Rainfall amounts on the farm for the latest series have been manageable.
.9" Thursday AM and another half inch in the evening.
1.3" inches over night into the early morning hours today.
So - 2.7" and counting - since the forecast calls for more heavy rains tonight.
We understand that Denver, IA had 7" over a similar 24 hour period. So, we are reminded how bad this could have been.
There is some standing water in a few places in our veg fields, but nothing terrible at this time. We are hopeful that tonight's rains are more moderate than forecast.
On the positive side - the early Thus rains were gentle and actually quite useful. the slower rate allowed the soil to take in most of the moisture. We'd have been thrilled if it had stopped there for the week.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
What did you do today?
I was asked recently by a person who does not know me all that well...
What have you been up to today?
As most people who DO know the two of us, you know this is a DANGEROUS QUESTION!
And this got me to thinking... which is a DANGEROUS PASTIME!
So, what did we do today? This is, of course, the 'royal we' that includes Tammy, myself, Denis, Anden, Dad Faux and Sally. Yep, had a crew for parts of the day!
We....
See you all tomorrow!
What have you been up to today?
As most people who DO know the two of us, you know this is a DANGEROUS QUESTION!
And this got me to thinking... which is a DANGEROUS PASTIME!
So, what did we do today? This is, of course, the 'royal we' that includes Tammy, myself, Denis, Anden, Dad Faux and Sally. Yep, had a crew for parts of the day!
We....
- weeded 150 feet of beans and 200 feet of potatoes
- weeded 250 feet of lettuce
- weeded 300 feet of peppers
- cultivated all of the above
- hay mulched 120 feet of space between tomatoes
- hay mulched some potatoes
- mowed down areas between tomatoes
- mowed large areas of ground to gather mulch so we could
- mulch beans, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers
- picked up 135 processed chickens from Martzahn's in Greene
- moved items from one freezer to another so we could put the chickens in a freezer
- washed all the coolers and containers used for yesterdays CSA and the chickens
- weed whipped an area around wood we need to clean up
- put a door knob on the door to the poultry palace
- cut a new hole for turkeys to leave the poultry palace and go to their pasture
- picked 29 lbs of beans
- picked 276 onions
- planted 60 feet of Brussels, 360 feet of broccoli, 60 feet of cauliflower and 120 feet of cabbage
- watered trays of seedlings
- did a couple loads of laundry because
- Rob went through three shirts today
- moved exclusion cages...ups... we forgot to put them back. Looks like a task to do in the rain tomorrow.
- Fed and watered critters.
- Closed doors on critters before dark.
- Opened up/Closed up the high tunnel & cold frames
- Made lunch for 5 people
- Sent out a CSA email
- Made a quick seed order
- Made a quick seed tray order
- Began balancing the checkbook
- typed a blog post and...
See you all tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Just for Fun
A few short things that may amuse.... ok, they amused me.
- The turkeys are still fairly small, but getting some size on them now. One of them decided to fluff out and fan at me this morning when I fed the flock. My response? I said, "You've got to be kidding." The bird's response? It immediately unfluffed and unfanned. We are now wondering if we need to get this bird counseling since I have likely given it problems with self-esteem.
- The bees have liked the sun the last couple of days and were VERY busy today. It's a good thing to see them zipping around the cucumbers. Although, it is odd seeing one looking at you from its perch on the underside of the bill of your hat.
- We hand planted summer squash and zucchini a couple weeks ago. Of course, some germinated, some did not. Odd how you drop outside of the row and the germination rate goes way up. So, are they weeds or part of the crop now?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Quick Farm Report
A very quick farm report for those who are interested:
High Tunnel: The high tunnel has had a few more bits of work done to it, but there is still a nice list to finish up. We have tilled the area west of the high tunnel and have planted melons, some tomatoes and peppers. We will move the tunnel over these crops this coming weekend and secure it until late September. The plot the tunnel is currently over has also been tilled, but will be worked and planted after the tunnel is moved off. That crop will feature things like lettuce, spinach and other fall crops.
Farm Organization: Events, such as a field day, tend to make organization on the farm a bit of a challenge. But, of course, the event was worth it. However, we realized that we never did get a picture of the shelves Dad Faux put up for us last summer. They are in full use right now!
You might notice twine hanging form the rafters. That is where we are hanging our garlic for curing. If I took a picture now, you would find many bunches hanging there. But, we're only 1/5 of the way through the harvest!
Crops:
We are in the process of pulling many of the crops that died from root rot and other complications form standing water. We are also in process of planting MANY new crops for fall consumption. Some are a stretch - others are normal for planting at this point. We are overplanting for some things as well. Recently planted items include: summer squash, zucchini, dry beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, peas, beets, turnips, rutabaga, chard. Going in soon include broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, onions, green beans, collards and more.
Summer squash, zucchini and cucumbers are just now getting started. We are hopeful that they give us a fair amount this week and whole bunch next week!
