Bang or a Wimper?
Which will it be in 2009?
To answer this question, we approached Bob, the flock manager and resident rooster for his opinion. Bob's response is below:
"Clearly, if people around here just listened to me, things would run much more smoothly. But, since I can see that my opinion will be ignored, I will wash my wings of the whole matter."
Since we didn't really feel this answered the question, we approached Doughboy, one of the farm managers and resident cats for his opinion:
"Skritch just a little bit higher. Ya, right there. No, a little lower....lower.... now, to the left a little. Wait! Why'd you quit?"
Again, our investigative reporting came up empty. Since the flowers we saw were mum(s), we walked past them and requested an audience with Kevin the Red (our Bourbon Red turkey):
"Tomatoes! You're bringing tomatoes! I know it! They've got to be there somewhere. Where are the tomatoes?! You didn't bring any tomatoes?! Tomatoes! You're bringing tomatoes! I know...."
Deciding that an infinite loop was not going to help with our quest, we walked past DB....
"....skritch me some more? please? Just a little bit..."
And past Bob...
"...if anyone around here would just ask, I'd tell them...."
...then went and picked some squash.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The CSA Prep Dance
Tuesdays and Thursdays, in particular, are very full days that usually require motion for most of the day. For your enjoyment, we present to you the merry-go-round that is one of these days! *
6:00 Get up
6:10 Stretch, shower, wonder why the sun is not yet up (see prior post about the sun)
6:30 T typically will make biscuits, muffins or some such thing - bless her!
6:30 Feed cats & fish
6:45 Feed & water ducks, hens, broilers, turkeys
7:15 Figure out day's tasks - post on board for workers
7:20 Determine pick amounts needed for distribution
7:30 Pack up flats with peppers, summer squash and zucchini picked yesterday afternoon
7:30 If Tues, send T on her way to school. If Thu - send her on her way about 10.
7:40 Gather potatoes, onions, garlic (already picked) for distribution
7:45 Locate scales, bags, market box, signs, etc for distribution day and get them to truck
8:00 Prep for worker arrival - set out tools, gather containers, set up tables, etc.
8:15 check tractor fuel, oil, etc.
8:30 Arrival of 1 to 3 workers (depending on Tue/Thu)
8:45 Pick Lettuce - R (note to self - that knife is really sharp, check for all fingers every so often)
8:45 Pick beans - work crew (with T on Thu)
8:55 Hydrocool lettuce
9:10 Pick kale and/or chard
9:20 hydrocool kale and/or chard (check again for fingers, they're getting numb in that water!)
9:30 pick beets and/or turnips
10:15 hydrocool/wash beets/turnips
10:30 pick eggplant - one worker to weighing/bagging beans
11:15 pick hot peppers/sweet peppers
11:30 worker lunch break
11:45 load flats into truck picked thus far
12:15 lunch break (hopefully)
12:45 pick tomatoes
1:00 worker returns - cleans beets/turnips, bundles kale/chard, packs lettuce (she's a really good worker!)
1:30 pick snack tomatoes
2:00 pick okra or basil or other items
2:25 uh oh - look at the time- roll carts back to truck as fast as possible
2:30 load truck up rest of the way, worker (thank you B!) always seems to have most everything ready to go. Play "tetris" and get it all in the truck.
2:45 Rapidly put away any tools, tractors, laundry, etc that we would be very disappointed in finding outside if a freak storm should arrive. Don't laugh, we learn from experience.
2:55 Run around and find anything that has not yet gone in the truck. Change into clean clothing. Oops, don't forget the eggs, R!
3:00 Get out of Dodge - try to make calculations for distribution amounts for produce that did not come out with desired numbers in the pick.
3:30-3:50 (depending on location) park the truck and try to set speed records for setup. (current record is 11 minutes - including pop up tent set up (3:27) , four tables, produce out and labeled)
3:30-6 or 4-6:30 - keep produce trays full, answer questions and watch people walk away with yummy produce.
6 or 6:30 - Determine produce to donate to Food Bank or Cedar Valley Friends of the Family.
6:10 or 6:40 - Pack up/reload truck
6:30 or 7:00 - Load ourselves into truck
Upon return - "Lock down" birds for the night (ducks, hens, broilers and turkeys) - hopefully everyone is where they are supposed to be - if not, we have more to do.
Take critical items out of the truck and put them away.
Close up buildings, make sure water sources are off, check mail, etc.
9:30 - play a game if we are both able to count the number of fingers being held up by the other person at this point.
10:20 Set alarm
10:30 We don't usually remember what happens at 10:30
* note - this schedule assumes a day that is generally well-organized. don't assume you'll catch us exactly on this schedule any given day!
6:00 Get up
6:10 Stretch, shower, wonder why the sun is not yet up (see prior post about the sun)
6:30 T typically will make biscuits, muffins or some such thing - bless her!
6:30 Feed cats & fish
6:45 Feed & water ducks, hens, broilers, turkeys
7:15 Figure out day's tasks - post on board for workers
7:20 Determine pick amounts needed for distribution
7:30 Pack up flats with peppers, summer squash and zucchini picked yesterday afternoon
7:30 If Tues, send T on her way to school. If Thu - send her on her way about 10.
7:40 Gather potatoes, onions, garlic (already picked) for distribution
7:45 Locate scales, bags, market box, signs, etc for distribution day and get them to truck
8:00 Prep for worker arrival - set out tools, gather containers, set up tables, etc.
8:15 check tractor fuel, oil, etc.
8:30 Arrival of 1 to 3 workers (depending on Tue/Thu)
8:45 Pick Lettuce - R (note to self - that knife is really sharp, check for all fingers every so often)
8:45 Pick beans - work crew (with T on Thu)
8:55 Hydrocool lettuce
9:10 Pick kale and/or chard
9:20 hydrocool kale and/or chard (check again for fingers, they're getting numb in that water!)
9:30 pick beets and/or turnips
10:15 hydrocool/wash beets/turnips
10:30 pick eggplant - one worker to weighing/bagging beans
11:15 pick hot peppers/sweet peppers
11:30 worker lunch break
11:45 load flats into truck picked thus far
12:15 lunch break (hopefully)
12:45 pick tomatoes
1:00 worker returns - cleans beets/turnips, bundles kale/chard, packs lettuce (she's a really good worker!)
1:30 pick snack tomatoes
2:00 pick okra or basil or other items
2:25 uh oh - look at the time- roll carts back to truck as fast as possible
2:30 load truck up rest of the way, worker (thank you B!) always seems to have most everything ready to go. Play "tetris" and get it all in the truck.
2:45 Rapidly put away any tools, tractors, laundry, etc that we would be very disappointed in finding outside if a freak storm should arrive. Don't laugh, we learn from experience.
2:55 Run around and find anything that has not yet gone in the truck. Change into clean clothing. Oops, don't forget the eggs, R!
3:00 Get out of Dodge - try to make calculations for distribution amounts for produce that did not come out with desired numbers in the pick.
3:30-3:50 (depending on location) park the truck and try to set speed records for setup. (current record is 11 minutes - including pop up tent set up (3:27) , four tables, produce out and labeled)
3:30-6 or 4-6:30 - keep produce trays full, answer questions and watch people walk away with yummy produce.
6 or 6:30 - Determine produce to donate to Food Bank or Cedar Valley Friends of the Family.
6:10 or 6:40 - Pack up/reload truck
6:30 or 7:00 - Load ourselves into truck
Upon return - "Lock down" birds for the night (ducks, hens, broilers and turkeys) - hopefully everyone is where they are supposed to be - if not, we have more to do.
Take critical items out of the truck and put them away.
Close up buildings, make sure water sources are off, check mail, etc.
9:30 - play a game if we are both able to count the number of fingers being held up by the other person at this point.
10:20 Set alarm
10:30 We don't usually remember what happens at 10:30
* note - this schedule assumes a day that is generally well-organized. don't assume you'll catch us exactly on this schedule any given day!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
As farmers, we reserve the right to complain about the weather. That's what we are supposed to do - at least that's what I'm told. However, you do have to consider that those who work with growing things and work outside will, by their very nature, be a bit preoccupied with the weather. So, forgive us our preoccupations and we will do what we can to avoid harping about it!
Now, onto other things.
The weather (oops) has actually been pretty good for a number of crops this season. We may not be getting bumper crops of most things, but we have been getting a steady stream of produce from a number of sources for fairly long periods of time.
Case in point: Summer Squash and Zucchini
Typically, the first crops of these die out and are removed from the garden by now. This year has been different. We've gotten rain and dry periods at the right times to help these vines survive into September. And, while they've never really swamped us as these crops tend to do, they've produced at a reasonable level since July.
A normal productive period for one planting is about 32 days. If you include the slower introductory production and the stragglers at the end, you might expect 42 days. This year, our longest surviving summer squash crop is still producing after 70 days of production. Nothing extraordinary, but enough good fruit and plant health to keep checking them.
