And that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
There are just some days where you can't summon up any more energy to do anything.
Including write a blog post for the May Blog Blitz.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tomaytoe, Tomahtoe
'Tis the season of tomato transplanting.
We start our seeds in 60 or 72 count inserts. (the standard 4 pack or 6 packs you might be familiar with seeing in a garden center) Then, we transplant them into pots before either selling them or putting them into the ground at the end of May.
So - it is tomato transplanting season. Soon to be followed by pepper and eggplant transplanting season. The task can be a bit daunting at times and keeping track of everything can be mildly difficult. But, the most difficult part has to do with finding places to PUT everything. The tomatoes in pots take alot more room.
So - come to Saturday's market in Waverly and get some tomato plants from us - that would help a great deal!
We start our seeds in 60 or 72 count inserts. (the standard 4 pack or 6 packs you might be familiar with seeing in a garden center) Then, we transplant them into pots before either selling them or putting them into the ground at the end of May.
So - it is tomato transplanting season. Soon to be followed by pepper and eggplant transplanting season. The task can be a bit daunting at times and keeping track of everything can be mildly difficult. But, the most difficult part has to do with finding places to PUT everything. The tomatoes in pots take alot more room.
So - come to Saturday's market in Waverly and get some tomato plants from us - that would help a great deal!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Which Came First?
Our laying flock of hens is producing well enough. Not really hitting on all cylinders (so to speak) but we still pull in around 2 dozen a day.
We collect eggs in the 18-hole cartons and bring them to a refrigerator in the garage. They reside there until we have time for an egg cleaning session. You can see what one batch of eggs to clean might look like below:
It takes a little bit of time to clean them - but that's just part of the deal when you have birds.
Some of our hens are Ameracaunas. They range in coloration and will lay green or pink eggs. They have not been the best producers for us - but the birds are fun. One of these birds has feathers in the cheek area that look a little like jowels. She had a foot injury a while a go, so moves a little slower. But, she does well enough. We've decided to call her Nixon.
Meanwhile, there is the Barnyard Supervisor. Bob has been our rooster for two and a half years now (really?). He was not feeling like posing for the camera because his comb has not yet fully recovered from Winter. Once it comes back in full, I'm sure he will pose.
We run our laying flock on what is called a "day range" system. The birds are closed into a 'safe' room at night and let out in the morning to run in a fenced in pasture. The pasture area is largely grass & clover with a few fruit trees. Of course, some of the hens find their way out of the pasture every day and check out the yard area in front of the barn. It gets annoying - but evidently not enough to get me to redo all the fences in their pasture.
We collect eggs in the 18-hole cartons and bring them to a refrigerator in the garage. They reside there until we have time for an egg cleaning session. You can see what one batch of eggs to clean might look like below:
It takes a little bit of time to clean them - but that's just part of the deal when you have birds.
Some of our hens are Ameracaunas. They range in coloration and will lay green or pink eggs. They have not been the best producers for us - but the birds are fun. One of these birds has feathers in the cheek area that look a little like jowels. She had a foot injury a while a go, so moves a little slower. But, she does well enough. We've decided to call her Nixon.
Meanwhile, there is the Barnyard Supervisor. Bob has been our rooster for two and a half years now (really?). He was not feeling like posing for the camera because his comb has not yet fully recovered from Winter. Once it comes back in full, I'm sure he will pose.
We run our laying flock on what is called a "day range" system. The birds are closed into a 'safe' room at night and let out in the morning to run in a fenced in pasture. The pasture area is largely grass & clover with a few fruit trees. Of course, some of the hens find their way out of the pasture every day and check out the yard area in front of the barn. It gets annoying - but evidently not enough to get me to redo all the fences in their pasture.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Spring Flowers
Many people may not realize this - but prior to the vegetable farm, we were avid perennial flower gardeners. Actually, we still enjoy our perennials - but we have a difficult time keeping up with them during the growing season.
We are in the process of attempting to pull perennials out of our old flower beds and moving them up by the house in hopes that they can be maintained. Here's hoping!
But, Spring is always full of hope - and the early bloomers are doing well enough for us:
Bleeding Heart
We are in the process of attempting to pull perennials out of our old flower beds and moving them up by the house in hopes that they can be maintained. Here's hoping!
But, Spring is always full of hope - and the early bloomers are doing well enough for us:
Bergenia
Bluebells
Bleeding Heart
Primrose
Pasque Flower
Sunday, May 9, 2010
One of THOSE Days
Yes, it was one of those days - or perhaps - it was a couple of those days?
The cold weather and high winds brought their own issues. In the last week, we've had two days with significantly high sustained winds. The first bout with the wind cost a fair number of tomato, broccoli and lettuce seedlings. The second bout cost us one of our cold frames as it decided to take a trip across and down the road last night.
What does this mean for us? We have to build some heavier cold frames and take the time and resources to build something more permanent to handle our seedlings. And, we need to do that quickly.
Then, there is last night's and this night's cold weather. That means all of the seedlings needed to get moved into the garage to stay warm enough for the night. We've handled this just fine. But, it does mean that you spend the time moving the plants around to get them in there and still be able to do work. Whatever, we were already moving plants out of cold frames in order to save what we could from the wind.
Oh, and today was a farmers' market day in Waverly. It was difficult to stay motivated on Friday to pick for a market where we were pretty certain the turnout would be poor. But, we still picked and cleaned the leeks, lettuce, carrots, asparagus and kale. We made a selection of tomato plants, etc. And - we made ourselves go to market. A few brave folks did come to market. For that, we are most grateful. But, as we expected, we came home with a fair amount of produce.
Unfortunately, the kicker to all of this occurred this evening when we went out to do evening chicken chores. We have, er, HAD several hen chicks. But, found all but one missing from the box. The meat chicks appeared to be fine. After some work, we discovered all of the chicks wedged behind the box. Evidently a rat has decided that they are tasty. And, in the tradition of critters like this on our farm - you can't kill just one. So, we have one hen chick left.
This meant we had to slap together more protection for the meat chickens for the night. It also means that we know what we are doing tomorrow, despite the original plans for the day. Hopefully a two pronged plan of rat removal and new lids for the boxes will solve the problem.
The cold weather and high winds brought their own issues. In the last week, we've had two days with significantly high sustained winds. The first bout with the wind cost a fair number of tomato, broccoli and lettuce seedlings. The second bout cost us one of our cold frames as it decided to take a trip across and down the road last night.
What does this mean for us? We have to build some heavier cold frames and take the time and resources to build something more permanent to handle our seedlings. And, we need to do that quickly.
Then, there is last night's and this night's cold weather. That means all of the seedlings needed to get moved into the garage to stay warm enough for the night. We've handled this just fine. But, it does mean that you spend the time moving the plants around to get them in there and still be able to do work. Whatever, we were already moving plants out of cold frames in order to save what we could from the wind.
Oh, and today was a farmers' market day in Waverly. It was difficult to stay motivated on Friday to pick for a market where we were pretty certain the turnout would be poor. But, we still picked and cleaned the leeks, lettuce, carrots, asparagus and kale. We made a selection of tomato plants, etc. And - we made ourselves go to market. A few brave folks did come to market. For that, we are most grateful. But, as we expected, we came home with a fair amount of produce.
