Some Like It Hot

Things got kind of warm on Wednesday, but there was a nice breeze until about 3pm.  Once that wind died down, it started feeling a bit like an oven.  On the plus side, the humidity didn't move in until the next day.

Even so, our intrepid crew of four (Anden, Jordan, Tammy and myself) managed to get straw mulch spread in the tomatoes, some of the cages pulled out of the grass and some of those cages put up with the tomatoes.  We all moved a little bit slower than we might have on other days, but progress was consistent.  Lots of water was consumed as well.

It looks like we'll be on the warmer side for a while now.  And, it looks like the pattern or rain avoiding us will also continue.  It's odd watching the radar and seeing rain systems fall apart or disappear as they approach us.  And, we've gotten so used to  fretting about too much rain that we're not sure if it is safe to want rain...

Some other notes of interest relating to the Farm Share CSA, our crops, poultry and whatever else comes to mind:

• We lost some of our biggest broilers to the heat on Wednesday.  Never had to deal with that before - and we're not sure that we could have done much more about it than we did.  
• An excellent idea from Jeff Cornforth for our CSA members.  If you are having trouble remembering what you are getting, take a picture of each item in its tray with the label.  You can get home and compare with the picture to remember what you have.
• We do still have 20-25 whole chickens available for sale in this batch.  Get them before they all find their homes.
• The garlic needs to be harvested.  Soon.
• Speaking of things that need to be done soon (we were?), how do you handle a priority list when they are all "priority 1" items?    Then, what do you do when the day is over and half of the priority 1 items are NOT completed?  It may be time for me to rework my post on lists.  But, that is a "priority 5" item, I think.
• Did you know - roosters start crowing sporadically at 4 AM?
• We realize it is a big time for vacations for many of you.  We also realize you are all busy.  However, we could use some volunteer weeding or watering time on the farm.  Contact us if you can help - we'll negotiate a time if you are interested.  
• Related to the above item.  We do have a couple of people who work 4 days a week on the farm and we have a crew of 'on demand' weeders that we also pay.  It's just a reminder of how much there is to do on the farm if we're also asking for a little volunteer help to catch up.

Chickens Looking to Be Dinner Guests

Our day-range broiler chickens will be taking their trip to "The Park" on Friday of this coming week (June 29).  This means we are ready to begin taking reservations for these birds. 

How to Reserve:
   Send us an email at  gff genuinefauxfarm com
OR come to our CSA distribution and sign up there.
   DO NOT call, we don't always have what we need ready to make sure we get it all down properly.  DO NOT send notes via Facebook, our internet doesn't always let us get into that part of the website to see it.  DO repeat your request if you don't get a positive response within 36 hours of your email.

What you need to tell us:
   -  How many birds you want. 
   -  If you want any of them cut into pieces.  They will be WHOLE birds (not cut up) unless you ask us to have some birds cut up.  It costs an additional $1 to ask the processor to cut up the bird.
   -  Which pick up option you would prefer (see below).
   - Any additional instructions you feel are necessary.

Cost:
   - Prices are figured by weight.
   - if you pick birds up on Friday (unfrozen) in Waverly (see pick up options below) cost is $3.25/pound
   - if you pick birds up at the farm, but AFTER they are frozen, cost is $3.30/pound
   - if you need us to bring the birds to Waverly or Cedar Falls for a pick up, the birds will be frozen and the cost will be $3.40/pound
   - average weight is estimated to be 5 pounds per bird, some will be bigger, some smaller.  Normal range is 4-6 pounds.

Delivery/Pickup of Broilers:
   - OPTION 1: Pick up in Waverly approx 2:30PM to 3:30PM.  We will be in the Science Center parking lot at Wartburg College, in the SouthWest corner.  We will be returning from picking up the processed birds in Greene and they will be unfrozen.  If you want this option you MUST tell us.  Why?  Because we cannot guarantee that we will be there exactly at these times, this is our best guess based on past experience.  There are too many variables having to do with cooling and other processing issues that we cannot control.  So, if we know you are coming, we can call some/all of you if things change. 
   - OPTION 2 : Pick up at the farm.  Birds will be taken to Fredericka Locker before they close on Friday.  We have to get the birds from them Saturday and put them in our own freezers.  It is a good idea to contact us BEFORE you come to pick up birds. 
   - OPTION 3 : Pick up during a CSA distribution.  If you've looked at our truck and the number of coolers, etc we have to bring with us for veg, you can guess that space can be at a premium.  We will begin bringing chickens for people on Tuesday (Waverly) and Thursday (Hansen's in Cedar Falls) and we will fit as many as we are able.  But, this means that we may not be able to bring ALL orders during the first week of July.  It all depends on space available to haul it to the distribution points.    It is NOT cost effective for us to make a special delivery date/time that is separate from the distributions.  That's why we do it this way. 

How many are available:
   Approximately 180 birds are estimated to be available. (103 are now reserved - 77 still available)   

Other details about what you will receive:
   The birds will be processed - which means they will be cleaned and placed in bags that work fine for freezing.  Birds are whole unless you order a cut up bird.  We estimate that the average processed size of these birds will be around 5 pounds, which is a very good size.

Frozen or unfrozen:
   If you want an unfrozen bird, you MUST pick up your bird from us in Waverly on June 29 (after we pick them up from the processor).  Otherwise, the remaining birds will be taken to the Fredericka Locker to be flash frozen.  We simply do not have refrigerator space to hold birds unfrozen for those who want them that way.  Freezing birds costs us approximately 5 cents/pound to do at the locker.  We will pass remove this cost for birds picked up on Friday (your price will be 5 cents per pound cheaper).

Who processes the birds?
   Martzahn's Farm in Greene, Iowa processes the birds.  They do have a state of Iowa inspector on premises, so you can rest assured that the birds have passed inspection.  This is the processor we have used for all of our birds and we find that their work is well worth what we pay them.

About these birds:
Day range chickens are fed organic feed and are given the opportunity to forage on our pastures.  We do NOT raise the Cornish X hybrid that is bred to eat and grow.   We DO raise Freedom Rangers.  These birds have, in our opinion, a better taste, are smarter birds and like to forage and run around like chickens should run around.  The reason fewer people raise them is that they take longer to grow up to a size where they can be processed. We have now raised this type of bird for the past five years or so.  They are simply a better bird.

Thank you for being willing to read this email carefully and thank you in advance for your orders. 
Rob & Tammy

A Thousand Words

To supplement the farm report.  Here are pictures from June 22, 2012 for your enjoyment and edification.

Their days are numbered - and that number is SIX!  The broilers are "day-ranged" and are now available to be reserved.

Our Winter Squash Field.  The area closest to the camera was direct seeded and is just popping up.  The transplants are further away.  Don't let perspective fool you, much more is transplant than seed.

Field E2 is beans and potatoes.  This is what one of our spacing trials looks like when it is weeded.

And, here's what it looks like when it is NOT weeded.  Anyone out there have a need for some therapy?  Weeding IS therapy.  Better yet - you want potatoes and beans this year?  These need to be weeded now.

Same field, different spacing, mostly weeded.  See, we haven't been just sitting and watching the weeds grow.

Summer squash and zucchini transplants.  This is succession 2.  Succession 1 is over on the left.  Rows just to the left of this succession hold recently seeded turnip and beet rows.

Tomatoes!  Note the drip tape.  It looks pretty clean right now, but we just went and looked at it all of 36 hours later.... not so clean!  Time to weed, mulch, cage and trellis.