There have been numerous reports by other farmers' market vendors and local gardeners that their zucchini and summer squash plants do not want to quit either. But, consider this - the extreme temperature swings we often have over a summer didn't really occur. Yes, it was cooler than normal for quite a stretch - but we didn't go from 90 and humid to 65 and dry and back again within a week.
The more we do this, the more we realize we'll never have it all figured out. That makes it worth putting for the the effort to learn as much as we can.
Now, onto other things.
The weather (oops) has actually been pretty good for a number of crops this season. We may not be getting bumper crops of most things, but we have been getting a steady stream of produce from a number of sources for fairly long periods of time.
Case in point: Summer Squash and Zucchini
Typically, the first crops of these die out and are removed from the garden by now. This year has been different. We've gotten rain and dry periods at the right times to help these vines survive into September. And, while they've never really swamped us as these crops tend to do, they've produced at a reasonable level since July.
A normal productive period for one planting is about 32 days. If you include the slower introductory production and the stragglers at the end, you might expect 42 days. This year, our longest surviving summer squash crop is still producing after 70 days of production. Nothing extraordinary, but enough good fruit and plant health to keep checking them.
There have been numerous reports by other farmers' market vendors and local gardeners that their zucchini and summer squash plants do not want to quit either. But, consider this - the extreme temperature swings we often have over a summer didn't really occur. Yes, it was cooler than normal for quite a stretch - but we didn't go from 90 and humid to 65 and dry and back again within a week.
The more we do this, the more we realize we'll never have it all figured out. That makes it worth putting for the the effort to learn as much as we can.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Looking Familiar?
For those who have been members of our CSA for the last two years: Yes, you are seeing more eggplant this year.
For those who are new this year: Yes, there are more eggplant than there has been in prior years.
First things first - last year was a particularly dismal year for crops such as...well...eggplant. And, this year is actually, in our minds, more of a normal eggplant harvest level. And perhaps, a bit better than most years.
We just picked our 1500th eggplant for the season. No, I didn't make a typo there. If you want to celebrate - have some eggplant parmesan or ratatouille.
For those who care or may have a slight interest. Here are some production facts at GFF. Note that we increased the number of plants between 2006 and 2007, but have held relatively steady since. We *did* increase plants this year because we didn't want to kill a bunch that didn't sell. However, they haven't really figured in the production.
Year weeks total production
2006 12 792
2007 14 1474
2008 11 417
2009 9* 1502*
* season not completed
A typical year finds the first harvestable eggplant around July 27. We start our peak mid-August and will run at peak until first frost. If plants are covered during a frost and temperatures rebound (as they tend to do for a week or two in Iowa) plants will recover and have a 'mini-peak' before a killing freeze (or the farmer/gardener declares an end to the season).
For those who are new this year: Yes, there are more eggplant than there has been in prior years.
First things first - last year was a particularly dismal year for crops such as...well...eggplant. And, this year is actually, in our minds, more of a normal eggplant harvest level. And perhaps, a bit better than most years.
We just picked our 1500th eggplant for the season. No, I didn't make a typo there. If you want to celebrate - have some eggplant parmesan or ratatouille.
For those who care or may have a slight interest. Here are some production facts at GFF. Note that we increased the number of plants between 2006 and 2007, but have held relatively steady since. We *did* increase plants this year because we didn't want to kill a bunch that didn't sell. However, they haven't really figured in the production.
Year weeks total production
2006 12 792
2007 14 1474
2008 11 417
2009 9* 1502*
* season not completed
A typical year finds the first harvestable eggplant around July 27. We start our peak mid-August and will run at peak until first frost. If plants are covered during a frost and temperatures rebound (as they tend to do for a week or two in Iowa) plants will recover and have a 'mini-peak' before a killing freeze (or the farmer/gardener declares an end to the season).
Friday, September 25, 2009
No! Come Back!
We're noticing it more each and every day on the farm.
The sun. It isn't there like it used to be.
Neither of us are truly 'morning people.' We don't get up at 4 AM or even 5 AM as people seem to think all who farm must do. But, we get up early enough and we stay up late enough and that's just the way it is.
But, we have come to rely (perhaps too much) on the rising sun to help get us out of bed in the morning. This can lead to some pretty early mornings in June and July. But, Mr. Sun does tend to help with the process.
Part of the issue is that the lack of light earlier in the day actually shortens the amount of time we have to get work done. And, yet, deadlines for things such as...oh...CSA distributions remain the same. Hm. Sounds like the standard 'get more done in less time' scenario. And, R quit working in a software 'sweatshop' some time ago... Odd that it would come back home to roost in a new way.
Maybe we need to get a giant 'light box' for the whole farm?
The sun. It isn't there like it used to be.
Neither of us are truly 'morning people.' We don't get up at 4 AM or even 5 AM as people seem to think all who farm must do. But, we get up early enough and we stay up late enough and that's just the way it is.
But, we have come to rely (perhaps too much) on the rising sun to help get us out of bed in the morning. This can lead to some pretty early mornings in June and July. But, Mr. Sun does tend to help with the process.
Part of the issue is that the lack of light earlier in the day actually shortens the amount of time we have to get work done. And, yet, deadlines for things such as...oh...CSA distributions remain the same. Hm. Sounds like the standard 'get more done in less time' scenario. And, R quit working in a software 'sweatshop' some time ago... Odd that it would come back home to roost in a new way.
Maybe we need to get a giant 'light box' for the whole farm?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Cacophony
Well, they've arrived.
We call them the cacophony - a large flock of migrating red-winged blackbirds and other birds that land in our oak trees and the large maple tree. While sitting at the tops of these trees, they sing their songs...all at once...and not synchronized. Wow.
Every once in a while, something spooks the whole flock. They stop singing and in the relative silence you can here the 'whoosh' of their wings as they take off.
Just thought you'd all like to know.
We call them the cacophony - a large flock of migrating red-winged blackbirds and other birds that land in our oak trees and the large maple tree. While sitting at the tops of these trees, they sing their songs...all at once...and not synchronized. Wow.
Every once in a while, something spooks the whole flock. They stop singing and in the relative silence you can here the 'whoosh' of their wings as they take off.
Just thought you'd all like to know.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Uh oh! Out of Posts!
The storehouse of posts that I could either quickly edit (to make them look more timely - oops, I shouldn't divulge my secrets!) or were 'timeless' in their very nature....is depleted.
When in doubt - give a quick farm report!
Water! *gasp*: It's gotten dry out here and the ground is quite hard in places. So, a little rain would certainly be nice. things aren't showing too much stress as of yet, so we have time. In many cases, it doesn't matter so much anymore....
Eggplant for everyone: the eggplant are entering peak week right now. And, the peak is similar to what we expect from prior years. the peak is about 10 days behind normal, but that's not a big issue. We're especially happy to see some of our varieties such as Pintung Long, Casper and Rosa Bianca entering into the festivities.
Lettuce: The current crop is peaking a bit faster than we wanted with the warmer/dryer weather. But, it looks great and has very good taste. We are transplanting the newest crop into the ground this week.
Summer Squash/Zucchini: I keep wanting to call the season done on these - but they keep plugging along. Not in amounts that overwhelm, but enough to keep putting them in CSA shares. Can't really complain. However - warning to everyone. We put in a late crop in hopes of getting some fresh summer squash/zucchini at the tail end of the season. We knew it was a stretch - but this weather has encouraged those plants. If we can get through some of the cool nights coming up next week.....
Tomatoes: The peak has lasted a bit longer than expected, but I suspect there may be a rapid decline in what we can get to everyone in the next week. There may be some surprises, but we're not holding our collective breath on this. The purple/black tomatoes are already done. typical for them - but they are worth the efforts. The yellows, per the norm will go longer than most. the standard reds may be the surprise. We shall see. Cherry tomatoes are mostly done due to late blight. Ah well.
Green beans: They keep going. We'll try and keep them picked, but we're not sure how much longer we can keep up.
Peppers: Excellent peppers coming in right now. We're trying to give the CSA some nice variability from distribution to distribution. One constant is likely the Jimmy Nardello's Frying Pepper - those produce enough for us to include them nearly every week for a time. Hot peppers are producing reasonably well, so they should show up for another few weeks (barring a surprise hard frost).
Arugula & radish: are being seeded this week. Just about right for the last couple weeks of distribution in October!
Pok Choi: just transplanted. These should be ready in mid/late October.
Basil: We'll keep trying to get it to you as long as it lasts. Light frosts typically end the basil season.
Okra: Yes, these are starting to produce. They will stop abruptly when night time temps get to 36 degrees. Unless the microclimate they are in protects them...
Potatoes: Still have to dig the All Blues and German Butterballs. (about 480 row feet). Rain would help because the soil has gotten VERY hard. Thanks to Denis for hard work digging taters!
Garlic: Will start showing up in shares this Thursday.
Turnips: Will also begin on Thursday. We may have to rotate distribution depending on speed these bulb out.
When in doubt - give a quick farm report!
