Some folks say that the only constant is change. Here we are at the start of the 2017 growing season and change is in the air. While we are eager for another delicious and community building year, the gardens and share offerings will look somewhat different. One constant from the past growing seasons, is our popular Fresh, Fall share. Plus, there will be an expanded You Picking share and a Fall Egg share. The Homestead and Fresh, Full Season shares are suspended for 2017 as Bob and Flip are taking some time for other opportunities and responsibilities. This includes following through on some landscaping and building projects as well as new off-farm work for Flip. She has accepted a position working to strengthen the larger food system here in St. Lawrence County. Starting in mid-April she’ll be employed at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office (in Canton), as the Local Foods Program Leader.
The decision to scale back on the shares was not easy. We recognize and value the dedication and enthusiasm of our long-term and returning shareholders. In the best case scenario, we’d continue growing the quantity of produce that we have in past years, yet there is only so much time in the day. This adjustment will be revisited and we will keep folks in the loop about future offerings beyond this season. An important benefit of reduced production this season is the opportunity for expanded cover cropping, the process of green manuring replenishes the soil to help sustain our biointensive growing methods for future seasons.
While the shares are different from past seasons, the You Pick and Fresh, Fall shares can be paired to secure fresh veggies and herbs from June through October. Our goal is to maintain our commitment to you and this diverse, one of a kind Community Farm. As ever, the strength of our collective participation determines the vibrancy of the farm. We will offer more opportunities to plug in – beyond Saturday mornings – and send out regular email/event notifications. Also, the tradition of monthly garden mornings and potlucks lives on!
Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors who might delight in a unique agricultural experience and the freshest food in town. Check out the 2017 shares summary and sign up form on the website. As always, we welcome all questions.
In community,
Bob & Flip