Wow, what a spring! Seems we've been going non-stop since the last post a month ago. We've seen torrents of precipitation, mud soaked gardens, and even previews of dog-day heat. Due to the saturated ground, we're about 2 weeks behind goal, but the forward progress is heartening.
A huge THANK YOU!! to our 2019 members, new and returning. We've been blown away by your support, this year and last. Whether close friends, family, or welcome new acquaintances, we know that you are counting on us to provide fresh, healthful and organic food for you and your loved ones ... and that is not something that we take lightly!
As of today we have many varieties of veggies, greens and herbs in the ground, either as transplants or directly seeded. Potatoes, garlic and Swiss chard look like some early favorites for success, and the hoop-house tomatoes are off to a great start. We're also expecting our first year with a sustained shiitake mushroom crop, and we're psyched to hear what you think.
Our pasture-raised broiler chickens are out on grass and clover, and are growing well. This week, we see two of our Berkshire pigs head off to Freezer Camp. They've been a joy to raise and have thrived on a mix of grain, acorns, and leftover produce, and they have been finished on fresh Spring forage of pasture grasses and roots. Berkshire pork is a premium product - known as Kurobuta (the Kobe Beef of pork) in Japan - and we can't wait to share it with you.
The CSA: We still plan to stick to an official start date of June 16, despite the late start. Pick-up is at our home in Averill Park, on Sunday mornings. For anyone looking for a different day/time or with other pick-up concerns, please let us know and we will do what we can to accomodate.
Please remember that Community Supported Agriculture means that we share the highs and lows the season, and that each week's basket will be a representation of what's in season and what's grown through any weather and pest challenges. Week 1 will consist of more early season greens and herbs, and we can expect the variety/heft of the baskets will increase as we roll into the summer.
It should be a great season, and we are thankful and excited to embark upon it with you!