for our Fall batch (typically ready in October).  We are still delivering some of the birds - but most are in their new homes. Speaking of broilers (we were?).  The chicks are out of their boxes and now have a room to themselves.  We typically don't move them out of

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-6935642386142220512011-07-28T22:59:00.001-05:002011-07-28T23:05:45.121-05:00

We've gotten a few downpours the last few days - but last night, followed by this morning led to a very interesting CSA distribution day. Wednesday, we did alot of work in the tomato/basil field and found the soil to be damp, but pretty good for pulling weeds.  Too wet to till, of course - but not bad at all.  But, Wednesday night found us being woken by some "right in your back yard" type of

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-38964518713443647772011-07-25T09:25:00.000-05:002011-07-25T09:25:53.171-05:00

This one isn't exactly funny.  Unless business is funny to you. We have birds processed and they are ready to be sold to interested persons. Price $3.25/lb Average size is about 4.5# with a range of 3.5 to 6.25# Birds are frozen and in the Fredricka locker We intend to do our best to make deliveries at the same times as our CSA distributions.  Tuesday at Waverly Farmers' Market 3:30-6pm and

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-75778163238665889202011-07-22T22:15:00.001-05:002011-07-22T22:39:35.098-05:00

The creativity level is not necessarily high.  When that happens, we tend to do blog posts that just throw a few things together and maybe we'll hit on something! We're working on setting up distribution of chickens and we have many still available.  If you want some, let us know.  They are currently in the Fredericka Locker. We're a bit annoyed with Sierra Blanca (white onion variety).  The

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-51226657016611156512011-07-20T21:39:00.001-05:002011-07-22T22:31:53.778-05:00

Ok.  So it IS hot out there. This post ought to help everyone out there! Remember this? Sundogs only appear when it is REALLY cold.  How about hoar frost on the fence.  Don't you just want to jump in the snow? This picture is currently the background photo on my computer. And this one just looks cool. One trick to beat the heat - have snow peas for dinner. Another trick for beating

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-45031771330392612002011-07-08T23:27:00.000-05:002011-07-08T23:27:16.721-05:00

It's Friday eve and time for a blog post for the farm.  What is there to say or write?  You want a theme?  Ok, how about whatever comes to mind as I type.  that sounds like a good one for tonight. Tom Sawyer Week:  We'll term the week a qualified success so far.  A huge thank you to Megan, Ben, Sam, Kory, Max, Sophie, Emma and Zeb for taking the time to come do a little work on the farm. 

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-35122693119639431932011-07-05T22:13:00.000-05:002011-07-05T22:13:44.818-05:00

The sequel is rarely better than the original.  Unless it is Star Trek II vs Star Trek I.  They had no where to go but up.  It must be nice to know you can't do worse. Nonetheless - it is summer - time for sequels, prequels and 3D versions of remakes of book adaptations.  Ask me if we've seen a movie so far this summer.  Ask me if I've seen Paint Your Wagon.  Ask me if it's been a long day. yep

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-1312900489874980032011-07-04T21:54:00.002-05:002011-07-04T21:54:47.941-05:00

We hope everyone has had (or is having) a relaxing 4th of July weekend.  Speaking of this week and weekend - we are announcing our first ever Tom Sawyer Week!  Early July is the most critical weeding time we have.  If we don't get some of the weeding done now when many of our plants are small, we can lose crops.  We have equipment to help us with between row weeding - but there is no

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-35925518692249577452011-07-03T21:47:00.000-05:002011-07-03T21:47:19.351-05:00

Late June and early July gets a little crazy around the farm since we have so many different contingents of birds hanging around.  All of them with their own needs and ... er... idiosynchracies. To be perfectly blunt, it is at this time every year we begin to happily count down the days before we take the broilers (meat chickens) to the "park."  Of course, the layers are still around.  The ducks

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-13305982314054405852011-07-02T22:12:00.000-05:002011-07-02T22:12:32.684-05:00

