A Little Downsizing

 We tried this last Fall with marginal success - largely because we just didn't have the time to really promote it.  This year, we are a bit more motivated.  If you decide to leave a comment saying you are interested in something, please sign it with your name so we can tell who it is.

We are located in northeast Iowa.

A Summary (scroll down for details of each item)

• *21 + 1 rooster remain* 50 to 60 hens, 1.5 years old  - $5 each (take them all & get a deal)
• SOLD Ford 8n/2n tractor - $2000 OBO
• SOLD Potato digger, Category 1 - $50
• Slip Scraper, Category 1 - $50
• SOLD S-tine cultivator, 8 foot, flexible cat - $150
• SOLD Two-seat, Holland transplanter, Category 1 - $200
• Johnny's Bed Roller - $200 (with dibbles)
• Ariens tiller with Tecumseh 8hp engine - $50
• SOLD two soilblock makers (different sizes) - $125 each
• SOLD Harvesting broadfork - $150
• old truck topper - free

Durnik the Ford 8n/2n

Durnik joined the farm in 2010 and taught us how to safely operate a tractor at the Genuine Faux Farm.  We've maintained him well and he's been shedded most of his life at the farm.  We added an electric start to make it easier to get him going.  It has a Sherman overdrive transmission, PTO and three point, category 1 hitch.  The three-point does not have draft control.  Like most tractors of this sort, it does not have much for brakes, so you should use chucks to keep it parked on an incline.

He's a great little tractor and we've thoroughly enjoyed its presence at our farm, but Durnik is probably better for someone else at this point in time.  We do have manuals and other useful resources that would go with him.

Status: SOLD ----------- Price $2000 OBO

Category 1, 3 point, Tater Digger

The reality for our farm is that we don't need this AND a middle buster.  The middle buster is more versatile for us. So, this one goes.

And, it works fine with Durnik.

Status: SOLD --------  Price $50

Cat 1 Three point Slip Scraper

Once we acquired a tractor with a bucket, this implement was not used much after that point.  It's been patiently waiting in a shed for someone else to love and use it.  Works fine with Durnik.

Status: Available  ---------- Price $50

Flexible 3 point, S-Tine Cultivator on 8 foot Toolbar

Here's another tool that once did a job for us.  Our operation has changed and this is not longer part of the toolset we need at the Genuine Faux Farm.  And actually, we will still be keeping and using another, similar tool bar, so it's not like we've decided it has no use - we just don't need BOTH!

This was formerly a 16 foot toolbar, which we cut in half.  The 3-point attachment could be adjusted to a different category hitch (it is set for Cat 1 right now).  There are four S-Tine gangs that can also be adjusted to your row spacing.

Status: SOLD ---------- Price $150

Cat 1, Two-Seat Holland Transplanter

Complete with different cogs to facilitate different plant spacing.  At one point in time, it had a water tank to allow you to put a little water on the plants as you put them in (and you could add a tank if you wanted).  It just never fit in with our tool and labor sets.  The best time to use it was when we weren't able to have workers available to sit in those seats.

 Status: SOLD ------------ Price $200

Bed Roller

We found this was a useful item when we were using the Johnny's 6-row seeder.  That seeder is persnickety about how nice the bed surface for planting was, so this was a great help.  If you have trouble with seed to soil contact, this is useful.  We also have removable dibbles that can go with it if you want to use it to mark your seed bed for transplants.

We have moved away from plantings that use the 6-row seeder and this tool is no longer useful to us. 

Status: Available  ---------- Price $200 (Johnny's list price $310 new without dibbles, etc)

Ariens Tiller

It feels like just yesterday - and yet it was years ago.  The Ariens tiller blew out its engine and, having no alternatives at the time, we put a new engine on it.  Then, we actually got some bigger equipment and the Ariens has been rolled from one corner of a building to another.  With the new engine along for the ride.  With some TLC, you can probably get the tiller to work for you.  But, the value is in the motor, of course.

Tecumseh 8hp engine with tiller.  Considering how few hours this engine has on it, this is a pretty nice price for the person who could either use that engine in another application or for someone who will do a little rehab on the tiller.

Status: Available ----------- Price $50

Stand-up Soilblock Makers

The soil block maker on the left is a 6 block and the one on the right is a 20 block.  Both with minimal use.  While we liked the concept of them, they simply ended up not fitting our operation and how we went about doing things.  If we had a better seed starting area earlier in the development of our farm, I suspect these would have gotten plenty of play.

These are practically new and from Johnny's would cost $225 each.  We may have dibbles for these if we can find them.  We've priced these so you can order the dibbles if we can't find them and you need to order some and you'll still come out spending much less than you would for new ones.

Status: SOLD -----------  Price $125 each

Harvesting Broadfork

Our harvesting broadfork has seen much more love than our soilblock makers.  However, we have no need for two harvesting broadforks with the changes on our farm.  

Status: SOLD  Price $150 (listed as $250 new)

Truck Topper

Way back when... we used this old truck topper as a shelter for our broilers.  We built a heavy wood base, which is now largely gone.  But, the truck topper is still sitting at our farm, wishing we would find a use for it.

It was given to us and we will give it to someone who feels they can use it.

Status: Available ------- Price free

2021 Hen Flock

We have two hen flocks on the farm at this time.  This year's hen chicks are now producing for us and last year's are also producing.  Simply put, we don't have the demand or the inclination to deal with two flocks anymore.

So, for those who might like a few backyard chickens, we have 50-60 hens and one rooster available from the 2021 flock.  If you want a larger number than just a few, for whatever reason (to supplement your own layers or to process them as stewing hens), we can accommodate you if that's what you prefer.  These birds were chicks April, 2021.  They will still produce for some time yet, but are certainly past the highest production levels in their lifespans.  They are a mix of Isa Browns (brown eggs), California White (white eggs) and Americana (blue/green eggs).

We would like $5/bird if you arrange pickup, more if we have to arrange delivery.  If you want larger numbers, we can discuss details.

We will need to finish negotiations soon as we will need to schedule a processing date otherwise.  Frankly, we'd love to just get them different homes.

Status: 21 hens and 1 rooster remain - $5/bird or negotiated for larger numbers

Are You Interested?

