We recently came across these raccoon tracks atop a snowy log in our woods. Though raccoons are not true hibernators, they sleep through much of the winter, particularly during cold spells. The one main exception to these long winter naps are the forays of males looking for mates. With an average gestation period of around 65 days, the raccoons need to get a head start on spring. An early birth is necessary so that young raccoons will be large and mature enough to survive their first winter. It may be cold outside, but love conquers all.
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In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of our CSA, extensive research led us to choose the reusable bins you see above. These bins are composed of BPA-free, food grade plastic and are designed to last for years to come. Each week we clean and sterilize the bins with an environmentally-friendly solution of hydrogen peroxide and water which neutralizes and ultimately resolves into water. We feel that these bins are vastly superior to any other container typically used by CSAs due to their long life, recyclability, and the ability to sterilize them after each use. Food safety is a primary concern at Hunter Farms.
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As a continued reminder, the sign-up period for the 2014 CSA Season has officially begun. Order forms can be found below and at the farm's website at hunterfarmsorganic.com/csa.html. Please don't hesitate to call us at 814 840 4370 or send us an email to hunterfarms@yahoo.com if you have questions or need assistance of any kind.
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Available at the Farm Store |
Open Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Certified Organic:
Cabbage
Elephant Garlic
Yellow Onions Red Potatoes Gold Potatoes Blue Potatoes
Simply Body Soap Nets
Beelzebub's Salsas and Spicy Pickles
NOW Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Old State Farms Maple Syrup and Maple Products
Clarion Rivers Organics Canned Goods and Breakfast Cereals Frankferd Farms Pastry Mixes and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips ReCap Regular and Wide Mouth Jar Lids Out of the Grey Organic Teas Hunter Farms Organic Blueberry Plants Hunter Farms Organic Blueberry and Strawberry Jam Fresh Little Farm Girl Handmade Soaps and Sundries Local Honey and Beeswax Candles Grabski Farm Eggs and Antibiotic & Hormone-Free Meats
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Last week we highlighted the potentially damaging effects of early January's extreme cold weather. This week, we'd like to direct you to a recent New York Times article that discusses a possible silver lining to the unusual weather patterns. Across the nation, scientists interested in the management and eradication of invasive insect species were encouraged by plummeting temperatures. Many of the most harmful invasive insect species currently threatening US tree populations, including the emerald ash borer, hemlock wooly adelgid, and southern pine beetle were adversely affected by the intense cold. But to what extent? Check out the link below to learn more.
A Potential Upside to Record-Breaking Low Temperatures
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