Unfortunately, the kicker to all of this occurred this evening when we went out to do evening chicken chores. We have, er, HAD several hen chicks. But, found all but one missing from the box. The meat chicks appeared to be fine. After some work, we discovered all of the chicks wedged behind the box. Evidently a rat has decided that they are tasty. And, in the tradition of critters like this on our farm - you can't kill just one. So, we have one hen chick left.
This meant we had to slap together more protection for the meat chickens for the night. It also means that we know what we are doing tomorrow, despite the original plans for the day. Hopefully a two pronged plan of rat removal and new lids for the boxes will solve the problem.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
"The Safety Plantz" by a Man with a Hat
The Dance of the Seedling Trays got me thinking about a certain tune. Then I started playing with different words for that song. I couldn't help myself - so here it is:
Revised lyrics for the Genuine Faux Farm to the tune "Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats
==========================
The original lyrics of Safety Dance can be found here:http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/safetydancelyrics.html
Revised lyrics for the Genuine Faux Farm to the tune "Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats
We can plant if we want to
We can leave clean hands behind
'Cause the seeds must grow and if they don't grow
We're in the unemployment line
I say, weeds can grow where they want to
Drive us out of our mind
But we can act like we care for this world
Leave the herbicides far behind
And we can plant
We can sow when we want to
The soil is warm, so we can try
And we can mess with peat, spend some time on our feet
And surprise 'em with the brocco-lie!
Say, we'll make a pact if you want to
If we don't, tell me who will?
And you can eat real food, good taste we'll include
And I can be green with chlorophyll!
[Refrain]
I say, we can sow, we can plant
Everything out in the ground
We can hoe, we can till
We're doing it from field to field
We can weed, we can mulch
Everybody look at our hands
We can wash, we can scrub
Nothing is gettin' them cle - e - ean!
We can water 'cuz we need to
We've got our seedling trays in line
As long as they could use it, not gonna refuse it
Everything'll work out right
I say, we can plant if we want to
We'll be plantin' all the time
'Cause the seeds must grow and if they don't grow
Well we're in the unemployment line
[Refrain in early Spring when it could still frost or freeze]
Is it safe to plant, oh is it safe to plant? [6x]
We can leave clean hands behind
'Cause the seeds must grow and if they don't grow
We're in the unemployment line
I say, weeds can grow where they want to
Drive us out of our mind
But we can act like we care for this world
Leave the herbicides far behind
And we can plant
We can sow when we want to
The soil is warm, so we can try
And we can mess with peat, spend some time on our feet
And surprise 'em with the brocco-lie!
Say, we'll make a pact if you want to
If we don't, tell me who will?
And you can eat real food, good taste we'll include
And I can be green with chlorophyll!
[Refrain]
I say, we can sow, we can plant
Everything out in the ground
We can hoe, we can till
We're doing it from field to field
We can weed, we can mulch
Everybody look at our hands
We can wash, we can scrub
Nothing is gettin' them cle - e - ean!
We can water 'cuz we need to
We've got our seedling trays in line
As long as they could use it, not gonna refuse it
Everything'll work out right
I say, we can plant if we want to
We'll be plantin' all the time
'Cause the seeds must grow and if they don't grow
Well we're in the unemployment line
[Refrain in early Spring when it could still frost or freeze]
Is it safe to plant, oh is it safe to plant? [6x]
==========================
The original lyrics of Safety Dance can be found here:http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/safetydancelyrics.html
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Mississippi in early Spring
Recent travels took us up to River Falls, Wisconsin so T could present at and attend the Sustainability Conference being held on the campus there.
Both the drive up and back was during beautiful weather and we took the time on the return trip to treat ourselves to some excellent Wisconsin cheese curds. Yep, it's nice to get EXTREMELY fresh cheese curds from Ellsworth, WI. Might be worth a special trip just for that in the future.
We also made sure to take some back roads and enjoy the rolling hills. Once we got to the Mississippi River, we broke out the camera in an effort to catch something interesting. In particular, we were hopeful that the bald eagles we saw while we were IN the vehicle might come by while we were OUT of the vehicle.
While that didn't happen - we did come across an interesting shot or two.
First, it's always nice to have signs to instruct us. Otherwise, we might have had a problem getting started again.
Otherwise, the textures one finds before everything greens up and the reflections in the calm backwater provided for some decent opportunities.
Both the drive up and back was during beautiful weather and we took the time on the return trip to treat ourselves to some excellent Wisconsin cheese curds. Yep, it's nice to get EXTREMELY fresh cheese curds from Ellsworth, WI. Might be worth a special trip just for that in the future.
We also made sure to take some back roads and enjoy the rolling hills. Once we got to the Mississippi River, we broke out the camera in an effort to catch something interesting. In particular, we were hopeful that the bald eagles we saw while we were IN the vehicle might come by while we were OUT of the vehicle.
While that didn't happen - we did come across an interesting shot or two.
First, it's always nice to have signs to instruct us. Otherwise, we might have had a problem getting started again.
Otherwise, the textures one finds before everything greens up and the reflections in the calm backwater provided for some decent opportunities.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May Blog Blitz & Some News
The farm news -
- Yesterday's winds were extremely strong out at the farm. We estimate consistent winds of 40 mph and gusts from 45-50mph out here. No wind gauge, so we can't be certain. Our cold frames were pretty well beaten up, along with many of our plants. We are now working to correct the problem as best we can with the time we have. Every year, we have an event along these lines. And, every year, we think we've taken some steps. It looks like this Spring we are going to have to just 'bite the bullet' and do some construction projects that never quite get done because we feel we don't have the resources to complete them. So - stay tuned for more. The plant losses can be dealt with. We lost some tomatoes, we lost some brassica and some lettuce. So, some of our succession plantings won't happen and we may have to substitute for a couple of varieties. Nothing major - but it sure can feel like it when you're dealing with it!
The Blog Blitz -
We admit that we have fallen down on the job of writing for the blog and producing newsletters of late. It is a little like exercise. If you quit for a while, it can be hard to re establish the routine. However, we still believe it is important to communicate with others what goes on with our farm - so, we are attempting to crank up our efforts on BOTH the blog and our newsletter in conjunction with the increasing and expanding farm work.
It probably seems a bit odd to add effort to effort. But....
The blog provides us with a place to record events on the farm and reflect on them. It serves to communicate with our CSA members and other farm customers. It also provides us with a place to analyze how the season is going and think about what we should do next or should not do in the future. It also provides us with a record of events that we can refer to later when needed.
In fact, the blog can be very useful to us in the Winter time when we are trying to figure out how the year went, where we went wrong and (hopefully) where we went right.
So, here's hoping you get some interesting reading and we get some useful writing done this season.
- Yesterday's winds were extremely strong out at the farm. We estimate consistent winds of 40 mph and gusts from 45-50mph out here. No wind gauge, so we can't be certain. Our cold frames were pretty well beaten up, along with many of our plants. We are now working to correct the problem as best we can with the time we have. Every year, we have an event along these lines. And, every year, we think we've taken some steps. It looks like this Spring we are going to have to just 'bite the bullet' and do some construction projects that never quite get done because we feel we don't have the resources to complete them. So - stay tuned for more. The plant losses can be dealt with. We lost some tomatoes, we lost some brassica and some lettuce. So, some of our succession plantings won't happen and we may have to substitute for a couple of varieties. Nothing major - but it sure can feel like it when you're dealing with it!