Cucumbers and climbing beans (at the right).  Got to get that fence up for the beans soon.  The cukes are transplants (for the most part) and are starting to 'take.'  So, a growth spurt should be upcoming for them.

Brassica and onions (broccoli, pok choi, etc).  Really, we worked hard to weed this field....

Evidence of our weeding job is still there.  But, we've got to get back at it.

Okra, beans and eggplant in the southwest field.  Recently wheel hoe cultivated.

Another view of the same field with peppers.

Pumpkins are looking VERY good.

Lettuce and weeds.  Note the arugula that has bolted on the right.

The melon field is one of our experiments with paper mulch.  The plants are in, but were not at the point we took this picture.

And, here is the tool we used to put the paper mulch down.  It took a day to put the darned thing together and get everything lined up properly.  But, you have to spend time to save time.

Farm Report - June 21, 2012

Creativity Low - News/Announcements Several 

Lettuce Varieties
    CSA members got their first taste in the regular season of the variety of um...varieties we can have for some of our produce.  Sometimes the choice can be overwhelming.  But, remember, we're there to help - so feel free to ask.
Waverly had the opportunity to choose from Crispmint (we even had some for sale at the front table Tuesday!), Red Salad Bowl, Gold Rush and Bronze Arrowhead.  Cedar Falls was able to choose from Crispmint, Red Salad Bowl, Bronze Arrowhead, Forellenschus and Grandpa Admires.
If you want to learn more about the varieties we grow - go here!


Want some lettuce?
     If you want some lettuce and are not part of the CSA, there are some opportunities for you!   Hansen's Outlet in Cedar Falls has 18 heads of lettuce from Genuine Faux Farm for sale at the same price we would sell them for at a market ($4/head).  The lettuce is certified organic.  Encourage them to keep stocking GFF veg if you like seeing it there by voting with your dollar.  CSA members - do not worry, you come first!  But, I bet you won't be able to eat all the lettuce we currently have getting ready. 

Currently at Hansen's - Bronze Arrowhead, Grandpa Admires, Rouge d'Hiver.

CSA Report
  We've been pleased with the produce we have been able to provide thus far and even more pleased with the kind, supportive people for whom we have the privilege to be their personal farmers.   There have been a few bumps in the road, primarily with people getting the schedule set to pick up produce.  Life is busy and things happen.  But, good food is important too.  We want you to have your produce!  Come and get it!

Rain Rain Rain
  It seems that every year is all about rain.  In recent years, it's been about way too much of the stuff.  This year has been the opposite.  We were grateful for the .4" we received last night.  We're also grateful for the soil we have that holds alot of water.   We weren't so grateful for it in previous years.

Bye Bye Beeps
   We nickname our little turkeys "Baby Beeps" when they're still less than a month or so old.  Unfortunately, our batch of beeps this year got wet in the rain and most died from hypothermia.  We discovered this while doing chores early this AM.  We found 2 of the 55 or so birds were fine.  Four were barely alive.  We attempted to revive those birds and succeeded with one.  So we have 3 of 55 birds remaining.  We are looking to see if we can acquire more beeps for our 2012 turkey flock.

Broilers!
   The countdown to their trip to the park begins.  Details on how to reserve birds will be out on Friday.  We wanted to get through the CSA week before we shifted attention.


Mulch layer
   We look for ways to make our farm more effective every year.  One of our attempts to address weed problems is to lay paper mulch.  We do not believe plastic mulch is a good idea for the long term health of our soil, but have much more liking for the biodegradable paper mulch.  We purchased a used flatbed mulch layer from our friends at Grinnell Heritage Farm.  Rob was finally able to set aside some time and get the thing put together and adjusted.  Our first trial of paper mulch is now underway.  One third of the melon crop will get this treatment.  Hopefully, this will reduce the need to weed this crop. 

Oui, We Weed
  And weed and weed and weed.  Thanks to a great crew the past couple of weeks, you've all worked very hard.  We may never catch up, but we're giving it as good a shot as is possible.  We'll try to get some photos up so everyone can see.

A Day in the Life....

I've been trying to *not* open my eyes for a while, even though the light that is hitting them indicates to me that the sun has announced the beginning of a new day.  I may be a farmer, but I'm still not a morning person.  Unfortunately, the buzzing sound is the not so appreciated electronic device that was set to remind us that we are supposed to be up now.

Now, we don't get up at a terribly obscene (in our view) hour, but we don't sleep in either.  A little hint about day-ranging poultry.  They get up when the sun does and only have so much patience before you have to let them out.  If you've never been given a verbal dressing down by an angry hen before...

Mornings remind us how much we need water to sustain life.  The broilers need water, the hens need water, the hen chicks need water, the ducks need water, the turkeys need water, the cats need water, Rob needs a shower, all the plants in pots or trays need water - those pots and trays are located in multiple places on the farm.  And...those transplants you put in late yesterday.  You know - the 800 or so summer squash/zucchini plants?  Ya, it didn't rain, so they need water too.  And, those cucumber transplants look like they need something too.  Hmmmm.

It is amazing how many things on the farm are now classified as "chores."  In our mind, a chore is something you have to do *every* day - usually twice a day, with the second one often being the reverse of the first.  For example, open up the high tunnel, close down the high tunnel.  Let the birds out, put the birds in.  And, on days like today, water everything....twice.

Another thing that we're getting used to (and maybe better at) is being prepared for our summer workers.  Anden and Jordan typically work Monday through Thursday and arrive at 8:30am.  Sometimes we have an emergency 'weeding crew' for the morning hours.  Part of the morning 'chores' is to be prepared for whatever it is our crew will be doing each day.  This week has been pretty good - we've been on top of that particular item.  But, what does one do on a day when you are having a hard time telling YOURSELF what should be done?

One thing can change how a day looks.  Answer this:  Is today a CSA Farm Share Distribution Day.

No.  Okay!  We need to get everything *other than* picking done today (unless it is later in the season, then the picking never stops - we hope).  (****note - we'll do "yes." some other blog post*****)

A good example was Wednesday this week.  We had the larger crew for a good portion of the day.  As a result, we saw some onion rows get weeded.  And when we say rows, we mean rows (200 foot long).  And to give the crew credit, they were pulling GRASS in those onion rows.  We hope none of them had nightmares afterward.

The tomato plot was weeded in its entirety.  The drip tape was untangled and buried where it belongs.  Every row was wheel hoed and the nasty Canadian thistle we hurt by wheel hoeing was raked up and taken to the compost pile.  That's one hefty accomplishment.  Thanks Anden, Jordan, Haley Jo and Katelyn!

Rob reminded himself that he needs to use the wheel hoe a bit more *each day* rather than trying to do an entire field in one day.  But, when it needs doing and the time you have to do it is now...

Once the workers leave for the day (4pm or 5pm depending) we usually take a short break unless we're trying to finish a particular project.  Then, we normally take on one more project before we begin our night time chores.  This Wednesday's chore was tilling the rows for the aforementioned 800 summer squash and zucchini plants.  And, we decided that, while we were at it, we'd direct seed the next succession at the same time. 

Two hours.  1200 row feet planted.  Cool.

At any time of year, most of the evening chores happen at or around dusk.  If you are thinking as you read this, you are realizing that this is a less than optimal situation.  In June, it makes 'knocking off early' impossible.  In late September it means we're losing alot of work time because we have to get the chores done before we're ready to stop! 

He must be a farmer.  Never happy with anything.

Hope you enjoyed the ramblings with respect to a day in the life...

