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February 5th, 2015
Farm News


Sitting Down On The Job

W
e definitely have too much snow at the farm to get any field work done, but there is never too much to go outside and enjoy winter while working on one of our many other farm projects. The only practical way to get around is on snowshoes. 

The farm's eastern boundary is formed by Elk Creek.  As seen between the snowshoes in the photo above the watercourse is frozen and snow covered.  This time of year is ideal to survey the riparian strip of woodland we actively manage.  One of our main management goals is to limit the spread of wild grape vines.  We include a large existing area where the vines proliferate in our plan, but try and limit their spread in other sections of the forest.  We do this in order to maintain the diversity of tree species we desire.  The vines have a tendency to "take over."

 
No leaves on the trees, a clean, white background of snow, and a shaggy, dark outline make the vines easy to spot in winter.  They are then flagged with orange surveyor's tape for removal in the spring.
 

February often includes many stunning days like the one we chose to do our survey.  Although many people are winter weary, we love the star filled night skies, crunchy snow, sunny afternoons, and ice sickles forming everywhere.   This is one of the most beautiful times of the year at the farm. 
 
 
 
CSA News
  
2015 CSA

We thank everyone who took advantage of the early signup discount in January.  We know we can look forward to seeing many familiar faces, and more than a few new members through the upcoming season. 

A 5% signup discount is still available through February
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
Cheese
  
We just took delivery of a new assortment of Middlefield Original Cheese CO-OP'S cheese. These handcrafted cheeses are produced by a cooperative of Amish farmers located between here and Cleveland Ohio. Fourteen different types are available at the farm store.  Please stop by on Saturday and re-supply, or give them a try if you've never had the opportunity to enjoy them before.



  
 
 
The farm store
is open Saturdays 9:00 to 5:00
or, by appointment  
 
   
 Local Products: 

 

Middlefield Original Cheese CO-OP Cheese
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
Urban agriculture usually takes the form of community gardens.  The goal is to feed the poor and undernourished in urban food deserts. A new twist on the idea is to take advantage of what's already there.  Read more by clicking on the link below.

 

 

Can urban foraging actually feed poor people? 

 

 

 

   
Hunter Farms Crew

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