Taking Careful Notes
On Tuesday this week our farm participated in a nationwide study of blueberry plant viruses. Robert Martin, Oregon State University Small Fruit Virologist, developed new diagnostic techniques that advanced both the detection, and classification of blueberry viruses. Specialists from universities around the country took samples of blueberry leaves from farms in their area at precisely the same time and date to be sent to Oregon for analysis. Pictured above is Ruth Benner, Integrated Pest Management Specialist from Penn State's Agricultural Extension Office in Erie. Ruth followed the prescribed protocol taking samples from different areas in our fields, and from different varieties of plants.
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Taking a Bath
The heavy rain we experienced a few days ago was more than welcome, but it splattered mud on everything in the vegetable patch making a thorough rinse necessary.The transition to fall crops has definitely begun. This week marks the end of our tomato harvest. Only a few ripe tomatoes will be available, but we are including green tomatoes. A couple varieties lagged behind so with cooler nights, and shorter days, it's clear they will not ripen. In keeping with the philosophy behind a CSA, we are sharing them "as is." There is a blemish here and there, and some are on the small side, but for the uninitiated, fried green tomatoes of any size are a tangy treat. Green tomatoes are also enjoyed in relishes, pies, and they are used in many other recipes. Here is a link to a few. Green Tomato Recipes
Also included this week will be Sweet Basil, Gold Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Red Kale, and Red Banana Peppers.
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| Available at the Farm Store |
Just Extracted
Many of our customers buy our farm's honey for
it's therapeutic effect on seasonal allergies. As shown in last week's newsletter, the late summer/fall run of honey was in full swing. Beekeeper Al Machinski extracted the first honey from this run on Tuesday. For anyone seeking relief from allergens that are prevalent this time of year we have the latest product available at the store.
Available at the Farm Store
Porter "Buzz Run" Raw Honey From Hunter Farm's Hives Fresh Little Farm Farm Girl Soaps and Sundries
Happy Mug Organic Coffees
Old State Farms Maple Syrup
Middlefield Original Cheese CO-OP Cheese Hand-thrown Pottery by Mel's Pot Shop Frankferd Farms Pastry Mixes
Simply Body Soap Nets
Local Beeswax Candles
Grabski Farm Eggs and Antibiotic & Hormone-Free Meats
Beelzebub's Salsa
Beelzebub's Farm To Table Golden Eggs
Farm Store Hours:
9:00 to 5:00 Saturdays, or by appointment.
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Neonicotinoids are a relatively new class of insecticides, widely used, and often looked at as a possible cause of colony collapse disorder in bee hives. The video linked below shows there may be more negative consequences from their use than just harming domestic bees.
Watch the VideoThis recent Federal Court order linked below overturned the EPA approval of one of these insecticides
Read More
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