Crop Report

For those who want to know what's up with the veg on the farm - here it is!  The June 11th Crop Report from GFF!

I can just feel the electricity in the room....of course, if I fixed the short in my keyboard...

Tomatoes - all planted.  Most appear to have set roots well.  None down (knock on wood) which is a record.  We usually lose 4-8 plants out of 600 to wind, etc.  Tomatoes in the high tunnel are not much ahead of those in the field.
Peppers - majority of sweet and bell peppers are in.  Still have to do hot peppers and a few more bells.  Peppers in the high tunnel are slightly ahead of the field peppers.
Eggplant - one half of the plants are in.  For some reason, our specialty eggplant did not start well in their trays.  Despite being treated well, as they always are, we're not pleased with the way they look.  We'll get them in the ground and see what happens.
Okra - we cut down how much we planted this year.  It's a matter of time to pick and people to pick that don't break out in rashes when they do so!
Pumpkin - all in and looking good as transplants.
Brassica (broccoli, etc) - First wave is in, we are just starting the next wave of brassica in trays.  Most appear to have set their roots and are getting growth.  A really good crop of kohlrabi getting going.  We are not happy with how much early loss we had for some things.  Especially cauliflower and romanesco.  It happens.
Onions - One field is in.  The onions in another field are in trays still.  We admit to overplanting because we tend to lose so many to weeds.
Leeks- we reduced how many we planted and this batch looks fabulous...hmmmmm
Pole beans - germination is relatively high.  Fences need to be put up soon!
Peas - We'll see.  We're trying some new things that may or may not get us much.
Cucumbers - succession #1 is transplanted.  A small section needs to be seeded because we underestimated the plants necessary.  cukes in the high tunnel as an experiment are in.  We shall see.
Melons - only one row in the high tunnel.  Good germination.  Rest are in trays with good germination.  We need to get the mulch layer together and put the paper mulch down prior to transplant.
Potatoes - The harder planting method is, of course, resulting in better germination at this point.  Weeds are starting to catch us here.
Green beans - Very good germination.  Weeds also catching us here.
Dry beans - as above.
Winter squash - in trays.  Field is prepped and needs to be marked out and transplant beds made.
Summer Squash & Zucchini - early succession is putting on growth after a 15-20% transplant loss.  Second succession in trays waiting to be put in ground.  Third succession will likely be direct seeding.
Garlic - there is something going on with the garlic.  Very inconsistent with the scapes and maturity.  Lots of rot - even though we haven't had much rain.  We have never seen this before.   doing some research in all of our *snirk*  spare time....
Lettuce - starting to fill out in successions I & II.  III-V are in trays.
Spinach - we should get a picking out of it this week.  After that - unlikely.
Arugula - what a disappointment this Spring.  We'll leave it at that (don't get Rob started).
Mustard - looks good.  Succession I likely gets its last pick this week.  II should go a while yet.
Chard - starting to fill out nicely.
Kale - succession I is in great shape.  II starting to fill out.  III in trays.
Radish - warm weather....we'll get a pick this week, but they may be a bit warmer in taste.

I'm sure I've missed something - but - this has been your GFF Crop Report for June 11, 2012.   

TWIGFF

This Week In GFF

Don't know if it still exists, but I used to watch TWIB (This Week In Baseball).  It was usually a recap of events.  We'll steal the idea, but use to cover what we anticipate for the upcoming week.

Sunday
Ok ok.  So this one is a look in the rear view mirror.  Tammy and I managed to put in a decent day of work.  Cucumber seedlings in, pumpkin seedlings in, etc etc.   But, the real winner was the 4 tenths of an inch of rain over night.  The thunder and lightning and wind did decide to wait until about 12:45 AM to arrive though.  So, another night with abbreviated sleep.

Monday
Today's a paperwork day for Rob.  Tammy is off to get another 1.5 ton of feed for birds.  Looks like some high tunnel work as well.

Reminder - if you pick up on Tuesday and you want to reserve eggs - get that email sent to Tammy!

Speaking of birds - BROILERS (Chickens) will be processed on June 29 - a Friday.  It is time to begin sending us orders for these birds.  If you want them unfrozen, we will try to swing through Waverly for a pick up after we get them from the processor (Martzahn's in Greene)

Tuesday
CSA day for Waverly Group.  This distribution is likely to be a little less impressive than the first one.  But, that's the nature of the early shares.  We anticipate some greens (kale in particular!) and radish.  Should be some beet greens as Jeff Sage continues to thin the beets.  We may not have garlic scapes this week.

Speaking of garlic - we're not liking what's going on with the garlic this season.  We've never seen this situation before and are trying to figure it out.  We'll keep you updated.

We also anticipate a larger 'on call' work crew Tuesday morning for weeding.

Wednesday
We're going to do 'everything' on Wednesday.  Weed, plant, build.  Etc.  We need about four Wednesdays.

Note: we are looking at a Tom Sawyer Day Friday/Sat.  However, if you wanted to come put in a little volunteer work at the farm - Wednesday would also be a good day.  If you wish to do this, please let us know.

Tripoli members get their CSA shares for the week.
Cedar Falls/W'loo people who want eggs should have a note sent to Tammy by the end of the day Wednesday.

Thursday
Cedar Falls CSA distribution.  We think we've managed so far to keep the spinach from bolting.  So you should get your spinach this week (Waverly and Tripoli received spinach in Week 1).  It is *possible* that some lettuce will be ready.  The rain may well kick some things into gear.

Friday
If last week was any indication - Fridays are going to be our day for taking a deep breath.  We'll still get things done *AND*

Tom Sawyer Day part I - Friday anytime between 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm.  If you are here during the later portion, you could feel free to bring a 'picnic' supper with you.  We can supply some iced tea or lemonade...  Please let us know by the end of the day on Thus if you are interested and roughly when you hope to arrive. 

This will be a work day - please don't come expecting a bunch of touring, etc.  The weeds are currently small, but they are starting to get hold.  We need some help to keep them under control.

Saturday
We do not have anything for the Farmers' Market at this time, so we will not be there.  However, after you visit the farmers' market....

Tom Sawyer Day Part II - 9:00 am to Noon. 

We found out last year that many of you appreciated a couple of time choices to come work at the farm.  So, we are trying it again. 

Remember, the only way we can make this work is if we know you are planning on heading this way.  It makes it possible to gather tools and plan the activities.

Primary activities in for the Tom Sawyer Day (both parts)
  1. Weeding
  2. Painting the truck barn
  3. planting some bushes and trees

If you have preferences about what you want to do, please tell us.  Some activities depend entirely on who/how many, etc.

New at GFF

It seems there is always something new here at GFF.  For example, the blogger today is new - this is Tammy and I am trying my hand at a blog post today.  Another "new" is our newest baby bird editions.  Ducklings (Muscovy) and turklings (our term for bronze baby turkeys) arrived this week.  I am sure babies were made so cute to make sure parents and caretakers get attached and don't chuck them out when they start to get stinky or annoying.  While their cuteness is not new, I enjoy being reminded each spring about how cute they are as little ones.  The ducks don't pay us much attention, but the turks look directly up at us and ask questions.  That's fun.

Also new this week - CSA distribution!  We have met so MANY new people this week.  We are at around 110 families this year, so lots of new faces.  Thanks to everyone for coming to get veg and we are really excited about the positive attitudes of everyone.  Your excitement give us energy.

Another "new" this year - we are trying out hiring college students as emergency work crews to see if we can keep up with or even get ahead of the weeds.  Bringing in lots of extra people is new to us, but also exciting to see if we can keep control of the fields.  Stay tuned to see if that works out.