Many people are starting to 'get it.'  And, for that we are grateful.  But, what do we mean by 'it?' Example 1:  Rob & Tammy are outside (of course) distributing produce for the CSA.  Temps have been in the 80's or 90's most of the day.  Someone says something about how hot it is.  We respond in a way we hope is pleasant but noncommittal.   Happily, more people are saying things like - "I

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-81401725697365884122011-06-29T20:45:00.000-05:002011-06-29T20:45:43.649-05:00

We are hunting around for a theme for this blog post and have failed to come up with one.  So, it may be disjointed.  Or maybe datjointed. The crew spent most of its time today in the pea/cucumber field weeding.  We're not terribly pleased with the germination levels we have found there, but there is still something growing that should produce for us.  Either way, we did what we could to "give

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-73742798404353626972011-06-27T11:04:00.001-05:002011-06-27T11:06:45.897-05:00

Crop notes: We'll start with the not so good stuff first:  Vine Crop Struggles: We have had the worst cucumber beetle attack we've seen in the last four years.  Of course, the weather is drier....  Our vine crops (summer squash, zucchini, cucumber, winter squash, melon, watermelon, pumpkin) are working to fight through them, but it is slowing them down.  We're doing what we can to handle the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-25656640162710325122011-06-23T22:41:00.002-05:002011-06-24T08:55:06.971-05:00

NPR radio told us that the rain had "left the state."  That's when it started to rain.  Nice. But, what can you do on a farm when there is 'no rain' going on and getting you wet when you are outside? Ok, we'll grant you that the rain earlier in the day (Wednesday) was little more than a mist.  But, the fields were pretty wet already - and since we didn't need to pick (much) we stayed out of

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-2196146245635234722011-06-22T22:16:00.000-05:002011-06-22T22:16:39.529-05:00

We understand some of our friends are having another difficult season with too much rain.  It is a helpless feeling when the weather doesn't even give you a chance to do what you need to do. We are grateful that, thus far, the weather for us has been pretty good.  Just enough rain to keep things going, but not so much that we can't get back into the fields and do the work we want to do.  In fact

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-79683365053297913532011-06-21T22:02:00.000-05:002011-06-21T22:02:31.312-05:00

It happened for the first time ever... and we are ever so proud! ** It is at this point radio stations tend to break for a commercial.  I seem to recall news stations do the same thing.  You know the ploy by now - "Coming up, a cure for cancer and we'll tell you how it works when we come back..."   Unfortunately, many of us tune out or fall asleep while they work up to it.  Or, once you get to

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-58671370533110651302011-06-19T22:28:00.000-05:002011-06-19T22:28:45.339-05:00

While this may not be the most scintillating of prose - it does serve a purpose.  We wish to keep our CSA members and other interested parties informed of our crop status.  While we realize many will not read this in detail - it is one way that we can try to avoid miscommunications.  For example, last year our winter squash was destroyed by rain.  Some people though the lack of winter squash

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-49180931207143201362011-06-18T11:55:00.002-05:002011-06-18T11:55:00.260-05:00

The farm got a new look this week as we had a roof put onto the granary. The look is different, but it is nice to be able to save this building, which was one of the first of its kind in the area.  Our thanks to Dan Gingerich Construction for another fine job on the farm. We're sorry to see the cupola go, but sometimes you just have to go with what resources allow.  Given the size of the holes

tfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17390871049030764802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-12203472558261070512011-06-17T11:19:00.010-05:002011-06-17T16:50:10.507-05:00

On Wednesday we managed to get in 6+ hours of work before leaving in the morning to visit friends at Scattergood Farm in West Branch. Over the winter several vegetable farmer friends were commiserating about conference and meeting season ending so we would be without the great moral support for the year to come. Several farms decided to do farm work swaps/social support days. Each month,

tfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17390871049030764802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-32692788519173696102011-06-14T22:51:00.000-05:002011-06-14T22:51:30.851-05:00

