Farm Update from Paige
Well, here we are. Our last CSA distribution of the season.
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| This is kohlrabi...green or purple :) |
While it does just feel like another Tuesday harvest day, this time comes with mixed emotion. We are relieved to have the season play out with such bounty, timeliness, and good memories, but we're also sad that this is the virtual end of our marketing season.
Reflecting on the year, I often think in tangible terms...how the farm looks or what we've harvested. But really thinking back, I understand the implications of what we're doing and feel so good about the ripple we make -- environmentally, nutritionally, socially, economically. I see more and more each year how food can really form community and how community can grow through food.
Winter holds many things for us farmers -- rest and rejuvenation but also lots of time to catch up in the office world. We'll be ordering seeds for next year, crop planning, hiring next season's apprentices, figuring out efficiency details and continually streamlining our operation. I look forward to these short days and thoughtful times in the office because it allows some quiet for reflection.
All in all, I am very happy with how this season turned out. I'm so grateful for each hand that played a role in our success.
First, I want to give a sincere thanks to Maya and Ryan. These two apprentices worked tirelessly by our sides through both the good days and the bad days, the beautiful times and the sweltering times. Ryan and Maya were dedicated like no other, staying positive and getting the job done. Without a great team, sometimes this job can seem daunting and difficult, but with those you can trust, communicate, and enjoy being around...it makes farming a heck of a lot of fun.
Ryan has already departed for the season -- spending his next year managing the farm at Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island. We already miss him and wish him a truly wonderful season down on the island.
Maya's still toying around with her options, but whatever she does, no doubt, she will be very successful.
Second, I want to thank my partner and best friend, Justin. Over the last several years Justin has become a permanent fixture on the farm. And boy is it awesome to be able to work with the one you love. We are continually learning how this works and how to find balance between farm life and home life, but each year we get a little more figured out. I want to thank Justin for many times of support, understanding, and for being patient. Also for his hard work, long hours, and doing some of the tasks that I really don't enjoy.
Third, and most importantly, we wish to thank you.
I've said before that it's you that allow us to do what we love...and I truly believe that. We are only half of the puzzle -- we grow the food but without someone to appreciate and consume our food, our system would be broken. This CSA program has been a commitment on your part. You've committed to picking up food each week, you've committed your payment to support the farm, you've committed to cooking local produce each week.
And we cannot thank you enough for that commitment to us. This CSA program is our core. It's what excites us the most about growing food. We love sharing with you what we've worked hard at and grown with love.
So with that appreciation, I hope you enjoy your last share of the season and have a very blessed holiday season and wintertime.
We'll see you next spring!
Cheers,
Paige
Also -- 2 important email/announcements that you should have received through email:
First--
We welcome you to our farm this coming Saturday, November 19th for our end of season celebration.
Festivities will begin at 4pm and continue into the night. Arrive and depart any time you'd like and feel free to bring friends and family! All you need to provide is something to sit on, a dish to share (if you want to eat), beverages, and your own plate/utensils. (We will have some drinks to share and paper/plastic plates and utensils, but prefer to cut out waste whenever possible.)
Evening's schedule:
4 pm -- farm tour -- see the land that's been providing all your tasty veggies!
5-6 pm -- potluck dinner (+ games for kids)
6:30 pm -- documentary movie (see below) screening in our toasty warm greenhouse on a big screen
7:30 pm until ? -- bonfire -- hang out with your farmers and fellow CSA members
Second--
Greetings 2011 CSA members!
I can't believe how this season has flown by. As we're in the process of harvesting for the last CSA share of the season, we've been able to reflect on this past year with fondness and good memories. We are so grateful for your support throughout the season. I hope that you've enjoyed this season's bounty and feel good about your investment in our farm.
While you're thinking about your experience with our CSA and the benefits of eating locally and seasonally, we hope you'll consider subscribing to next year's CSA program. We're taking early renewals now. I've attached registration forms for both full and half shares. A deposit or full payment and this attached form will hold your share for next season (30 weeks: late April to November).
Additionally:
-If you sign up before December 1st, you'll save $20.
-If you sign up today, you'll save $20 and receive a bonus Thanksgiving share (to be picked up on the farm on Tuesday, Nov 22: pm only or Wednesday Nov 23: am or pm).
To subscribe today, find photocopies at your pick up location, fill it out, and hand over a check and the form to your farmer (or at Greystone, put in our envelope--that will be picked up tomorrow evening).
Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding next year's CSA shares. We're so excited to continually improve our harvests, our soil, and our CSA program each year.