Finally, dry is new.  With so many wet years since we started, we are having to adjust to dry.  Part of our adjusting is learning to lay drip tape and then learning to make feeder hoses to get water out to our transplants.  We are really good at planting and pretty good at weeding.  Making and putting things together - this is somewhat less comfortable.  Stay tuned!

TF

CSA Season Starting!

The following is an enhancement of the email sent out to our CSA subscribers this week.  There is actually MORE info for you here if you wish it!

The email list:
  If you wish to opt out of this list, you can do so ONLY if you have another email that IS on the list.  This is our primary method to reach you with announcements and other CSA information. 

On the other hand - if you are reading this here AND you are a CSA member AND you did not receive a copy of the email - it would be good to contact us to remedy that situation.

CSA Pickup for Waverly
  Where: Waverly Farmers' Market - 200 block of 1st Ave SE
  When:  3:30pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesdays
  Beginning: June 5
  Ending: Approx 3rd week of October.
  Who:  Rob and/or Tammy will be there.  Jeff Cornforth will be working with us at distributions starting in week 3.  It is possible that Anden Drolet will be there for the first two weeks.


CSA Pickup for Cedar Falls
  Where: Hansen's Outlet - 127 East 18th St.  We will be in the lot BEHIND the store.  Look for the blue truck with the red hood and black topper.  We're nothing if not colorful!
  When:  4:00pm to 6:00 pm on Thursdays
  Beginning: June 7
  Ending: Approx 3rd week of October.
  Who:  Rob and/or Tammy will be there.  Anden Drolet will be working on Thursday distributions from the beginning into August.

CSA for Tripoli
   Apparently there are only two of you again this season.  There were a few others who reserved spots, but failed to follow through and are not responding to us (if you are one of these people and are reading this - we ARE trying to contact you.  Is it possible we're being blocked?).  So, we will do as we did last season.  Wednesday delivery to your door.

Reaching Tammy & Rob
   A note about calling our cell phones.  Please use them if there is a problem - we will have them on when we are at a CSA distribution and we will be prepared to answer at that time.  HOWEVER - if it is prior to the beginning of the CSA distribution, it is likely we will have them OFF.  Why?  Because we'll be too busy trying to get your produce picked, cleaned and packed - or we might be on the road getting to the distribution point.  If you call at these times, be prepared to leave a message. 

This brings me to another point.  You should expect to leave a message most times you call.  Why?  Because we can't always hear our phones or drop what we're carrying in time to answer.  We try to check the phone for messages at noon and in the evening at a minimum.

What do you need to do to pick up for the CSA?

• Bring a bag or box to put your loot...er... produce into.  It can often be a good idea to have multiple bags if there are things that are a bit more fragile than others during a week. 
  
• Check yourself off on the check-in list
• Look at the sign at each station it will tell you how much of each item is allotted to you. (one number will be for large shares, one for standard shares - if you forget the check off list will have the size of share you signed up for)
• Select produce from each station/basket/tray to fill your allotment.  

What will be in this weeks' share?
   We always tell people to adjust their expectations early as things start slowly.  But, we think you'll enjoy what you'll get.  Wait until July, you'll have no worries about volume!
Anticipated this week:  arugula, spinach, radish, leeks/green onions,beets    Depending on the volume of arugula/spinach we may make it an OR proposition or make it into a greens mix.  Cedar Falls will likely be getting kale/swiss chard in stead of spinach/arugula.  Beet greens should show up in there somewhere.

AND - the arrival of garlic scapes this year is early.

What if I want more/less of something:
   We are finding that one of the best ways to handle it is to ask others around you if they want to trade.  But, if this does not suit, ask one of us - we usually have a good idea of what has been left behind and what is extra.  AND...if you tell us you are opting out of something, we can offer it to someone else.  (note, we have tried trade in boxes before and found that alot of produce got damaged in the process)  Excess at the end of market gets donated to the Cedar Valley Friends of the Family on days one of their volunteers comes to pick up (Waverly) and we donate to the Food Bank (Cedar Falls). 

What if I cannot make it - or realize around 6pm that I have forgotten to pick up?

• If you know you will not make it on a given week ,let us know in advance.  You can designate someone else to pick up if you wish.  If that is the case, just let us know and we'll try to make your substitute feel welcome.  If no one will pick up your share, we will make arrangements for getting it to someone in need - but remember, we need to know so we can make adjustments.
• If you realize "UH OH!  It's 5:55pm and I forgot to pick up my share" - give us a call.  We don't start packing until 6pm.  If we know you are coming we can gather your share for you and be ready when you arrive.  If the situation is more difficult than that, call us anyway.  We might have a solution to handle the issue if you give us a chance to work one out.

Recommendations for those splitting shares
  If you have never split a share before, try one of these approaches we are aware of that have been made to be successful.

1. Come at the same time and negotiate as you pick up.
2. Alternate every other week with those you share with.  Many things will easily store in your fridge for 7-14 days.  If one family is traveling, you can swap some weeks around.
3. Have a dinner together on the distribution night.  Use some of the produce there and split the rest.
4. Remember - we do not split the share for you.  We aren't going to even begin to guess how you want it split, nor do we normally have time to do that sort of processing.  
5. Also remember, early season share sizes are smaller.  They pick up as the season goes on. 

Large vs Standard Sized Shares
   Large shares get some benefits that standard sized shares do not get.  Obviously, they get more produce during the season.  This difference is not as obvious early on, but it becomes more pronounced as the harvest increases.  Examples of differences might be with respect to one veg type (6 cucumbers vs 4) or more of a set of things (standard: kale OR chard, large: kale AND chard).  But, it also means that large shares get items we have less of.  For example, the first tomatoes might only be a few dozen.  The large shares will get a taste of them typically one week before other shares.



Egg Shares
  This is a long ways down - but if you signed up for egg shares you should read this!
   We made a decision to do away with egg shares.  It is simply too time intensive to maintain our egg shares and contracts.  All it takes is a couple of exceptions to the established patterns and a couple of days where we're too tired to update the books.  Add in the fact that we try to pass this back and forth between the two of us...  You get the picture.  It doesn't work.
  Add to this the tendency of our laying flock to give us varying egg numbers as the season progresses and you have a recipe for farmer irritation.  At present, the ladies lay between 4 and 5 dozen eggs a day.  It could go as high as 6 and as low us...well...0.

So - if you signed up for egg shares.  We are putting you on an email list to remind you of the availability of eggs.  Here is what it means for you:

• Eggs are pay as you go ($3/dozen)
• If you want to be CERTAIN you get eggs for a given week, you need to send us an email or make a phone call to reserve them.  If you want to be SURE we see the email - send it at least one day prior to your distribution for the week.  We can't guarantee we'll have time to check email on distribution day after 6 am (and maybe not then).
• If you do NOT reserve them, you may still be in luck.  We'll bring a certain number with us to each distribution.  If they are not all reserved, it will be first come first served.

For those where we are working to figure out old contract status.  We are getting there.  Waverly - give us until week 2 of the CSA.  Cedar Falls, we should have you all figured out and evened out.

More Than a Teaspoon

I'm currently tired enough that I'm bound to misquote here.  But, I seem to recall somewhere in the Harry Potter series that Hermione says something to Ron about having the emotional range of a teaspoon....  Sometimes it feels like it might be nice to have a simpler set of emotions and tasks on our plate.  This is one of those moments.  But, I know that I like variety and challenges, so I'll get over it.  One way of getting over it - and of keeping everyone informed regarding the farm - is to put a blog post out there so you can see what's on our minds.