Yet another day has come and gone and here we are looking at each other and wondering - is this the end of the day or have we already gotten up to start the next? Speaking for myself (I'll ask Tammy how she feels later), while I wish I could get more done each day, etc etc - I've enjoyed this season more than the last three.  We've got better tools, better ideas of how to handle things and (

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-77709047205205698822011-06-11T13:01:00.000-05:002011-06-11T13:01:37.043-05:00

A sea of squash and melon starts in early June.   Kohlrabi plants just germinating for us!  Yep, the variety *is* called "Winner."  We sure hope so.  Planting onions and kohlrabi.  Note the wheel tracks - this is where we're using the tractor to set the size of the bed.    Oops, the row has a crooked spot there!    And, here are some broccoli, onion, cauliflower and kohlrabi with rows run

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-42490102793482594312011-06-09T22:56:00.000-05:002011-06-09T22:56:49.371-05:00

Ok - the roller coaster makes this farming business a bit more difficult than one would think.  What is it with 95 degrees Fahrenheit and high winds followed by 95 degrees Fahrenheit and no wind followed by 65 degrees F with a *northeast* wind?  Everyone on the farm Wednesday worked admirably through the warm weather.  But, you know it is warm when you see everyone sloooowing dooowwwn and you're

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-91985663878151816832011-06-07T22:47:00.000-05:002011-06-07T22:47:01.333-05:00

(A rare post by T)  While living on a farm, especially this one, is rewarding, sometimes there are frustrations that get me wondering why we do this.  Are we not allowed a day away?  Are we not allowed to have some fun without penalty?  According to the masked pests in residence at GFF, the answer is no.  Down at least 3 hens by arriving home from a baseball game that went long.  And, now the car

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-72190676130856618982011-06-06T08:55:00.000-05:002011-06-06T08:55:17.377-05:00

Very quick farm news to start getting word out. 1. First CSA deliveries are THIS WEEK.  Waverly pick up is Tuesday at the Farmers' Market from 3:30-6:00.  Cedar Falls is Thursday at Roots Market from 4:00-6:00.  Bring a bag or basket to take your veg home.  It starts slow - but what you get is good!  Tripoli - we will be dropping off on Tues. 2. Tom Sawyer Day II - Saturday June 11.  Stay tuned

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-87403007851947641242011-06-05T07:29:00.000-05:002011-06-05T07:29:30.603-05:00

Tammy and I completed the Waverly Farmers' Market at midday today.  Well, actually, Rob completed it while Tammy went to the 'ribbon cutting' for the Waverly Community Gardens.  All produce grown there will be donated to the 'food insecure' in our area via the food bank or community dinners.  Various churches or organizations have taken on a plot to maintain.  GFF has taken on two of the 30 foot

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-19212875266360447652011-06-02T22:28:00.000-05:002011-06-02T22:28:55.249-05:00

There is dirt under our finger nails and we're both tired.  Must mean lots of work in the fields.  Don't expect great amounts of humor or exemplary prose from me tonight.... Farm Report: Five 200 foot rows in the brassica/allium field are in and watered.  That includes onions, leeks, cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli, brussels and kale The prior planting of these things has been cultivated.  The in

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-52294848435570186742011-05-31T23:24:00.000-05:002011-05-31T23:24:19.745-05:00

The fields are workable and the weather (while windy) is nice enough for us to put in very full days.  Consider this a very short(?) farm report. We welcome Denis back to the farm as he works for us again this season.  He joins Andrea who has been working for a few weeks.  Jo has also put in some time on the farm.  We expect Anden to return as well.  So, the crew is taking shape. The wind...the

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-29763360398959203572011-05-27T07:37:00.000-05:002011-05-27T07:37:01.436-05:00

