Kids Find a Snake

This week I had a few health issues which are thankfully healing quickly. The boys were amazing little helpers. One of the mornings we went up to take care of the birds they found this outside the Hothouse.

Very Cool. The Garter Snake was about 1 1/2 feet long. The boys were so excited!

Week 5 Vegetable Delivery

June 27, 2015

Week 5

Here are some of the items you may be receiving in your delivery this week:

Mesclun, Zesty Greens, Arugula, Winter Density Lettuce, Danvers Carrots, Assorted Radish and Lovage

This week on the farm it seemed that the weather was trying to make up for the shortage of rain last month. Goodness gracious did we get a ton. 2 major rainstorms hit the farm. Tuesday night found me outside at 2:30 in the morning clearing the trench across the driveway which had filled with silt being washed down in the deluge. Driveway for the most part was saved but will now need to be added to the “To do” list.

With the rain, the weeds and grass seemed to grow exponentially. Have I mentioned how annoying it is to start that weed whacker?

This week I was very happy to have carrots for you, one of our favorites. Usually we eat them straight out of the garden, too yummy to wait.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Your Farmer,

Amber

Deer Fence 2.0

The deer fence this year has been working wonderfully. I will have to post a sign for me to remember to always turn the thing back on when I'm leaving, so I don't have to walk all the way back up once I get down to the house. I'm thinking a huge sign saying fence hung on the fence going down to the house.

This past weekend the boys and a friend were a fantastic help. We laid down landscape fabric under the lower 3 wires to prevent the grass from growing up. It took us over 4 hours to get it done.

Most of that time was us finding and lugging rocks around to weigh down the fabric. The boys especially were real troupers.

Now I just need to get the ride on lawn mower repaired so I can keep the rest of the grass down.

A Learning Experience

Ever since I was a little girl I've desired to have a farm. I summered with my grandparents who had huge gardens with fruit trees including the most amazing cherry tree I've ever seen. I am very blessed for that experience and for now having my own farm where I can provide an amazing place for my boys to grow up.

I wanted to be a farmer because I love being one. The smile I get when a little seedling emerges, when a chick climbs onto your hand and lays down it's head looking at you, and also the ability to spend more time with my children. These are just a few of the wonderful things about having a farm. I am also delighted to be able to provide great healthy produce and raise animals in a safe and happy environment.

This brings me to a downside. I've been talking with many seasoned farmers and they say it's inevitable. Eventually by being a farmer you will be attacked. 

I was asked to speak about organic farming at a dinner a couple weeks ago. I was also expressly asked mulitple times to also talk about my animals. As there were many vegetarians and some vegans at the dinner I was uncomfortable but did as requested trying to keep it short and light and get back to vegetables. After the talk everyone was quite complementary and I felt very encouraged and accepted.

The unfortunate part is the next day a group which had attended the dinner and who had also thanked me personally for coming, attacked me over the internet the next day.

Frankly I was shocked and very hurt. I had not meant to cause anyone to be upset. I had just talked about what I had been asked to speak about. 

It was even more unfortunate as I was then sent critical, hateful emails and personal messages by people who had read what had been posted. They had automatically assumed the worst.

When I had talked that evening about my animals I tried to be as brief as possible and made sure to describe the good life I provide them. Regrettably this group seemed to have only heard what they wished to hear and did not speak up and ask for me to change the subject.

People must realize that the majority of the population eat meat. By having my farm I provide an option for people to support farmers who care about their animals. Instead of buying from a factory farm, they have another option.

When I went to my Market meeting this past weekend and shared these events, everyone was very upset this had happened. Many of them have had similar experiences. They are all very supportive of me and told me to keep up the great work I am doing. My friends and family agree.

Farmers we discussed are an odd breed. We get up early, we work 24/7, feed our animals before we feed ourselves, water the garden before breakfast and I fully admit I, myself get overwhelmed at least once a week where I have a good cry, then pick myself up, dust off and get back at it.

Please take the time to say hello and thank your farmer for what they do. Farming is so important. I go around at the market each week and tell all of them how wonderful they are!

I wished to share this experience as I thought you all should be aware of what happened. I care deeply for all my animals and am teaching my children to as well. This has been a learning experience and has made me even more determined to continue my great work and support my local community.

Week 3 Vegetable Delivery

June 12, 2015

Week 3

Here are some of the items you may be receiving in your delivery this week:

Bloomsdale Spinach, Mesclun, Apollo Arugula, Spring Onions, Rhubarb, Purple Top Turnip, French Breakfast Radish, Golden Beets and Asparagus.

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather we are having. Thank goodness for the rain we have been receiving. It’s perfect with it coming every few days to deeply water the plants. All of them are enjoying it especially the rhubarb. The leaves are gigantic, over 2 feet across!

There are many recipes for rhubarb out there. The boys and I favour rhubarb compote as it’s fantastic over vanilla ice cream or pancakes with whipped cream.

Rhubarb Compote

4 cups chopped rhubarb

1/3 cup maple sugar (you can use any sweetener you like)

Place both ingredients in a saucepan, cover and heat on med to med-low heat. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft. Feel free to add other fruit or more sweetener once it’s done cooking. It keeps in the fridge for about a week.

I have been speaking with many other farmers this week and am feeling very blessed that our farm has an operational greenhouse. The long winter is still having an effect. Usually by this time of year our gardens are overflowing with harvest but instead the markets continue to be lean. I believe it will take another month to get back on track. Great news is the tomatoes in the greenhouse are coming into bloom!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Your Farmer,

Amber

Week 2 Vegetable Delivery

June 6, 2015

Week 2

Here are some of the items you may be receiving in your delivery this week:

Mixed Kale, Zesty Greens, Red Kitten Spinach, Purple Top Turnip, French Breakfast Radish, Pac Choy, Mantilla Lettuce, Pablo Lettuce, Yugoslavian Red Lettuce and Asparagus.

Spring is the season of greens, usually meaning lots of salads. The colors of these lettuces always makes us happy and will easily brighten any meal.

The spinach, kale and zesty greens can be eaten as a salad. Also try them sautéed added to rice dishes or soups, or as a topping on a sandwich instead of lettuce for a little zip.

The boys and I enjoyed our turnips raw this week, they taste like a mild radish. A great little appetizer before dinner.

The asparagus is wonderful on the grill bringing out a nutty flavour. Also it easily steams or sautés in a pan with butter. Just break off the bottom of the stalk so you only eat the tender parts. Unfortunately the asparagus is quite limited this year on the farm. I’m planting more roots this year for an increased harvest next year.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Your Farmer,

Amber