Tall Farmer
We both spent a good part of the day while we were working outside thinking about the "Tall Farmer."  He underwent surgery today to remove some tumors and word is that all went as planned in a 6+ hour surgery.

Doorman
The back door has been falling apart slowly but surely.  In fact, it has been getting worse as more people spend time on the farm.  Tammy and I get used to closing it a certain way, but it is pretty hard to get the plumber, new workers, etc etc to close it that way.  As a result, it wasn't looking very promising for continued use.  Happily, my Dad is here for a few days and he was willing to pick up a door and put it in for us.  It's pretty cool when a good sized project like that gets done and you only have to lend help when an extra hand is needed.

Speaking of Doors
We were?  Oh, yes we were!  We're pleased to have working overhead doors on the granary and the truck barn.  Already has come in useful.

Bandits
Getting tired of a particular raccoon that gets into the bee hive each night.  Its days are numbered.  If only that number were one....  Though if it decided to move away, that would be fine too.

Taters...preciousssss.
Two days.  2200 feet of taters in the ground.

Beans, beans the Miracle Fruit
Not to be outdone....1000 feet of green beans.  1600 feet of other bush beans.  All planted before noon today.  Earthway seeders are great when the rows are well prepared.

Organic Certification
Our inspection is tomorrow AM.  I don't mind the visits at all.  It has more to do with how human schedules never seem to match with nature.  We are frantically planting before rain (we hope).  It is likely to rain tomorrow afternoon or evening.  We want as much in as we can get prior to that.  We'll try to do that and the inspection.  Why not?  We can do anythin' an' everythin'.

Three Cups of Tea and Three Trays of Leeks
If it's iced tea, I'll take it.  If it's leeks, they're in the ground.  That's something like um....  1000 leeks?  Hope they're good this year.

Water Wands are Not (Entirely) Magical
I suppose the whole idea of a water want and the ability to put a water breaker on the end to soften the blow of water on target plants could be considered magical.  However, these wands are not the sort you wave once and solve problems.  In fact, with all the hot, dry and windy weather, we've become more acquainted with our water wands, hoses, etc than we really want to.  It eats time to have to water plants two or three times a day to keep them alive.

Insta Tan Part II
Another bout with wind.  Another day of Insta Tan.  We're getting so used to it, that we don't think anything about taking a trip into Sumner for a quick dinner (we just had to get away from the farm for a few minutes) and NOT doing more than washing hands (up to the elbow) and face (mostly).  Had goggles on for a while, so got to do the Inverse Raccoon look too.  One downside...blowing your nose and getting enough dirt to pot a geranium.

Heat & Bolting
A small crop report item.  We had some greens timed for early June.  Lots of it is already bolting.  Before reaching maturity.  A series of 80 to 90+ degree days does it every time.  Not cool.  We'll just keep planting and do what we can.  It's enough to get a farmer grumpy some days.

Gang of Four at Grinnell Heritage Farm
Our first of four visits for the Gang of Four occurred Sunday.  We had the pleasure of helping transplant sweet potatoes and learn how to use a water wheel transplanter.  Andy was nice and told us the goal was 4 rows - we got 8 done.  By the way...a "row" was probably 400 feet.  There were four left for his crew.  All I can say - it is fun to work with this group of people.  Wish we all were closer.  Or worked the same farm.  That'd be one heck of a farm!

Pieces of Barn
High winds = pieces of barn periodically taking flight.  Rethinking where we have the broilers now and will begin the process of moving them tomorrow.


Henlet - Shakespeare should have written it....
The henlets are outdoors now in their own little building and with their own section of electric fence.  They eat different food than the hens and we need to give them time to grow before we integrate the flock.

Asparagus, Asparagus...There's something funny about asparagus!
Looks like this will be the last week picking asparagus.  They want to fern out and they've been going for a while.  It's not quite what we wanted.  But, that's the way it is sometimes.  At least we got asparagus!  And it has been yummy!

Events - YOU SHOULD CHECK THIS OUT!

• Friday 4pm to 6pm at Hansen's Outlet - Plant Sale.  Many plants still available.  
• Saturday  8:30am to 11:30 am.  Waverly Farmers' Market.  Lots of plants available!
• Monday  3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Iris Fest at the farm!  Potluck. We will provide a turkey to share (cooked!)  We do not plan on firing up the grill.  You may bring other items for the potluck.  Bring chairs, games, attitudes ready to enjoy the day and the farm! 

Insta Tan, Free Highlights and Mulch

Have you looked in the mirror lately?  Wishing your complexion showed a bit more of that healthy, outdoorsy glow?  Or maybe you are just jealous of someone else at work or school who has killer highlights in their hair.

Well.... WE HAVE THE SOLUTION TO THESE and OTHER PROBLEMS!

Insta-Tan

This will work wonders in a matter of moments.  All you need to do is come out to the Genuine Faux Farm on a day where the forecast calls for "Breezy" weather.  It is best if the day is sunny and the weather is dry.  Apply suntan lotion.  Go out into the fields and VIOLA - instant tan!  Of course, it won't be as smooth as your skin might normally be.  In fact, we guarantee that your skin won't be as smooth as it normally is after this application is removed.  But, we accept that this is small price to pay for beauty.

For those who wish for a deeper, layered look, we suggest running a tiller for half an hour.  We specialize in the 'Reverse Raccoon' look.  Simply apply goggles over your eyes while running the tiller.

Highlights of Your Day, Month - or Just Your Hair

We make no claim of instant gratification here.  However, if you spend enough time outside at the Genuine Faux Farm, those of you with darker hair will be awarded with highlights that rival the best any salon can give you!  We recommend that you wear a hat so that the resulting ring of darker hair can accentuate how fine those accents in your hair really are.  

Who Needs an Emery Board?

Spend some time digging in the dirt at the Genuine Faux Farm and you'll no longer have need for that Emery Board.  We use a twofold approach to removing the need for this little accessory.

First, you will find that your nails, one way or the other, are going to be shorter.  And, any cracks or sharp points will tend to wear off.  Don't worry about any new splits or other issues with your nails.  In most cases they are replaced by other splits, etc in a short period of time, eliminating the need to address the original problem.  There will be no need of a manicure either, since your cuticles will get pushed back when you plunge your hands in to the dirt.

Second, if you really feel you need an emory board to file down something - just use your hands.  A few days working in the dirt and your hands will rival a cats tongue for roughness.  We find this to be incredibly useful when building fine furniture.

Free Mulch, Compost and Potting Soil

While you are working on your tan, do not forget that the farm will throw  in a free bonus of mulch or potting soil that will be deposited in your nose, ears and eyes during your stay.  For those that wish the potting soil, you should clean the soil out of your ears, etc upon arriving home after your visit.  For those that wish to have mulch, make sure you come on a windy day where we are applying straw.  And, of course, compost requires that you do NOT clean out your ears right away.  The first sign of a giant ragweed germinating out the side of your head is an indication that your compost is nearing readiness.  It also probably means you forgot to the turn the compost in a timely manner.

Who needs a spa?  Come work on the farm!

Pooooooooooooooof

We've taken refuge inside the house earlier than usual.

Why?

There is only so much time a person can have dust blown into your ears, eyes, nose and mouth.  The wind wasn't too bad until we got to mid-afternoon.  But, it went from breezy with gusts to constant poooooof.