The Blog Blitz -
We admit that we have fallen down on the job of writing for the blog and producing newsletters of late. It is a little like exercise. If you quit for a while, it can be hard to re establish the routine. However, we still believe it is important to communicate with others what goes on with our farm - so, we are attempting to crank up our efforts on BOTH the blog and our newsletter in conjunction with the increasing and expanding farm work.
It probably seems a bit odd to add effort to effort. But....
The blog provides us with a place to record events on the farm and reflect on them. It serves to communicate with our CSA members and other farm customers. It also provides us with a place to analyze how the season is going and think about what we should do next or should not do in the future. It also provides us with a record of events that we can refer to later when needed.
In fact, the blog can be very useful to us in the Winter time when we are trying to figure out how the year went, where we went wrong and (hopefully) where we went right.
So, here's hoping you get some interesting reading and we get some useful writing done this season.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mr Wren's Day
Staff Writer: Mr Wren's Day
Rob is currently out standing in his field (still/again). Mr. Wren has agreed to contribute to this month's newsletter by outlining a typical day in his busy life. Reprinted from our August 2008 newsletter by popular request - AND in honor of Mr.Wren's return to the farm on the first of May.
4:45 AM - Get up
4:46 AM - Sing about the upcoming day. Remind the lazy/sleepy humans that they should get moving soon.
5:03 AM - eat a tasty gnat or two
5:04 AM - Sing about how gullible gnats can be
5:36 AM - Gather twigs for the nest, making sure to sing about each acquisition
5:57 AM - My, that was a tasty...what was that thing? It had six legs - whatever.
5:59 AM - sing about the tasty six-legged thing
6:13 AM - be amused by the sleepy looking human
6:14 AM - sing about morning, in an effort to wake the human further
6:15 AM - look industrious in an effort to provide a positive role model for the human
6:16 AM - sing about my good deed for the day
continued singing/eating/nest building
7:24 AM - Scold the cat
7:26 AM - sing about my bravery while flitting wildly from branch to branch in an effort to impress Mrs Wren
7:32 AM - take a break - Mrs Wren isn't buying it
7:44 AM - write a newsletter entry - then go about my business for the remainder of the day.
Rob is currently out standing in his field (still/again). Mr. Wren has agreed to contribute to this month's newsletter by outlining a typical day in his busy life. Reprinted from our August 2008 newsletter by popular request - AND in honor of Mr.Wren's return to the farm on the first of May.
4:45 AM - Get up
4:46 AM - Sing about the upcoming day. Remind the lazy/sleepy humans that they should get moving soon.
5:03 AM - eat a tasty gnat or two
5:04 AM - Sing about how gullible gnats can be
5:36 AM - Gather twigs for the nest, making sure to sing about each acquisition
5:57 AM - My, that was a tasty...what was that thing? It had six legs - whatever.
5:59 AM - sing about the tasty six-legged thing
6:13 AM - be amused by the sleepy looking human
6:14 AM - sing about morning, in an effort to wake the human further
6:15 AM - look industrious in an effort to provide a positive role model for the human
6:16 AM - sing about my good deed for the day
continued singing/eating/nest building
7:24 AM - Scold the cat
7:26 AM - sing about my bravery while flitting wildly from branch to branch in an effort to impress Mrs Wren
7:32 AM - take a break - Mrs Wren isn't buying it
7:44 AM - write a newsletter entry - then go about my business for the remainder of the day.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
First Market of Spring
We set up for our first farmers' market of Spring with the Waverly Farmers' Market on May 1st.
Unlike many first markets, the weather was beautiful. Mostly clear with bright sunshine. A bit more of a cool wind than was entirely comfortable for the vendors who had to stand in it for 4 hours, but hard to complain when you know what it COULD have been like.
The interesting difference for us this year is that the Waverly Farmers' Market was hosted by the Health Fair at the W this year. We set up outside the northeast doors and had the option of moving inside if the weather turned ugly. What a nice situation to have!
On the whole, we felt this was an excellent opportunity to remind members of the community that we do, indeed, have a farmers' market in town. And, yes, we like it when customers visit us!
The vendors were prepared for this market and had a very diverse set of wares available. The traffic at our tables was good and we all felt that the event was a success.
If you have not become a regular at the Waverly Farmers' Market, we encourage you to consider becoming one. The vendor pool is growing and the existing vendors are getting better at having good product available throughout the season. But, this increase in available product can only continue if the demand also continues to grow. There is nothing more demoralizing than working hard to raise quality foods and having a poor market for that product.
Keep coming - make suggestions - talk to the vendors about what you might like to see. There is energy to continue improving our market - keep fueling it with your enthusiasm for fresh, local products.
Unlike many first markets, the weather was beautiful. Mostly clear with bright sunshine. A bit more of a cool wind than was entirely comfortable for the vendors who had to stand in it for 4 hours, but hard to complain when you know what it COULD have been like.
The interesting difference for us this year is that the Waverly Farmers' Market was hosted by the Health Fair at the W this year. We set up outside the northeast doors and had the option of moving inside if the weather turned ugly. What a nice situation to have!
On the whole, we felt this was an excellent opportunity to remind members of the community that we do, indeed, have a farmers' market in town. And, yes, we like it when customers visit us!
The vendors were prepared for this market and had a very diverse set of wares available. The traffic at our tables was good and we all felt that the event was a success.
If you have not become a regular at the Waverly Farmers' Market, we encourage you to consider becoming one. The vendor pool is growing and the existing vendors are getting better at having good product available throughout the season. But, this increase in available product can only continue if the demand also continues to grow. There is nothing more demoralizing than working hard to raise quality foods and having a poor market for that product.
Keep coming - make suggestions - talk to the vendors about what you might like to see. There is energy to continue improving our market - keep fueling it with your enthusiasm for fresh, local products.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Dance of the Seedling Trays
During the months of April and May, we have a very large number of plants that are in trays or pots. And, as plants grow, they get moved around to harden the plants off and prepare them for their lives in the good earth.
Add to this the fact that we are working harder this season to implement better succession planting plans and you have...
the Dance of the Seedling Trays!
There are 10 newly planted trays for lettuce. Currently, they are in the middle of the lawn. They can't stay there - so they have to move. The oldest brassica trays number about 10 and they need to go in the ground during the next couple of days. At present, these reside in carts. The onion starts are in the cold frames, but they also need to go into the ground, so they must be removed from the cold frames. the tomato seedlings need to be transplanted into pots and then put into the coldframes. the peppers and eggplants are very small and will stay under lights with heat mats for a while before they, too, are transplanted. The flowers need to be tranplanted into pots or to the ground soon.
And, there is a lot more to plant in trays very soon.
If we had neighbors living closer to us, they might be a bit amused by the site of what must appear to be pointless tray carrying from one place to another on a nearly daily basis.
Ok, I suspect our neighbors are amused anyway.
Add to this the fact that we are working harder this season to implement better succession planting plans and you have...
the Dance of the Seedling Trays!
