Hunter Farms Newsletter 01.22.2015

January 22nd, 2015

Farm News

Bee master Al Machinski paid an early winter visit to the farm this week. Al winterized the farm's hives a while back but it is time for an inspection to be sure the bee colonies have enough honey reserves to make it through the rest of the winter.

As seen in the photo above, the frames are full of honey. While we think of honey as a healthy and sweet addition to our tea, or a topping for our toast, the bee colonies rely on it completely for food to get them through the winter. If the frames were not full Al was prepared to augment this critical food supply with his own recipe of a sugar based supplement to ensure the health of the hives.

Other than a pair of deer mice attempting to nest in the lower corner of one hive, everything was in top shape. The deer mice were evicted and will have to find a more traditional nest site in the field. The hives were then closed back up to protect the colonies from the cold weather that is surely still to come.

CSA News

2015 CSA

This is the final week to take advantage of the ten percent discount for early sign up.

The limited number of shares will be available to folks who were not previous members, or on the waiting list, beginning February 1st. In order to ensure a membership for this season a ten percent deposit is requested.

The 2015 USDA Certified Organic shares will be distributed in returnable, half bushel, food grade, sanitized bins. This volume is roughly equal to a full paper grocery bag. Distributions will be on Saturdays.

We offer two options: A full season membership will consist of twenty weekly distributions beginning on Saturday, June 13th. with the final distribution on Saturday, October 24th.

A core membership will consist of ten weekly distributions beginning on Saturday, July 11th, with the final distribution on Saturday, September 12th.

The cost of the full season membership is $600.00

The cost of the core season membership is $300.00

The number of memberships is limited. Beginning on January 1st. 2015 we will begin accepting a 10% deposit ensuring a space is reserved for your choice of membership options. Past members, and everyone on our waiting list, will be guaranteed a 2015 membership as long as a deposit or full payment is made through the month of January. After January we will open any remaining memberships to the public.

Any member wishing to pay in full during the month of January will receive a 10% discount. Full payment made in February will be discounted 5%. In keeping with the original concept of CSA's, this provides meaningful savings to members while aiding the farm with early expenses for organic seed, propagation. and planting.

Full payment for the full season share will be due on or before May 1st.

Full payment for the core season share will be due on or before June 1st.

We anticipate using the same drop sites as last season. Competitive Gear Bicycle Shop in Millcreek, and the Whole Foods Co-Op in Erie. We are looking into the possibility of adding others in the east and south county.

We are continuing our home delivery option. Final details for the delivery program, and CSA sign up forms will be made available in next week's newsletter. We are very much looking forward to serving our 2015 CSA members. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Available at the Farm Store

Besides Al's hive inspection, he also brought a new supply of honey to restock the farm store. We will have plenty available to satisfy ever ones sweet tooth in a healthy, tasty way.

The farm store, will be open Saturdays 9:00 to 5:00 All Winter!

Local Products:

Aivilas Dog And Cat Food

"Buzz" Run Honey From Our Farm's Hives

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

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

Interesting Links:

How your food gets the "Non-GMO" Label

One sure way to avoid genetically modified organisms, or GMOs in food is to buy Certified Organic Produce and Products. GMOs are not allowed in anything grown or sold that is U.S.D.A Certified Organic. In the thousands of other products available on store shelves though, it has been impossible to determine whether or not there is any GMO content. Although some products are labeled "No GMO ingredients" only three states have passed legislation requiring food labels to list GMOs. Until labeling is required everywhere a great source for finding third party inspected foods guaranteeing no GMO content is the Non GMO Project. Click on the link below to learn more about this valuable project and the services it provides.

http://www.nongmoproject.org/

Hunter Farms Crew

Hunter Farms | | hunterfarms@yahoo.com |
7269 Sterrettania Rd, P.O. Box 478
Fairview, PA 16415