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April 30th, 2015
Farm News
Using A Broadfork

After tilling in this spring's cover crop of wheat, we then waited until the first weed seeds germinated, and the soil warmed and dried out enough to "work."  We are now making final preparation for the vegetable beds.



A broadfork's long tines are driven deeply into the soil.  This tool is used to aerate, and mix the soil horizons.



Plant's roots don't grow in the soil, they grow in the spaces between the soil particles.  Loosening the soil before planting is key to robust plant growth.  After the tines are at maximum depth the long handles on the fork are levered down, lifting and opening a section of the bed.





After lifting a section of the bed, the operator will move backwards down the row repeating the process.


Once the soil is loosened up the next step will be to apply organic fertilizer, and till it in.  The beds will then be raked smooth and planted.


CSA News
  

2015 CSA

Reminder
Full payment for the full season share is due on, or before May 1st.


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.

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 are using the same drop sites as last season.  Competitive Gear Bicycle Shop in Millcreek, and  the Whole Foods Co-Op in Erie.

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.

Additional information is available on our website, www.hunterfarmsorganic.com        


 
 
Available at the Farm Store



Wild Leeks (Ramps)


One of the management objectives on our forested land is the sustainable production of wild leeks.  A distinctively flavored member of the onion genus Allium, these seasonal delights will be available for purchase and pick up at the farm store on Saturday, May 9th.  We are only digging ten pounds this year. Orders will be accepted as they are received until the ten pound limit is reached.  The leeks are $15.00 per pound.  Please call or email if you would like to have some dug for you.

 

 
 

 

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

Local Products: 

Happy Mug Organic Coffees 

Old State Farms Maple Syrup

Beelzebub's Salsas
Wool Dryer Balls By Kyra Miller
Divani Organic Chocolates 
Middlefield Original Cheese CO-OP Cheese 
"Buzz" Run Honey From Hunter Farm's Hives 
Hand-thrown Pottery by Mel's Pot Shop
Frankferd Farms Pastry Mixes
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
NOW Aromatherapy Essential Oils 
 

 

 
Interesting Links

Falling in love with "Ugly Food."

It is estimated that 40% of the food produced in the United States is not consumed.  Much of this waste is the result of an acquired aversion to fruits and vegetables that appear "imperfect."  From culling and discarding on the farm, to the "shrinkage" at the grocery store, the losses and costs to the environment, farmers, grocers, and consumers are tremendous.  One of the best ways to combat this waste is to belong to a CSA.  One of the many benefits of a CSA model of food production and distribution is the elimination of food wasted for purely cosmetic reasons.  All the farm's production is shared by the members regardless of superficial blemishes.  For other ideas on how to reduce unused food, and a look at what is becoming a world wide movement, check out the link below.


   
Hunter Farms Crew

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