There are 10 newly planted trays for lettuce. Currently, they are in the middle of the lawn. They can't stay there - so they have to move. The oldest brassica trays number about 10 and they need to go in the ground during the next couple of days. At present, these reside in carts. The onion starts are in the cold frames, but they also need to go into the ground, so they must be removed from the cold frames. the tomato seedlings need to be transplanted into pots and then put into the coldframes. the peppers and eggplants are very small and will stay under lights with heat mats for a while before they, too, are transplanted. The flowers need to be tranplanted into pots or to the ground soon.
And, there is a lot more to plant in trays very soon.
If we had neighbors living closer to us, they might be a bit amused by the site of what must appear to be pointless tray carrying from one place to another on a nearly daily basis.
Ok, I suspect our neighbors are amused anyway.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Lhelo Orbin!
T & I were looking at a word scramble this morning as we were eating breakfast. And, we will both readily admit that this is probably not the best idea for either of us - especially with the growing season starting and finals week approaching!
In any event, both of us are reasonably good at puzzles. And, since we knew the topic was animals, the scramble should be a bit easier - right?
Apparently not this morning.
The scramble: binor
Our answer: "orbin"
If you are wondering what an "orbin" is - look in nearly any yard in the Midwest during the day in Spring time. Orbins are hopping around everywhere. Once in a while, you'll see one in a tug of war with an earth "morw" that would rather not be invited to the orbin's breakfast. And, of course, you've heard the sayings about "orbin red-breast" and "two snows on the orbin's tail."
And, don't forget Batman and Orbin - the dynamic duo....
In any event, both of us are reasonably good at puzzles. And, since we knew the topic was animals, the scramble should be a bit easier - right?
Apparently not this morning.
The scramble: binor
Our answer: "orbin"
If you are wondering what an "orbin" is - look in nearly any yard in the Midwest during the day in Spring time. Orbins are hopping around everywhere. Once in a while, you'll see one in a tug of war with an earth "morw" that would rather not be invited to the orbin's breakfast. And, of course, you've heard the sayings about "orbin red-breast" and "two snows on the orbin's tail."
And, don't forget Batman and Orbin - the dynamic duo....
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April Showers...
... aren't as warm as you might think if you walk in them
... remind you where the puddles show up after a couple of inches of moisture falls
... help to emphasize the 'road boils' on the gravel roads and the gravel driveway
... make chickens VERY wet
... can often start in the form of HAIL. It's nice that there isn't much it can hurt in the gardens.
... can make you thankful you have a good roof on the house
... remind you that you need to start remembering to close windows in the house!
... illustrate that you like the warmer temperatures because the windows in the house WERE open.
... inaugurate what is likely to be a full season of dashes to and from various locations just prior and during the beginning of an approaching storm....
... remind you where the puddles show up after a couple of inches of moisture falls
... help to emphasize the 'road boils' on the gravel roads and the gravel driveway
... make chickens VERY wet
... can often start in the form of HAIL. It's nice that there isn't much it can hurt in the gardens.
... can make you thankful you have a good roof on the house
... remind you that you need to start remembering to close windows in the house!
... illustrate that you like the warmer temperatures because the windows in the house WERE open.
... inaugurate what is likely to be a full season of dashes to and from various locations just prior and during the beginning of an approaching storm....
Friday, March 26, 2010
Music to Work By
I was noticing that I was really enjoying a run of music on the machine this AM, so I decided to write down a baker's dozen during that stretch. I know - it's not really a farm post. But, I like my music when I am working. And I felt a bit like sharing - so there you are - stuff for a blog post.
Pencil & Paper - Bourgeois Tagg
Time Line - AD
Light Gives Heat - Jars of Clay
Lonely Moon - Kevin Smith
20 Loves - Veil
Walls of Doubt - Daniel Amos
Pride - U2
A Million Stars - Iona
Walk Between the Raindrops - Adam Again
Rachel Delavoryas - Randy Stonehill
Forum - Undercover
Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil
Dixie Storms - Lone Justice
Bourgeois Tagg has got to be one of the more under appreciated groups from the 1980's-1990's. Very accessible music with good story-telling quality. If you want to find some 'new' music, check out their album Yoyo
AD is one of Kerry Livgren's post-Kansas groups/projects. That man knows how to attract talented musicians. AD's music is like an onion..... layers upon layers (see Shrek if you missed the reference). Nothing but respect for Livgren and his musical ability here.
If you like music with a groove - you have to try Adam Again's Dig. But, it could be even harder to sit still when listening to Forum by Undercover. I love it when a band can push the front and/or back end of the time signature. There is a tension in this song between the percussion and the guitars. The result is an infectious swing.
For lyrical content, it is hard to beat anything written by Mark Heard (Lonely Moon). And, when it is performed by a vocalist with exceptional talent (Smith), you have a winner. But, I am partial to the story telling of Randy Stonehill and also find that Veil is capable of good things lyrically in 20 Loves.
Then there is the hauntingly beautiful violin that opens A Million Stars by Iona. I think this melody and the melody used to represent Rohan in the Lord of the Rings movies are two 'bare bones' string melodies that communicate the feeling of what they represent. We've had the privilege of seeing Iona in concert - tons of musical talent - well worth it.
And possibly the best tune of the group? Dixie Storms by Lone Justice. Yep, lots of good music this morning.
Pencil & Paper - Bourgeois Tagg
Time Line - AD
Light Gives Heat - Jars of Clay
Lonely Moon - Kevin Smith
20 Loves - Veil
Walls of Doubt - Daniel Amos
Pride - U2
A Million Stars - Iona
Walk Between the Raindrops - Adam Again
Rachel Delavoryas - Randy Stonehill
Forum - Undercover
Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil
Dixie Storms - Lone Justice
Bourgeois Tagg has got to be one of the more under appreciated groups from the 1980's-1990's. Very accessible music with good story-telling quality. If you want to find some 'new' music, check out their album Yoyo
AD is one of Kerry Livgren's post-Kansas groups/projects. That man knows how to attract talented musicians. AD's music is like an onion..... layers upon layers (see Shrek if you missed the reference). Nothing but respect for Livgren and his musical ability here.
If you like music with a groove - you have to try Adam Again's Dig. But, it could be even harder to sit still when listening to Forum by Undercover. I love it when a band can push the front and/or back end of the time signature. There is a tension in this song between the percussion and the guitars. The result is an infectious swing.
For lyrical content, it is hard to beat anything written by Mark Heard (Lonely Moon). And, when it is performed by a vocalist with exceptional talent (Smith), you have a winner. But, I am partial to the story telling of Randy Stonehill and also find that Veil is capable of good things lyrically in 20 Loves.
Then there is the hauntingly beautiful violin that opens A Million Stars by Iona. I think this melody and the melody used to represent Rohan in the Lord of the Rings movies are two 'bare bones' string melodies that communicate the feeling of what they represent. We've had the privilege of seeing Iona in concert - tons of musical talent - well worth it.
And possibly the best tune of the group? Dixie Storms by Lone Justice. Yep, lots of good music this morning.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sioux Land Garden Show
Last weekend saw R & T take a road trip to Sioux City for the Sioux Land Garden Show. The drive over on Friday was a bit dicey with some very slick segments of road, but we arrived earlier than we feared we might arrive. That's always a good thing.
