[CSA Update] Welcome to week 10

I know you have been getting an inside look at what it takes to bring fresh produce to your table all season long. The last few weeks, however, have been particularly difficult. We recently had over a month-worth of rain in the span of a single day, something that doesn’t happen every season. It was especially worrisome after our long dry spell just before that.

I want to let you know that we are taking every measure possible to ensure our crops and fields remain in top shape, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. We’ve been farming on this land for over 100 years now, so we are accustomed to its quirks and know exactly how best to help our produce succeed. Here’s what we do to prepare for and handle adversity:

• Use risk management techniques in planting, such as ensuring good soil drainage, techniques to warm plant roots, implement, upgrade, and install irrigation systems; hilling plants so there is a valley between rows, and whole lot more
• Split crop plantings so that some are in high and some in low spots, as they are more resilient to droughts and floods
• Maintain the fields to prevent disease and contamination
  

Our hearts go out to the farmers in Vermont, Massachusetts and along the Connecticut River. Hundreds of acres are currently flooded, and it’s too late to replant for any late harvests in 2023. Many of those farms are hoping for federal measures to help them support their workers and infrastructure to be able to return for 2024.

I definitely prefer dry years, as it’s easier to take water off a field than it is to add it, but we’ve got it covered. That’s why I use those risk management techniques and split our crops between the various fields.

We strive to bring you the best, freshest produce possible despite whatever Mother Nature throws our way. While this season has been a challenge, we’re confident that we can handle whatever comes our way. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.