The 2017 Fair Share Farm CSA is officially set into motion. Here
we go for yet another unique season of farming and eating. We hope it is a good
ride this year as we work to improve the farm, the CSA, and our fermenting
skills.
Not sure why we keep calling this a sabbatical year, but we
do spend time studying and taking time to focus on things. We have
gone to several conferences, taken a short trip to Jeff City to discuss organic
farming concerns with our State Rep., worked on farm landscaping, and have
implemented an on-line system for member signup.
2016 members can expect an email with signup info. We are
scaling back to 100 members and a smaller share size for this season.
Meanwhile on the farm we have been tending the chickens and
our newest flock has begun laying. We have plenty of eggs for sale. Pick up at
the farm anytime. The hens are happy and healthy and a treat to see.
We have been penning them in areas that were mulched last
year with hay. Their constant scratching of the ground really fluffs up the
soil. The beds in the picture above have been the chicken winter quarters for several
years. The organic matter in this area has reached 5.2% and is steadily increasing. Our soil sampling demonstrates the improvements that biological
farming can provide.
Next to the hens we are trying a method pioneered by Jean-Martin Fortier. This silage wrap is black on top and white on the bottom. Conditions are created where weed seeds germinate and sprout, but then die due to lack of sunlight. It's a 50' x 100' piece of sail that can be tricky to manage.
The greenhouse is up and filling. The number of flats is less than in the past and that makes us nervous, but things are growing well. Thanks again to Purple Cow Organics for the high quality potting soil.
And the high tunnel requires lots of tending also. Manage the row covers, clean up and amend the beds, irrigate, seed, and keep it warm and well ventilated. Covered growing is a method all unto itself.