The motivation behind the trip was an opportunity for the two of us to present on not one, not two, but three topics on Saturday to interested attendees. The venue was easy to get to and there were some interesting vendors on the display floor (we tried to help them up - sorry, I can't help it - this sort of humor is a disease). And, in general, we found audience members and participants in the show to be friendly, inquisitive and supportive.
This sort of presentation provides R with an opportunity to flex his presentation and teaching skills - something that doesn't happen as much now that he is not teaching regularly. It also provides the two of us a chance to present together - which we enjoy doing. Topics included Heirloom Tomatoes, Harvesting/Storing Produce and Sustainable Gardening. By the time we hit the last presentation we realized people wanted to ask more questions than listen to more declarative statements...so we obliged. All in all, we enjoyed the opportunity and hope that people there felt they received something positive as well.
I don't know about T, but I think the Heirloom Tomato talk went extremely well. Anyone else want to hear it while we're on a roll? Ok, maybe next Winter.
The motivation behind the trip was an opportunity for the two of us to present on not one, not two, but three topics on Saturday to interested attendees. The venue was easy to get to and there were some interesting vendors on the display floor (we tried to help them up - sorry, I can't help it - this sort of humor is a disease). And, in general, we found audience members and participants in the show to be friendly, inquisitive and supportive.
This sort of presentation provides R with an opportunity to flex his presentation and teaching skills - something that doesn't happen as much now that he is not teaching regularly. It also provides the two of us a chance to present together - which we enjoy doing. Topics included Heirloom Tomatoes, Harvesting/Storing Produce and Sustainable Gardening. By the time we hit the last presentation we realized people wanted to ask more questions than listen to more declarative statements...so we obliged. All in all, we enjoyed the opportunity and hope that people there felt they received something positive as well.
I don't know about T, but I think the Heirloom Tomato talk went extremely well. Anyone else want to hear it while we're on a roll? Ok, maybe next Winter.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tees Tease (FURTHER EDITS)
Edits in italic
Some years ago, we created t-shirts for the farm and sold a number of them. In reality, most of the shirts we made were given as gifts or used by us. However...
A number of people have suggested to us that they are interested in at least one of our designs to make a return. So, for the sake of argument, here are some t-shirt ideas that we've been playing around with. Any feedback/suggestions?
FOR THAT MATTER - any design submissions based on these ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
Current designs:
1. Minding Your Peas and Cukes
2. They're Real!
3. Farm collage
New Ideas:
1. Fear the Zucchini (this is for you Phil)
2. Organically Grown - Protein Added (picture of broccoli w/ smiling worm sticking out of top)
3. Sasquash (picture a hairy squash with big feet... of course)
4. We've Got the Beet(s)
5. Where Have We Bean All Your Life?
6. It's Ok to Look at Our Brassicas (Adam & Eve w/ strategically placed broccoli, etc)
7. American Gopick (take on American Gothic)
8. Common Tater, Dick Tater, Darth Tater, etc etc (don't forget the little ones - also known as Speck Taters). Now you can choose because only you can tell if this spud's for you.
9. She's my Melon Collie Baby.... sorry, had to - but imagine a puppy sitting on a watermelon....
10. The onion's relative - Frank (only T and I will laugh at this one)
11. Dysfunctional Veg Family - Ma Bell (pepper), Father Thyme, brothers Carrot Top, Cole Robby, sister Mary Gold and Baby ? in a corn crib. Then there is the extended family standing over by the well - we call them our pump kin....
12. Whenever someone makes a mistake, we just give them the rhubarb.
13. You never know when Rudy Bega will turnip.
Don't worry, there's more where those came from.
Some years ago, we created t-shirts for the farm and sold a number of them. In reality, most of the shirts we made were given as gifts or used by us. However...
A number of people have suggested to us that they are interested in at least one of our designs to make a return. So, for the sake of argument, here are some t-shirt ideas that we've been playing around with. Any feedback/suggestions?
FOR THAT MATTER - any design submissions based on these ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
Current designs:
1. Minding Your Peas and Cukes
New Ideas:
1. Fear the Zucchini (this is for you Phil)
2. Organically Grown - Protein Added (picture of broccoli w/ smiling worm sticking out of top)
3. Sasquash (picture a hairy squash with big feet... of course)
4. We've Got the Beet(s)
5. Where Have We Bean All Your Life?
6. It's Ok to Look at Our Brassicas (Adam & Eve w/ strategically placed broccoli, etc)
7. American Gopick (take on American Gothic)
8. Common Tater, Dick Tater, Darth Tater, etc etc (don't forget the little ones - also known as Speck Taters). Now you can choose because only you can tell if this spud's for you.
9. She's my Melon Collie Baby.... sorry, had to - but imagine a puppy sitting on a watermelon....
10. The onion's relative - Frank (only T and I will laugh at this one)
11. Dysfunctional Veg Family - Ma Bell (pepper), Father Thyme, brothers Carrot Top, Cole Robby, sister Mary Gold and Baby ? in a corn crib. Then there is the extended family standing over by the well - we call them our pump kin....
12. Whenever someone makes a mistake, we just give them the rhubarb.
13. You never know when Rudy Bega will turnip.
Don't worry, there's more where those came from.
Monday, February 22, 2010
I think you missed one
Well, we are officially 'cat-sitters' for a while as P,A & E move to a new location. And, we are finding life is a bit different with two five-year old cats as opposed to the 17 and 19 year old kitties that previously lived with us. At least we have experience with settling cats to new locations and have a pretty good idea of what to do. After all, we moved Stryder & Eowyn seven times during their lives.
A brief visit from P,A & E resulted in the arrival of some of the cats favorite toys - those little 'mice' that come in multiple colors. There was an open box of approximately eight of them. Clearly, the cats only need a couple at any given time. And, so they were given a couple. There has been great happiness since that time.
It's pretty amazing how TWO toy mice seem to appear ALL OVER the place. Like many cats, these two will 'gift' them two us by dropping them where they know we will find them. But, things got a little out of hand last night.
It started with the mouse we tied to a string. This was brought upstairs while we were working in the office. The gift was rewarded with a play session with the mouse on the string.
Apparently, this was appreciated. Because, as the humans again focused on work, a NEW gift was brought up the stairs and presented. Sadly, this one did not result in the anticipated play session.
So, another attempt was made....with another mouse.
And another.
And another.
And another.
Ok. Where did all of these toy mice come from?
Well, whatever the case may be - the cats got the humans to play a bit more.
It also caused them to realize that the box with all of the EXTRA mice was sitting where the cats COULD get to them. Inspection revealed a box devoid of toy mice. Guess we'd better check our shoes for presents in the morning.
A brief visit from P,A & E resulted in the arrival of some of the cats favorite toys - those little 'mice' that come in multiple colors. There was an open box of approximately eight of them. Clearly, the cats only need a couple at any given time. And, so they were given a couple. There has been great happiness since that time.
It's pretty amazing how TWO toy mice seem to appear ALL OVER the place. Like many cats, these two will 'gift' them two us by dropping them where they know we will find them. But, things got a little out of hand last night.
It started with the mouse we tied to a string. This was brought upstairs while we were working in the office. The gift was rewarded with a play session with the mouse on the string.
