Hunter Farms Logo
March 12th, 2015
Farm News


Nature's Radiator

As often as not, our winter's snow packs are abruptly washed away by a major rain storm that worked it's way up through the Ohio Valley.  This season, we not only have an incremental thaw, we also have a near record amount of snow still left on the ground.  This combination of factors provides a great opportunity to observe some fascinating natural processes.  Remembering back to our first lessons in science class it's easy to see what has happened in the photo above.  Light shaded objects, like snow, reflect sunlight and it's energy.  Dark objects, like the tree trunk, absorb solar energy, then radiate that energy out as heat.  The resulting pattern of thawing is evident everywhere we look at the farm.   





Although this phenomenon is seen in the blueberry fields, the effect is diminished because of the smaller mass of the canes compared to the tree trunks.  We are still "snowed out" of our fields, but the forecast is promising and we hope to report some actual farm work in next week's newsletter.





Cattails hugging the edge of the irrigation pond add to the abstract beauty of the unique thawing mosaic we are witnessing this year.

CSA News
  
  
2015 CSA

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. After January 1st, 2015, we will accept a 10% deposit to ensure a space is reserved for your choice of membership options.

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.

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



 


 Sure Signs of Spring 
 
We are pleased, and relieved, to announce the first fresh, local products of the year.  Eric  delivered his first batch of Maple Chipotle Salsa.  Using only "Grade A Medium Amber Syrup" from Maple Harvest Farm in Townville PA, his limited edition, seasonal favorite combines the sweetness of spring with the signature Beelzebub's back burner bite.

Also, we paid a visit to Joseph at Old State Farms in Clarion. Our store is now fully stocked with a wide selection of grades and sizes of maple syrup.

Stop by and celebrate the long overdue spring weather and enjoy these great local, seasonal specialties.
 

 
Open 9:00 to 5:00 Saturdays 
Or By Appointment  
Local Products:

Old State Farms Maple Syrup

Beelzebub's Salsas
Wool Dryer Balls By Kyra Miller
Divani Organic Chocolates 
Middlefield Original Cheese CO-OP Cheese 
Aivilas Dog And Cat Food 
"Buzz" Run Honey From Hunter 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  
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
NOW Aromatherapy Essential Oils 
Garden of Eden Organic Canned Goods  
 
Interesting Links

Food For Thought

It's easy to point fingers, and find problems with our current food production, distribution, and consumption model.  What is interesting about the article linked below is, the author also includes some ideas and potential for improvement.  

   
Hunter Farms Crew

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