People who have read the blog or newsletters in the past know that we often site wind as the hardest weather to deal with.  But, this wind is particularly onerous.

Why?

Glad you asked.  It's because the temps are abnormally high for mid May and the air is drier than usual.  This makes it particularly tough on our young plants.  In fact, it is really making it hard for our Spring crops to reach their potential.  Arugula should not go right to bolting this time of year - yet we have some doing just that.  Before we even get one picking out of it.  What gives?  We had that crop in at the right time....

And - we have some reminders for everyone:

- Plant Sale at Hansen's Outlet in Cedar Falls from 4pm to 6pm tomorrow.
- Waverly Farmers' Market from 8:30-11:30 am Saturday
- Tom Sawyer Day at the farm Saturday from 2:30-5:00pm  RSVP if you plan to attend.

Finally - a thanks to the group who visited us from the U of Iowa today.  Hope the stay blew you away....in the figurative sense.  We know the wind tried the literal sense.

The Weight of the Nation on HBO

Rob and Tammy from Genuine Faux Farm joined several other Practical Farmers of Iowa members in a discussion for HBO a couple years ago (2010 - you can see a reference on this past blog post) at Grinnell Heritage Farm. The website for the film is here: http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/
We are told that you might see PFI farmers in Part IV of the main film and perhaps even more in the bonus feature: Healthy Foods and Obesity Prevention: Increasing Markets for Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

The focus of the film series is on the obesity problem we are currently seeing in the United States.  The timing of the release has to do with the impending FARM BILL.   If you don't think you should pay attention to the farm bill - then you are wrong.  The farm bill should really be a FOOD BILL.  Why do you think we have so much support for corn syrup and soybean oil (for example)?   Why do you think many farmers get most of their crop insurance paid for them and small farms such as ours can't get reasonable crop insurance?  Pay attention to this bill if you really want to make a difference in our country.

Note: we do not have television on the farm and our internet is way too slow to view. So - someone else view it and let us know if it is good or not! 

What we do know is that the discussion we had in Grinnell was fascinating and intense.  I don't recall everything that was said and I certainly don't recall everything Tammy or I might have said.  I suspect I was too scary looking and they edited parts with me out of the mix.  But, Tammy's cool - so she might be there.  

I wonder if I would still say the same things now with another year or so of experience?  But, I do know this - we want to produce good food.  We want our right to produce this good food to be defended.  We (GFF) are not asking for handouts or subsidies, but we are asking for a leveled playing field.  Let's change this so that those less fortunate aren't finding that they must select potato chips instead of broccoli because of cost. OR, worse yet, because they don't know how to use broccoli and turn it into a meal that costs less than the potato chips.  Let's change this so people have the option to select farming as their career. 

Upcoming Events

Just to try and keep up with everything that's going on:

Tuesday - May 15 - Egg delivery/pickup in Cedar Falls at Rudy's parking lot.  5:30pm.  You need to 'reserve' your eggs.  email Tammy prior to noon today or call her by 4:00pm.  We need to know how many to bring.

Friday - May 18 - 4:00-6:00pm at Hansen's Outlet in Cedar Falls.  GFF Plant sale.  We'll have heirloom tomatoes (20+ varieties), peppers and eggplant with us.

Saturday - May 19 - 8:30 - 11:30 am in Waverly.  Waverly Farmers' Market.  We'll have plants at the farmers' market this Saturday as well.  Come see what the market has to offer you.

Saturday - May 19 - 2:30-5:00PM at Genuine Faux Farm.  Tom Sawyer Day.  Come plant trees and bushes on the farm.  If that doesn't sound like fun, we have other things we can have you do - which could even include painting.  Well, actually priming....a building.

Friday - May 25 - 4:00-6:00PM plant sale at Hansen's Outlet in Cedar Falls.

Saturday - May 26 - 8:30-11:30 AM Waverly Farmers' Market.

Monday - May 28 - 3:00-9:00 PM.  Iris Fest 2012 at the Genuine Faux Farm.  Potluck with turkey provided by the farm.  We'll cook up one of the big birds we still have in our freezer from last year. 

Saturday - June 2 - 8:30-11:30AM.  Waverly Farmers' Market.  We anticipate that this will be the last Saturday market that we will have plants for sale.  Our attendance at the market from this point will depend entirely upon available produce.

Tuesday - June 5 - 3:30-6:00PM  first CSA pickup - Waverly Group.  At the Waverly Farmers' Market.
Wednesday - June 6 - TBA first CSA pickup - Tripoli Group
Thursday - June 7 - 4:00-6:00PM first CSA pickup Cedar Falls Group.  At Hansen's Outlet.

Sorting Hat and More

Sorting Hat
The annual sorting hat activity on the farm took place on Friday.  Well, the first iteration of the sorting hat.  We transplanted somewhere in the range of 1800 tomato plants for about 32 heirloom varieties.  We have a fairly complex plan for what we intend to plant on the farm, but that still leaves about 1000 plants that go up for sale.  The net result is that we have to select plants to stay on the farm to fill out the plan.  Then, we have to decide what plants are ready to go to market (and hopefully new homes).  And, of course, we have to decide which plants need a little more hardening off/TLC.  Finally, a few plants have the "mercy rule" applied.  It always takes more time than we think it should.  But, it's part of what we do.  We have tomato plants for sale.  Want any?

Waverly Farmers' Market
In case you all forgot, Waverly Farmers' Market is *every* Saturday from May through the beginning of October.  Judging by the "crowds," there were several people out of town and many others who didn't remember.  Don't get us wrong.  We were pleased to see everyone who DID come out to the market.  And, we'll be equally pleased when we see others there next week and the week after that.  We just need to remind ourselves that just because we think about market every week, that doesn't mean it has as much of a hold on the lives other people live.  So - it is our job to remind you!  Hey!  Waverly Farmers' Market.  Saturday 8:30-11:30 AM.  Street near the post office in Waverly.  Come see us!

Two for One in the Bargain Bin
 Speaking of farmers' market.   (We were?)  Saturday market days...and the afternoon to night prior... can be pretty hectic.  Typically, most of Friday afternoon and evening is spent preparing for market.  Potentially longer, depending on what we need to have ready.  We get up early Saturday to handle all of the chores, load the truck, pack additional items that were kept in refrigerators (eggs for example) in hopes of getting set up prior to the 8:30 AM start.  We often forget about the 30 minutes we should allow for travel time (assuming you don't remember something you forgot and turn around).  By the time we are packed up (usually by 12:30pm) we need to find a little food and sit and debrief for a while.  Average return time is 2pm to the farm.  After the truck is unloaded, we often give ourselves permission to read, nap, take it easy for an hour or so.  After that, we do our best to motivate ourselves to do farm work.  It doesn't always work out.  But, when we do, it is like getting two days out of one.  Or at least it feels like that's the case.  We both thought market was 'yesterday' a couple of times this evening....

Birds Evicted
 The broilers have been officially evicted from our garage.  We are, to say the least, relieved.  If you've never raised birds before, they can kick up alot of dust -and it coats everything in the building now.  The birds have been out in the Chick Inn for a couple of nights now, but we just got to removing the boxes, bedding, etc from the garage in the "second day" today.  Maybe relief isn't a strong enough word for this.  Now to get the hen chicks out of there.

Till 'Til the Cows Come Home
We managed to get a few more beds tilled and put in several trays of lettuce in our second day of Saturday as well.  The soil is finally looking great.  We're going to probably work ourselves silly next week.