Water! *gasp*: It's gotten dry out here and the ground is quite hard in places. So, a little rain would certainly be nice. things aren't showing too much stress as of yet, so we have time. In many cases, it doesn't matter so much anymore....
Eggplant for everyone: the eggplant are entering peak week right now. And, the peak is similar to what we expect from prior years. the peak is about 10 days behind normal, but that's not a big issue. We're especially happy to see some of our varieties such as Pintung Long, Casper and Rosa Bianca entering into the festivities.
Lettuce: The current crop is peaking a bit faster than we wanted with the warmer/dryer weather. But, it looks great and has very good taste. We are transplanting the newest crop into the ground this week.
Summer Squash/Zucchini: I keep wanting to call the season done on these - but they keep plugging along. Not in amounts that overwhelm, but enough to keep putting them in CSA shares. Can't really complain. However - warning to everyone. We put in a late crop in hopes of getting some fresh summer squash/zucchini at the tail end of the season. We knew it was a stretch - but this weather has encouraged those plants. If we can get through some of the cool nights coming up next week.....
Tomatoes: The peak has lasted a bit longer than expected, but I suspect there may be a rapid decline in what we can get to everyone in the next week. There may be some surprises, but we're not holding our collective breath on this. The purple/black tomatoes are already done. typical for them - but they are worth the efforts. The yellows, per the norm will go longer than most. the standard reds may be the surprise. We shall see. Cherry tomatoes are mostly done due to late blight. Ah well.
Green beans: They keep going. We'll try and keep them picked, but we're not sure how much longer we can keep up.
Peppers: Excellent peppers coming in right now. We're trying to give the CSA some nice variability from distribution to distribution. One constant is likely the Jimmy Nardello's Frying Pepper - those produce enough for us to include them nearly every week for a time. Hot peppers are producing reasonably well, so they should show up for another few weeks (barring a surprise hard frost).
Arugula & radish: are being seeded this week. Just about right for the last couple weeks of distribution in October!
Pok Choi: just transplanted. These should be ready in mid/late October.
Basil: We'll keep trying to get it to you as long as it lasts. Light frosts typically end the basil season.
Okra: Yes, these are starting to produce. They will stop abruptly when night time temps get to 36 degrees. Unless the microclimate they are in protects them...
Potatoes: Still have to dig the All Blues and German Butterballs. (about 480 row feet). Rain would help because the soil has gotten VERY hard. Thanks to Denis for hard work digging taters!
Garlic: Will start showing up in shares this Thursday.
Turnips: Will also begin on Thursday. We may have to rotate distribution depending on speed these bulb out.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Not Necessarily Round or Red
The tomato has become a symbol that is used by heirloom vegetable seed proponents to illustrate what is wrong with hybrids and what is right with open-pollinated cultivars. I'll leave that for other posts and/or articles. For now, I thought I'd give a quick look at some of our varieties and how they are doing this year. If you wish to see our web page on heirloom tomatoes - go here.
Italian Heirloom
This has been one of our favorites for several years now. They are very meaty and taste extremely good fresh on sandwiches, in salsas and work pretty well in sauces. They often weight around one pound and will sometimes shape themselves a bit like an oxheart, but are rounder than most tomatoes that claim to be oxheart varieties. It's been another nice year for these plants - even with the stresses put on them (in particular cool weather and blight). These are the earliest big tomatoes we have every grown (hybrid or heirloom).
Jaune Flamme
Wow. This one almost did not make the cut this year. We were looking to trial a few new types and we have to limit how many we do (for obvious reasons). In fact, I believe we decided not to do this one, but R grabbed a packed at Seed Savers anyway because he just couldn't resist. Good thing he couldn't. Excellent production of orange salad sized tomatoes. Several people have picked this one for taste over other snack/salad tomatoes. We like them because they are easier to pick than many small tomatoes. They grow in clusters and the stems come off readily after picking. They rarely if ever crack and they hold well on the plant. What's not to like?
Tasty Evergreen and Aunt Ruby's German Green
Yes, they are ripe when they are green. Yes, the insides are green. Yes, they have an excellent taste. And, they tend to split or have cracked shoulders. Doesn't matter, they're worth the effort to grow them - even if I can't use over two thirds of them.
Black Krim
All purple/black varieties are difficult to grow because they tend to have problems with cracking, blight, etcetera etcetera. But the taste! The greens are good. These are great! The biggest problem is the short period of time you can catch the fruit in good enough condition to market or deliver. It's a shame, really. But, they are what they are. Black Krim has been the best of a batch that includes Cherokee Purple and Black Sea Man. Smaller purple/black varieties include Nyagous and Japanese Black Trifele.
Golden Sunray
Big, sturdy, yellow to yellow-orange fruits keep well on the plant and on the counter. It takes a lot to mar one of these tomatoes. So - yes, they have a thicker skin. But, they are not thin on taste. As with all yellows, they are less acidic. These tomatoes tend to anchor the tail end of production for our tomatoes. They start later than Dr Wyche, Moonglow and Nebraska Wedding. Each has a slightly different taste and are all worth it. I don't see any of these going away any time soon.
Italian Heirloom
This has been one of our favorites for several years now. They are very meaty and taste extremely good fresh on sandwiches, in salsas and work pretty well in sauces. They often weight around one pound and will sometimes shape themselves a bit like an oxheart, but are rounder than most tomatoes that claim to be oxheart varieties. It's been another nice year for these plants - even with the stresses put on them (in particular cool weather and blight). These are the earliest big tomatoes we have every grown (hybrid or heirloom).
Jaune Flamme
Wow. This one almost did not make the cut this year. We were looking to trial a few new types and we have to limit how many we do (for obvious reasons). In fact, I believe we decided not to do this one, but R grabbed a packed at Seed Savers anyway because he just couldn't resist. Good thing he couldn't. Excellent production of orange salad sized tomatoes. Several people have picked this one for taste over other snack/salad tomatoes. We like them because they are easier to pick than many small tomatoes. They grow in clusters and the stems come off readily after picking. They rarely if ever crack and they hold well on the plant. What's not to like?
Tasty Evergreen and Aunt Ruby's German Green
Yes, they are ripe when they are green. Yes, the insides are green. Yes, they have an excellent taste. And, they tend to split or have cracked shoulders. Doesn't matter, they're worth the effort to grow them - even if I can't use over two thirds of them.
Black Krim
All purple/black varieties are difficult to grow because they tend to have problems with cracking, blight, etcetera etcetera. But the taste! The greens are good. These are great! The biggest problem is the short period of time you can catch the fruit in good enough condition to market or deliver. It's a shame, really. But, they are what they are. Black Krim has been the best of a batch that includes Cherokee Purple and Black Sea Man. Smaller purple/black varieties include Nyagous and Japanese Black Trifele.
Golden Sunray
Big, sturdy, yellow to yellow-orange fruits keep well on the plant and on the counter. It takes a lot to mar one of these tomatoes. So - yes, they have a thicker skin. But, they are not thin on taste. As with all yellows, they are less acidic. These tomatoes tend to anchor the tail end of production for our tomatoes. They start later than Dr Wyche, Moonglow and Nebraska Wedding. Each has a slightly different taste and are all worth it. I don't see any of these going away any time soon.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What to do, what to do?
Well, here it is... a request by the Queen Boss of this outfit.
What should we bring to a potluck? Suggestions?
All right, here are the details.
Practical Farmers of Iowa sponsors field days. We held one last August and we hosted a potluck/heirloom tomato tasting & provided roast bison sandwiches. The food brought by participants was excellent.
Now, we find ourselves looking at attending a field day at Scattergood in West Branch. How should we represent our farm *and* provide something very yummy for people to munch during the potluck portion of this event?
There isn't really any pressure here. T just thought it might be fun to ask people to suggest things that either
a) have been something they have enjoyed that we have brought/created in the past
b) is something that might make you think of our farm and what we do
c) would simply be a really cool thing to bring to this potluck
Rules of suggestions are as follows:
1. It has to be able to travel well over a couple of hours - and then sit for two more while presentations are given.
2. It can't be too terribly complicated and should be able to be completed in a couple of hours at most.
3. Primarily uses items we have on the farm.
go to it!
What should we bring to a potluck? Suggestions?
All right, here are the details.
Practical Farmers of Iowa sponsors field days. We held one last August and we hosted a potluck/heirloom tomato tasting & provided roast bison sandwiches. The food brought by participants was excellent.
Now, we find ourselves looking at attending a field day at Scattergood in West Branch. How should we represent our farm *and* provide something very yummy for people to munch during the potluck portion of this event?
There isn't really any pressure here. T just thought it might be fun to ask people to suggest things that either
a) have been something they have enjoyed that we have brought/created in the past
b) is something that might make you think of our farm and what we do
c) would simply be a really cool thing to bring to this potluck
Rules of suggestions are as follows:
1. It has to be able to travel well over a couple of hours - and then sit for two more while presentations are given.
2. It can't be too terribly complicated and should be able to be completed in a couple of hours at most.
3. Primarily uses items we have on the farm.
go to it!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Picture This - Imagine That
Zinnias are very nice this time of year. If you can see them for all of the weeds. But, we still like them!
