Hunter Farms Logo
May 29th, 2014
Farm News
 
Warm, wet weather has breathed new life into the farm and its inhabitants. Migratory bird species have returned to mate and are already tending to newly-born young. Likewise, our amphibian and reptile friends are coming alive. Above you see a rather shy painted turtle, the most common turtle native to North America. We found this fellow making a rather leisurely attempt to cross a busy road. We took a few quick snaps before helping him on his way.



While working in the vegetable fields, we came across the creature pictured above, an eastern gartersnake. These snakes, commonly about two feet long, can be found in a wide variety of habitats in northwestern Pennsylvania and are quite helpful at combating agricultural pests. The milky, pale blue eyes are an indication that this particular snake has nearly outgrown its current skin and will soon molt.

CSA News

As a continued reminder, the sign-up period for 2014 CSA Season membership is still open. 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 [email protected] if you have questions or need assistance of any kind.



Last week we showed and discussed a little bit about the process of germinating and potting seedlings in preparation for moving them into the fields. This week, we've been transplanting some of the larger plants to their final destinations. Above, a member of the crew transplants a young, vital bell pepper plant. The peppers join cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, chard, kale, zucchini, summer squash, peas, radishes, beans and much more. We've been very busy in the vegetable rows and we can't wait to begin sharing the fruits of our labor. 

Available at the Farm Store
 
Several newsletters ago, we informed you of our visit to Matt Shay's Happy Mug Coffee roasting facility in Edinboro, PA. Matt stopped by this week and generously provided us with samples of several of his premium, locally-roasted coffees. We'll be giving these away this at the Farm Store this Saturday, May 31st, while our limited supply lasts and Happy Mug coffee will be available for CSA share distribution and in the Farm Store beginning June 14th.


As the seasons change, so do the delicious offerings from our local partners. This Saturday, stop by the Farm Store to pick up a pint of Beelzebub Salsa's most popular seasonal offering, their Strawberry Salsa. Sweet, hot, unique, it's a summery treat that's not to be missed.

Beelzebub's Strawberry Salsa will be available for $5.99 at the Farm Store, located at 7269 Sterrettania Road, currently open Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

 
Weekly Special

This week, we're featuring our Fresh Little Farm Girl - reCAP collaboration. Fresh Little Farm Girl 16 oz. castile hand soaps are scented with organic oils, bottled in a genuine mason jar, and topped with a reusable reCAP Adapt-A-Cap. They're available in Lavender and Lemongrass, our most popular scents. Regularly priced at $17.99, these soaps will be available at a 50% discount of $9.99 for one week only. 
 
Open Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  
 Certified Organic Produce: 
 
Hunter Farms Fresh, Organic Chives
Hunter Farms Fresh, Organic Oregano
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
Simply Body Soap Nets
Beelzebub's Salsas and Spicy Pickles
NOW Aromatherapy Essential Oils 
Garden of Eden Organic Canned Goods
 
Link of the Week
Food labeling can be confusing for consumers. What are the differences between foods labeled as 'organic' and those labeled as 'natural'? The distinction is not only intentionally confusing, it is commonly used to undermine the efforts of farmers dedicated to sustainable, low environmental-impact agriculture. Rather than a meaningful descriptor, 'natural' increasingly denotes products which are highly processed and have been inexpensively produced with petroleum-based pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Ironically, consumers who purchase 'natural' products in order to conserve natural resources are unknowingly supporting companies who do just the opposite and reducing demand for crops produced by actual organic means. Check out the link below to learn what you can do to help support food producers who are truly making the effort to provide healthy food in an honest and responsible manner.  
 
   
Hunter Farms Crew

Hunter Farms | | [email protected] |
7269 Sterrettania Rd, P.O. Box 478
Fairview, PA 16415




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