High Tunnel: The high tunnel has had a few more bits of work done to it, but there is still a nice list to finish up. We have tilled the area west of the high tunnel and have planted melons, some tomatoes and peppers. We will move the tunnel over these crops this coming weekend and secure it until late September. The plot the tunnel is currently over has also been tilled, but will be worked and planted after the tunnel is moved off. That crop will feature things like lettuce, spinach and other fall crops.
Farm Organization: Events, such as a field day, tend to make organization on the farm a bit of a challenge. But, of course, the event was worth it. However, we realized that we never did get a picture of the shelves Dad Faux put up for us last summer. They are in full use right now!
You might notice twine hanging form the rafters. That is where we are hanging our garlic for curing. If I took a picture now, you would find many bunches hanging there. But, we're only 1/5 of the way through the harvest!
Crops:
We are in the process of pulling many of the crops that died from root rot and other complications form standing water. We are also in process of planting MANY new crops for fall consumption. Some are a stretch - others are normal for planting at this point. We are overplanting for some things as well. Recently planted items include: summer squash, zucchini, dry beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, peas, beets, turnips, rutabaga, chard. Going in soon include broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, onions, green beans, collards and more.
Summer squash, zucchini and cucumbers are just now getting started. We are hopeful that they give us a fair amount this week and whole bunch next week!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Catching a Break
The weather forecasters had identified Wednesday night as very likely to have severe weather with heavy rains. And, in fact, a band of heavy rain formed across the entire state again last night. I have yet to learn if heavy rains hit other parts of Iowa. But...
I can tell you that the winds and lightning were manageable (only one close strike of lightning) and we only received a couple tenths of an inch of rain. The fields were just getting workable again yesterday and we pushed to get things done. With only a couple tenths of an inch, we can go right back out today and weed, till, pick and plant.
Now, just so Mother Nature doesn't take this wrong. We don't mind rains that can soak into the ground - it's the ones that land on fully saturated soil and stand there.
I can tell you that the winds and lightning were manageable (only one close strike of lightning) and we only received a couple tenths of an inch of rain. The fields were just getting workable again yesterday and we pushed to get things done. With only a couple tenths of an inch, we can go right back out today and weed, till, pick and plant.
Now, just so Mother Nature doesn't take this wrong. We don't mind rains that can soak into the ground - it's the ones that land on fully saturated soil and stand there.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
O 2 B A B
Last year at this time, we were astonished by the sheer numbers of bees on our flowers in both the flower and vegetable gardens. The variety was amazing and the activity was enjoyable to watch.
Unfortunately, this sort of weather is particularly difficult for the European honey bee. And, we do have two hives on the farm this year. Short story - the bees are having a difficult year.
Even so, they were out and about this last week when we got to see the sun.
You might want to click on this picture to view a bigger version of it. The bee is just above the center of the top left flower. Not a honey bee, but a wonderful pollinator. We like seeing these little critters around.
The honey bees belong to John Axon and he cares for the hives. We know the bees like our flowers - but we wish the year was a better one for his bees.
Unfortunately, this sort of weather is particularly difficult for the European honey bee. And, we do have two hives on the farm this year. Short story - the bees are having a difficult year.
Even so, they were out and about this last week when we got to see the sun.
You might want to click on this picture to view a bigger version of it. The bee is just above the center of the top left flower. Not a honey bee, but a wonderful pollinator. We like seeing these little critters around.
Then there are our friends from the hives. Look at the bottom left and you can see a bee heavily laden with pollen from the hosta flowers. Again, clicking on it will increase the size of the picture for your viewing.
The honey bees belong to John Axon and he cares for the hives. We know the bees like our flowers - but we wish the year was a better one for his bees.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Exhausted doesn' t cover it
The field day is over. Sort of.
The thing that everyone, including us, tends to forget is what happens AFTER a major event concludes. The anticipation and preparation reaches a fever pitch and a person can begin to romanticize how the days following will be sane and relaxed. And, no matter HOW MUCH you tell yourself not to do this - you do.
So, here we are on the first day after the field day. Well, at the end of the first day - you'll read this post on Sunday - it is written on Saturday.
Much has been displaced and otherwise shuffled in order to accommodate the high tunnel build. So, of course, we're having a grand time putting things back and trying to find things that have moved. Things that were put on 'coast' or 'hold' are at a point where they are demanding their attention. And, all we want to do is sleep.
But, alot has been done and we got good help from many people. It's really pretty difficult to complain about that!
The thing that everyone, including us, tends to forget is what happens AFTER a major event concludes. The anticipation and preparation reaches a fever pitch and a person can begin to romanticize how the days following will be sane and relaxed. And, no matter HOW MUCH you tell yourself not to do this - you do.
So, here we are on the first day after the field day. Well, at the end of the first day - you'll read this post on Sunday - it is written on Saturday.
Much has been displaced and otherwise shuffled in order to accommodate the high tunnel build. So, of course, we're having a grand time putting things back and trying to find things that have moved. Things that were put on 'coast' or 'hold' are at a point where they are demanding their attention. And, all we want to do is sleep.