Apparently, this was appreciated. Because, as the humans again focused on work, a NEW gift was brought up the stairs and presented. Sadly, this one did not result in the anticipated play session.
So, another attempt was made....with another mouse.
And another.
And another.
And another.
Ok. Where did all of these toy mice come from?
Well, whatever the case may be - the cats got the humans to play a bit more.
It also caused them to realize that the box with all of the EXTRA mice was sitting where the cats COULD get to them. Inspection revealed a box devoid of toy mice. Guess we'd better check our shoes for presents in the morning.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Farm Misc
Since it has been a while since we've done this...some news of the farm.
EQIP Funds for High Tunnel
We have applied for funds under the federally funding EQIP program in order to get some cost share help on a high tunnel. Also known as a hoop house, the concept is to have an unheated greenhouse-like structure to extend the growing season. We are looking at a movable high tunnel to support our desire to rotate crops and integrate cover crops into the mix. We'll keep everyone posted if we are accepted into the program, etc.
New Boiler
It wasn't in the farm plan - but we have to get a new boiler for our house (water heat). Ah well, that's the way it goes. We're hopeful that this will be done in the next week. Our thanks to Tripoli Plumbing & Heating for all of their help on this.
Planting Season
It is time. Onions and leeks are due to go into trays this weekend or soon after. We're not sure we're ready for this...but that's the way we feel every year.
Seed Orders
Nearly complete on this front. This will be a nice thing to put behind us. There were several varieties that were not available this year, so we had to make some adjustments. But, that happens every year and we do just fine.
Organic Certification
Oy, is THAT deadline coming up too?
CSA Signup
We still have plenty of slots. Currently we are sitting at approximately 80 subscribers. We would like to end at 120. We are not terribly worried about reaching that number since many people are just now beginning to think about Spring and fresh produce.
EQIP Funds for High Tunnel
We have applied for funds under the federally funding EQIP program in order to get some cost share help on a high tunnel. Also known as a hoop house, the concept is to have an unheated greenhouse-like structure to extend the growing season. We are looking at a movable high tunnel to support our desire to rotate crops and integrate cover crops into the mix. We'll keep everyone posted if we are accepted into the program, etc.
New Boiler
It wasn't in the farm plan - but we have to get a new boiler for our house (water heat). Ah well, that's the way it goes. We're hopeful that this will be done in the next week. Our thanks to Tripoli Plumbing & Heating for all of their help on this.
Planting Season
It is time. Onions and leeks are due to go into trays this weekend or soon after. We're not sure we're ready for this...but that's the way we feel every year.
Seed Orders
Nearly complete on this front. This will be a nice thing to put behind us. There were several varieties that were not available this year, so we had to make some adjustments. But, that happens every year and we do just fine.
Organic Certification
Oy, is THAT deadline coming up too?
CSA Signup
We still have plenty of slots. Currently we are sitting at approximately 80 subscribers. We would like to end at 120. We are not terribly worried about reaching that number since many people are just now beginning to think about Spring and fresh produce.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
You Keep Saying That Word....
I don't think it means what you think it means...
(a little Princess Bride anyone?)
Given recent events we're beginning to wonder about a couple of words on the farm.
Word #1 FIXED
We are, of course, referring to the concept of repairing something that is broken. Other definitions of 'fixed' need not apply for this blog post.
Case in point - the truck. In December, the truck was hesitating a bit - just not up to its normal chipper self. So, we thought we'd have it looked at. First, it was the distributor cap. In order to expedite matters, we even drove to get the part. Unfortunately, it turned out to need the entire distributor replaced. Ok, now it is FIXED, right?
Nope. That clicking noise it makes when we try to start it. Ya, that one right there? Can you say starter? I thought you could. What can we say - it's a piece of machinery - we're not sure 'fixed' applies.
Word #2 COMPLETED
Anyone who has done projects around the house KNOWS this word is a false hope. One project simply begets another - or several other - project(s). In fact, those other projects often prevent the absolute completion of the first project.
An example - the roof. Yes, a little under a year ago we had the main part of our roof replaced. Wonderful and most appreciated. But, it's an old farm house - there were other parts to the roof - including that flat area over the porch. Leaked like a sieve. So, we had that changed to a slanted roof just recently. But, of course, it isn't going to be entirely finished until all of the siding issues, electrical issues and insulation issues are completed. So, it is completed except that there is still more to do!
Word #3 INCONCEIVABLE
This one simply had to be added because of the movie reference. Just the rules of the game that is blogging.
(a little Princess Bride anyone?)
Given recent events we're beginning to wonder about a couple of words on the farm.
Word #1 FIXED
We are, of course, referring to the concept of repairing something that is broken. Other definitions of 'fixed' need not apply for this blog post.
Case in point - the truck. In December, the truck was hesitating a bit - just not up to its normal chipper self. So, we thought we'd have it looked at. First, it was the distributor cap. In order to expedite matters, we even drove to get the part. Unfortunately, it turned out to need the entire distributor replaced. Ok, now it is FIXED, right?
Nope. That clicking noise it makes when we try to start it. Ya, that one right there? Can you say starter? I thought you could. What can we say - it's a piece of machinery - we're not sure 'fixed' applies.
Word #2 COMPLETED
Anyone who has done projects around the house KNOWS this word is a false hope. One project simply begets another - or several other - project(s). In fact, those other projects often prevent the absolute completion of the first project.
An example - the roof. Yes, a little under a year ago we had the main part of our roof replaced. Wonderful and most appreciated. But, it's an old farm house - there were other parts to the roof - including that flat area over the porch. Leaked like a sieve. So, we had that changed to a slanted roof just recently. But, of course, it isn't going to be entirely finished until all of the siding issues, electrical issues and insulation issues are completed. So, it is completed except that there is still more to do!
Word #3 INCONCEIVABLE
This one simply had to be added because of the movie reference. Just the rules of the game that is blogging.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Oh no! The Death Melon!
It's been a while since we featured this in a newsletter or otherwise. It's STILL funny. Even funnier if you know the Star Wars storyline.
Best parts:
Darth Tater: No, I am your father.
Cuke Skywalker: That's.... really impossible!
or
Obi-wan Canoli: The farm is what gives us our power. It's a kind of....field. That creates all edible things.
and, of course
The Death Melon - that giant fruit threatens us all!
Best parts:
Darth Tater: No, I am your father.
Cuke Skywalker: That's.... really impossible!
or
Obi-wan Canoli: The farm is what gives us our power. It's a kind of....field. That creates all edible things.
and, of course
The Death Melon - that giant fruit threatens us all!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
One Down...too many to go
The field planning for 2010 is moving forward. And, I'm proud to say that I have one figured out.
Mostly.
Out of nine.
Uh oh.
Actually, it isn't that bad. Several fields will not be planted much differently than 2009. So, the reality for those fields is that we'll make some little tweaks and proceed. And, actually, the field that has long been in need of some real work is the one I've been spending time on. It's all part of our incremental farm improvement. It's too much to ask for us to get everything fixed all at one time. So, we focus on something different to improve each year.
This year, we're trying to get the brassica/allium plot worked out. For the uninitiated, brassica includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kohlrabi. Allium includes our onions and leeks. Three years ago, we had a great year for brussels, kohlrabi and onions. Two years ago, it was broccoli, onions, kale and brussels. Last year, it was kohlrabi and... um. Well, we do have to remember that we have high standards, I guess....