The best way to show interest is to email Rob at genuinefauxfarm@gmail.com

For the larger items on this list, we are asking the buyer to arrange for transportation.  Smaller items we can discuss options.  If you need a definition for large/small - ask yourself, can Rob throw it into the back of his pickup by himself?  So, the slip scraper may be the upper limit.

Why are we selling these items?

The nickel tour answer is this: our farm continues to change as any living farm does, but they may be right for you where YOUR farm or homestead is right now.

Looking for New Homes

Today's blog is going to be very different because we're actually advertising some farm things that the Genuine Faux Farm no longer needs and we are hoping to find them new homes.

We will update this blog post as things find their new place to be.  Scroll to the end for details on how we will handle transactions.

Durnik the Ford 8n/2n

Durnik joined the farm in 2010 and taught us how to safely operate a tractor at the Genuine Faux Farm.  We've maintained him well and he's been shedded most of his life at the farm.  We added an electric start to make it easier to get him going.  It has a Sherman overdrive transmission, PTO and three point, category 1 hitch.  The three-point does not have draft control.  Like most tractors of this sort, it does not have much for brakes, so you should use chucks to keep it parked on an incline.

He's a great little tractor and we've thoroughly enjoyed its presence at our farm, but Durnik is probably better for someone else at this point in time.  We do have manuals and other useful resources.

Status: Available ----------- Price $2000 OBO

Cat 1, 3 point, Tater Digger

The reality for our farm is that we don't need this AND a middle buster.  The middle buster is more versatile for us. So, this one goes.

And, it works fine with Durnik.

Status: Available --------  Price $50

Cat 1 Three point Slip Scraper

Once we acquired a tractor with a bucket, this implement was not used much after that point.  It's been patiently waiting in a shed for someone else to love and use it.  Works fine with Durnik.

Status: Available  ---------- Price $75

Flexible Cat, S-Tine Cultivator on 8 foot Toolbar

Here's another tool that once did a job for us.  Our operation has changed and this is not longer part of the toolset we need at the Genuine Faux Farm.  And actually, we will still be keeping and using another, similar tool bar, so it's not like we've decided it has no use - we just don't need BOTH!

This was formerly a 16 foot toolbar, which we cut in half.  The 3-point attachment could be adjusted to a different category hitch (it is set for Cat 1 right now).  There are four S-Tine gangs that can also be adjusted to your row spacing.

Status: Available ---------- Price $150

Small Covered Trailer

At one point, we used this as a portable brooder for our farm.  Once we created the permanent brooder room on the farm, this became less useful for us.  

Status: SOLD  

Cat 1, Two-Seat Holland Transplanter

Complete with different cogs to facilitate different plant spacings.  At one point in time, it had a water tank to allow you to put a little water on the plants as you put them in.  It just never fit in with our tool and labor sets.  The best time to use it was when we weren't able to have workers available to sit in those seats.

 Status: Available ------------ Price $300

Bed Roller

We found this was a useful item when we were using the Johnny's 6-row seeder.  That seeder is persnickety about how nice the bed surface for planting was, so this was a great help.  If you have trouble with seed to soil contact, this can help.  I believe we also have dibbles that can go with it if you want to use it to mark your seed bed for transplants - assuming we can find them!

We have moved away from plantings that use the 6-row seeder and this tool is no longer useful to us.  We never did get into using the dibbles, etc because we were more interested in the bed packing rather than row marking.

Status: Available  ---------- Price $200 (Johnny's list price $310 new without dibbles, etc)

Ariens Tiller

It feels like just yesterday - and yet it was years ago.  The Ariens tiller blew out its engine and, having no alternatives at the time, we put a new engine on it.  Then, we actually got some bigger equipment and the Ariens has been rolled from one corner of a building to another.  With the new engine along for the ride.  With some TLC, you can probably get the tiller to work for you.  But, the value is in the motor, of course.

Tecumseh 8hp engine with tiller.  Considering how few hours this engine has on it, this is a pretty nice price for the person who could either use that engine in another application or for someone who will do a little rehab on the tiller.

Status: Available ----------- Price $40

Stand-up Soilblock Makers

The soil block maker on the left is a 6 block and the one on the right is a 20 block.  Both with minimal use.  While we liked the concept of them, they simply ended up not fitting our operation and how we went about doing things.  If we had a better seed starting area earlier in the development of our farm, I suspect these would have gotten plenty of play.

These are practically new and from Johnny's would cost $225 each.  We may have dibbles for these if we can find them.  We've priced these so you can order the dibbles if we can't find them and you need to order some and you'll still come out spending much less than you would for new ones.

Status: Available  -----------  Price $125 each

Harvesting Broadfork

Our harvesting broadfork has seen much more love than our soilblock makers.  However, we have no need for two harvesting broadforks with the changes on our farm.  

Status: Available  Price $150 (listed as $250 new)

Portable Poultry Building (sale pending)

We will only need one of the two buildings we have used for our broilers at the Genuine Faux Farm when we go into the 2022 season.  That means one of these Jeff Sage built buildings will become available.  We have found that about 125 broilers works in a building if you do a day-range system and you can plan on moving every other day.  Building is tall enough for most average height people to be reasonably comfortable entering.  Skid based construction.

Status: Pending ------ Price $200

Truck Topper

Way back when... we used this old truck topper as a shelter for our broilers.  We built a heavy wood base, which is now largely gone.  But, the truck topper is still sitting at our farm, wishing we would find a use for it.

It was given to us and we will give it to someone who feels they can use it.

Status: Available ------- Price free

2020 Hen Flock (sold out)

We have two hen flocks on the farm at this time.  This year's hen chicks are now producing for us and last year's are also producing.  Simply put, we don't have the demand or the inclination to deal with two flocks anymore.

So, for those who might like a few backyard chickens, we have about 80 hens and one rooster available from the 2020 flock.  If you want a larger number than just a few, for whatever reason (to supplement your own layers or to process them as stewing hens), we can accommodate you if that's what you prefer.  These birds were chicks April, 2020.  They will still produce for some time yet, but are certainly past the highest production levels in their lifespans.  They are a mix of Isa Browns (brown eggs), California White (white eggs) and Americana (blue/green eggs).