But, alot has been done and we got good help from many people. It's really pretty difficult to complain about that!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
High Tunnel Field Day 2 (Build Day 3)
Pictures from Friday for our 2 day high tunnel build field day follow:
Friday morning focused on afixing the polycarbonate to the end walls. And adjusting the end walls as discoveries were made. Wiggle wire channel and other hardware are difficult to show here, but these also took up time and energy.
And, this is what the structure looked like at lunch time.
And now we learn why tennis balls were on the supply list.
Pulling the cover over the high tunnel.
Breeze was light - be even a light breeze requires many hands to hold the plastic down. Happily, no one became an involuntary wind surfer.
Pulling the plastic tight the long way. Apparently those who build these things are allowed to stand on the top rung!
And, here we are fluffing and pulling the skin tight on the tunnel. Light from the heavens gives us its blessing.
Putting wiggle wire in the top to hold the plastic in place.
And, wiggle wire on the sides.
With the exception of the door on the east, this is what the high tunnel looked like at the end of Friday.
Our sincere thanks to all who helped us with this project in so many ways. We'll post more pictures as the finishing touches are made.
R & T
Friday morning focused on afixing the polycarbonate to the end walls. And adjusting the end walls as discoveries were made. Wiggle wire channel and other hardware are difficult to show here, but these also took up time and energy.
And, this is what the structure looked like at lunch time.
And now we learn why tennis balls were on the supply list.
Pulling the cover over the high tunnel.
Breeze was light - be even a light breeze requires many hands to hold the plastic down. Happily, no one became an involuntary wind surfer.
Pulling the plastic tight the long way. Apparently those who build these things are allowed to stand on the top rung!
And, here we are fluffing and pulling the skin tight on the tunnel. Light from the heavens gives us its blessing.
Putting wiggle wire in the top to hold the plastic in place.
And, wiggle wire on the sides.
With the exception of the door on the east, this is what the high tunnel looked like at the end of Friday.
Our sincere thanks to all who helped us with this project in so many ways. We'll post more pictures as the finishing touches are made.
R & T
Thursday, July 8, 2010
High Tunnel Field Day 1 (Build Day 2)
Day 1 of the GFF/PFI Movable High Tunnel Build Field Day is completed. Rather than typing much, we'll give you some pictures.
The high tunnel appeared to have some assembly required. And, they informed us that just adding water would not work. (we tried that on Wednesday)
Wednesday was actually the first day for the build. Things were done to get the high tunnel started, site prepped, etc. so that we could actually complete the ambitious schedule for the 2 day field day. The south wall is partially laid out here next to the unanchored v-track on Thus morning.
Thursday AM, this is what our high tunnel looked like.
Lots of willing hands made it easier to move the bows into place.
And, by the end of the day on Thursday, we actually had a structure that...well, looked like a high tunnel!
The high tunnel appeared to have some assembly required. And, they informed us that just adding water would not work. (we tried that on Wednesday)
Thursday AM, this is what our high tunnel looked like.
Lots of willing hands made it easier to move the bows into place.
There was a sighting of the superhero "Bandsaw Man."
And, by the end of the day on Thursday, we actually had a structure that...well, looked like a high tunnel!
We were even able to take it out for a test drive. Yes, two people CAN move this thing.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Farm News
The problem with a blog is its sequential Last In First Out nature. We have two things that are worthy of your attention right now:
1. The CSA distribution is canceled for this week. We will add a week at the end of the season. See this post for more.
2. The High Tunnel Field Day is this week. See this post for more.
1. The CSA distribution is canceled for this week. We will add a week at the end of the season. See this post for more.
2. The High Tunnel Field Day is this week. See this post for more.
Field Day
This Thursday and Friday will be our high tunnel build at the farm.
It is a field day for Practical Farmers of Iowa and will be a working field day. Persons attending are asked to pay a $25 registration fee to help defray the costs of food. An even better deal - pay $35 and become members of Practical Farmers of Iowa - that's pretty cool.
In any event, if anyone wishes to attend that has not told us so at this time - please let us know now!
======================
News Release
It is a field day for Practical Farmers of Iowa and will be a working field day. Persons attending are asked to pay a $25 registration fee to help defray the costs of food. An even better deal - pay $35 and become members of Practical Farmers of Iowa - that's pretty cool.
In any event, if anyone wishes to attend that has not told us so at this time - please let us know now!
======================
News Release
For Immediate Release
June 23, 2010
Contact: Sally Worley, Practical Farmers of Iowa, (515)232-5661, sally@practicalfarmers.org
Field Day Contact: Rob & Tammy Faux, Genuine Faux Farm, (319) 610-9201, gff@genuinefauxfarm.com
PFI Announces “Construct a Moveable High Tunnel” Field Day
The training build lasts from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 8, and from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Friday July 9. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days. Dinner will be provided on Thursday.