We've been pretty pleased with the Wisconsin Lakes peppers this season. Like all colored bell peppers, production per plant is limited - and the amount of time is longer than if you are willing to eat green bells. But, these tend to be the earliest and most consistent colored bell producer we have had. It is an heirloom variety and has outperformed hybrids we trialed in prior years. Now, if we could get these to give us EXACTLY the number needed for one CSA distribution. But, I guess we forgot to inform them of the numbers in time.
Those who took a field tour for the Summer Festival got to see some of these in the field. The picture does NOT do these things justice. There are a couple in the field that will approach 20 pounds. Very impressive squash indeed. They are called Boston Marrow and this is our first year trialing them (last year doesn't count for various reasons).
Just noticed we had this picture scanned in of Strider. He was our indoor supervisor cat, gone to the eternal perch by the window. Someday a Strider 'hunting' story may make the blog.
We've been pretty pleased with the Wisconsin Lakes peppers this season. Like all colored bell peppers, production per plant is limited - and the amount of time is longer than if you are willing to eat green bells. But, these tend to be the earliest and most consistent colored bell producer we have had. It is an heirloom variety and has outperformed hybrids we trialed in prior years. Now, if we could get these to give us EXACTLY the number needed for one CSA distribution. But, I guess we forgot to inform them of the numbers in time.
Those who took a field tour for the Summer Festival got to see some of these in the field. The picture does NOT do these things justice. There are a couple in the field that will approach 20 pounds. Very impressive squash indeed. They are called Boston Marrow and this is our first year trialing them (last year doesn't count for various reasons).
Last two pictures come courtesy of Seed Savers website (www.seedsavers.org)
And then - you've heard of Dakota Fanning? How about a turkey fanning?
Ok, I worked too hard for that one. But, here is a picture of a turkey fanning its tail feathers nonetheless.
And then - you've heard of Dakota Fanning? How about a turkey fanning?
Ok, I worked too hard for that one. But, here is a picture of a turkey fanning its tail feathers nonetheless.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Time Zones
We've been thinking again...
It seems as if our life on the farm forces us into a different time zone than most of the rest of the world. In some ways, it is pleasant, in other ways, it is annoying. In all ways, it adds a layer of complexity to our dealings with anyone who is not working on the farm!
An example:
Our world *It is sunny and there is a light breeze. Temperatures are around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Just plain nice. There is no traffic on the gravel road. Nary a mechanical sound to be heard. Some birds, some leaves rustling. And, we're out picking cherry tomatoes. Work is being done. It is being done quickly and efficiently with little wasted effort. But it is done with contentedness and a sense of calm. Time is not passing.
The rest of the world * It is a CSA distribution day. We need to leave by 3pm. Other things need picking and packing as well. The clock runs the same as it always has. Soon we will have to leave the feeling of timelessness and enter the world of time. In real world time, cherry tomato picking can really take time!
In other words, it is possible to become engrossed in the work on the farm and lose track of time. If there are to be dealings with anyone outside of the farm we have to take steps to insure that we do not completely enter the alternate universe that is farm time!
Example the second:
Our world *We just got that request for information from so and so recently. Better get to it soon. Do not have time right at this moment, but we'll get to it ASAP. In fact, it stays near the front of our mind and we get things figured out. Should be no problem getting the response back in a timely manner.
The rest of the world *We just got that request three weeks ago - but, honest, it seems recent to us. We didn't forget. It's been on our minds constantly and we really did think we were being quick about it....
Well, now you know "ASAP" doesn't mean the same thing to us when we are in "farm time." It has nothing to do with a desire to ignore. In fact, we very much want to respond quickly an effectively. But, when the lists of things to do are long, it isn't always easy to get things done in a 'real world' time frame. The farm can be so immediate! The tomatoes are right there and need to be picked/weeded/staked/etc.
Oh well, I'd better get some of those real world time things done now!
It seems as if our life on the farm forces us into a different time zone than most of the rest of the world. In some ways, it is pleasant, in other ways, it is annoying. In all ways, it adds a layer of complexity to our dealings with anyone who is not working on the farm!
An example:
Our world *It is sunny and there is a light breeze. Temperatures are around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Just plain nice. There is no traffic on the gravel road. Nary a mechanical sound to be heard. Some birds, some leaves rustling. And, we're out picking cherry tomatoes. Work is being done. It is being done quickly and efficiently with little wasted effort. But it is done with contentedness and a sense of calm. Time is not passing.
The rest of the world * It is a CSA distribution day. We need to leave by 3pm. Other things need picking and packing as well. The clock runs the same as it always has. Soon we will have to leave the feeling of timelessness and enter the world of time. In real world time, cherry tomato picking can really take time!
In other words, it is possible to become engrossed in the work on the farm and lose track of time. If there are to be dealings with anyone outside of the farm we have to take steps to insure that we do not completely enter the alternate universe that is farm time!
Example the second:
Our world *We just got that request for information from so and so recently. Better get to it soon. Do not have time right at this moment, but we'll get to it ASAP. In fact, it stays near the front of our mind and we get things figured out. Should be no problem getting the response back in a timely manner.
The rest of the world *We just got that request three weeks ago - but, honest, it seems recent to us. We didn't forget. It's been on our minds constantly and we really did think we were being quick about it....
Well, now you know "ASAP" doesn't mean the same thing to us when we are in "farm time." It has nothing to do with a desire to ignore. In fact, we very much want to respond quickly an effectively. But, when the lists of things to do are long, it isn't always easy to get things done in a 'real world' time frame. The farm can be so immediate! The tomatoes are right there and need to be picked/weeded/staked/etc.
Oh well, I'd better get some of those real world time things done now!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
There's Always Next Year
The beginning of September usually is the point in time where we officially 'give up' on some of our crops, projects or goals for the year. In many of these cases, we've already had a pretty good (read in, bad) feeling where things stand. But, we still hold out hope that we can get something done that will turn things around. Until we hit September.
In many ways, it is liberating to make the 'official' call that something will not be done about the crop that was taken over by weeds. Or, that there will not be enough warm days to accomplish project X. Perhaps it would be difficult if we didn't have a significant list of success stories to counter the failures. But, we realize we've accomplished as much as we could. And, we also realize that the failures were part of a 'triage' of 'emergencies.' These failures were, in part, a decision that was made to focus elsewhere for the good of the farm and the CSA. So, if we regret anything, it's not being able to do it all.
The failed sections of our plots become new 'to do' entries on our lists that include removal of weeds, tilling and cover crop or compost applications before the ground freezes. It's always difficult to admit missing on a crop - but if we don't want to pay again next year, we need to act on cleaning up those areas now.
As far as projects go, there is still hope for many of them, but things like painting are running on shorter time ropes (so to speak). We'll see what we can get done. But, again, we remember that if we accomplish one thing, there are always many other things that can be added onto the list.
So, we remember what we HAVE accomplished. We are grateful for the help we have received to get these things done. And, we look to next year for redemption on the crops that didn't do as well as we would have liked and the projects that resided a couple of slots too low on the priority list to complete this year.
In many ways, it is liberating to make the 'official' call that something will not be done about the crop that was taken over by weeds. Or, that there will not be enough warm days to accomplish project X. Perhaps it would be difficult if we didn't have a significant list of success stories to counter the failures. But, we realize we've accomplished as much as we could. And, we also realize that the failures were part of a 'triage' of 'emergencies.' These failures were, in part, a decision that was made to focus elsewhere for the good of the farm and the CSA. So, if we regret anything, it's not being able to do it all.
The failed sections of our plots become new 'to do' entries on our lists that include removal of weeds, tilling and cover crop or compost applications before the ground freezes. It's always difficult to admit missing on a crop - but if we don't want to pay again next year, we need to act on cleaning up those areas now.
As far as projects go, there is still hope for many of them, but things like painting are running on shorter time ropes (so to speak). We'll see what we can get done. But, again, we remember that if we accomplish one thing, there are always many other things that can be added onto the list.
So, we remember what we HAVE accomplished. We are grateful for the help we have received to get these things done. And, we look to next year for redemption on the crops that didn't do as well as we would have liked and the projects that resided a couple of slots too low on the priority list to complete this year.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Genuine Faux Farm Vocab
The following was published in our July 2009 newsletter. Some folks who read the blog don't read the newsletter and vice versa. So...
====================
We can't help it. Tammy and I have a tendency to create or use words differently than many people when we refer to things on the farm. It's so ingrained in us that we often forget that others do not have an English to GFF dictionary. Here's the beginning of your personal copy of that work:
Skritcher - any tool used to scratch up the ground and make life more difficult for weeds. Officially, a skritcher has tines - but we stretch the definition for saddle hoes, wire weeders, etc.
Product Tester - that would be Tammy. She likes to eat produce in the field.
