Missed Market

I missed market last Saturday for the first time since starting at the Downtown Bloomington Farmer's Market in August 2005. My van broke down halfway there and at that early hour I failed to find anyone to get me the rest of the way. I did manage to get the van towed home later that morning and got much of the harvest preserved for winter over the weekend. It is disappointing to miss market and blow my good attendance but I suspect when I'm enjoying frozen corn and mulberries this winter I'll think back and be thankful I missed that Saturday.

So happens I encountered more problems with my back-up vehicle, my truck, so now my attendance is iffy for this week as well. Hope to get things resolved and get back to market delivering fresh food ASAP.

Market A Success!

Thanks to all who helped make the opening day of the Downtown Bloomington Farmer's Market a success! The beautiful weather, great food, wonderful music and relaxed atmosphere combine to make this one of the happiest spots in town on a Saturday morning.

Special Thanks to Elaine Sebald, the farmer's market volunteer coordinator. Besides all her work and attention at the market, she spends countless hours behind the scenes organizing, promoting and carrying out all the other tasks, big and small, that make it all possible. Cheers to Elaine! You can stop by and thank her yourself at the Farmer's Market table on the corner of Washington and Main.

As expected, the food went fast. I can't stress enough, GET THERE EARLY!
This year that's a little easier thanks to changes in the market hours. Starting in 2008 the new hours are 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

On the table next week should be some more fresh green garlic, green onions, radishes, lettuce and by request some turnip greens (I'll save you a bag Sam). Again, I was sold out by 10 so get there early! I always stick around in case any flock share owners come by. Everyone is always welcome to come by my table and talk food!

2008 FLOCK SHARES

2008 FLOCK SHARES

Ever wanted to own your chickens but couldn’t?
Well, now is your chance!

Buy a share in my flock and receive all the benefits without the work. Each week receive the fruit of the flock delivered fresh to the market. One share covers the whole market season or 24 weeks; ½ a share covers 12 weeks, etc. If you happen to miss a week you can make it up another time.

FULL SHARE - $96 (24 weeks)

HALF SHARE - $48 (12 weeks)


The flock is:
ɵ Free Pastured ɵ Organically Fed

ɵ Humanely Treated ɵ Open To Inspection


How does the Flock Share work?
Similar to a CSA (community supported agriculture), individuals are invited to invest in my flock, becoming part owners. Shares are purchased for an agreed upon price. As a co-owner you are entitled to the fruit of the flock including eggs, meat and fertilizer. You also get to come and inspect the flock, a treat in itself. They really are healthy birds and very athletic - a pleasure to watch.

Sneak Peak

The Downtown Bloomington Farmer's Market starts next Saturday, May 17th. New hours this year are 7:30 to Noon.

The garden pickings this time of year are still pretty slim. I have been enjoying fresh lettuce, spinach and asparagus from my personal patch. Also nibbling on some of the thinnings from the beet and radish beds.

All I will probably have for market the first week is fresh green garlic and green onions. On the 'maybe list' is lettuce and radishes.

But don't let my limited offerings discourage you! Many farmers with more experience and gumption do a great job at getting early harvests so there should be plenty of garden goodies to be had.

Here is what the markets expects:
"Romaine and buttercrunch lettuce, bok choi, red and white radishes, beets, cilantro, Japanese turnips, mesclun, kohlrabi, sorrel, green garlic, arugula, spinach, chives, green onions, and assorted herbs (oregano, mint, thyme, chervil, sage, garlic chives), honey, maple syrup, popcorn, and freshly ground whole wheat flour. For planting in your own garden, you will find potted perennials, herbs, and more . . ."

See You at market!

Temptation

Even before last season ended I had decided to stick with my low-tech approach to production again in 2008. Basically that means no power equipment used in the garden. My reasons for taking this approach are many.

When I made known my intent to go low tech and chemical free a few years ago I started getting offers to use tillers and tractors. Most of these folks were well meaning and I appreciate their offers of help but a couple at least were clearly intended to test my resolve. One fellow told me that if I didn't till or let someone till then I was wasting my seed. I think those kinds of challenges are good and those folks in their own way helped to support my decision.