We would like $3/bird if you arrange pickup, more if we have to arrange delivery.  If you want larger numbers, we can discuss details.

We will need to finish negotiations prior to October 19.  After October 19, these will be available as processed stewing hens at $6 each.  Frankly, we'd love to just get them different homes prior to the trip to the "Park" this year as freezer space on the farm may be at a premium this season.

Status: SOLD OUT

Are You Interested?

The best way to show interest is to email Rob at genuinefauxfarm@gmail.com

For the larger items on this list, we are asking the buyer to arrange for transportation.  Smaller items we can discuss options.  If you need a definition for large/small - ask yourself, can Rob throw it into the back of his pickup by himself?  So, the slip scraper may be the upper limit.

Why are we selling these items?

The nickel tour answer is this: our farm continues to change as any living farm does.  These are items that do not fit what we do anymore.  Durnik, for example, was great when we hosted farm gatherings, which we no longer do and was nice to have when we were more actively farming and could use two tractors every so often.  A few things never quite fit our farm and you can benefit from our throwing money at something that wasn't right for us, but may be right for you.

Available at GFF August 19

 

We will have a slightly different schedule tomorrow, please read carefully.  We will ONLY be at St Andrew's during a slightly later time slot.  The "other" jobs are getting in the way tomorrow!  Also note, we are limiting egg orders to 1 doz per family this week.

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Waverly : Wednesday August 19  5:30-6:00 pm St Andrew's Church parking lot

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Delivery Method: Please maintain appropriate physical distancing.  We will place your order into a tray and put it on our table.  Once we step away, place your order in your bag/box you bring.  then set the tray in the 'dirty' pile next to the table.                                                  

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Available to members (order by 1pm today!):
    eggs - $3.50/dozen (limit 1 doz unless you order for two families)

    green beans $3/pound (lots of beans!)

   green bean FREEZING/CANNING special order 5 pounds or more - $2/pound!  We estimate we have 60 pounds currently picked and more coming in.

   garlic $2 head

   frozen broiler chicken $3.60/pound (avg 4-5 pounds)

   eggplant $1 each (only a few)

  snack/cherry tomatoes $3/pint

   tomato $3/pound

   cucumbers (Boothby's Blonde) - 2 for $1 (limited)

   zucchini - $1 ea (limited)

   Green bell peppers - 2 for $1

     

We will send out a gentle reminder after 1pm that will confirm orders so that you will know if we have what you wanted.

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THE GFF NEWS

   --------------------------------------------------------------

1. Upcoming Schedule

• August 19 - Waverly (St Andrew's)
• August 27 - Cedar Falls (Jorgensen Plaza)
• Sept 2 - Waverly (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
• Sept 10 - Cedar Falls (Jorgensen Plaza)
• Sept 15 (Tuesday)- Fresh Broiler Chicken delivery (anticipated - no egg/veg delivery this week)
• Sept 22 (Tuesday) - Waverly (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
  

2. Crop & Poultry Report

The potatoes are ready for harvest and we hope to be able to get to that in the coming week.  This year, we only have a couple hundred row feet of potatoes and they are the blue and red fleshed varieties (no yellow or white).  The other planting rotted in the ground with the early wet weather.  Green beans are going very well right now - which is one of our favorites to eat, so we are happy about that.  Tomatoes and peppers are just starting to show up and should be with us for the next month or two. 

The turkeys are learning to do what we call a 'crowd gobble,' which can be very amusing at times, but much less so if you have a headache!  Our flock was quite calm earlier in their lives but they are now showing much more spunk.  Whether that is good or not, it doesn't matter, because that's who they are right now! 

The new hens (they are graduating from the name henlet) have revealed that they do, in fact, have a rooster among them.  The new rooster is an Americauna breed and we have decided to name him Stu.  Welcome Stu, we hope you are a decent barnyard manager.

3. New blog material for you

We have MORE good posts in the past week plus.  We hope you enjoy at least some of them.

• We have a follow up post on the derecho storm that went through Iowa last Monday.
• There is a mildly amusing post with respect to the social media metrics we get fed to try to entice to feed Facebook money.
• We took a moment and looked at an old newsletter item from 2008 and updated it for 2020.
• And finally, a post featuring Twin Springs in Decorah.
  

4. Update on the Farmers

We have had some cooler weather the past couple of days and we can't be blamed if we are starting to feel like it is Fall.  The daylight hours are rapidly changing, as are our expectations for the season.  On top of it all, the Wartburg school year is starting sooner than usual as part of their response to the pandemic.  Thus far, I think it would be fair to say that Tammy and I feel like 2020 has been a roller coaster ride on a rickety wood frame that is currently on fire.  There has been a fair amount of yelling, but we're still rolling!

Our current strategy is to try to prepare the farm as best as we can for 2021.  While we are starting some late, cold season crops, we are preferring to get some projects done that will allow us to be in a better position for future efforts.  This was, after all, the entire point of stepping back a bit in 2020 and it would be a poor payoff to ignore that decision.  Even with that decision, we are still a bit overwhelmed by the length of the things that reside on our 'to do' list.  But, you all know us by now - we're going to give it our best effort.

5. 2020 Pre-Paid Farm Credit Program

We will run the system in $50 increments.  In other words, you can purchase a minimum of $50 of farm credit at a time.  We will cap the maximum amount of credit at $200 and you can refill your farm credits at any point.

Like the CSA program, this gives you the advantage of not having to pull out money at each delivery.  Instead, we will have a ledger with tracking for your current credit balance.  This also provides us with some working capital to start the season.  Also, like the CSA program, we will give participants better pricing and opportunities than those who might prefer to 'pay as they go.'

A major difference this year is that farm credits can be used for ANY farm product the Genuine Faux Farm offers.  If you buy farm credits, you can apply them to purchasing meat chickens, vegetables, eggs or any other thing we offer this year.

We are accepting purchases of credits now and throughout the season.

6. Welcome!

If you are new to this email newsletter for the Genuine Faux Farm, we would like to welcome you.  If you are an 'old hand,' we want you to feel welcome too - but we were gently reminded that we need to introduce people a bit more to the system.