Part of the problem is the simple fact that we have been working on succession planting (multiple plantings in one season to extend the harvest). The other part is determining which varieties we feel work for our fields and our needs. So, without further ado:
Cauliflower varieties for 2010: Amazing (op), Cassius (f1), Early Snowball (op), Fremont (f1), Snow Crown (f1)
Broccoli varieties for 2010: Belstar (f1), Calabrese (op), DeCicco (op), Early Dividend (f1), Gypsy (f1), Packman (f1), Thompson (op), Umpqua (op)
Kohrabi: Eder (f1), Kolibri (f1), Superschmeltz (op), Winner (f1)
Cabbage: Red Express (op), Copenhagen Market (op)
Brussels: Diablo (f1), Long Island Improved (op), Roodnerf(op)
Kale: Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (op), Lacinato (op), Red Russian (op)
There will be 3 cauliflower successions, 3 kale, 4 cabbage and 6 each for broccoli and kohlrabi.
Wish us luck.
Mostly.
Out of nine.
Uh oh.
Actually, it isn't that bad. Several fields will not be planted much differently than 2009. So, the reality for those fields is that we'll make some little tweaks and proceed. And, actually, the field that has long been in need of some real work is the one I've been spending time on. It's all part of our incremental farm improvement. It's too much to ask for us to get everything fixed all at one time. So, we focus on something different to improve each year.
This year, we're trying to get the brassica/allium plot worked out. For the uninitiated, brassica includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kohlrabi. Allium includes our onions and leeks. Three years ago, we had a great year for brussels, kohlrabi and onions. Two years ago, it was broccoli, onions, kale and brussels. Last year, it was kohlrabi and... um. Well, we do have to remember that we have high standards, I guess....
Part of the problem is the simple fact that we have been working on succession planting (multiple plantings in one season to extend the harvest). The other part is determining which varieties we feel work for our fields and our needs. So, without further ado:
Cauliflower varieties for 2010: Amazing (op), Cassius (f1), Early Snowball (op), Fremont (f1), Snow Crown (f1)
Broccoli varieties for 2010: Belstar (f1), Calabrese (op), DeCicco (op), Early Dividend (f1), Gypsy (f1), Packman (f1), Thompson (op), Umpqua (op)
Kohrabi: Eder (f1), Kolibri (f1), Superschmeltz (op), Winner (f1)
Cabbage: Red Express (op), Copenhagen Market (op)
Brussels: Diablo (f1), Long Island Improved (op), Roodnerf(op)
Kale: Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (op), Lacinato (op), Red Russian (op)
There will be 3 cauliflower successions, 3 kale, 4 cabbage and 6 each for broccoli and kohlrabi.
Wish us luck.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weather Norms
Weather is an integral part of what we do at the farm. Thus, we might spend a little more time learning about it and observing it than others. Recently, I was exploring the National Weather Service's site and found the following graphs available for summarizing the temperatures and precipitation for a given year.
The dark blue line for temps indicates the range of temperatures traveled during a given day. So, you can get an idea as to whether a year was warmer/cooler than usual by looking at how much of the normal range is covered/not covered by the actual temperatures. For example, if you look in the area of the graph for January 2008, you will see lots of green under the actual temperatures - so we had a warmer than average period at that time, followed by a dip to below average temperatures. There looks like there was even a record set for a low towards the end of that month.
The green areas show rainfall and then snow fall amounts. The light green curve shows what an average precipitation year might look like. The dark green shows places where we were above the average total for the year up to that date. A tan-ish color indicates periods where we were below average total for the year. So, 2009 started a little dry, but was generally a 'wet' year. You can find dry periods by looking for points where the graph flattens to horizontal (see September for example).
What do these show us?
We know 2008 was a difficult year and we can summarize it by saying it started out cool and very wet. But, we were saved by a warmer than usual fall (with average rain amounts - since it's curve parallels the average at that time). Of course, we KNOW this because we LIVED it. However, if you can get the data in front of you, you can confirm the facts and consider what sorts of 'windows' in the weather we one can exploit during difficult (and even good) seasons.
For example, the past four years show a trend for dry weather during the second half of June. While this may not fall exactly at this point every year, we do see a two-week period where things dry out. Often, we are still putting in transplants and crops to maintain succession plantings in June. So, if we hit the dry spot we need to either irrigate or delay the planting to get past that dry spot. It also means we should hit cultivation and weed control hard in the first half of the two-weeks before soil gets compacted.
While we may do these sorts of things during this time of year anyway, knowing this can give us more conviction in our tasks because we know what the trends TEND to be.
Of course, this is the weather we are talking about, we'd better take all of this with a grain of salt.
The dark blue line for temps indicates the range of temperatures traveled during a given day. So, you can get an idea as to whether a year was warmer/cooler than usual by looking at how much of the normal range is covered/not covered by the actual temperatures. For example, if you look in the area of the graph for January 2008, you will see lots of green under the actual temperatures - so we had a warmer than average period at that time, followed by a dip to below average temperatures. There looks like there was even a record set for a low towards the end of that month.
The green areas show rainfall and then snow fall amounts. The light green curve shows what an average precipitation year might look like. The dark green shows places where we were above the average total for the year up to that date. A tan-ish color indicates periods where we were below average total for the year. So, 2009 started a little dry, but was generally a 'wet' year. You can find dry periods by looking for points where the graph flattens to horizontal (see September for example).
What do these show us?
We know 2008 was a difficult year and we can summarize it by saying it started out cool and very wet. But, we were saved by a warmer than usual fall (with average rain amounts - since it's curve parallels the average at that time). Of course, we KNOW this because we LIVED it. However, if you can get the data in front of you, you can confirm the facts and consider what sorts of 'windows' in the weather we one can exploit during difficult (and even good) seasons.
For example, the past four years show a trend for dry weather during the second half of June. While this may not fall exactly at this point every year, we do see a two-week period where things dry out. Often, we are still putting in transplants and crops to maintain succession plantings in June. So, if we hit the dry spot we need to either irrigate or delay the planting to get past that dry spot. It also means we should hit cultivation and weed control hard in the first half of the two-weeks before soil gets compacted.
While we may do these sorts of things during this time of year anyway, knowing this can give us more conviction in our tasks because we know what the trends TEND to be.
Of course, this is the weather we are talking about, we'd better take all of this with a grain of salt.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Heirloom Rebuttal: Part 3
The following is a critique of the contents found in the article cited below:
Article name: How to Grow a Better Tomato: The Case against Heirloom Tomatoes
By Brendan Borrell in Scientific American, March 30, 2009
Article in quotes and italic. My responses follow in standard type and in red-brown.
"So breeders feel confident that getting germ-beating genes back into heirlooms won't harm the desirable aspects of the fruit. Modern breeding has resuscitated grocery store tomatoes with an influx of wild genes; in the past 50 years, researchers have bred back some 40 disease-resistance genes into commercial crops.