Squish - ya, that's a squash. There is a summer squish, pumpkin squish, butternut squish and rotten squish that goes 'squish' when it's squashed.
Knucklehead - a generic term used for any of our poultry that is causing Rob's blood pressure to go up. Occassionally, deer, chuckies, raccoon, cats and other critters will become a knucklehead. Early in life, Rob called bullheads 'knuckleheads,' but that's another (GFF) story.
Chicklet - a baby chicken.
Garden Zit - potato beetle larvae. They're orange with some spotting/striping and look a little like mini-Jabba the Hut. They pop when squished (not squashed).
Three Shirt Day - think about it. We work outside. It gets warm. We perspire.
Kite - it's a pull-behind tool for a garden tractor that flips up grass clippings into the carrier so it can be used as mulch or compost. It can catch the wind too, there you have it.
Cardio - using the wheel hoe in the gardens. See "Three Shirt Day."
Chuckie - any woodchuck on our property has a tendency to be at least mildly evil. The mama woodchuck is, of course, Bride of Chuckie and the young-uns could be considered Spawn of Chuckie - but they look more like...
Ewok - a woodchuck youngster.
Paid in Full - what a critter is said to have done if it does not escape from the Fauxes after it takes out some of their poultry or crops.
Kamikaze - a blackfly or gnat that does that little loop in front of your eye before diving right in.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Top Ten Posts
A request was made for a list of the "top ten" Genuinely Faux Blog posts over the last year. So, I surveyed no one in particular and came up with the following during an evening where I was too tired to do any real work on the computer and/or get up to get ready for bed. That happens sometimes...
Naturally, this post went to eleven...
Naturally, this post went to eleven...
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Genuine Faux Games Update
It's been a while since we updated the game "challenge" between T & R.
The last (and only) post on it is here.
Since the last update, we have only played one game. It just adds to the suspense..really. Ok, perhaps not.
Lost Cities
T 198 R 160
Ticket To Ride US Mega
T 145 R 193
TTR Nordic
T 188 R 170
TTR US 1910
T 138 R 131
T extends her lead 669 to 654
The last (and only) post on it is here.
Since the last update, we have only played one game. It just adds to the suspense..really. Ok, perhaps not.
Lost Cities
T 198 R 160
Ticket To Ride US Mega
T 145 R 193
TTR Nordic
T 188 R 170
TTR US 1910
T 138 R 131
T extends her lead 669 to 654
Monday, August 31, 2009
Muscles
It happens every year on the farm.
January: Ask R to tell you about numbers regarding production on the farm. Ask him about varieties and how well they did. Make him think. He can do it! Ask R to walk quickly from one end of the farm and back. hmmm.
April: Ask R to outline the year plan. Yep, can do that - with detail. Watch him struggle to do the deep knee bends as he begins to work in earnest on the farm. Listen to him complain about sore muscles just because he was *on a tractor*. See him be flabby. ugh.
May: Ask R how many muscles are in the human body. He knows because he can feel every one of them about now.
July: Try to keep up with R on the farm. Good luck. Just don't watch too closely, he doesn't want you to seeing him trying to catch his breath or rubbing his shoulder/back/knee/etc.
August: There is a lot less of R than there was in April. It's odd, but that container seemed heavier when it was full the last time he lifted it (April). Ask R to use his brain...uhhhhhhhh.
January: Ask R to tell you about numbers regarding production on the farm. Ask him about varieties and how well they did. Make him think. He can do it! Ask R to walk quickly from one end of the farm and back. hmmm.
April: Ask R to outline the year plan. Yep, can do that - with detail. Watch him struggle to do the deep knee bends as he begins to work in earnest on the farm. Listen to him complain about sore muscles just because he was *on a tractor*. See him be flabby. ugh.
May: Ask R how many muscles are in the human body. He knows because he can feel every one of them about now.
July: Try to keep up with R on the farm. Good luck. Just don't watch too closely, he doesn't want you to seeing him trying to catch his breath or rubbing his shoulder/back/knee/etc.
August: There is a lot less of R than there was in April. It's odd, but that container seemed heavier when it was full the last time he lifted it (April). Ask R to use his brain...uhhhhhhhh.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Dive Bombed!
A friend provided me with a link to an article that provides support for the observation that predator insects do help with pest control. Go here.
An interesting side light to this. ISU has study results showing that the aerial spraying for aphids are not providing a statistically significant benefit in yields vs no aerial spray.
Here is some information and here is more.
What interests me about this the most is that anyone who has studied aphids even a LITTLE knows that they tend to favor the undersides of leaves and/or can often be found in the understory of plants they feed on. Further, anyone who works with soybeans know how strong the canopy can become at the stage aerial spraying is applied. Then, add a little physics/natural science knowledge and a little about the technology used for aerial spraying to put it all together and infer that aerial spraying can't get to the majority of the target population of aphids.
I ALSO know that I know just enough to be dangerous here and could very well be missing several things. All I am saying is that just a little bit of thinking makes me question the economic feasibility of aerial spraying for aphids by my neighbors. It just so happens that their spraying annoys me for other reasons - which motivates me to take this to the conclusions I make...and that's why I always hedge a bit. My bias encourages me to ignore facts that don't fit.
So, why do the farmers still spray? Because they are told to do so by those selling the product. And those people tend to use the scare tactic of lost yields in ways that might make pharmaceutical companies look tame....
I know we are not the only rural residents who are becoming more irritated by crop dusting. I want it to quit. It is a danger to our organic vegetable operation. It is a threat to our health with the drifting chemicals. But, before I make too much noise, I need to understand why it seems so important to conventional farmers to make these aerial applications. It wasn't this way until the last couple of years. In fact, crop dusting was a bit more of an exception rather than the rule.
Now, most of August sounds like there are dogfights going on over our heads all day every day of the week. I wish I could find a way for these people to earn a decent living, enjoy what they are doing - and do all that without driving up my own blood pressure!
An interesting side light to this. ISU has study results showing that the aerial spraying for aphids are not providing a statistically significant benefit in yields vs no aerial spray.
Here is some information and here is more.
What interests me about this the most is that anyone who has studied aphids even a LITTLE knows that they tend to favor the undersides of leaves and/or can often be found in the understory of plants they feed on. Further, anyone who works with soybeans know how strong the canopy can become at the stage aerial spraying is applied. Then, add a little physics/natural science knowledge and a little about the technology used for aerial spraying to put it all together and infer that aerial spraying can't get to the majority of the target population of aphids.
I ALSO know that I know just enough to be dangerous here and could very well be missing several things. All I am saying is that just a little bit of thinking makes me question the economic feasibility of aerial spraying for aphids by my neighbors. It just so happens that their spraying annoys me for other reasons - which motivates me to take this to the conclusions I make...and that's why I always hedge a bit. My bias encourages me to ignore facts that don't fit.
So, why do the farmers still spray? Because they are told to do so by those selling the product. And those people tend to use the scare tactic of lost yields in ways that might make pharmaceutical companies look tame....
I know we are not the only rural residents who are becoming more irritated by crop dusting. I want it to quit. It is a danger to our organic vegetable operation. It is a threat to our health with the drifting chemicals. But, before I make too much noise, I need to understand why it seems so important to conventional farmers to make these aerial applications. It wasn't this way until the last couple of years. In fact, crop dusting was a bit more of an exception rather than the rule.
Now, most of August sounds like there are dogfights going on over our heads all day every day of the week. I wish I could find a way for these people to earn a decent living, enjoy what they are doing - and do all that without driving up my own blood pressure!
Friday, August 28, 2009
From the "that ain't right" files
Ok.
What's with the lows projected to be around 40 for Saturday (AUGUST 29) and Sunday (August 30)?
We decided some years ago that we did NOT want to stay in Duluth, where such things are not out of the question up over the hill (in Duluth, there are two temp patterns - by the lake and over the hill). But projected lows in Iowa that could have a three in the first digit for August is *not* normal.
Simply put, I don't like it. So there.
I don't think I have the time or energy to try and get things covered either. So, I guess if we get a light frost, some things will deal with getting singed.
What's with the lows projected to be around 40 for Saturday (AUGUST 29) and Sunday (August 30)?
We decided some years ago that we did NOT want to stay in Duluth, where such things are not out of the question up over the hill (in Duluth, there are two temp patterns - by the lake and over the hill). But projected lows in Iowa that could have a three in the first digit for August is *not* normal.
Simply put, I don't like it. So there.
I don't think I have the time or energy to try and get things covered either. So, I guess if we get a light frost, some things will deal with getting singed.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Transitions
Evidently the calendar is mocking us...yet again.
We barely get into feeling that it is summertime then suddenly.....
A school year jumped out and is grabbing everyone's attention. Hm. What to do now?
We are just completing week 11 of the CSA on Tuesday and will begin week 12 on Thursday. We run a 20 week season, so we are officially past the half-way mark. But, there is still a long way to go.