Adam Montri of
Tammy and Rob Faux have operated Genuine Faux Farm since 2004 raising vegetables, herbs, chickens, and turkeys. They market their products through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, farmer’s market, local stores, and institutions.
The field day is free for members, $25 for non-members. Please RSVP to Sally Worley, (515) 419-9551 or sally@practicalfarmers.org by July 2.
Thank you to the Ceres Foundation for sponsoring this event.
Directions: From Highway 63 (8 miles north of Hwy 3, 10 miles south of Highway 18) turn east on 150th Street and go 2.5 miles.
Thank you to the following2010 field day sponsors: Sysco, Albert Lea Seed House, Iowa State University, American Natural Soy, Seed Savers Exchange, Leopold Center, Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), Iowa Forage and Grassland Council, Organic Valley & Organic Prairie CROPP Cooperative, Featherman, Blue River Hybrids, Iowa Farmers Union, Wheatsfield Cooperative, Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, and ATTRA.
Practical Farmers of Iowa includes a diverse group of farmers and nonfarmers. Corn, soybeans, beef cattle, and hay are the top enterprises for PFI farmers, although many have a variety of other operations, including fruits and vegetables. PFI’s programming stresses farmer-to-farmer networking through research and demonstration, field days, conferences, and more. For more information, call 515-232-5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.
Slogging
We are no longer blogging at Genuinely Faux, we have begun to slog. As in 'slogging through the mud.' As a result of this and other circumstances - there will be NO CSA deliveries this week (July 5,6 & 8). We will tack on a week at the end of the season as long as monsoon weather doesn't last into October as it did last year.
Then there is the kale. It's been doing well for us and tasting good. But, it's very hard to pick when it is this wet. And - it could use a little more time to rejuvenate after a heavy pick last week. But, the biggest problem? If we wade in and pick when it is this wet, we make a whole row of ankle-turning ugliness out of the surrounding soil for the rest of the season. And since I intend to pick this kale for several weeks....
We had some wonderful helpers at the Saturday Tom Sawyer Day. You can see the little lettuce plants that have desperately wanted to go into the ground. I'm not sure they wanted to be watered in quite this much though.
They say "no man is an island." But, clearly the summer squash and garlic are. Good thing we hilled these plants (the summer squash).
In any event, the soil was - and is even more - saturated. We did manage to get a fair amount of work done over the past week (but especially the last couple of days). We planted carrots, basil, peppers, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, lettuce, cucumber, peas and beans. We ran out of time and did not get several other things in that needed to go in. But, time is time and that's the way it is.
Above is the pepper patch as of about 8:30 this morning. Some of the hot peppers have suffered root rot and died from prior wet conditions. Let's hope we don't have standing water for too long.
Then there is the kale. It's been doing well for us and tasting good. But, it's very hard to pick when it is this wet. And - it could use a little more time to rejuvenate after a heavy pick last week. But, the biggest problem? If we wade in and pick when it is this wet, we make a whole row of ankle-turning ugliness out of the surrounding soil for the rest of the season. And since I intend to pick this kale for several weeks....
We had some wonderful helpers at the Saturday Tom Sawyer Day. You can see the little lettuce plants that have desperately wanted to go into the ground. I'm not sure they wanted to be watered in quite this much though.
They say "no man is an island." But, clearly the summer squash and garlic are. Good thing we hilled these plants (the summer squash).
In any event, the soil was - and is even more - saturated. We did manage to get a fair amount of work done over the past week (but especially the last couple of days). We planted carrots, basil, peppers, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, lettuce, cucumber, peas and beans. We ran out of time and did not get several other things in that needed to go in. But, time is time and that's the way it is.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sleep Deprived
I am a light sleeper. T is generally a heavier sleeper. so, you know things are getting pretty raucous when the weather wakes BOTH of us up.
Tuesday night was the 2am storm that included a tornado touch down 2.5 miles south of us. I got to see that wall cloud and can tell you that it certainly looked dangerous. A few homesteads on highway 93 took some direct hit damage, but it seems that most of the houses survived well enough. Lots of damage to outbuildings. Our only damage was the lack of electricity, combined with water in the well 'room' that covered all of the electrical components. So, they all needed replacing, of course.
We've had two nights in a row with some significant thunder, lightning, rain and wind. And, I think you can forgive people in the area if such weather makes us a little skittish. But, they are all happening at night - makes it very difficult to get some good sleep.
And, once again, the rain gauge had 2 inches of water in it. Looks like we have until Wednesday before we can till and plant. We'd just started to be able to do that sort of work Friday. And, unfortunately, the weather is making the weed situation difficult as well.
Must be a farmer - just can't be happy with anything!
so, to end on a positive note. The baseball game was rained out. The fields were too wet. We were very tired. We took a nap. A long nap. In the middle of the day.
Ha!
Tuesday night was the 2am storm that included a tornado touch down 2.5 miles south of us. I got to see that wall cloud and can tell you that it certainly looked dangerous. A few homesteads on highway 93 took some direct hit damage, but it seems that most of the houses survived well enough. Lots of damage to outbuildings. Our only damage was the lack of electricity, combined with water in the well 'room' that covered all of the electrical components. So, they all needed replacing, of course.
