Thursday, December 25, 2008

Season's Greetings

Happy holidays to you all. Looks like things are beginning to warm up around here. The snow will be gone in a couple of days and we'll see if there is anything left in the field after the freezing weather. Hopefully the hardy overwintering crops will pull through.

We still have brussel's sprouts, cabbage, turnips and potatoes available for sale. Call me at 376-5994 or 622-6433 to place an order.

The snow's been great but I'm ready for it to go away now.

All the best to all of you. Keep well,

Farmer John

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Perfect Solstice

Ahhh. Winter solstice, The shortest day of the year. It's snowing, the powers been out all morning. Quiet, calm, dark. Perfect.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Too Dire

Ok, so maybe my last post was a little dire? Just tellin it like I see it. I could candy coat it and make it all happy happy but that would be defeating the point. The truth is it's not all a bed of roses all the time. Sometimes things don't go the way you would like them to. The problem is there's just nothing you can do about it. I can't change the economy or the weather. I can try and be positive 100% of the time but thats not real either. Not writing about it is an option I suppose. But if you're reading this you're most likely interested in whats happening so you might as well really know whats running through my mind. In the end, it all comes down to perspective.

A couple of days ago a young man from the island was seriously injured in a snowboarding accident. As I understand he is paralyzed as a result. I am so sorry to hear that news. Another example of things just happening that we have no control over. In comparison I have no problems to complain about what so ever. This young man will have some hard times to get through. I wish him and his family and friends all the best. You can do it.

For us, The kale will grow, the roots will survive, the cauliflower will thrive and so will I. Spring will come, grass will grow, dollars will flow. All will be well. Our economy will return, we'll all be better for it in the end.

And for now? Let it snow let it snow let it snow!

Keep well,

Farmer John

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Crap weather

Here we go, nor'easter # two! Well, if the first round of frigid weather didn't kill the overwintering plants I'm almost positive this one will. It's just too much stress. I've goy my fingers crossed that at least some of the kale will survive. It'll be a miracle if it does.

This is some classic bad timing. I lost my side job a couple of months ago and have been relying solely on the farm for an income. Things were going pretty well and sales have been brisk. I was keeping up. Now with the killing weather, that is gone too.

Time for plan C. Uhh. lets see boss, what is plan C? Better make one up.

This time of year I always send out a wrap up letter for the season and solicit membership for our CSA. The letter is ready and will go out at the first of the year. We need signups! Please, this is setting up to be a rough year. If you can, please send in your renewals and new membership payments ASAP.

Things are rough for alot of people right now. The timing of the weather has made it even harder. Retail sales from local shop owners are off, construction has mostly halted and the restaurants are quiet. I hope we get through this stormy December and see things normalize a bit. I'll be aiming at re-planting earlier than normal in 2009. It's hard to fight mother nature but maybe we'll catch a break?

Anyway, if you can help us out we'd be grateful.

Hang in there everyone, things will get better.

Happy holidays to all.

Farmer John

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Hold On To Your Skivies

Aye, got a noreaster blowing in this weekend. We're expecting winds gusting up to fifty MPH and temps to drop into the teens and stay that way for several days. Not especially looking forward to it. It's been so nice I think I'm little on the wussie side.

This event will pretty much end the season for us. I'm sure most things will take a beating. I'm particularly sad about my fava beans. I've never successfuly overwintered a crop and had high hopes I would pull it off this year. There is a beautiful stand all about 3 ft tall and luscious. Maybe they'll make it but I doubt it. Oh well, at least they're cover crop.

I'll harvest as much as I can today to store into the walkin. That will cover deliveries for the next couple of weeks. If anyone would like fresh produce just give me a call. I have salad greens, braising greens, kale, turnips, potatoes, cabbage, brussels sprouts and bok choi.

It's been a good year. The best ever for sales volume, length of season and eating.

Here's a great recipe for turnips I got from Tyler Florence of the Food Network.

Peel and chunk up your turnips and simmer in milk with a sprig of fresh thyme until fork tender.
(I also added celeriac when I made it) Remove some of the milk and then mash or use an immersion blender to make them the consistency of mashed potatoes. Add salt and pepper to tast. Delicious! I served mine with rack of lamb and fresh greens. Truly an unforgettable food moment.

I'll still have turnips, potatoes, kale and cabbage for weeks to come. Don't be shy. call me.

Hold on tight

Farmer John