Perhaps the most difficult thing that happens this time of year is the transition T has to execute as she goes from veg farmer to college prof. There is still plenty to do on the farm, of course. And, she still wants to do work on the farm and enjoy being outside. But, the teaching gig calls - and it does (and rightfully so) take the majority of her time and attention.
Two of our seasonal helpers have already stopped coming to the farm since school activities (and school) has started for each of them. And, Dr. D will also go back to his mild-mannered self as a prof as well. Or, is the farm worker Dr. D the mild-mannered one? Perhaps we should audit one of his classes and find out?
So, this is the annual reminder to CSA members that there are so many hours in the day and there is only so much of R to go around. Things always seem to work out fine - but the first week or so in transition can be mildly stressful.
And, now that I've posted it here, all will be well and there will be no stress. Therapeutic...nice.
We barely get into feeling that it is summertime then suddenly.....
A school year jumped out and is grabbing everyone's attention. Hm. What to do now?
We are just completing week 11 of the CSA on Tuesday and will begin week 12 on Thursday. We run a 20 week season, so we are officially past the half-way mark. But, there is still a long way to go.
Perhaps the most difficult thing that happens this time of year is the transition T has to execute as she goes from veg farmer to college prof. There is still plenty to do on the farm, of course. And, she still wants to do work on the farm and enjoy being outside. But, the teaching gig calls - and it does (and rightfully so) take the majority of her time and attention.
Two of our seasonal helpers have already stopped coming to the farm since school activities (and school) has started for each of them. And, Dr. D will also go back to his mild-mannered self as a prof as well. Or, is the farm worker Dr. D the mild-mannered one? Perhaps we should audit one of his classes and find out?
So, this is the annual reminder to CSA members that there are so many hours in the day and there is only so much of R to go around. Things always seem to work out fine - but the first week or so in transition can be mildly stressful.
And, now that I've posted it here, all will be well and there will be no stress. Therapeutic...nice.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Charity for Free
You know, I've been thinking.
A dangerous pastime... (been a while for this one)
We just received in the mail an envelope full of 'gifts' and an offer for more 'free' stuff if we would consider supporting this particular charity. In fact, the personal/form letter included in the document spent more time talking about the neat 'free' things we could receive if we would only send them a check to support their cause. Oddly enough, very little of the letter focused on what the charity does/has done other than the generic introductory level drivel.
Basically, they are using the guilt approach.
See how nice we are? We have given you nice things in the mail. We will give you more nice things for 'free.' We are an organization that does good things for X. Obviously, you do not want to see X in danger, harmed, sick or some other various nasty issue. You would be a bad, nasty, evil person if you wanted that. So, while we are at it, it would be rude of you to ignore us because we are good, we do good things and we sent you 'gifts.' So, if you want to improve your karma/go to heaven/name the thing that is good to you - you'd better reply with a check in the amount of $25, $50, $100, other. Otherwise, we will assume that you are a nasty, no good, evil person who wants bad things to happen to X.
Since we are good, we will continue to send you 'gifts' in hopes of converting you to a 'good' person. If you do respond and send us money for our organization, we will continue to send you 'gifts' and remind you that you need to keep sending us money - because the world is full of people who were good once and have gone bad since.
==========
I understand that charitable organizations have to use marketing efforts in order to keep their names and missions in front of those who would support them. And, there are numerous such agents to whom we send support. But, it is the gift we are giving, not the one we are promised to receive that interests us. And, I expect to see evidence that the gift given is being used wisely to do tasks that are part of the stated purpose of the agency.
To make matters worse, these gifts help fill our landfills, use up resources that can be used for better things and are often provided by companies that treat workers poorly and/or provide inferior product. All in the interest of giving potential donors a 'free' item that must be cheap in order for the organization to have any money left over for...
It may not be as blatant as elephant tusks from a 'save the animals' foundation, a club from the 'prevent the abuse of X' group or some such thing. But, are we asking too much for charitable (and other) organizations to make sure any promotional item stays consistent with the states ideals of that agency?
A dangerous pastime... (been a while for this one)
We just received in the mail an envelope full of 'gifts' and an offer for more 'free' stuff if we would consider supporting this particular charity. In fact, the personal/form letter included in the document spent more time talking about the neat 'free' things we could receive if we would only send them a check to support their cause. Oddly enough, very little of the letter focused on what the charity does/has done other than the generic introductory level drivel.
Basically, they are using the guilt approach.
See how nice we are? We have given you nice things in the mail. We will give you more nice things for 'free.' We are an organization that does good things for X. Obviously, you do not want to see X in danger, harmed, sick or some other various nasty issue. You would be a bad, nasty, evil person if you wanted that. So, while we are at it, it would be rude of you to ignore us because we are good, we do good things and we sent you 'gifts.' So, if you want to improve your karma/go to heaven/name the thing that is good to you - you'd better reply with a check in the amount of $25, $50, $100, other. Otherwise, we will assume that you are a nasty, no good, evil person who wants bad things to happen to X.
Since we are good, we will continue to send you 'gifts' in hopes of converting you to a 'good' person. If you do respond and send us money for our organization, we will continue to send you 'gifts' and remind you that you need to keep sending us money - because the world is full of people who were good once and have gone bad since.
==========
I understand that charitable organizations have to use marketing efforts in order to keep their names and missions in front of those who would support them. And, there are numerous such agents to whom we send support. But, it is the gift we are giving, not the one we are promised to receive that interests us. And, I expect to see evidence that the gift given is being used wisely to do tasks that are part of the stated purpose of the agency.
To make matters worse, these gifts help fill our landfills, use up resources that can be used for better things and are often provided by companies that treat workers poorly and/or provide inferior product. All in the interest of giving potential donors a 'free' item that must be cheap in order for the organization to have any money left over for...
It may not be as blatant as elephant tusks from a 'save the animals' foundation, a club from the 'prevent the abuse of X' group or some such thing. But, are we asking too much for charitable (and other) organizations to make sure any promotional item stays consistent with the states ideals of that agency?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Farm Report
Farm Report as of August 19, 2009 for those who have interest...
The weather has continued to be cooler than normal with only a short period of warm, humid weather. In our mind, this bodes well for a longer fall period with a later frost. But, nature has its own ideas and we'll just have to deal with it. Recent rains have been welcomed by the plants, but have slowed certain efforts on the farm significantly. The weeds have taken off with the rain, as have some of the crops.
Potatoes - this is going to be a great potato year if the 2+ rows that are harvested are any indication. We have pulled in Yukon Gold (the shortest season) and potatoes have been, on average, larger and more plentiful. We set a goal of a five to one return (5 lbs for every 1 lb of seed) and hope to do much better. We have five rows of Yukons, picked two and we're already at the 5 to 1 return. A good sign for us - but it's going to take time to pull all of the taters in.
Beans - It's been a wonderful year for beans. Unfortunately, most of the plants are slowing down and the quality will become a little less consistent from her for the Providers, but should be fine - if lessened - for the Jades. We don't anticipate much for beans in the next week, but they can surprise. the hardest part is getting them picked when it is wet - picking wet beans spreads disease and mildews that shorten the productivity span - but so does letting beans get overly large. ah well. It's still been a good year - we're just under the quarter ton mark for beans picked this season.
Peas - Stick a fork in them, the spring crop is done. We're going to try and prep for a late fall crop, but it will be close.
Cukes - These are also on a downward trend. the dry patch stressed them out enough that we're not sure we'll get too much from here on out. So, expect a trickle from these for the rest of the season.
Eggplant - we're climbing the curve for the eggplant production peak. Oddly, the usually higher production levels of the standard purple eggplants have not occurred, whereas the other heirloom varieties are doing reasonably well. NOTE: if you aren't taking your eggplant in your share, you are missing out! Eggplant are excellent substitutes for mushrooms and grill up well. We added grilled eggplant rings to hamburgers the other night - with a slice of tomato, some cheese, a bit of lettuce - it became one of the best burgers either of us has had. Hoping to find some Ailsa Craig onions ready for the next burger.
Tomatoes - The production period may be short and frantic. Usually, we run tomatoes well into September. We're not sure how long this one will last since the plants dropped their flowers early because of cool nights and dry weather. The taste is definitely there and there will be plenty of them for a while! The Italian Heirlooms are especially plentiful right now.
Winter Squash - appear to be on target for normal harvest starting in September and going to mid-October. The Boston Marrow variety is going to wow us with some incredibly large fruit. I expected a 15 pound fruit as the max. There are candidates for much more than that right now.
Kohlrabi - the next planting is getting ready to be picked! We'll try to sandwich one more in for a late fall harvest.
Garlic - was not a bright spot this year. We should be able to salvage enough for seed, but there won't be much to distribute - we hope to give everyone one or two heads - but we can't tell just yet. Can't win them all.
Melon/Watermelon - speaking of not winning them all. Weather has stayed too cool, too long. We're not optimistic. But, next year always brings a new hope.