What Friends Are For
GFF will be going to Blue Gate Farm for an 'emergency' work day.  While this does not mean anything to most who read the blog initially, we thought we'd mention it because it should mean something.  This is a reminder that there are many things more important than all of those niggling, irritating things that we let get under our skin so often.  One of those important things is that friends are more important than most anything else.  When you can make a difference for a friend, you go make that difference.  'Nuff said. 

Farm Report

It's time to do a farm report.  It's also time for a little drier weather?

• We're farmers.  We talk about weather.  We complain about weather.  It's what we do.  But, the reality is - we can't get into our fields.  The time between rains hasn't been sufficient to dry them out.  We have alot of plants waiting to go in.  
• Speaking of plants - we've got about 700-800 tomato plants into pots already.  We'll have a nice selection for next Saturday's market.
• There's a roll up door on the east side of the granary now.  That's really good since we were both getting VERY tired of the sliding doors that are temperamental when it comes to the sliding they are supposed to do.
• Have you ever been so tired you can't go to sleep?
• We have a great dandelion crop this year.
• It looks like we'll have two bee hives on the farm this season.  We like those little guys, so this is a good thing.
• Speaking of bees, we've seen five or six different native bees hovering around the dandelions so far this year.  We're not experts at telling them apart, so there could be more, but we aren't able to differentiate.
• It must be the growing season.  The indoor cats don't want to sit on our laps in the evening.  They'd rather sit in an open window.
• We asked our mechanic (Dale's Service in Waverly) to take a look at the truck before we got deep into the season.  They put it on the lift and evidently it tried to do a "lift and separate."  The "left rear main leaf spring" is broken.  This apparently keeps the frame and the bed of the truck together...or something like that.  Let's just say, we'd better get it fixed.  Our poor vehicles.  They've had a rough week or two.  They should have known when they signed up to work with us.
• Thursday is the "Green, What Does it Mean?" event at UNI for high school students.  Rob will be there speaking for all but one session (they set one aside for lunch).  It was pretty cool last year and we think it's an important event.
• We had some wonderful transplanting help on Saturday afternoon.  Thank you to Jo, Shawn, Joey and John.
• Thank you also to Jo Foster's Environmental Biology class that came out and did some things on the farm with us Friday.
• While we are at it.  Thanks to Dawn Wiegmann for putting together the health fair and partnering with the Waverly Farmers' Market.  
• And, to Rick Montgomery, for helping get the Waverly Farmers' Market going again this year.
• And, to Emily Wilson, for running an excellent kids cooking class last Sunday (really?  that long ago already?)
• And, to Ron Lenth and Iowa State Extension, for sponsoring the poultry field day at our farm.
• Spring CSA - next delivery is Saturday May 12 at the Waverly Farmers' Market 8:30-11:30 AM
• Eggs - those who are getting eggs from us prior to the regular CSA season start.  We will have them available at the Waverly Farmers' Market (same times as above).  We're trying to cut down time off the farm in the month of May in hopes that we can get things going once things dry out some.
• Plants - we will have them at Waverly Farmers' Market on Saturdays. We will also have them at Hansen's Outlet in Cedar Falls on May 18 and May 25 (Fridays) from 4 to 6 pm each of those days.  We still need to discuss whether Roots wants to retail some of our plants.  We are working on a date for Tripoli.
• Iris Festival on our farm is slated for Monday, May 28.  More details forthcoming.  This is a potluck event.  CSA members and friends of the farm are invited.

Wire to Wire

Today is/was one of those wire to wire days.

We set an alarm to make sure we got up and moving quickly.  That was a good thing because we were pretty exhausted and were both sound asleep when it went off.  Usually one or the other (or both) of us is awake before the alarm.

We had a visit from Jo Foster's Environmental Biology class today from about 9am to noon.  That meant, of course, that we had to get chores done, do a little mowing so paths were ready for a tour, gather tools, etc before they got here.  Tammy likes to have zucchini or pumpkin bread for groups like this, so she started that in the morning as well. 

We managed to be mostly ready and Tammy was able to finish things up while Rob gave the famous GFF nickel tour!  On completion of the tour (final stop was to see the baby chicks), we had some Q&A and then we got to split people into groups to do some farm tasks.  The group was fabulous and worked hard and did their best to be helpful.  We are most grateful!

But, as with all things like this, there is prep and there is 'tear down.'  So, we had to do that as well.  The group will be pleased to hear that we managed to finish the raking they came very close to completing before the rains came this evening (with an hour to spare!).

Since our first Waverly Farmers' Market is tomorrow morning, we had to go get our truck in Waverly (getting a checkup).  It needs some repairs - but it is a 20 year old truck.  On getting back home, we needed to pick for the market, clean, pack, etc.  We also needed to get all of the seedlings watered, etc etc etc.  We managed to get everything put away and under cover before we had the back end of a thunderstorm come through.  I need to print a few more labels/signs and we're catching some ZZz's until tomorrow - which will come early.

so - come see us!  Talk to us!  Buy some lettuce, asparagus, spinach, kale or green onions.  Try one of our Silvery Fir Tree tomato plants - great for pots!  Tammy will be inside the W with a table at the Health Fair.  Rob will be outside with the Farmers' Market contingent.  We'll have our organic canvas bags with our logo for sale and we'll have the MACSAC cookbooks along for the ride.

R & T

Slivers and Onions

It's 9:06 PM.  Do you know where your farmers are?

Well, this one is at the computer, typing a blog post.  The other one is getting to take a shower after a long day.  We flipped a chicken to see who got the first shower.  Heads, Tammy got to shower first, tails, I got to shower first.  While Tammy was trying to catch the chicken, I ran inside and took a shower.

The rain we've had the last couple of weeks has our fields pretty wet - making it very hard to get into the field to plant.  This happens every year.  Here's hoping we can hit it right.


Slivers
We've spent quality time in the Poultry Pavilion the last several days.  Happily, it hasn't just been Tammy and myself working in there.  My dad, the best dad IN THE WORLD... ok, ok.. You can all argue for your fathers as well and we'll agree in the end that they are ALL the best.

Now that I've been sidetracked.  Let's get back to the point of this section.  We've had some wonderful help from my parents the last couple of weeks, and it has been deeply appreciated.  We also made a request of the fine, upstanding Dr. Ben, who was kind enough to come and help us put tin on the ceiling of the new chicken room.

We've all gotten to improve the muscles that involve holding arms over our heads.  Isometrics anyone?  And, yes, we've been working with alot of old lumber - hence lots of opportunities for splinters.  We also got to take down ceiling (mentioned in the prior post as the Poo d'Etat).  The room is getting closer, but these things always take so much longer than we'd like.  The birds need that room - probably yesterday.

Onions
The annual dance of the seedling trays is in full swing.  We have many trays of onions and other plants looking for the chance to go into the ground.  Until they do, we have to keep them safe, watered and healthy.  The great transplant of tomatoes into pots is continuing - but has stalled a bit with the Poultry Pavilion, among other things, taking priority.

But, by way of a quick field/farm report.  We have managed to put in another 400 feet of spinach, 200 feet of kale, 200 feet of chard, 200 feet of radish and a mixed 200 foot row of arugula, mustard and calaloo.  The older planting of spinach should be able to be picked by next Saturday, as should arugula and mustard and radish from that planting.

The Spring crops in the high tunnel are winding down, but there is still some excellent lettuce in there!  Asparagus is happy.