The basics are as follows:

  - we deliver once per week - alternating between Waverly and Cedar Falls locations.

  - Waverly is on Wednesdays

  - Cedar Falls is on Thursdays

  - anyone with farm credits can order from either location, you just have to arrange to get what you order.

  - to order, you only need to respond to this email - sent the day prior to the delivery.

  - a "gentle reminder" email is sent the day of the delivery.  This email confirms that we have received orders by listing those from whom we have received orders.

 - delivery instructions will be in this email each week.  Please pay attention as circumstances may require a change.

Be Well!

Rob & Tammy

Eligible from GFF August 5

Welcome to August and the annual August 'fall-like days' just prior to the typical 'state fair heat.'  We hope everyone is hanging in there!

Quick news (details lower in this email):

#1. Upcoming Schedule

#2. Crop and Poultry Report

#3. Farmer Update

#4. Spray Season

#5. New Blog Material

#6. What if it Rains?

#7. Egg Carton Guidelines

#8. 2020 Farm Credit Program

#9. Welcome to New Members

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Waverly: Wednesday August 5  5:00-5:30pm St Andrew's parking lot

                                                       5:45-6:00pm Yogi Life parking area

--------------------------------------------------------------

New Delivery Method: Please maintain appropriate physical distancing.  We will place your order into a tray and put it on our table.  Once we step away, place your order in your bag/box you bring.  then set the tray in the 'dirty' pile next to the table.                                                  

-----------------------------------------------------------

Available to members (order by noon Wednesday!):
    eggs - $3.50/dozen (limit 2 doz - we will try to fill 1 doz for all orders first, unless you order for two families)

    green beans $3/pound

    lettuce $2/head

    golden beets $2/pound

   zucchini $1 each

   garlic $2 head

   frozen broiler chicken $3.60/pound (avg 4-5 pounds)

   basil $1 bunch (about the size of our oregano bunches - perfect for a vase)

   oregano $1 bunch

   eggplant $1 each

   carrots $3/pound

     

   -------------------------------------------------------------

THE GFF NEWS

   --------------------------------------------------------------

1. Upcoming Schedule

• August 5 - Waverly (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
• August 13 - Cedar Falls (Jorgensen Plaza)
• August 19 - Waverly (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
• August 27 - Cedar Falls (Jorgensen Plaza)
• Sept 2 - Waverly (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
• Sept 10 - Cedar Falls (Jorgensen Plaza)
• Sept 15 (Tuesday)- Fresh Broiler Chicken delivery (anticipated - no egg/veg delivery this week)
• Sept 22 (Tuesday) - Waverly (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
  

2. Crop & Poultry Report

The tomatoes are starting to ripen on some of the vines, so we may begin offering tomatoes on our lists.  Peppers are in a similar spot.  When we have smaller amounts of a crop, we may offer items such as these to people on a 'name out of a hat' basis.  It just makes no sense to offer tomatoes and have orders for 30 pounds when we know we will only have four pounds on a given delivery date. 

The second succession of green beans are really getting going now, so you might notice we are offering beans in one pound increments (rather than a half pound) and at a better price.  This is a reflection of the supply increasing as we start harvesting the Jade green beans to go with the already producing Providers.  Speaking of legumes (we were?) we are going to put in one more high tunnel succession of green beans and we are also going to try a Fall snow pea planting.

On the 'not so good' side of things, we will not have bulb onions this year.  We will not bore you with the whole story here.  But, we started by making the mistake of buying an onion cleaner to help us prepare onions for sale after harvest.  We should have known that investing in specialized equipment would doom that crop.  We are now looking to sell that piece of equipment so we can have onions in the future.

3. Farmer Update

Every day has its ups and downs.  Sound familiar?  It is something I think everyone can relate to.  The weather over the last few days has been absolutely gorgeous.  Tammy and I LOVE green beans (and we have plenty of them to eat).  Peaches are in-season.  Yo-Yo Ma and company released Not Our First Goat Rodeo.  So, things are pretty good in many respects.

On the other hand, we are in the familiar position that we have much to do and less time to do it in.  Spray season has been taxing, trips to see doctors have eaten up valuable time and energy and world events wear on us all. 

This is not so much an update on the two of us as it is a recognition that we still have the ability to exert some control on where our focus is.  As always, we are a work in progress.  For the next twenty or so hours, we are going to focus on harvesting some quality food and getting it to some quality people.  We look forward to greeting you in person tomorrow!

4. Spray Season

Spray season won't officially end for a week or so.  We admit that we are a little less on edge now that we've gotten into early August, but it is still important that EVERYONE who witnesses off-target spray should report it to the Pesticide Bureau in Iowa.  Make note of the time, date and location as well as any additional details so you can report accurately.

Neither of us likes to force beliefs or issues on other people.  But, we are even more adamant that we want people to fully understand what it means to be a victim of chemical trespass without having to experience it themselves.  Even more important, we are hopeful we can make some real differences.  For example, Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) introduced the “Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act,” which would update U.S. pesticide rules to be more in line with more health-protective laws in other countries. We will try to use this space in our weekly newsletters to periodically inform you of things that just might address the problem. We think we can do that and respect different viewpoints and the general intent of this newsletter to cover farm news and offer good food.

5. New blog material for you

• People have been enjoying the blog featuring the Inspector and his feline wisdom so I am sharing it here again.
• There have been positive comments about a blog that shares our adventures in capturing a bee swarm at the farm.
• Are you in a pictures only mood?  Try some more day lilies.
• We graded ourselves on our 2020 farm classes in this blog post.
• And, we took a look at our plans for the rest of the season in today's post.
  

6. What if it Rains?

We have been fortunate that rain has not been in the equation during deliveries for some time now.  Rain should not be a problem tomorrow either!  However, we are considering options for the days when the weather is a bit less amenable to the current delivery method.

Option 1 will be to revert back to our early season method where we place orders into vehicles so you do not have to dampen yourselves unnecessarily. 

Option 2 will be to either use a portable shelter (pop up tent) or use overhangs at our delivery locations.  There is a small overhang at St Andrew's that may serve and there is the nice area near Jorgensen Plaza that we may also end up using.  At present, there is not a good option for easy shelter with appropriate physical distancing at Yogi Life or Hansen's Outlet. 