Peppers - taste and quality has been through the roof for the heirloom varieties. They are really just now getting going. We've been able to hold down the fort with the Ace variety (early hybrid bell pepper), but everyone should be excited to see the Jimmy Nardello's, Tolli Sweet and heirloom bell peppers starting to appear. These all taste much better (in our opinion). We will normally put the Aces in one distribution basket and the other sweet peppers in a separate basket. NOTE: we will never entice anyone to eat a hot pepper by claiming it is sweet. You're just going to have to trust us that some of these peppers, despite their looks, are not hot. If you don't, you'll really miss out.
Turkeys - both older and younger groups continue to grow and get more interested in exploring. A good sign for their health. A bad sign for our keeping them where we want them to be. Happens every year.
Eggs - we're still trying to get the ladies to go back to their production levels of just a month (or so) ago. The younger hens will supposedly enter their active laying period starting in September. So, we will either be swamped with eggs or really frustrated. We're hoping for the former.
Summer Squash/Zucchini - the rains keep the older plants going, but the cooler weather has prevented them from going crazy like they have in prior years. Clearly, there has been plenty (as can be attested to by CSA members). However, we have tried to market excess in the past for a little additional income. Haven't had as much for that as we are accustumed. That may actually be a good thing because we haven't had the time to pick more and find buyers. Expect levels of these in shares to slowly taper off.
Lettuce - the next batch is now being picked, with another due to be ready about the time these are finished. We've picked over 2000 heads of lettuce this season. Approximately 3 times as many as we've ever harvested. Current varieties are Rouge d'Hiver, Australian Yellow Leaf, Grandpa Admires and Pablo. All seem to handle warmer weather reasonbly well.
The weather has continued to be cooler than normal with only a short period of warm, humid weather. In our mind, this bodes well for a longer fall period with a later frost. But, nature has its own ideas and we'll just have to deal with it. Recent rains have been welcomed by the plants, but have slowed certain efforts on the farm significantly. The weeds have taken off with the rain, as have some of the crops.
Potatoes - this is going to be a great potato year if the 2+ rows that are harvested are any indication. We have pulled in Yukon Gold (the shortest season) and potatoes have been, on average, larger and more plentiful. We set a goal of a five to one return (5 lbs for every 1 lb of seed) and hope to do much better. We have five rows of Yukons, picked two and we're already at the 5 to 1 return. A good sign for us - but it's going to take time to pull all of the taters in.
Beans - It's been a wonderful year for beans. Unfortunately, most of the plants are slowing down and the quality will become a little less consistent from her for the Providers, but should be fine - if lessened - for the Jades. We don't anticipate much for beans in the next week, but they can surprise. the hardest part is getting them picked when it is wet - picking wet beans spreads disease and mildews that shorten the productivity span - but so does letting beans get overly large. ah well. It's still been a good year - we're just under the quarter ton mark for beans picked this season.
Peas - Stick a fork in them, the spring crop is done. We're going to try and prep for a late fall crop, but it will be close.
Cukes - These are also on a downward trend. the dry patch stressed them out enough that we're not sure we'll get too much from here on out. So, expect a trickle from these for the rest of the season.
Eggplant - we're climbing the curve for the eggplant production peak. Oddly, the usually higher production levels of the standard purple eggplants have not occurred, whereas the other heirloom varieties are doing reasonably well. NOTE: if you aren't taking your eggplant in your share, you are missing out! Eggplant are excellent substitutes for mushrooms and grill up well. We added grilled eggplant rings to hamburgers the other night - with a slice of tomato, some cheese, a bit of lettuce - it became one of the best burgers either of us has had. Hoping to find some Ailsa Craig onions ready for the next burger.
Tomatoes - The production period may be short and frantic. Usually, we run tomatoes well into September. We're not sure how long this one will last since the plants dropped their flowers early because of cool nights and dry weather. The taste is definitely there and there will be plenty of them for a while! The Italian Heirlooms are especially plentiful right now.
Winter Squash - appear to be on target for normal harvest starting in September and going to mid-October. The Boston Marrow variety is going to wow us with some incredibly large fruit. I expected a 15 pound fruit as the max. There are candidates for much more than that right now.
Kohlrabi - the next planting is getting ready to be picked! We'll try to sandwich one more in for a late fall harvest.
Garlic - was not a bright spot this year. We should be able to salvage enough for seed, but there won't be much to distribute - we hope to give everyone one or two heads - but we can't tell just yet. Can't win them all.
Melon/Watermelon - speaking of not winning them all. Weather has stayed too cool, too long. We're not optimistic. But, next year always brings a new hope.
Peppers - taste and quality has been through the roof for the heirloom varieties. They are really just now getting going. We've been able to hold down the fort with the Ace variety (early hybrid bell pepper), but everyone should be excited to see the Jimmy Nardello's, Tolli Sweet and heirloom bell peppers starting to appear. These all taste much better (in our opinion). We will normally put the Aces in one distribution basket and the other sweet peppers in a separate basket. NOTE: we will never entice anyone to eat a hot pepper by claiming it is sweet. You're just going to have to trust us that some of these peppers, despite their looks, are not hot. If you don't, you'll really miss out.
Turkeys - both older and younger groups continue to grow and get more interested in exploring. A good sign for their health. A bad sign for our keeping them where we want them to be. Happens every year.
Eggs - we're still trying to get the ladies to go back to their production levels of just a month (or so) ago. The younger hens will supposedly enter their active laying period starting in September. So, we will either be swamped with eggs or really frustrated. We're hoping for the former.
Summer Squash/Zucchini - the rains keep the older plants going, but the cooler weather has prevented them from going crazy like they have in prior years. Clearly, there has been plenty (as can be attested to by CSA members). However, we have tried to market excess in the past for a little additional income. Haven't had as much for that as we are accustumed. That may actually be a good thing because we haven't had the time to pick more and find buyers. Expect levels of these in shares to slowly taper off.
Lettuce - the next batch is now being picked, with another due to be ready about the time these are finished. We've picked over 2000 heads of lettuce this season. Approximately 3 times as many as we've ever harvested. Current varieties are Rouge d'Hiver, Australian Yellow Leaf, Grandpa Admires and Pablo. All seem to handle warmer weather reasonbly well.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Why'd you call me a drip?
Was it because I left a pool of rainwater by the back door today? That might have to be it.
Happily, Wednesday is not a CSA distribution day. However, the forecast still gives a decent chance of rain tomorrow. And...tomorrow IS a CSA distribution day.
We've done this before and we'll do it again. A distribution day doesn't get moved. Even if it is raining - or pouring - we still need to get things picked, packed and ... uh... delivered (so much for the alliteration).
So, there are times that we're out in the fields in a steady rain, doing what work we can. Early afternoon today was one of those times. R was trying to get a few things in before the rain came. But, the rain came a little quicker than he would have liked. As a result, he got to experience all of the things that come with this territory.
A small notepad is typically in R's possession throughout the work day. There is a problem with paper and rain sometimes.... Didn't get that bad today. But, it is something to consider for future rain pickings as that notepad often has a number of important items in it that need attention.
Another thing we notice is that the first bit of rain makes the surface of the soil a little slick, so a person has to be a bit more careful moving around. As it rains more, we go to the 'stick to the sole' stage where it is possible to 'grow' three inches in a short period of time. It's not too bad until part of the mud caked on a shoe breaks off, leaving you with an uneven surface with every step on that foot.
A third item that makes things a bit more interesting during a rain pick - the produce is often harder to handle as it can be slick with rain - or mud. Not sure how many times I grumped at the zucchini as it slipped out of my hands, falling back to the ground - only to be in contact with - more mud.
Then there is the issue of wiping hands clean. Usually, the jeans are the defacto 'rag' in the field. What happens when there are no more clean or dry spots left?
Today's rain was accompanied by a cool southeast wind. So, the rain was just cold enough to cause me to cringe a bit whenever rainwater found a new place to go. The first few drops down to the small of one's back can be a little shocking. Of course, once your back is soaked it doesn't matter. But, stand up (out of the 'harvesting position') and you'll find that you DID (past tense) have dry spots on your person.
There are stages of acceptance that one goes through during a rainy day in the field:
Stage the First - you see it coming and you rush to complete whatever you are doing in hopes of getting it done AND getting in before the rain hits. Adreneline rush time.
Second Stage - the rain starts and you rush to get anything undercover that really must not get wet. You feel every drop of rain.
Third Stage - you are damp, but there really is 'just a bit' more to do and you really don't want to leave it (or can't leave it). So, you keep rushing in hopes of getting done before you get too wet/dirty/both. You begin to get annoyed with some of the things listed above.
Stage Four - You can still get a little bit wetter, but there really is no more hope of getting done and in before you have to change to new clothing, etc. The pace slows down, it really doesn't matter how fast it gets done anymore. Part of you accepts that being in the rain can be somewhat pleasant - except if it is a downpour - or lightning.