We've had two nights in a row with some significant thunder, lightning, rain and wind. And, I think you can forgive people in the area if such weather makes us a little skittish. But, they are all happening at night - makes it very difficult to get some good sleep.
And, once again, the rain gauge had 2 inches of water in it. Looks like we have until Wednesday before we can till and plant. We'd just started to be able to do that sort of work Friday. And, unfortunately, the weather is making the weed situation difficult as well.
Must be a farmer - just can't be happy with anything!
so, to end on a positive note. The baseball game was rained out. The fields were too wet. We were very tired. We took a nap. A long nap. In the middle of the day.
Ha!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Eeek!
Well, we started to be able to work the field today. And look at the radar at this moment.
Sigh.
Sigh.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Yet Another Quick Farm Report
So you all know what is going on:
- Jeff S was kind enough to come out and help take down the flexible auger in the soon to be Fowl Palace (or whatever we decide to name it)
- Dad F is working on a room for the turkeys. They're going to love it. they'll have a huge pasture to themselves!
- A batch of Auracana chicks (they lay the green/blue eggs) just arrived at the farm
- Fields are just NOW beginning to be workable - and guess what is forecast for tonight?
- The kale looks great.
- Tomatoes look good.
- Much more progress on the clean up of the downed building. Most of the salvaged lumber is now under cover for later use (much in the Den of Fowl Inventions)
- Finally was able to go out and cut down the fallow plot in the east rotation. Just beat the thistles to flowering!
- Mudded in five rows of lettuce. for the unitiated that's 200 plants in a row. So 1000 plants are in.
- Finally was able to get the hot peppers and rest of the eggplant in. As with the lettuce, it was slow and difficult going. The amount of mud on our jeans made it difficult to walk afterwords.
- The tiller attachment on the tiller broke again - this time it is the OTHER spring that is constantly under tension. And...when it's not...the tiller no spin. Sigh.
- The walk behind tiller is still faithful - so we were able to cultivate the peppers and eggplant this PM.
- And, of course, the weeds are flourishing and we're fighting to get them "to leave town."
- We still have not been able to seed out two plots and are behind in three others. This does not make us happy.
- Most of the area for the high tunnel is now cleared for construction - we still need to move a few more plants and level the area.
- We may need to consider an industrial use washer given the amount of clothing we go through in a week (and the amount of mud and sweat on our clothing - ugh).
- The garlic scapes are being harvested and the plants generally look very good. This is the cleanest we've ever had them (in terms of weeds) and should make harvest much more pleasant - and therefore - timely.
- if your personal farmers seem a bit edgy, it's because they are not as happy with the early season crops as they wanted to be. And, it's because there is so much that was supposed to be done during the last three weeks that *could not be done*. We'll get there. Have to accept that we cannot go back in time - and even if we did, we couldn't fix it.
- Jeff S was kind enough to come out and help take down the flexible auger in the soon to be Fowl Palace (or whatever we decide to name it)
- Dad F is working on a room for the turkeys. They're going to love it. they'll have a huge pasture to themselves!
- A batch of Auracana chicks (they lay the green/blue eggs) just arrived at the farm
- Fields are just NOW beginning to be workable - and guess what is forecast for tonight?
- The kale looks great.
- Tomatoes look good.
- Much more progress on the clean up of the downed building. Most of the salvaged lumber is now under cover for later use (much in the Den of Fowl Inventions)
- Finally was able to go out and cut down the fallow plot in the east rotation. Just beat the thistles to flowering!
- Mudded in five rows of lettuce. for the unitiated that's 200 plants in a row. So 1000 plants are in.
- Finally was able to get the hot peppers and rest of the eggplant in. As with the lettuce, it was slow and difficult going. The amount of mud on our jeans made it difficult to walk afterwords.
- The tiller attachment on the tiller broke again - this time it is the OTHER spring that is constantly under tension. And...when it's not...the tiller no spin. Sigh.
- The walk behind tiller is still faithful - so we were able to cultivate the peppers and eggplant this PM.
- And, of course, the weeds are flourishing and we're fighting to get them "to leave town."
- We still have not been able to seed out two plots and are behind in three others. This does not make us happy.
- Most of the area for the high tunnel is now cleared for construction - we still need to move a few more plants and level the area.
- We may need to consider an industrial use washer given the amount of clothing we go through in a week (and the amount of mud and sweat on our clothing - ugh).
- The garlic scapes are being harvested and the plants generally look very good. This is the cleanest we've ever had them (in terms of weeds) and should make harvest much more pleasant - and therefore - timely.
- if your personal farmers seem a bit edgy, it's because they are not as happy with the early season crops as they wanted to be. And, it's because there is so much that was supposed to be done during the last three weeks that *could not be done*. We'll get there. Have to accept that we cannot go back in time - and even if we did, we couldn't fix it.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Absitively Posolutely
Sometimes you just have to think about good stuff to bring yourself out of a funk. And, I'll admit, the extra doses of rain and the wet fields are stressing us out a bit. So....