As always, we will keep our eyes on the weather and inform you if we have to make modifications to our normal delivery patterns to account for what Mother Nature brings us.

7. Egg Carton Guidelines

We are grateful for the volume of egg cartons that have come our way in recent weeks.  Thank you so much for being kind and helping us re-use resources!

We have had a few questions about what egg cartons we will accept and I thought this would be a good time to address them.

• we will only take chipboard cartons, no styrofoam or plastic.
• we will take cartons for large to jumbo eggs, smaller sizes need not apply
• 12 egg cartons are wonderful, we are not using 18 egg sized cartons at this time

And finally, if an egg broke in the carton or something else happened to seriously dirty a carton, please don't give it to us.  While we aren't unhappy about doing the recycling ourselves, these cartons can actually remove more than one carton from the re-use option.  If the carton doesn't look like something you would be happy to receive new and clean eggs in, then do not give it to us.  Recycle it as you normally would.

8. 2020 Pre-Paid Farm Credit Program

We will run the system in $50 increments.  In other words, you can purchase a minimum of $50 of farm credit at a time.  We will cap the maximum amount of credit at $200 and you can refill your farm credits at any point.

Like the CSA program, this gives you the advantage of not having to pull out money at each delivery.  Instead, we will have a ledger with tracking for your current credit balance.  This also provides us with some working capital to start the season.  Also, like the CSA program, we will give participants better pricing and opportunities than those who might prefer to 'pay as they go.'

A major difference this year is that farm credits can be used for ANY farm product the Genuine Faux Farm offers.  If you buy farm credits, you can apply them to purchasing meat chickens, vegetables, eggs or any other thing we offer this year.

We are accepting purchases of credits now and throughout the season.

9. Welcome!

If you are new to this email newsletter for the Genuine Faux Farm, we would like to welcome you.  If you are an 'old hand,' we want you to feel welcome too - but we were gently reminded that we need to introduce people a bit more to the system.

The basics are as follows:

  - we deliver once per week - alternating between Waverly and Cedar Falls locations.

  - Waverly is on Wednesdays

  - Cedar Falls is on Thursdays

  - anyone with farm credits can order from either location, you just have to arrange to get what you order.

  - to order, you only need to respond to this email - sent the day prior to the delivery.

  - a "gentle reminder" email is sent the day of the delivery.  This email confirms that we have received orders by listing those from whom we have received orders.

 - delivery instructions will be in this email each week.  Please pay attention as circumstances may require a change.

Be Well!

Rob & Tammy

Available from GFF July 30

#1. Upcoming Schedule

#2. Crop and Poultry Report

#3. Spray Season

#4. New Blog Material

#5. New Delivery Method

#6. Egg Cartons

#7. 2020 Farm Credit Program

#8. Welcome to New Members

-------------------------------------------------------------

Cedar Falls: Thursday July 30  5:00-5:30pm Jorgensen Plaza west parking lot

--------------------------------------------------------------

New Delivery Method: Please maintain appropriate physical distancing.  We will place your order into a tray and put it on our table.  Once we step away, place your order in your bag/box you bring.  then set the tray in the 'dirty' pile next to the table.                                                  

-----------------------------------------------------------

Available to members (order by 1PM Thursday!):
    eggs - $3.50/dozen (limit 2 doz - we will try to fill 1 doz for all orders first, unless you order for two families)

    beans $2/bag

    lettuce $2/head

    red beets $2/pound

    golden beets $2/pound

   zucchini $1 each

   summer squash $1 each

   garlic $2 head

   frozen broiler chicken $3.60/pound (avg 4-5 pounds)

   basil $1 bunch (about the size of our oregano bunches - perfect for a vase)

  

   -------------------------------------------------------------

THE GFF NEWS

   --------------------------------------------------------------

1. Upcoming Schedule

• July 30 - Cedar Falls Delivery (Jorgensen Plaza)
• August 5 - Waverly Delivery (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
  

2. Crop & Poultry Report

The turkeys are now in their "home room" located in the Poultry Pavilion.  They have lots of space and we keep them in there for five or six days before letting them out to the adjacent pasture during the day.  This encourages them to identify with this room as 'home' so they are more willing to come inside for their protection at night. 

The young broilers are now out on pasture and are learning how to leave their portable buildings during the day and go back in at night.  Typically, we put their food and water in during the late afternoon to encourage this behavior.

The hens are still in the pasture by Crazy Maurice, the weeping willow and they love their dust baths under that tree.  The henlets are now going out to their pasture each day and coming back to their home room in the Poultry Pavilion each night.

We are starting to see some tomatoes and peppers and hope things will get going soon.  Melons are a few weeks out at this point.  We do have some carrots and more beets approaching harvest stage.  We are trying to figure out what to plant for the fall crops and how much of those crops we can do. 

3. Spray Season

It is still important that EVERYONE who witnesses off-target spray should report it to the Pesticide Bureau in Iowa.  Make note of the time, date and location as well as any additional details so you can report accurately.

We have already had one confrontation with respect to spray that was being applied within the 1 mile radius of our farm.  Tammy had the strength to pursue the matter at a time when Rob just couldn't find it in him to do much with it.  Well done Tammy! 

We are still looking at July 31 as the most dangerous day of the season at our farm.  It seems that a couple of farmer/sprayer combinations realize that if they spray late on a Friday we can't get much support from the Pesticide Bureau until the following week.

4. New blog material for you

• the long awaited post featuring the Inspector and his feline wisdom is now live!
• We are featuring a blog written by Rob for PAN with respect to the anniversary we did not want.  The staff at PAN appreciated my effort on this one.
• I needed some gentle reminders to be positive, so I shared them in this blog.
• Do you like sunflowers?
• Sorry, but another overspray related post looks at the power of saying no.
• Have you been unable to keep up with all of the posts since April?  Well, this post makes some suggestions for highlights so you can read fewer, but still get the gist of things!

5. New Delivery Method

The prior method of placing orders into the back of vehicles worked reasonably well and we attribute that to your willingness to work with us!  thank you!