Stage the Fifth - There is no way you can be wetter - even if you submerged yourself in a pool. You could wring a few gallons out of your underpants if you had to. At this point, you only keep picking because you have to - and it still doesn't matter if you go in. The only thing that stops you is if you will be doing more damage to the crop and field than you should. Even then, you keep picking if there is a deadline to meet. The rain is no longer annoying. The issues listed above no longer bother you. This is likely because you have reached a stage of numbness that is known by CSA growers, truck/market farmers and other folks who have to perform tasks in this sort of weather once in a while.
Today R reached Stage Four. Happily, he got the rows done he felt needed to be done before reaching the next level.
Happily, Wednesday is not a CSA distribution day. However, the forecast still gives a decent chance of rain tomorrow. And...tomorrow IS a CSA distribution day.
We've done this before and we'll do it again. A distribution day doesn't get moved. Even if it is raining - or pouring - we still need to get things picked, packed and ... uh... delivered (so much for the alliteration).
So, there are times that we're out in the fields in a steady rain, doing what work we can. Early afternoon today was one of those times. R was trying to get a few things in before the rain came. But, the rain came a little quicker than he would have liked. As a result, he got to experience all of the things that come with this territory.
A small notepad is typically in R's possession throughout the work day. There is a problem with paper and rain sometimes.... Didn't get that bad today. But, it is something to consider for future rain pickings as that notepad often has a number of important items in it that need attention.
Another thing we notice is that the first bit of rain makes the surface of the soil a little slick, so a person has to be a bit more careful moving around. As it rains more, we go to the 'stick to the sole' stage where it is possible to 'grow' three inches in a short period of time. It's not too bad until part of the mud caked on a shoe breaks off, leaving you with an uneven surface with every step on that foot.
A third item that makes things a bit more interesting during a rain pick - the produce is often harder to handle as it can be slick with rain - or mud. Not sure how many times I grumped at the zucchini as it slipped out of my hands, falling back to the ground - only to be in contact with - more mud.
Then there is the issue of wiping hands clean. Usually, the jeans are the defacto 'rag' in the field. What happens when there are no more clean or dry spots left?
Today's rain was accompanied by a cool southeast wind. So, the rain was just cold enough to cause me to cringe a bit whenever rainwater found a new place to go. The first few drops down to the small of one's back can be a little shocking. Of course, once your back is soaked it doesn't matter. But, stand up (out of the 'harvesting position') and you'll find that you DID (past tense) have dry spots on your person.
There are stages of acceptance that one goes through during a rainy day in the field:
Stage the First - you see it coming and you rush to complete whatever you are doing in hopes of getting it done AND getting in before the rain hits. Adreneline rush time.
Second Stage - the rain starts and you rush to get anything undercover that really must not get wet. You feel every drop of rain.
Third Stage - you are damp, but there really is 'just a bit' more to do and you really don't want to leave it (or can't leave it). So, you keep rushing in hopes of getting done before you get too wet/dirty/both. You begin to get annoyed with some of the things listed above.
Stage Four - You can still get a little bit wetter, but there really is no more hope of getting done and in before you have to change to new clothing, etc. The pace slows down, it really doesn't matter how fast it gets done anymore. Part of you accepts that being in the rain can be somewhat pleasant - except if it is a downpour - or lightning.
Stage the Fifth - There is no way you can be wetter - even if you submerged yourself in a pool. You could wring a few gallons out of your underpants if you had to. At this point, you only keep picking because you have to - and it still doesn't matter if you go in. The only thing that stops you is if you will be doing more damage to the crop and field than you should. Even then, you keep picking if there is a deadline to meet. The rain is no longer annoying. The issues listed above no longer bother you. This is likely because you have reached a stage of numbness that is known by CSA growers, truck/market farmers and other folks who have to perform tasks in this sort of weather once in a while.
Today R reached Stage Four. Happily, he got the rows done he felt needed to be done before reaching the next level.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Let the Games Begin... (update)
Ok, this is a different kind of post!
T & I have been pretty tired in the evenings lately. So much so that we have a tendency to just grab a book and stare at it for a while. The phrase "too tired to sleep" was one we didn't use to believe could be true. But, there have actually been times where we won't go to bed, even though we've read the same page fifteen times - and we know we need the sleep.
In any event, we're trying to get ourselves back into playing games in the evening. It's a good way to move our minds away from the cares of the farm. It is also a symbolic way to proclaim to ourselves that the work day is done. We have put birds and tools away. Buildings are 'locked down.' The boots or shoes can finally come off.
We came up with the idea that we would run a tournament of a sort by accumulating points over a number of different games. Since we both like Ticket to Ride, we'll do several different runs of that game. If we're feeling ambitious, we may add a few other games once we decide how to award points.
Thus far, the scores are as follows:
Lost Cities
T 198 R 160
Ticket To Ride US Mega
T 145 R 193
So, out of the gate it is a close 343 to 353.
Next up - Ticket to Ride Nordic and Cribbage
Nordic
T 188 R 170
T takes the lead 531 to 523
Next - cribbage, then some form of TTR
T & I have been pretty tired in the evenings lately. So much so that we have a tendency to just grab a book and stare at it for a while. The phrase "too tired to sleep" was one we didn't use to believe could be true. But, there have actually been times where we won't go to bed, even though we've read the same page fifteen times - and we know we need the sleep.
In any event, we're trying to get ourselves back into playing games in the evening. It's a good way to move our minds away from the cares of the farm. It is also a symbolic way to proclaim to ourselves that the work day is done. We have put birds and tools away. Buildings are 'locked down.' The boots or shoes can finally come off.
We came up with the idea that we would run a tournament of a sort by accumulating points over a number of different games. Since we both like Ticket to Ride, we'll do several different runs of that game. If we're feeling ambitious, we may add a few other games once we decide how to award points.
Thus far, the scores are as follows:
Lost Cities
T 198 R 160
Ticket To Ride US Mega
T 145 R 193
So, out of the gate it is a close 343 to 353.
Next up - Ticket to Ride Nordic and Cribbage
Nordic
T 188 R 170
T takes the lead 531 to 523
Next - cribbage, then some form of TTR
Sunday, August 16, 2009
SHELVES! (updated)
The truck barn got a completed roof this year, which means the building is capable of keeping things dry (for the most part). That means we can consider making it more useful for our veg farming efforts.
Many thanks to Dad for his efforts in moving everything around in order to build shelves on the south wall. The building is fairly tall, so there is plenty of space to utilize in the vertical direction. These shelves do that! The web flats, transplant pots and lighter things of that nature are on the top shelves. We only need them in the early Spring - and they come down once and go up once in a season (yes, that is a simplification - but it is close enough). There will be some of that sort of thing that we will need access to throughout the year, but we don't need 500 trays at eye level most of the time.
There are shelves to put our picking crates, coolers and other items we use multiple times every week for CSA distributions. These shelves provide us with a consistent and easy to access spot for their storage. What a relief! It will not take long before we wonder how we managed without these shelves.
Now to find time to get things organized on those shelves...
We'll try to add a pic later.
Many thanks to Dad for his efforts in moving everything around in order to build shelves on the south wall. The building is fairly tall, so there is plenty of space to utilize in the vertical direction. These shelves do that! The web flats, transplant pots and lighter things of that nature are on the top shelves. We only need them in the early Spring - and they come down once and go up once in a season (yes, that is a simplification - but it is close enough). There will be some of that sort of thing that we will need access to throughout the year, but we don't need 500 trays at eye level most of the time.
There are shelves to put our picking crates, coolers and other items we use multiple times every week for CSA distributions. These shelves provide us with a consistent and easy to access spot for their storage. What a relief! It will not take long before we wonder how we managed without these shelves.
Now to find time to get things organized on those shelves...
We'll try to add a pic later.
Monday, August 10, 2009
CSA Observations
We're approaching the midway point for the CSA distribution season. So, we thought we'd throw out some observations or feelings about how we see this year going.
- The new approach for signs at pickup (vs the chalkboard or paper menus) seems to be working far better than the old approach. Now all we need to do is come up with a waterproof/erasable set of signs. We can do it, just need to set the time aside.
- We have been pleased with the variety and amount of produce made available to our CSA members. Of course, there are always improvements to be made - but we're feeling pretty good about the way this year has gone thus far. This is saying something since we tend to be among our harshest critics.
- The truck is very full on Tuesday (Waverly) and Thursday (Cedar Falls). Last Thursday's pack was a bit of a challenge, but there were many tweaks we could have done to fit more in. However, we're wondering how long it will be until we reach a point where it won't fit. And when that happens, we wonder what we will do? Tune in and find out at a later date.
- With the CSA model, one of the difficulties is the budgeting of income from the beginning of the season for expenses throughout the year. For those who don't understand, subscribers pay at the beginning of the season unless they have a pre-arranged payment plan. This results in one big payday for the year, from which farm expenses must be paid throughout the remainder. We are hopeful that we will have a nice pepper/eggplant/ tomato season that exceeds CSA needs. Each of these crops are a reasonably good cash crop that can bring in extra $ in late summer and through the fall.
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