Other Stuff

• Our little Honda (we named him Clyde) had its first semi-major issue.  Not bad given it has 150K miles on him.  Something about the key not wanting to go into the ignition when it is out and not wanting to come out when it is in.  Just got him back today.  
• We have a new water heater in the house.  Finally, we got the 40 year old water heater replaced.  We even managed to do it before the old water heater decided to rust out and turn it into an 'emergency.'  But, you have to wonder.  We made the decision to do the water heater and Clyde decided to have his little 'issue.'  Timing is everything.
• The first Waverly Farmers' Market is this Saturday.  Half will be at the regular location and the other half will be at the W with the Health Fair (to promote the Farmers' market).  We will be at the W.  At present, the plan is for Tammy to be inside and Rob will be outside.
• Another 3000 lbs of feed picked up from Frantzen Farms north of New Hampton.  Must be that time of year.
• We just heard from Eric at Hansen's Outlet that there is still Bronze Arrowhead lettuce from our last delivery available there.  Go get it folks!  They are big, beautiful heads of lettuce, alot of goodness there.  
• Waverly Child Care got a nice batch of lettuce from us today.  Once the spinach gets going, they'll be getting some of that too!
• Week 5 of the Spring CSA is completed and we're pleased with the value our members have gotten this Spring.  And, the asparagus is just getting going.  
• Asparagus, asparagus!  There's something funny about asparagus.....
• The kids cooking class appeared to go well last Sunday.  Those of you who attended, please feel free to give us feedback.  We'd be happy to sponsor more of these, but we have to know what works so we don't just start shouting at an empty room.
• The poultry gathering at the farm on Monday also went well. Thanks to Ron Lenth for setting this up and Iowa State Extension for sponsoring this field day.
• And, the Choir's newest album - The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is getting a work out on our music players.

And now, I bid you all adieu.   It's time to stop typing when you see two of each character you type.

A Poo d'Etat

There is much going on at the farm right now - so we'll do the "news brief" thing for this blog post.  We hope you enjoy!

Three in One?
There are a number of crazy things we find ourselves doing on the farm that make us shake our heads.  For example, if you had told us that we would own and operate three freezers and two refrigerators on the farm even five years ago, we would have laughed.   But, twenty-seven pound turkeys, two batches of broilers, lots of veg freezing, broth freezing, cooperative buys, etc etc....  So, yes, we have three freezers and two refrigerators.  We graduated to ONE freezer today by finally getting everything into the biggest freezer and the freezers that are part of the two refrigerators.  We hope these two will stay OFF until the broilers go to the park.  Oh...and yes.  It WAS a tight fit.

Two Hundred A Day
More or less.  That's what we are hoping we can manage as we transplant tomatoes into four inch pots.  There are about 2000 of them to do.  Then, if the peppers get a move on here, we do them.  And the eggplant.  Hmmmm.  The hardest part is figuring out where to put them all.

Closing at the Opening(s)
One of the things I found most humorous for signs of businesses in small towns were those that said "Open Until Closing," which made me think of this subtitle.  In this case, however, we are talking about openings in buildings on the farm.  If you follow the blog or farm happenings, you know we worked hard to rehab the truck barn last year.  We just never quite got the overhead door put in before Winter (such as it was).  We've also been struggling with the doors on the granary.  Stay tuned, it looks like we'll be getting some doors put up.  While it still goes against Rob's nature to hire someone to do these kinds of projects, that's exactly what we will do.  Why?  Because it won't get done until December if it is left to me....  And, it would likely only be one of the three doors at that.  Sometimes the right call means you pay someone else.

Dominoes
Old house.   Old buildings.  Working farm.  Lots of projects.

And every project has its own domino effect.  If you do any sort of house projects on your own homes, you know what I mean here.  How did stubbing in plumbing for a bathroom turn into replacing the water heater?

Oh.  Well.  I Guess We'll Do Something Else.
The simple (?) project of moving the burn 'barrel' to a new location away from the cold frame area got interesting.  This entailed cleaning up the new area and moving the barrel.  But, our barrel is essentially four heavy pieces of metal that have been bolted together in a rectangular shape using some brackets.  It was here when we moved in, so it's been through a bit.  Let's just say the "barrel" became a flat pile of metal as I tried to move it. 

Poo d-Etat
We are actively trying to build some new poultry rooms in the Poultry Pavilion.  To give you a summary... the building started as an open front machine shed.  It was closed up in the 1980's (we think) and made into a hog confinement.  We arrive and kicked the hogs out.  Unfortunately, some of the modifications made to the building (and time) have provided raccoons with some nice places to live.

So, what is the problem with that exactly?  Other than the fact that we fight them every year as they get into the chickens?  Let me put it this way.  Raccoons don't go outside to use the bathroom.

So, you know all of those spots that look like they've gotten REALLY wet in the ceiling?  Yep, the spots that actually have holes starting and the insulation falling through?  That isn't from a leaky roof.  It's from a raccoon leaking....  And remember, when you ask a raccoon "Number 1 or number 2?"  It will usually say, "Both."

What was a highlight of the day?  Pulling down lots of that ceiling so we can have a shot at putting together a good room for the birds.

What a wonderful smell I've discovered.  Maybe it should have been

Pew d-Etat?

Connecting the Hobby with the Profession Part II

 This envelope was mailed in 1905.  What's so cool about it?  We actually raise Barred Rocks as part of our mixed laying flock.  Our younger rooster is Fu, he is a Barred Rock, and he could have posed for this picture.

Ok, these are hens, not a rooster, but they do live on our farm!

Oh, and I think Sarcoxie is a cool name for a town.

The above item was mailed in 1901.  It's kind of fun looking at the various technologies used that were pulled behind teams of horses.  And, we see these technologies adapted for many of the implements we are now using with Durnik (our tractor).

And yes, Higganum is another cool name for a town.

This one may be worth using the right mouse button to view at a larger size.  This is a booklet that includes a speech by Representative Hull...in 1933.  What was he trying to say?  We should use the excess grain produced in our country to supplement gasoline.  Interesting.

I know a cool person who has the last name "Hull."

Mailed around 1895 (hard to read the postmark).  Bee keeping has been around for a long time.  All I can say is that if it weren't for all of the native bees on and around our farm, our crops would be very poor.  This is a topic I am very sensitive too and I worry about every season.  It can be especially difficult for us because our 14 acres of ground is surrounded by corn and soybean fields.  So, there isn't a very large contiguous area within which native species can exist and survive.  If these species were to collapse, we would have difficulty producing many crops.

This is addressed to Xeno Putnam.  "Xeno" is a cool name.  And bees are just plain cool.

And, for those of you who are curious about post number 1 on this subject.  The items were from 1883, 1912, 1913, 1905 and 1905.

And now you know - we've had a couple of cool days.

Extension Workshop at the Farm

DATE:  4/13/12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tammy Curley, Bremer County Extension, 319-882-4275 or tcurley@iastate.edu

BREMER ISU EXTENSION HOSTING SMALL FAMILY POULTRY WORKSHOP

Adults and 4-H’ers wishing to learn more about raising their own poultry for eggs and meat are invited to an on-farm demonstration and educational program on April 30^th at Faux’s Genuine Farm, 2345 150^th St. north of Tripoli.  Beginning at 6:30PM, visitors can learn the practical aspects of working with poultry, from new chicks through their adulthood.  There is no cost for the program.

Guest speakers Dave Foelske, Bremer Fair Poultry Superintendent plus the Faux’s, will share their practical experiences with raising their own backyard chickens ducks, and turkeys. 

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And yes - please note that the farm name IS Genuine Faux Farm.  Yep, that's us.