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M a r c h 2 0 1 3
PROVIDENCE FARM
O r g a n i c V e g e t a b l e s & S t r a w b e r r i e s, P a s t u r e d P o r k
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Dear Farm Friends, Foodies & Mom ~ Happy Sprinter! (Spring + Winter) :)
Remember last year at this time? Our kids took chilly dips into Torch Lake and Lake Michigan during St. Patrick Day's nearly 80 degree weather! Reveling in the long-lasting week of warmth was tempered with worry. As it turns out, it was a disaster for area fruit farmers. We sustained large losses in strawberry plants and then later in vegetables, due to prolific bug populations. We had never spent so much time and money on weeds and bugs. Nevertheless, selective amnesia kicks in. We are optimistic, which is the only way we can be. :) It's also not all about being optimistic. It's about accepting, adapting, realizing that the good weather that we do receive is a "gift." And gifts are never expected, but are gratefully received.
Last week we sold the last of our 2012 carrots to Oryana and planted for the first time in 2013.
So, our first seedlings: leeks, onions, parsley, celery, celeriac, and peppers are in!
 Today is the first day of Spring. I have to admit, there is some anxiety mixed with our enthusiasm as our window for Winter farm work is closing. Actually, snow & freezing cold temperatures have never felt so calming. :)
THANK YOU to all of our new 2013 Garden Shares (CSA) members! Your early payment has enabled us to move forward in all of our Spring planning and relieved pressure as well. We request that all of you who are planning on joining, do so soon. You guarantee your spot, enjoying premium organic food at less than our farm market prices, and we have the funds we need to make it to June!
If you too are interested in having a share of our garden this year, please follow the link to our new online registration in 2013. If you want to learn more before you commit, visit our website first. Your early payment allows us to order seeds, pay for organic certification, and hire the necessary labor we need in the Spring. We also have a small token of our appreciation CSA members at the end in the form of a coupon at the end of this newsletter.
Enjoy the beginning of Spring!
Ryan & Andrea Romeyn
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 Who are we?
Ryan & Andrea Romeyn of Providence Farm & CSA
What are we doing? Growing over 70 varieties of certified organic vegetables, popular herbs, strawberries, pastured pork and beef on our farm overlooking Torch Lake. We grow our food in a sustainable manner, focusing on the health of our soils, plants and animals. Our Mission:
To grow wonderful food: full of flavor, nutrition and life, while maintaining a healthy way of living that is in harmony with our growing family, community and planet. How can you learn more about Providence Farm?
Questions? or call: 231-599-2020 / 231-350-6420 Today's Smoothie shared by the 6 of us: 1 cup frozen cherries Juice of one lemon 1 packed cup parsley 3 packed cups spinach 3 cups carrot juice |
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 Drink For Your Health!
I'd like to propose a Spring Challenge for you. Make yourself a lab rat and try this:
DRINK A GREEN SMOOTHIE AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.
I read Green For Life, by Victoria Boutenko. Here's a tiny bit of info from her excellent work:
1. Most of us are not getting enough greens* in our diets which are essential for optimal health. Click here for details.
2. Blending greens and other vegetables breaks down the tough cellular walls of the plant, and helps our bodies easily digest greens and assimilate the incredible nutrients they hold.
3. Victoria recommends that adults consume at least a pound of a variety of leafy greens a day! (Spinach, kale, bok choy, chard, romaine, escarole, endive, parsley, cilantro, spring greens, celery, etc...) I say, do what you can and build up to that over time.
4. Adding fruit and fresh juices (we banana, carrot and lemon juice) makes them tastier. There are many recipes on the internet. Once you get the hang of it, you don't really need recipes. We do something different almost every day!
New green smoothie drinkers may want to start out small and mild, then slowly increase the amount of greens in their smoothies, working up to a quart a day. Journal about the overall state of your health (energy level, skin, regularity, sleep, weight, focus, stress, etc.) before you start the challenge, and then after you've participated for at least two weeks. Some of us may want to try the entire 30 days of April! If you decide to do this, I'd love to hear from you. :)
* While leafy greens offer many health benefits, they can sometimes trigger IBS in individuals who are sensitive. Additionally, if you're taking a blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin), be sure to have your doctor monitor your blood and your medication dosage as you increase your intake of dark leafy green vegetables. These vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting.
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Please Lend Your Voice to Help Make Effective Change For The Future of Food & Farming.
(If you need more information about the dirty tactics of giant biotech seed company Monsanto, please read the story of Percy Schmeiser and watch the movie Food, Inc.)
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We are trying a new system called "farmigo" to give our members flexibility. With our new system, members may place their share on hold for vacation, change pick-up sites, change email address, and add extra items to their veggie box. There is more about this feature in our CSA policy. We look forward to hearing from you!
Andrea & Ryan
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We truly appreciate your active involvement in our family farm. Your early registration enables us to purchase new tools and equipment, make structural improvements, order seeds & seedlings, pay our staff and apply for organic re-certification.
THANK YOU!
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Veggie CSA Members Can Save $5.00 towards any purchase in 2013 at our farm or farm stand.
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Limited to one coupon per member's family. Offer Expires: December 2013
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New This Year!