- Dad F has put in some wonderful work in preparing a new place to house turkeys. And, the tractors have all gotten a much needed maintenance. Thanks Dad and Happy Father's Day!
- We're still appreciating the fact that some scrub trees that were in the wrong spot have been removed and the wild plums were tamed (as much as wild plums can be tamed). Thanks Dad Z and Happy Father's Day!
- D.D. & A.D. come out to the farm four days a week and put forth excellent effort to help us get things done on the farm. They do their best to help us do our best. Thanks to both of you!
- S & J have also been out once a week and each has diligently done what they could to help! The weeding has been a good thing, well done and thank you!
- I've had the privilege to pitch on a ball team that in each of the last two games I've thrown have done an excellent job of catching the ball and making me look good. Thanks Cards!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Rain Rain Go Away....
We're getting a bit annoyed with the persistent rain on the farm right now. so many things were supposed to go in the ground and have not been able to.
And the forecast calls for a chance of rain almost continuously.
Unfortunately, in terms of crops for the season - this is getting more than just annoying. Remember, it takes several hours for the soil to dry out enough to be workable - so a sunny day is nice, but that doesn't mean we can till - or plant.
Don't know what else to say - just what's on my mind right now.
And the forecast calls for a chance of rain almost continuously.
Unfortunately, in terms of crops for the season - this is getting more than just annoying. Remember, it takes several hours for the soil to dry out enough to be workable - so a sunny day is nice, but that doesn't mean we can till - or plant.
Don't know what else to say - just what's on my mind right now.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
More Rain... and first CSA Distribution Week
It is official - we're getting tired of the rain on the farm. We don't want to say that too often or too loud as we really don't want MN (Mother Nature) to decide we shouldn't get rain until September at this point either. However, it has been very difficult to get anything done on the farm that has to do with our crops.
Case 1: Lettuce
We have trays and trays of lettuce that has been started. They need to go in the ground so they can form full heads and become tasty treats for everyone in the CSA, etc. If the soil is too wet, we can't make the transplant 'bed' - and it is very difficult to plant them when it is this damp.
Case 2: Eggplant
This is a microcosm of something else. We pushed and got all of the sweet peppers and many of the eggplant in prior to this batch of rainy days. We had a short window where we could actually till and then plant and we took advantage - putting in about 600 plants in short order (just T & R). But, there are still hot peppers and some eggplant to go in. This AM, we went and 'mudded' in 55 more eggplant as the rain started again. It wasn't pleasant - but it got done. It shows how quickly we can get things done - but we need just a bit of a break in the weather to do it.
Case 3: Weeds
The weather is perfect for weeds right now - and not perfect for weed removal. We really do need a few dry days to have a chance here!
and..
CSA Week #1 begins with the farm pickup group on Monday June 14. Then the Waverly Farmers' Market group Tuesday and the Roots Market group on Thursday. The Spring dry and then wet weather has conspired to cause some issues with the early season produce - but we'll give it a go - it always seems to work out.
Remember - we are distributing each week on your given date, time and location unless we send out a note stating otherwise. If it is raining - we're still there with YOUR food.
Case 1: Lettuce
We have trays and trays of lettuce that has been started. They need to go in the ground so they can form full heads and become tasty treats for everyone in the CSA, etc. If the soil is too wet, we can't make the transplant 'bed' - and it is very difficult to plant them when it is this damp.
Case 2: Eggplant
This is a microcosm of something else. We pushed and got all of the sweet peppers and many of the eggplant in prior to this batch of rainy days. We had a short window where we could actually till and then plant and we took advantage - putting in about 600 plants in short order (just T & R). But, there are still hot peppers and some eggplant to go in. This AM, we went and 'mudded' in 55 more eggplant as the rain started again. It wasn't pleasant - but it got done. It shows how quickly we can get things done - but we need just a bit of a break in the weather to do it.
Case 3: Weeds
The weather is perfect for weeds right now - and not perfect for weed removal. We really do need a few dry days to have a chance here!
and..
CSA Week #1 begins with the farm pickup group on Monday June 14. Then the Waverly Farmers' Market group Tuesday and the Roots Market group on Thursday. The Spring dry and then wet weather has conspired to cause some issues with the early season produce - but we'll give it a go - it always seems to work out.
Remember - we are distributing each week on your given date, time and location unless we send out a note stating otherwise. If it is raining - we're still there with YOUR food.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June Farm Report/News
A newsletter is on its way - but in lieu of that - here is a newsy GFF farm post.
- Current rain patterns are welcome for crops but difficult for workers to get things done. We needed just 12 more hours of workable soil times one of the last four periods between rains and we'd be fine. But, since we haven't gotten that. And, no, we have not considered getting miner's helmets and wearing those to work through the night....at least not too seriously.