We are, however, aware of some problems with the current system:

- we are using far more single use plastic than we want to be using and we want to go back to some of the re-use practices

- our available product list will become more complex as we get deeper into the season, which makes the current model a little more difficult to pull off

So, we return to asking you to bring a re-usable bag, box, etc to put your products in.  We will use chalk to provide guidance for physical distancing.  We will put your order in a yellow tray on the table(s) and you can then remove your order and place it in your bag/box.  Once done, we will ask you to place the used tray into a pile.  We will clean these on our return from the delivery for the next use. 

6. Egg Cartons

We will be willing to receive egg cartons from you starting this week.  We will put a green tray out for you to put used cartons in for re-use.  Please nest these cartons so they take less space.   We will not use any cartons we receive until they have been 'quarantined' for a period of time.  Research has shown that the Covid-19 virus does not live long on cardboard surfaces, but we'll be safe and re-use boxes by taking the ones that have been in our supply longest first.

7. 2020 Pre-Paid Farm Credit Program

We will run the system in $50 increments.  In other words, you can purchase a minimum of $50 of farm credit at a time.  We will cap the maximum amount of credit at $200 and you can refill your farm credits at any point.

Like the CSA program, this gives you the advantage of not having to pull out money at each delivery.  Instead, we will have a ledger with tracking for your current credit balance.  This also provides us with some working capital to start the season.  Also, like the CSA program, we will give participants better pricing and opportunities than those who might prefer to 'pay as they go.'

A major difference this year is that farm credits can be used for ANY farm product the Genuine Faux Farm offers.  If you buy farm credits, you can apply them to purchasing meat chickens, vegetables, eggs or any other thing we offer this year.

Want to sign up by mail?

Genuine Faux Farm

2345 150th Street

Tripoli, IA 50676

make checks to GFF or the Genuine Faux Farm

Want to use Paypal?

You may send cash to gff@genuinefauxfarm.com

We are accepting purchases of credits now and throughout the season.

8. Welcome!

If you are new to this email newsletter for the Genuine Faux Farm, we would like to welcome you.  If you are an 'old hand,' we want you to feel welcome too - but we were gently reminded that we need to introduce people a bit more to the system.

The basics are as follows:

  - we deliver once per week - alternating between Waverly and Cedar Falls locations.

  - Waverly is on Wednesdays

  - Cedar Falls is on Thursdays

  - anyone with farm credits can order from either location, you just have to arrange to get what you order.

  - to order, you only need to respond to this email - sent the day prior to the delivery.

  - a "gentle reminder" email is sent the day of the delivery.  This email confirms that we have received orders by listing those from whom we have received orders.

 - delivery instructions will be in this email each week.  Please pay attention as circumstances may require a change.

Be Well!

Rob & Tammy

Available from GFF July 22

Quick Overview (details lower in this email):

#1. Upcoming Schedule

#2. Crop and Poultry Report

#3. Pesticide Action Network Funding Match Results.

#4. Farmer Update

#5. Spray Season

#6. PFI Virtual Field Days at GFF

#7. New Blog Material

#8. New Delivery Method

#9. Egg Cartons

#10. 2020 Farm Credit Program

#11. Welcome to New Members

-------------------------------------------------------------

Waverly: Wednesday July 22  5:00-5:30pm St Andrew's Parking Lot

                                                 5:45-6:00pm Yogi Life Studio

--------------------------------------------------------------

New Delivery Method: Please maintain appropriate physical distancing.  We will place your order into a yellow tray and put it on our table.  Once we step away, place your order in your bag/box you bring.  then set the yellow tray in the 'dirty' pile next to the table.                                                  

-----------------------------------------------------------

Available to members (order by 1PM Wednesday!):
    eggs - $3.50/dozen (limit 2 doz - we will try to fill 1 doz for all orders first, unless you order for two families)

    beans $2/bag

    beets $2/pound (golden or striped can't remember which!)

   frozen broiler chicken $3.60/pound (avg 4-5 pounds)

   summer squash - $1 ea

   zucchini - $1 ea

   oregano - $1 bunch

   garlic - $2/head

    -------------------------------------------------------------

THE GFF NEWS

   --------------------------------------------------------------

1. Upcoming Schedule

• July 22 - Waverly Delivery (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
• July 30 - Cedar Falls Delivery (Jorgensen Plaza)
• August 5 - Waverly Delivery (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)

2. Crop & Poultry Report

While weeding in our southwest plot, we discovered some nice beets, which we intend to harvest tomorrow and make available to all interested.  I cannot remember if they are Golden or Chioggia beets, but I'll know it when I see them!  The basil is getting big enough to begin considering harvest.  The high tunnel tomatoes have green tomatoes on them, are trellised and are looking pretty good.  The honey bee hives have been very active lately and we've been noticing lots of fireflies/lightning bugs on the farm.  There was a monarch hatching this patch week as well and we have found a few more caterpillars on some milkweed.

We are preparing to move the turkeys to their room, which means they will soon roam their pasture area.  The process requires that we finish cleaning the room, fix the entrance and prepare the pasture by getting rid of some ragweed and setting up a fence.  We'll just keep plugging along and it will get done.  The second batch of broilers are also very close to ready to go out on pasture.  We hope they will follow soon after the turkeys get moved.  .

3. Pesticide Action Network Funding Match

We are so grateful for all of the support shown for the Pollinator Match for the Pesticide Action Network.  The matching funds provided by our farm and two other farms were met by mid-afternoon on the first day.  Absolutely amazing.  At last count, total donations had exceeded $1800 - not including the $900 in matching funds.  It is our understanding that several of you responded to our request that you join us in this match.  Thank you!

Even if you are not inclined to give or you just cannot give, we would still like to invite you to support PAN by signing up for alerts.  Among the things you will receive in emails will be the Iowa News (every four weeks), written by Rob.  Ok... that MIGHT be a disincentive... so ignore that one!  I will try to respect boundaries between farm business and PAN business by not flooding our farm emails with PAN stuff.  But, if you want to stay in touch with efforts to push useful legislation through Iowa, PAN is the place to go for your information!  Feel free to ask Rob if you have questions (and we'll stop pushing PAN for a while in our farm emails).