Restoring Heirloom's Health
Now, Monsanto wants to do the same for the heirloom. In 1996 a tomato breeder and former Tanksley student named Doug Heath began a pet project at Seminis VegetableSeeds, a Monsanto subsidiary. After 12 years of traditional breeding with the help of molecular markers, he has created a new rainbow-streaked tomato less prone to cracking and also endowed with 12 disease-resistant genes. The original plant, Heath explains, had defective flowers, which is one reason why it set only two fruits compared with the 30 he gets from his new variety. He claims he is also able to maintain a comparable flavor and sugar profile even on productive plants. It turns out that the heirloom's defects are neither quirky nor cute, just an accident of a single-pronged breeding strategy left over from the dawn of genetics."
[The article goes on to point out that these seeds being created will produce plants that will NOT be able to produce viable seed]Now, Monsanto wants to do the same for the heirloom. In 1996 a tomato breeder and former Tanksley student named Doug Heath began a pet project at Seminis VegetableSeeds, a Monsanto subsidiary. After 12 years of traditional breeding with the help of molecular markers, he has created a new rainbow-streaked tomato less prone to cracking and also endowed with 12 disease-resistant genes. The original plant, Heath explains, had defective flowers, which is one reason why it set only two fruits compared with the 30 he gets from his new variety. He claims he is also able to maintain a comparable flavor and sugar profile even on productive plants. It turns out that the heirloom's defects are neither quirky nor cute, just an accident of a single-pronged breeding strategy left over from the dawn of genetics."
I'm going to cut to the chase right now.
Explain to me how these will be genetically superior if they cannot reproduce without proprietary methods/hybridization?
You can't tell me out of one side of your proverbial mouth that natural selection has taken care of the Andes forebears of tomatoes and how wonderful that is. AND, tell me that stupid humans have done a nice job of hybridizing genetic disease resistance out of them. Then, out of the other side of your mouth, you tell me that humans, using only genetics in a profit making framework, are going to save the day? And, you'll do that by removing the natural reproductive method for these plants that will allow for natural selection to take place. You also can't tell me that more fruit per plant = less taste and then herald more fruit per plant as solving a problem.
Ok, maybe you can. But, it just makes me angry that things are misrepresented to make the point. I only hope that I've done a better job of trying to make my point without taking this approach!
The motivations are consistent, but the claims are not. The motivation is to produce more marketable fruit - period. If there is growing demand for heirlooms, then commercially one tends to look for ways to grow more of them.
=============
I want to avoid sounding too much like I'm irrational in defense of heirlooms. There are issues with them. In fact, if I wanted to maximize my tomato production to simply meet demand for that product, I might look for different answers. But, I don't - and I'll tell people why every so often when I get on the soapbox.
So, why am I rabid enough about the topic to place a three-part response in a blog no one reads? It's because I think the focus on this area is, perhaps, attacking the WRONG PROBLEMS.
- We need to focus on the health of the soil and environs in which these things grow. Regardless of seed stock, it will improve long term reliable production.
- We need to get away from monoculture cropping methods and improve our rotation and inter cropping methods. Plants need more disease resistance if we keep making conditions better for diseases to inoculate in the crops. But, if we work on improving conditions... Think of it this way - this logic has some similarity to taking antibiotics every day because we want to protect ourselves from the pathogens in the sewer backup that we refuse to take care of in our basement. If you do nothing to build a healthy environment, then - of course - you may have to rely on the medicine.
- We need to work on building local food systems that use sustainable methods in agriculture.
- We need to improve "everyperson's" understanding of how to prepare food using fresh vegetables. Increasing disease resistance for mass-production of product does nothing to help people figure out how to use produce. And, until we increase our collective IQ (or return it to what it once was) the problem will persist.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mmmmm. Food
Just a reminder that there are plenty of vegetables that can be stored for winter use. And, as a result, you can continue to create colorful and tasty dishes.
This pan of veg was created in January and includes sweet potatoes, potatoes (blue and yellow), rutabagas, turnips, beets and maybe other things I can't remember. We roasted this slowly in the oven for a fairly long period of time (until things were appropriately softened - not mushy). T can tell you what spicing she may have included, but I cannot. I can, however, tell you that this was delicious.
This pan of veg was created in January and includes sweet potatoes, potatoes (blue and yellow), rutabagas, turnips, beets and maybe other things I can't remember. We roasted this slowly in the oven for a fairly long period of time (until things were appropriately softened - not mushy). T can tell you what spicing she may have included, but I cannot. I can, however, tell you that this was delicious.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Farm in Winter
The farm undergoes interesting transformations during the winter. And, a recent walk around the farm with a camera yielded a couple of pictures that might give everyone a feel for how things stand at this time.
Yes, we have low tunnels. What is a low tunnel, you ask? Look at the picture below and you will see (sort of). If you can't see at this size, click on the picture and it will open a window with a larger image.
Essentially, a low tunnel is a series of hoops covered by plastic. The plastic is anchored along the edges by ground staples (U shaped heavy gauge wire) and metal stakes. In winters when we don't have snow cover, we often have problems with the plastic blowing loose in the wind. Thus, there will be multiple trips to attempt to re-anchor the low tunnel plastic. So far this year, the snow is keeping things down and insulated. Inside of these covers are lettuce plants. They are probably still only a couple of inches high. I say 'probably' because I am not about to dig in there to check. The target is to have lettuce in March and early April.
The picture below may be too small to see the detail, so you may want to click on this one as well. This is the view into our eastern plots. The tomato cages are nicely corralled and collecting snow. After last year's experience of crushed cages (due to snow weight) we decided to leave them upright this year. The cages were moved with the help of a helpful class from Wartburg taking a day at the farm - thanks to all of you!
You might notice the sunflowers (and maybe some popcorn) still standing. We don't clean everything out of our gardens in the fall. We prefer to have ground cover to catch some snow and to prevent erosion of the soil. If you've ever seen the 'snirt' at the edges of fields that have been fall tilled, you can appreciate how the soil can move with no cover. The birds are still pecking away at the seeds and we can handle a few volunteer sunflowers.
Yes, we have low tunnels. What is a low tunnel, you ask? Look at the picture below and you will see (sort of). If you can't see at this size, click on the picture and it will open a window with a larger image.
Essentially, a low tunnel is a series of hoops covered by plastic. The plastic is anchored along the edges by ground staples (U shaped heavy gauge wire) and metal stakes. In winters when we don't have snow cover, we often have problems with the plastic blowing loose in the wind. Thus, there will be multiple trips to attempt to re-anchor the low tunnel plastic. So far this year, the snow is keeping things down and insulated. Inside of these covers are lettuce plants. They are probably still only a couple of inches high. I say 'probably' because I am not about to dig in there to check. The target is to have lettuce in March and early April.
The picture below may be too small to see the detail, so you may want to click on this one as well. This is the view into our eastern plots. The tomato cages are nicely corralled and collecting snow. After last year's experience of crushed cages (due to snow weight) we decided to leave them upright this year. The cages were moved with the help of a helpful class from Wartburg taking a day at the farm - thanks to all of you!
You might notice the sunflowers (and maybe some popcorn) still standing. We don't clean everything out of our gardens in the fall. We prefer to have ground cover to catch some snow and to prevent erosion of the soil. If you've ever seen the 'snirt' at the edges of fields that have been fall tilled, you can appreciate how the soil can move with no cover. The birds are still pecking away at the seeds and we can handle a few volunteer sunflowers.
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