After the fall crops are harvested and the final CSA distribution is completed, it's time to winterize equipment and store materials and supplies. The photo above shows bagged bird exclusion nets used to protect the blueberry fields being moved into the pole barn for off-season storage. Each bag contains a 200 foot section of net. We use 118 bags total and, as you can see, they're quite bulky and require a lot of space to store. We bring them inside at this point in the year because we no longer need use of the barn's walk-in cooler for crops and the space inside and on top of the cooler makes it possible to store the nets without using valuable work space in the building.
 Also after harvest, but before snowfall, we turn our attention to our Forest Resource Management Plan. The farm property contains approximately 80 wooded acres and we manage the forest based on recommendations made by Erie County Service Forester Tom Erdman. One of Tom's priorities in our management plan is to divert water off the access road, especially on steep slopes, using water bars and broad-based dips. In the photo above, local contractor Barry Grettler was able to complete the work just before Tuesday's late-day rain set in.
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First newsletter photo for CSA contents 6/12/2014
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2014 CSA Season Comes to a Close
As we reflect back on the second year of our CSA membership program, two things stand out in the crew's memories. The first is the fantastic people we have been fortunate to meet. CSA members are a wonderful mix of foodies, health conscious individuals, conservationists, social activists, and local product proponents. It is indeed a pleasure to bring this community together. The second stand out memory is the new momentum and great vibe the CSA brought to the farm. Farming is normally an isolated duty. Having a regular harvest and pick-up schedule for folks we know personally, and who we know appreciate our efforts, is energizing and fulfilling. We love being a part of the newly formed community.
At the end of last season we sent a formal questionnaire to CSA members in order to find out what everyone liked and disliked about the program. That format is fine and proved somewhat helpful but it restricts responses to only the specific questions asked. That seems unnecessarily limiting. This season we invite comment and critique as open communication. Please email hunterfarms@yahoo.com, call the farm at 840-4370, or stop by and let us know what you think. We are particularly interested in what didn't meet your expectations so we can address those issues. After we receive everyone's input, we will structure next year's program and announce it in the newsletter.
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Final newsletter photo for CSA contents 10/30/2014
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| Available at the Farm Store |
Just because the CSA season is finished doesn't mean anyone has to do without the high quality meat, eggs, cheese and other local products including our own Fresh Little Farm Girl soaps you are accustomed to picking up each week. The farm store will remain open Saturdays from 9:00 am t 5:00 pm or by appointment.
Local Products and Certified Organic Produce:
Seasonably-Available Certified Organic Produce
Hand-thrown Pottery by Mel's Pot Shop
Happy Mug Organic Coffees
Old State Farms Maple Syrup
Clarion Rivers Organics Canned Goods and Breakfast Cereals
Frankferd Farms Pastry Mixes and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
ReCap Regular and Wide Mouth Jar Lids
Hunter Farms Organic Blueberry and Strawberry Jam
Hunter Farms Organic Pickled Asparagus
Fresh Little Farm Girl Handmade Soaps and Sundries
Simply Body Soap Nets
Local Honey and Beeswax Candles
Grabski Farm Eggs and Antibiotic & Hormone-Free Meats
Beelzebub's Salsas and Spicy Pickles
NOW Aromatherapy Essential Oils Garden of Eden Organic Canned Goods
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