Ever wonder what happened...

...to that friendly, hippy guy from about ten years ago that used to show up to the market with dirty produce and would chew your ear raw if you got within 10' of his stand? Well, he moved to SW Wisconsin, tried to start a family and homestead with a crazy woman (wait, which one was crazy?), became homeless, lived in a barn with his cows, started a thrift store and lived in the back of it for a year, started another thrift store and stayed there for the next 5+ years, became a community activist and muckraker and is now getting back to growing food and plants for market. His thrift store is about to close and he's about to go back off-grid (but, ironically, he's getting back online). Follow the sporadic and vague reports of his latest adventure over at Strike the Root Farm blog.

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.

Kittens

So many distractions this busy season, no surprise that this blog is sorely out of date. By request, (and to offer some sign of life) here are some photos of the recent additions to the farm. By the way, some of these healthy little kitties will be looking for homes. For more info on FREE KITTENS email jake@grandprairiefood.com .

(click photos to enlarge)

Moved to this basket from the chicken coop.

Good Momma!

Soaking Up The Sun!

Momma provides.

Fuzzy Faces

Keeping clean

Kitten Pile

Fight!

Little Bear, the orphan left in a bag at the truck stop

A few recent chicken pics

This is some of the girls back in June.

A momma hatched out some chicks under a pile of old lumber recently.

The cats recline while the chickens graze the grass and thyme.

Everyone gets along.

Diverse Offerings from the Garden

Harvest seems to have peaked. Some crops are done or winding down. The garden is still yielding:
- Tomatoes (heirloom, hybrid and cherry)
- Potatoes (fingerling and standard)
- Huckleberries (Great for Pies!)
- Okra
- Peppers (Poblano, Bell, Anaheim, Banana, Cayenne, Jalapeno and more)
- Acorn Squash
- Carrots
- Broom Corn
- Mixed Sunflowers

Winding down but still available in very limited quantities:
- Summer Squash
- Cucumbers
- Beets
- Green Beans

AS ALWAYS, get to the market EARLY for best selection. Market starts at 6:45 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m.

Also, check out the NEW WEDNESDAY MARKET in Bloomington at College and Veterans! Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

New Partnerships

I am pleased to announce two new partnerships for me in the local food movement. Wild Tree Cafe in Evanston and True Nature Foods in Chicago are both offering produce from my farm along with produce from other local growers. Both of these businesses are serious about bringing the freshest nutrition to their customers, educating others about the benefits of local food and supporting local producers. More info can be found about these conscientious and locally owned businesses on the web:

http://www.wildtreecafe.com/index.html

http://www.truenaturefoods.com/index.html

Elsa, who helped make it possible.

Latest Garden Offerings

Harvest has really stepped up the last couple of weeks. The garden is yielding:

- Tomatoes (heirloom, hybrid and cherry)
- Potatoes (fingerlings and standard size)
- Cucumbers (Regular and Lemon)
- Beets (Chiogga, Golden and Dark Red)
- Swiss Chard
- Huckleberries (Great for Pies!)
- Garlic (German Red stiffneck)
- Green beans
- Okra
- Peppers (Poblano, Bell, Anaheim, Banana, Cayenne, Jalapeno and more)
- Summer Squash (Patty Pan, Ronde de Nice, Striata de Italia, Yellow Crookneck)
- Table Gold Acorn Squash
- Carrots
- Mixed Sunflowers

AS ALWAYS, get to the market EARLY for best selection. Market starts at 6:45 a.m. and many items sell out before 9 a.m.

Market Photos

Here are a few recent photos shared by one of the many regular market supporters (click photo for larger image).

Flock Shares

2007 FLOCK SHARE

Own Your Own Chickens!
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.

FULL SHARE - $72 (24 weeks)

HALF SHARE - $36 (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.

The Garden Grows

From this in late Fall of 2006...


















To this in late May 2007. And there's more that's not in the photo.

Garden Menu

What's On the Menu?

Been serving up typical spring fair at the market so far;
- green onions
- green garlic (german red stiffneck)
- radishes (easter egg, daikon, french breakfast)
- spinach
- swiss chard
- leaf lettuce mix
- mizuna mustard
- asian greens mix
- and a few other greens.

AS ALWAYS, get to the market early for best selection.

The peas are now blooming and it won't be long until they come in. Beets, turnips and kohlrabi are getting to size and I'll start bringing some small ones in a week or two. Beans are making a good show and will be ahead in late June/ July.

Everyone is welcome to come out to the garden to inspect things or pitch in. Fridays are harvest days. email jake (at) grandprairiefood.com

Small and Super Jumbo

Small Pullet Egg compared to a Super Jumbo Egg.