We will be holding our annual Iris Festival on Monday.  And, as is usually the case, the festival occurs before the iris really get going.  But, the presence of open iris flowers is not necessary for this event. Monday - May 30 starting at 4pm and running until approx 9pm. At the Genuine Faux Farm northwest of Tripoli The event is a POTLUCK.   We will also have a grill available for those who

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-81937339728720838512011-05-24T22:11:00.000-05:002011-05-24T22:11:43.378-05:00

It must be that time of year again... Last year we had The Safety Plantz This year... I Wanna Wash My Hands (sung to the tune of I Wanna Hold Your Hand by the Beatles) Oh yeah, I´ll tell you something I think you'll understand When I say there’s something … something on my hands I wanna wash my hands I wanna wash my hands Oh, please, say to me You'll let me drop this can and please,

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-75724984107653175142011-05-20T21:59:00.001-05:002011-05-20T22:05:47.537-05:00

When the forecast calls for rain, the farmers (on this farm at least) tend to get a bit frantic.  Yes, we need rain to make things grow.  so, we won't exactly complain about the rain right now.  But, we can't do certain work when it is raining or until fields dry after a rain.  So..... things get crazy around here when we know rain is coming. I think neither of us sat down for much more than

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-34415422292664987442011-05-20T07:21:00.000-05:002011-05-20T07:21:04.095-05:00

the reschedule of last week's Tom Sawyer Day is Sunday 2-5pm at the farm.  (May 22).  If you plan on attending, please let us know. If you wish to learn more about what a Tom Sawyer day is - go to our website (www.genuinefauxfarm.com) and put mouse over "events" then choose "tom Sawyer Day" now - to get outside before the rain gets here. Rob & Tammy

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-88035937802017251372011-05-17T21:31:00.000-05:002011-05-17T21:31:49.553-05:00

It's time for a blogging update about the farm.  We'll try and take some pictures and put them out here soon.  But, it always seems to fall down the "to do" list - and there you are.  So, for now - let us entertain you with some short stories or news of the farm: Shocking! We've had some upheaval on the farm as we contracted work to get electricity into two of our outbuilding that did not have

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-38085761432657943612011-05-13T22:03:00.000-05:002011-05-13T22:03:54.467-05:00

There is no doubt that there are many "food insecure" people in the world.  And, more than you think in your home town.  So what's to be done about it? A few jumbled thoughts from this farmer: 1. Encourage more small farms growing foods for local consumption Farms just like ours are exactly the sort of small business that people with less money could potentially get started.  Granted, we have

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-46177189490775489562011-05-10T18:43:00.000-05:002011-05-10T18:43:04.355-05:00

Here it is.... May - and the temps have gone through the roof today.  Don't worry, I'm sure they'll come back down enough to make us all wonder if we were dreaming. The farm is beginning to get into full swing and the CSA season is approaching.  So, we thought it was time for a newsy, farm reportish type of post.  There is much of substance here - read it all and you may learn something you

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-22785972649686896992011-05-09T21:51:00.002-05:002011-05-09T21:51:00.452-05:00

It's probably no secret - since we post it here - that Rob likes his music.  And he's been enjoying some pretty good stuff as he works lately. Some CD's getting some serious play time of late: - the violet burning - The Story of Our Lives - Switchfoot - Oh! Gravity. - Over the Rhine - Ohio - Midnight Oil - Capricornia - Lost Dogs - Old Angel - Innocence Mission - Umbrella - the Choir - Burning

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-11397873239478624782011-05-08T21:44:00.000-05:002011-05-08T21:44:03.670-05:00

It must be Spring at the Genuine Faux Farm.  We can tell because the number of bruises, cuts, sore muscles and joints and other various dings are getting harder to track.  The conversations Tammy and I have sometimes might be disconcerting, confusing or amusing depending on how you're feeling at the moment. "Where'd you get *that* bruise?" "Which bruise?" "*THAT* one." "Oh, I don't know.  I

