Getting Ready for the Season

While it has been a bit since we last posted, it is not because of a lack of activity on the farm. The modern world has shifted some of our on-line presence to our Instagram (fairsharefarm) and Facebook (Fair Share Farm-Community Supported Agriculture) accounts. They are linked together and are a convenient way for us to keep you informed on our daily progress.

Among the recent goings-on has been the burning of the native grasses on the parts of the farm surrounding our vegetable operation. Burning 175 acres is a two-day job, and we are happy that we were able to keep things tamed. Much of this area drains into our irrigation pond and our fields. Having our water flow through a restored prairie prior to using is yet another benefit of how the Graff family is managing the overall farm.

 

Our flock of 54 hens has grown from chicks in August to the egg layers of  the present. Between these birds and the flock at Urbavore Farm, we are happy to say that we expect to be able to provide egg shares for all those who want this year.

 

Late morning laying and brooding at FSF

On the vegetable front the greenhouse work has been going as good as ever. This year we started buying organic compost instead of making it ourselves. We are really impressed with the results we are getting from the Purple Cow Organics potting mix. It is saving us the time of mixing our own potting soil (all farm workers and apprentices cheer at this point), and the results have been consistent with extremely healthy plants.


Onions acclimating to the outdoors

Planting and seeding in the high tunnel has been going on for almost a month, and we are itching to get out into the field this week once the dampness from yesterday's rain is gone. Spinach is already in the ground, and we will next be planting potatoes, followed by the seeding of peas, carrots and beets. Kale, cabbage, lettuce and herbs are soon to follow. It may be an early spring this year.


Planting lettuce in the high tunnel

Potatoes warmed to the sprouting stage and ready for the ground.

Lastly for now is a reminder for all our members of the Annual Spring Sign-up Meeting on March 19 from 2 to 4 pm at St. James Lutheran Church on Vivion Road.

All Members:  Each share MUST send a representative.  You will be signing contracts, scheduling farm shifts, making first payments and potentially signing up with our Partner Vendors.

New Members:  Arrive promptly at 2pm for a 30-minute orientation

Returning Members:  Arrive any time between 2 – 3:15 pm. 

Don't forget to bring your checkbooks & calendars!   FSF does not have the capacity to accept credit cards on site, but we can invoice you through Paypal after the event.  Our Partner Vendors can only accept cash or checks.  You can also sign up for your farm shifts through our online system with your smart phone or one of our farm shift schedulers can get it done during the event.

Can’t make the date?  Reply to this email for info. on our alternate signup.