I've never committed to the low tech approach for more than one season. For the past few years I've noticed less efficiency out of my "digging machine" and thought one of those gas powered ones sure would make things easier and allow me to get more done, even if it wasn't my ideal. After all, I used to till sometimes more than a dozen gardens a year back in the day with my trusty Husqvarna 5 horse rear tine tiller. Her and I used to tear up a lot of soil until one night someone relieved me of her. Another unwitting supporter of my decision. In hindsight that event was probably my biggest impetus towards low-tech farming although, at the time, I felt robbed. Silly me.

My Uncle just got a new tiller and has brought it down to my end of the field a couple times now and offered to let me use it. I hinted I'd consider it, mostly because I didn't want to seem critical of his decision but partly because I was considering it. I still have a LOT to plant.

He brought it down again today as I slowly forked a new bed in the weediest part of the field, painstakingly picking out the 'weeds' and knocking loose soil from their roots before tossing them in piles. He offered the use of the tiller again. I straightened up and politely told him "no thanks". After we talked a bit I noticed he was leaving the tiller behind as he walked back to the house.

"Aren't you going to take that with you?" I asked. He turned and gave me an exasperated look and went back for it. "I guess if you're not going to use it." he said.

"Not today." I replied as I knocked the soil off of a wild carrot against the back of my fork.

Potatoes

Rain heading our way so I'm working hard to get as much planted as possible. Just taking a breather now. Now that I've planted all the onion sets I had on hand I'm focusing on planting potatoes, it will probably be my biggest crop this year. I'm growing several varieties this year including but not limited to:

Yukon Gold

Nordland Red

Huckleberry

Purple Peruvian Fingerling

French Fingerling

All Blue


Want to learn about planting and caring for potatoes and other garden goodies? Email me at jake@grandprairiefood.com for details.

Planting Underway

I have taken advantage of a couple recent short dry spells to get some garden planting done. I did start some greens in cold frames back in February but mostly for personal use. Now I have begun market planting in earnest. So far I have peas, radishes, kohlrabi, beets, spinach, lettuce, chard, turnips, cabbage, carrots and more planted. Also, the garlic planted last Fall is making a great showing. From here out I will be planting as often as the weather and my schedule allow. Not too late to make any special requests of varieties for me to plant.

Thanks to Ang, Vate, James and Sandy for their help! I'm always seeking garden help. If you are interested in coming out for a morning, a day or even a week contact me at jake@grandprairiefood.com and let's talk.

Truly Sustainable

The word sustainable is heard often these days. I'm something of a purist when it comes to this matter and do not like to use the word lightly. One short definition I prefer for sustainability is "a system or process that can be maintained indefinitely."

Also noteworthy is one provided by the Brundtland Commission, which defined sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

And perhaps best of all is this wisdom from the Iroquois Confederacy, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."

With this in mind I have to take an honest look at my practices as a farmer and as a human and make choices which will lead me to a truly sustainable lifestyle; one which will not compromise my children's ability to live in a healthy environment.

As Thoreau put it, "What's the use of a fine house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?"

Spring's Right Around the Corner

Things never really wind down here at the farm in the winter what with birds to still care for and a house to warm. But with Spring right around the corner things are busier than usual. Taking inventory and starting seeds and ordering more. Warmer weather in the next week means I'll start working in the cold frames and I can still broadcast clover on the frozen ground. The hens are ramping up production and everyone is anxious for a taste of Spring's first offering, including me. Store bought greens just aren't the same.

The Bloomington Farmer's Market starts May 17th and I look forward to seeing everyone again this year. We have many new varieties of vegetables planned this season. We'll also be offering our Flock Shares this year. Stayed tuned for market menu and more info on 2008 Flock Shares.

As usual I'm seeking extra hands in the garden this year. If you are interested in helping a little or a lot let me know. You can reach me at jake@grandprairiefood.com. Let me know if you have any questions or requests as well.