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-24973498730659034262011-05-06T23:10:00.002-05:002011-05-06T23:10:00.661-05:00

Perhaps you're all tired of being preached at.  Or maybe, an abstract statement about how supporting local business will improve the local economy isn't enough.  So - here's what we're going to do.  Here is an exercise to show you how THIS local business supports the local economy simply because YOU support it by purchasing its product. As a local business, we are more aware of other persons

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-70317676562996058622011-05-05T11:24:00.000-05:002011-05-05T11:24:25.931-05:00

I don't think we've used the blog or newsletter for this purpose much.  However, I am unsettled by news from MOSES regarding the possibility that two important programs may be defunded. These two programs are, in my opinion, two of the very best.  ATTRA and SARE.  ATTRA provides numerous resources to farmers - including us.  Their website is a great example of their work.  The quality and

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-43194074724471268602011-05-05T11:05:00.000-05:002011-05-05T11:05:56.572-05:00

Every once in a while, we like to post a 'what we have done today' list so people have an idea as to what tasks the farm requires of us.  One of the best (and sometimes worst) things about the farm is that a very wide range of activities are required of us.  We had a crew of three for much of yesterday, so here is a sample of what was done. What did we do today (Wednesday was a To Dooosday)? -

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-36040999292263173792011-04-28T18:41:00.000-05:002011-04-28T18:41:42.177-05:00

And, once again - we do the mishmash thing.  Why?  Because it seems like a way to get a batch of things off my mind and out into the... what is this place anyway? 1. The first batch of chicks for our broilers come tomorrow.  Per the norm, there is always more that was left to the last moment to do in order to prepare for their arrival.  And, as seems to happen most of the time - they'll grow up

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-54052991766304138702011-04-25T21:20:00.001-05:002011-04-25T21:26:45.890-05:00

Since I can't seem to come up with a single theme for a post - we'll do the mishmash thing again. 1. Easter at the farm was enjoyable.  We were pleased to be joined by Rob's parents and his brother and family.  And, there was a visit from that bright orb in the sky.  What was that thing called again? 2. Now that I have begun typing, a catten (not a kitten anymore and not quite a cat) is trying

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-37653858251657811542011-04-19T16:50:00.000-05:002011-04-19T16:50:03.912-05:00

This blog post is going to be very newsy - and hopefully to the point. 1. Our CSA still has many openings for the regular season (June-Oct).  Send us an email if you are interested. 2. We just learned that the Cedar Valley RC&D office will be closing (in New Hampton).  Yet another situation where the budget requires changes.  If there was a positive force in the area for local foods, smaller

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-38189685940557942792011-04-17T20:50:00.000-05:002011-04-17T20:50:34.155-05:00

It is definitely Spring. Green grass, snow, robins, workable soil, wind, more critters out and about around the farm, rain...  and the beginning of dry, rough hand season.  Dirt begins residing in the cracks that form on my hands and will not go away unless I'm outside getting soaked in a rain.  No amount of scrubbing with soap and scrub brushes will get it all out until then.  And, if you've

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-85185333673701716722011-04-10T22:16:00.000-05:002011-04-10T22:16:03.963-05:00

It's been a bit since the last farm report - and since the two of us spent a fairly busy day outside on Saturday... I think Tammy will agree that we had our first day of the year where we both were barely able to crawl into bed at the end of the day.  Even if you don't do the 'farming' thing, I think most people can relate to the special kind of tired that one gets after spending the first

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36142811.post-76589576507887809212011-04-03T20:28:00.000-05:002011-04-03T20:28:08.816-05:00

Ok, we've forgotten - or more appropriately - our bodies have forgotten. It happens every Spring - a nice weekend comes along and we spend as much time as we can doing active things for the farm.  It's not as if we don't move around or get exercise during the Winter.  But, those who have worked on the farm with us can vouch for us on this.  A couple of full work days on the farm can make you

rfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03633049985565787351noreply@blogger.com0