4. Farmer Update

The new distribution method is actually helping our attitudes in general.  Why?  Because it encourages us to have a little decent interaction with people we truly enjoy - YOU!  We still feel like we're doing what we can to keep everyone safe and healthy.  We hope the weather stays nice during distribution days to allow us to have these brief, but valuable, conversations.

 

Repairs and renovation of the farm house continue.  The next step is to put in mini-split air conditioning units in part of the house.  At this time, the entire farmhouse is cooled by a single window A/C unit.  We prefer to have the house open most of the time, but when it gets very hot and muggy, we need to cut the humidity and the edge off of the heat so we can sleep.  We keep telling ourselves that one of these days the house projects will settle down to a dull roar and it will feel less like we live in a constant upheaval.  For those who have worked to fix up an old house, you can probably relate!

5. Spray Season

We also have the normal farm stresses of trying to get it all done AND we are now entering insecticide and fungicide spray season.  We've barely exited herbicide season, so it feels like it has been ongoing.  The biggest difference is that the spray planes will soon be out in force.  You may tire of us mentioning it, but it is important that EVERYONE who witnesses off-target spray should report it to the Pesticide Bureau in Iowa.  Make note of the time, date and location as well as any additional details so you can report accurately.

6. PFI Virtual Field Days at GFF

Our farm continues to do what we can to learn new things and then spread our learning around as we are able.  This summer, we are featured in a series of three field days sponsored by Practical Farmers of Iowa.  The first was just this Monday.  The next two will be in August.  The event was recorded for anyone who has interest in cover crops on a vegetable farm.

7. New blog material for you

• Our Gingko tree is featured in one blog.
• Lots of pretty day lilies in this one.
• We're bummed that spray season has begun. As if it ever ended...
• We took a moment and actually likened clouds to technology... ok, that's an odd one!
• But, if you can only read one - check out the one where we work on redefining what it means to be productive on our farm.

8. New Delivery Method

The prior method of placing orders into the back of vehicles worked reasonably well and we attribute that to your willingness to work with us!  thank you!

We are, however, aware of some problems with the current system:

- we are using far more single use plastic than we want to be using and we want to go back to some of the re-use practices

- our available product list will become more complex as we get deeper into the season, which makes the current model a little more difficult to pull off

So, we return to asking you to bring a re-usable bag, box, etc to put your products in.  We will use chalk to provide guidance for physical distancing.  We will put your order in a yellow tray on the table(s) and you can then remove your order and place it in your bag/box.  Once done, we will ask you to place the used tray into a pile.  We will clean these on our return from the delivery for the next use.  

9. Egg Cartons

We will be willing to receive egg cartons from you starting this week.  We will put a green tray out for you to put used cartons in for re-use.  Please nest these cartons so they take less space.   We will not use any cartons we receive until they have been 'quarantined' for a period of time.  Research has shown that the Covid-19 virus does not live long on cardboard surfaces, but we'll be safe and re-use boxes by taking the ones that have been in our supply longest first.

10. 2020 Pre-Paid Farm Credit Program

We will run the system in $50 increments.  In other words, you can purchase a minimum of $50 of farm credit at a time.  We will cap the maximum amount of credit at $200 and you can refill your farm credits at any point.

Like the CSA program, this gives you the advantage of not having to pull out money at each delivery.  Instead, we will have a ledger with tracking for your current credit balance.  This also provides us with some working capital to start the season.  Also, like the CSA program, we will give participants better pricing and opportunities than those who might prefer to 'pay as they go.'

A major difference this year is that farm credits can be used for ANY farm product the Genuine Faux Farm offers.  If you buy farm credits, you can apply them to purchasing meat chickens, vegetables, eggs or any other thing we offer this year.

We are accepting purchases of credits now and throughout the season.

11. Welcome!

If you are new to this email newsletter for the Genuine Faux Farm, we would like to welcome you.  If you are an 'old hand,' we want you to feel welcome too - but we were gently reminded that we need to introduce people a bit more to the system.

The basics are as follows:

  - we deliver once per week - alternating between Waverly and Cedar Falls locations.

  - Waverly is on Wednesdays

  - Cedar Falls is on Thursdays

  - anyone with farm credits can order from either location, you just have to arrange to get what you order.

  - to order, you only need to respond to this email - sent the day prior to the delivery.

  - a "gentle reminder" email is sent the day of the delivery.  This email confirms that we have received orders by listing those from whom we have received orders.

 - delivery instructions will be in this email each week.  Please pay attention as circumstances may require a change.

Be Well!

Rob & Tammy

Available from GFF July 16

There is all kinds of neat stuff in this week's email/blog newsletter.  We encourage you to read if you are able so you can stay up to date on a wide range of things going on with the farm and elsewhere!

Quick news (details lower in this post/email):

#1. Upcoming Schedule

#2. Crop and Poultry Report (featuring garlic!).

#3. Join us in a Pesticide Action Network Funding Match.

#4. Farmer Update

#5. Spray Season

#6. Hansen's Outlet Location

#7. New Blog Material

#8. New Delivery Method

#9. Egg Cartons

#10. 2020 Farm Credit Program

#11. Welcome to New Members

-------------------------------------------------------------

Cedar Falls: Thursday, July 16  5:00-5:40pm Jorgensen Plaza WEST parking lot

New Delivery Method: Please maintain appropriate physical distancing.  We will place your order into a yellow tray and put it on our table.  Once we step away, place your order in your bag/box you bring.  then set the yellow tray in the 'dirty' pile next to the table.                                                  

-----------------------------------------------------------

Available to members (order by Noon Thursday!):
    eggs - $3.50/dozen (limit 2 doz - we will try to fill 1 doz for all orders first, unless you order for two families)

   scapes - $1/bundle of 20 (last week!)

    beans $2/bag

    large "bugs bunny" carrots $3/pound

   frozen broiler chicken $3.60/pound (avg 4-5 pounds)

   summer squash - $1 ea

   zucchini - $1 ea

   oregano - $1 bunch

   garlic - $2/head

    -------------------------------------------------------------

THE GFF NEWS

   --------------------------------------------------------------

1. Upcoming Schedule

• July 16 - Cedar Falls Delivery (Jorgensen Plaza)
• July 22 - Waverly Delivery (St Andrew's and Yogi Life)
• July 30 - Cedar Falls Delivery (Jorgensen Plaza)

2. Crop & Poultry Report

The garlic came in with timely help from Sophie and Max.  The quality of the crop is fairly consistent.  We are making garlic available immediately this year rather than waiting for them to completely cure.  Any garlic you get in the next few weeks should not be treated as long-term storage or seed garlic.  They WILL store for months as is, but they won't go through a Winter very well until they cure.  So, feel free to order them if you want to use them in the next frew months.  Wait to order if you want storage into the Winter months or you want to plant some as seed garlic.