- The first CSA deliveries will begin next week (June 14,15,17). Expect just a few things early on for each delivery - but it builds up dramatically as the season goes forward.
- Crop report: Potatoes all in, winter squash all in except 2 rows (trying to find where the seed was placed), onions in with a few late rows planned, brassica plantings 1&2 in, 3 is ready to go in soon. Lettuce plantings 1 & 2 are weak and did not enjoy the dry, windy weather. #3 is waiting for soil to be ready to transplant. Sweet peppers all in, tomatoes all in, eggplant 75% in, summer squash & zucchini plantings 1 & 2 in. Garlic sending up scapes for harvest. cucumber planting 1 in, 2 is on hold until weather allows. Pea planting 1 in and replanting of 1 is 50% done. Pea planting 1 suffered from the weather and germinated poorly, we have tilled in most rows and are replanting. They'll do fine now, but will be later than we wanted. Green bean planting 1 is in, 2 is due to go in. Dry beans 75% in. Lima beans in. Beet planting 1 failed. Turnip 1 is good. radish 1 is weak, but ok. Radish 2 is still waiting to go in (do you get the feeling radish are not high priority for us?) I'm sure there is more to report, but can't think of it right now.
- Plant sales report. Plant sales were reasonably good this year, with a few sales to local retail businesses and the rest to those who are growing the plants out. Remaining plants have been donated to the Food Bank and to a community garden in Cedar Falls that will grow the plants to donate the fruit to the Food Bank.
- Building reports. Work on wood salvage has resulted in piles of useful lumber - most of which is now moved to another building to dry out/stay dry. There is still much clean up to do yet, but most will simply be burned at this point. Work has begun to create new rooms for the poultry in the old hog confinement. And, the high tunnel field day is coming in early July.
- Meat chickens are growing well. New hen chicks are healthy and the turkey chicks are growing and needing a place other than their starter boxes to be. (see above endeavor).
- We're considering another Tom Sawyer Day VERY SOON to help us get things done prior to the field day. There are numerous things around that farm that would be nice to have completed that could use extra hands. Anyone have suggestions for when?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A New Look
We try to remind people who visit us on the farm that temperatures and winds can be very different in the country than they are in town. The picture below illustrates the point fairly well - though you might want to click on it to enlarge it so you can appreciate this.
When it is windy enough and there is some moisture in the grass/clover/dandelions that we cut, everything on the discharge side of the tractor can get covered in a hurry. This is only a mild case of 'grass barnacles' on the tractor. It's been much much worse.
Consider this - if the side of the tractor looks like this - and the side of the seat is also covered - what did the driver of the tractor look like?
Consider this - if the side of the tractor looks like this - and the side of the seat is also covered - what did the driver of the tractor look like?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Real Dirt
Some real dirt about the Genuine Faux Farm - right HERE!
And, here is what happens if you till and plant - then get a downpour overnight. The ground crusts over and some of the finer seeds end up losing a battle to weeds. This field is due for some compost and a cover crop this fall. I suspect it will handle this better after that. Some of these crops are slated for tilling and restarting.
Just how it goes sometimes.
Above you will see one of our plots half tilled. On the left is an area that has had the tiller run through once. On the right, you will see light green strips of annual ryegrass being used as a cover crop. The foreground had no such cover - so most of the green is Canadian thistle - one of our arch enemies on the farm. Interesting to note that there is a much lower thistle count where the ryegrass resides. Also of note, the soil seems much healthier in the soil that had cover crop. Got to like it when efforts to improve soil health appear to be working.
And, here is what happens if you till and plant - then get a downpour overnight. The ground crusts over and some of the finer seeds end up losing a battle to weeds. This field is due for some compost and a cover crop this fall. I suspect it will handle this better after that. Some of these crops are slated for tilling and restarting.
Just how it goes sometimes.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Consistency
It's been a while since I've done something for this topic.
You know - I've been thinking.....
(everyone together now) - A dangerous pastime!
I know.
One of the things that is very elusive for us on the farm is consistency. Or maybe it isn't. See, I can't even decide if it is an issue or not - therefore it must be.
The weather is consistent in that it is inconsistent. Sort of. In any event, no two seasons are the same, which means someone growing food, as we do, can not count on things going the same way from year to year. So, in a way, we can only be consistent in our willingness to work with/around the weather.
One thing is certainly consistent - and that is the number of projects and tasks to do around the farm. In fact, the laws of expanding lists apply here in all of their glory. On the other hand, the priority level of items on these lists can change daily - or even on a moment by moment basis.
Example: R needs to till the plot that will hold the tomatoes. It MUST get done today. He gets on the tiller, begins tilling. After a while, he smells something burning. It is coming from the tiller jack shaft. Uh oh. New priority, fix the tiller (note, this happened a few weeks ago - not currently an issue).
