 After the Thaw
This past week's thaw and snow melt revealed the blueberry bush trimming we started in December. It also revealed how much we still need to do before the plants break dormancy in late March. The amount of dead material on each bush is unprecedented. This winter has been kind to us, but the last two record cold ones killed many canes outright, or stressed them enough to cause delayed mortality. Our blueberry yields will remain below average for another year, or two. 
Weird Science
We took advantage of Wednesday's rain out and caught up on soap making. Even though we use only organic and essential oils, the process of lye based soap production is a lot like going back to chemistry class.
We made four "loaves," to replace stock in our three most popular scents. Two lavender, one lemongrass, and one patchouli loaf made up Wednesday's scent selections. The soap will need to cure for two to three weeks until our tests show a neutral pH value 
Local Food Systems Panel Discussion
Last Saturday, Richard attended a panel discussion focused on local food systems sponsored by Allegheny College. Pictured above "Year of Meadville" Organizer, Autumn Vogel introduces the panel. From left to right; Gianna Cioffi, manager of Lake to River Food Hub's online store in Youngstown, Emily Best, manager of Tuscarora Organic Growers Co-op in South Central PA, Ben Hewitt, author of "The Town That Food Saved," Molly McHolme, educator for Grow Pittsburgh, and Sophia Boggs, owner/operator of Lady Boggs Farm in Ohio.  The discussion was well attended. We learned a great deal from the presentation and made many great new contacts.
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2016 CSA
Please Note: Only four days remain to take advantage of the 5% early sign up discount.
The 2016 USDA Certified Organic weekly shares will be approximately one half bushel in size. This volume is roughly equal to a full paper grocery bag. Distributions will be on Saturdays.
We offer two options:
FULL season memberships will consist of eighteen weekly distributions beginning on Saturday, June 18th. with the final distribution on Saturday, October 15th.
CORE season memberships will consist of ten weekly distributions beginning on Saturday, July 16th, with the final distribution on Saturday, September 17th.
The cost of the full season membership is $600.00
Full season membership with home delivery is $750.00
The cost of the core season membership is $350.00
Core season membership with home delivery is $435.00
The number of memberships is limited. We are now accepting a 10% deposit ensuring a share is reserved for your choice of membership options. 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 advance orders of organic seed and fertilizer, 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.
Home delivery is available in the city of Erie and the following townships; Fairview, Franklin, Girard, Greene, Harborcreek, McKean, Millcreek, Summit, Washington, and Waterford
Sign up forms are available at the farm, or you can sign up electronically on the CSA page at www.hunterfarmsorganic.com Past members with no change in contact information can simply let us know you wish to sign up. We can complete the form for you using the information in our records. We are very much looking forward to serving our 2016 CSA members! Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
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| Available at the Farm Store |
Fresh Little Farm Girl Soaps and Body Care Products
Happy Mug Coffees
Old State Farms Maple Syrup
Middlefield Original Cheese CO-OP Roll Butter Hand-Thrown Pottery by Mel's Pot Shop
Simply Body Soap Nets
Local Beeswax Candles
Grabski Farms Antibiotic & Hormone-Free MeatsRaw Honey From Our Farm's Hives
Grabski Farms Free Range Chicken Eggs
Miller's Country Jam
Beelzebub's Salsa and Pickled Products
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Cheese
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Store Hours: 9:00 to 5:00 Saturdays, or by appointment
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Assistant Professor, Jairam Vanamala at Penn State's College of Food Sciences observes,
"After decades of research aimed at improving the yield, appearance and safety of fruits, vegetables and grains, it's time to focus science on the health benefits those foods can provide."
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Hunter Farms | | hunterfarms@yahoo.com | 7269 Sterrettania Rd, P.O. Box 478 Fairview, PA 16415 814-840-4370 |
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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