3. Pesticide Action Network Funding Match

You may recall that Rob now works for the Pesticide Action Network and if you go to their website, you will see some of my writing there.  I would like to invite you to honor us by donating to PAN to help further the work of this organization.  Our farm is among those who have provided matching funds for an online funding campaign. 

I recognize that many of you are careful about where your money goes and in determining where your giving might land.  If you have questions about PAN, I will gladly field them.  I also want to make it clear that outside of the staff at PAN and the people who receive this email or read our blog, we are not putting our name out there as one of the farms providing matching funds.  This is not about us or our farm.  We are sharing this with you because you are the people who have supported us through so many things and many of you have asked what you can do when it comes to pesticide drift problems.  We are putting some of our money where our mouth is with this match and we hope you will honor us by joining us.

Thank you for your consideration!

4. Farmer Update

The farmers are dealing with life and the issues of the world just as everyone else is - and that can be tiring and stressful.  It helped us immensely to get a little help (in a physically distanced way and with masks) from Sophie, Max and Victoria on Tuesday.  And, today, we have had some help from Brenda (sister) and Nicole (niece).  Last Friday we had a group from Green Iowa Americorps come and help us clean up a couple of areas that needed cleaning.

We are beginning to fully realize how isolated we have been this year and how much we miss having some consistent help on the farm.  Tammy and I can be excellent workers, but there is no replacing extra hands to get the work done.

5. Spray Season

We also have the normal farm stresses of trying to get it all done AND we are now entering insecticide and fungicide spray season.  We've barely exited herbicide season, so it feels like it has been ongoing.  The biggest difference is that the spray planes will soon be out in force.  You may tire of us mentioning it, but it is important that EVERYONE who witnesses off-target spray should report it to the Pesticide Bureau in Iowa.  Make note of the time, date and location as well as any additional details so you can report accurately.

6. The Hansen's Outlet Location

We are removing Hansen's as a delivery location until construction is closer to completion.

Again, we understand that many of you preferred Hansen's because you pick up product there and/or it is closer to where you live.  We also appreciate that you are all willing to do things to make that location work.  Thank you.  However, the location will not continue to work for us (it's not about you, it's about us this time).   As construction progresses there, we will revisit adding Hansen's back on the delivery location list.  But, for the time being, expect only one delivery location at Jorgensen Plaza in Cedar Falls.

We recommend taking Main Street south to Hyacinth and entering the West parking lot.

Thank you for your understanding.

7. New blog material for you

• Are you curious about what a day of chores look like?  Here's a picture-laden post on that topic.
• Do you know what a Dickcissel is?  Well, you can find out here.
• We took a walking picture tour of the farm and then wrote about it.
• We had some bad weather go around us - so the anti-weather machine was on.
• We didn't say a word about National Pollinator Week, find out why.
• And to close the week in blogs, what is Screwy Data?

8. New Delivery Method

The prior method of placing orders into the back of vehicles worked reasonably well and we attribute that to your willingness to work with us!  thank you!

We are, however, aware of some problems with the current system:

- we are using far more single use plastic than we want to be using and we want to go back to some of the re-use practices

- our available product list will become more complex as we get deeper into the season, which makes the current model a little more difficult to pull off

So, we return to asking you to bring a re-usable bag, box, etc to put your products in.  We will use chalk to provide guidance for physical distancing.  We will put your order in a yellow tray on the table(s) and you can then remove your order and place it in your bag/box.  Once done, we will ask you to place the used tray into a pile.  We will clean these on our return from the delivery for the next use.  

9. Egg Cartons

We will be willing to receive egg cartons from you starting this week.  We will put a green tray out for you to put used cartons in for re-use.  Please nest these cartons so they take less space.   We will not use any cartons we receive until they have been 'quarantined' for a period of time.  Research has shown that the Covid-19 virus does not live long on cardboard surfaces, but we'll be safe and re-use boxes by taking the ones that have been in our supply longest first.

10. 2020 Pre-Paid Farm Credit Program

We will run the system in $50 increments.  In other words, you can purchase a minimum of $50 of farm credit at a time.  We will cap the maximum amount of credit at $200 and you can refill your farm credits at any point.

Like the CSA program, this gives you the advantage of not having to pull out money at each delivery.  Instead, we will have a ledger with tracking for your current credit balance.  This also provides us with some working capital to start the season.  Also, like the CSA program, we will give participants better pricing and opportunities than those who might prefer to 'pay as they go.'

A major difference this year is that farm credits can be used for ANY farm product the Genuine Faux Farm offers.  If you buy farm credits, you can apply them to purchasing meat chickens, vegetables, eggs or any other thing we offer this year.

We are accepting purchases of credits now and throughout the season.

11. Welcome!

If you are new to this email newsletter for the Genuine Faux Farm, we would like to welcome you.  If you are an 'old hand,' we want you to feel welcome too - but we were gently reminded that we need to introduce people a bit more to the system.

The basics are as follows:

  - we deliver once per week - alternating between Waverly and Cedar Falls locations.

  - Waverly is on Wednesdays

  - Cedar Falls is on Thursdays

  - anyone with farm credits can order from either location, you just have to arrange to get what you order.

  - to order, you only need to respond to this email - sent the day prior to the delivery.

  - a "gentle reminder" email is sent the day of the delivery.  This email confirms that we have received orders by listing those from whom we have received orders.

 - delivery instructions will be in this email each week.  Please pay attention as circumstances may require a change.

Be Well!

Rob & Tammy

Genuine Faux Farm

Tripoli, IA