Example 2: Got to plant the broccoli and cauliflower transplants. Ups, those tomatoes look VERY wilty - better see what's up. Need water? Ok, better water them. Ups, hose doesn't reach. Better go get another length. Ups, the extra length of hose is in the building over there. The one where I stacked some boards to be put away. Guess I have to put those away before I can get to the hose. Ups, can't put the boards away until... ya, you get the idea.
At least we're consistent in our inconsistency.
Note: the tomatoes DID get their water.
You know - I've been thinking.....
(everyone together now) - A dangerous pastime!
I know.
One of the things that is very elusive for us on the farm is consistency. Or maybe it isn't. See, I can't even decide if it is an issue or not - therefore it must be.
The weather is consistent in that it is inconsistent. Sort of. In any event, no two seasons are the same, which means someone growing food, as we do, can not count on things going the same way from year to year. So, in a way, we can only be consistent in our willingness to work with/around the weather.
One thing is certainly consistent - and that is the number of projects and tasks to do around the farm. In fact, the laws of expanding lists apply here in all of their glory. On the other hand, the priority level of items on these lists can change daily - or even on a moment by moment basis.
Example: R needs to till the plot that will hold the tomatoes. It MUST get done today. He gets on the tiller, begins tilling. After a while, he smells something burning. It is coming from the tiller jack shaft. Uh oh. New priority, fix the tiller (note, this happened a few weeks ago - not currently an issue).
Example 2: Got to plant the broccoli and cauliflower transplants. Ups, those tomatoes look VERY wilty - better see what's up. Need water? Ok, better water them. Ups, hose doesn't reach. Better go get another length. Ups, the extra length of hose is in the building over there. The one where I stacked some boards to be put away. Guess I have to put those away before I can get to the hose. Ups, can't put the boards away until... ya, you get the idea.
At least we're consistent in our inconsistency.
Note: the tomatoes DID get their water.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Making Lemonade
A few years ago, a 90 mph microburst took out a building on our property. It also did a number on our pickup. And, this is a picture not too long after that event. Some salvage had already occurred, but not much.
After a few years, we began to realize that we just weren't going to find the time to remove the good lumber we knew was still in this building. So, we finally broke down and hired someone to do a little bit of the cleanup. And, here is a picture from a couple of weeks ago (it has progressed since then).
The lumber is going to be a valuable part of a new place for the turkeys. We'll try to take a few pictures and share them as time and our progress allows.
After a few years, we began to realize that we just weren't going to find the time to remove the good lumber we knew was still in this building. So, we finally broke down and hired someone to do a little bit of the cleanup. And, here is a picture from a couple of weeks ago (it has progressed since then).
The lumber is going to be a valuable part of a new place for the turkeys. We'll try to take a few pictures and share them as time and our progress allows.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Some May Crop Pictures (but we don't)
The nice thing about a blog is the relative ease with which we can give everyone some idea of how things are going on the farm.
Below is a picture from May 20:
The garlic in this picture has grown a good bit in just a couple of weeks. And, of course, the weeds have as well. The good news here, however, is that the garlic survived the winter well and are growing on schedule for the season. We should be able to begin harvesting scapes in mid to late June. And, the garlic harvest typically begins around July 21. And, thanks to our most excellent work crew - we were able to clean four of the six 70 foot rows of weeds today!)
You may find it helpful to click on the image below and open the picture in a separate tab or window. You'll might be able to see it a bit better:
Below is a picture from May 20:
The garlic in this picture has grown a good bit in just a couple of weeks. And, of course, the weeds have as well. The good news here, however, is that the garlic survived the winter well and are growing on schedule for the season. We should be able to begin harvesting scapes in mid to late June. And, the garlic harvest typically begins around July 21. And, thanks to our most excellent work crew - we were able to clean four of the six 70 foot rows of weeds today!)
You may find it helpful to click on the image below and open the picture in a separate tab or window. You'll might be able to see it a bit better:
this is a picture of some of our early cabbage, onion and broccoli planting on May 20. They don't look like much - but Tuesday night's rain really helped these things take off. Guess we'd better find the battery charger so we can take new pictures!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Cold Frames
A while back we recounted how the winds took out a couple of our coldframes and beat on a number of our plants. The picture below shows the plastic covered cold frames that we have relied on the past couple of years to begin the process of hardening off plants for production or sale. And, if you look carefully - you'll see our NEW cold frames made out of salvaged storm windows and wood.
Don't get us wrong - the original structures have done fine for us. But, the covers only last through a season or two (at best). And a wind tends to bend up the light metal tubing. We have enough tubing for six of these at least - but only enough *unbent* tubing for four.
Our thanks to Dad for these structures that are already working out wonderfully. The windows are hinged in the back so they can be lifted up and attached to the wall behind it.
Don't get us wrong - the original structures have done fine for us. But, the covers only last through a season or two (at best). And a wind tends to bend up the light metal tubing. We have enough tubing for six of these at least - but only enough *unbent* tubing for four.
Our thanks to Dad for these structures that are already working out wonderfully. The windows are hinged in the back so they can be lifted up and attached to the wall behind it.
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