May 30, 2006
Staying ahead, even in wet weather
As I am here at the computer contemplating what to write about, it occurs to me that many if not all of my blog entries have weather related themes. But when your office is 40 acres of uncovered valley, the weather is a very important aspect of your life. By the end of March I had a mid summers tan and couldn't go to the store without people asking me if I just got back from vacation or if I use tanning beds, I always tell em "no, I work for a living." This last 10 days or so have been particularly wet and miserable out here on the farm, times like these the temptation to just harvest and let everyone go home early is definitly apparent, but after doing this for 6 years or so, I know better than to fall behind early in the season. So we put in some long wet days and kept the momentum going. Which is always a tough call at the time, but seldom do I ever regret putting out that extra effort to get through the tough times. Even though we grow more and more every year it seems to get a little easier as we become more organized, and gain knowledge through trial and error, things are going quite smoothly so far and I am going to do everything in my power to keep it that way. Thanks for taking the time!!!
Posted by Brett at 03:45 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 22, 2006
Things are looking great!
A little rain never hurt anybody, and it is making my life a lot easier. These wet days have come at a great time, just as I was about to drag irrigation pipe across the whole farm. The plants are all very grateful for it too!!! And this will really give em a big boost, especially when the sun comes back out. Sugar snap peas are big and starting to fill out, our early seedlings won't be nearly enough for everyone but it will be a great addition to the tables even if there only on there for 15 minutes before there snatched up. As I walked the rows of strawberries on Saturday I spotted a few red ones!!! Jeff and I quickly ate them, A small quantity will most likely make its way to the tables this week, and if you have a chance to buy some, don't pass it up, I can assure you these are the best around and I'll take the Pepsi challenge on that any day. The markets are going so great we are underestimating our popularity and I can assure you that there will be more of our fresh healthy greens on the tables this week. We have been busy here, keeping up on everything pretty good, the more work we put in early will really pay off in the middle of the season. On the agenda today: We will be putting straw under all the strawberries to keep them off the soil and dry, we are also planting winter squash, and our big beautiful tomato plants. Our salad mix, baby head lettuce, and spinach are all on a special promotion with charlies produce this week and we plan to be cutting a lot of greens this week. We cut over 2500lbs of greens for them last week alone! We are very excited about this season and very appreciative of all the loyal customers who make everything worthwhile.
Posted by Brett at 10:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 15, 2006
It's hot!!! But I'm not complaining
Well the sun is out and it is hot. I had hoped that all the bad weather we had in April would be the end of the wet and cold, and it seems to be. The plants are also loving this weather, the lettuce and greens are growing fast, and the sugar snaps are coming on quick, finally I can see the rows of haricot vers, onions are looking better than I have ever seen them this time of year, and I can't help but smile when I think our beutiful strawberries! The past two seasons the strawberries have been few and far between, but alot of hard work went into them this spring and they look as happy as I am. It's crunch time now, and with heat like this, timing is everything, I have to plan the days harvesting very carefully. If anything is picked to hot or not cooled down quick enough it will result in an unacceptable product that will have a short shelf life, so with only a few exceptions everything is harvested before noon or after six, the mid day is reserved for packing, washing, weeding or crossing a couple things of my neverending maintenance list. I don't think the farm has ever looked as good as it does now, which means I'm doing my job.
Posted by Brett at 03:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 08, 2006
Whats happening on the farm?
The fields are filling up and there is lots to do. It has already been a busy spring, with our constant expansion projects, fertilizing, prepairing the ground, seeding, transplanting, weeding and a long list of odds and ends, thats a full week as it is. With the weather finally on our side and the green's and veggies looking great, harvesting has started and will basically double the work load at this point. Its the most exciting time of year as everything you have planned starts to take shape and all the hard work starts to pay off. I am happy to say that our early sugar snap peas are full of flowers that should be forming pea pods very soon, and we are seeing our first rows of haricot vers coming up (the first two seedings rotted in the ground due to low soil temps), the lettuce and salad greens are all looking fantastic, and with the field full of different colors and beutiful plants it really looks great, and I can really feel the energy coming off the farm for the first time since last fall. The C.S.A. program is starting up this week and it is really nice to be supplying food to all my customers again, I say this every year, but its true, "this is going to be our biggest and best year ever", thanks for helping us do it!
Posted by Brett at 04:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 18, 2006
Making due with what we got...
As summer approaches it doesn't even seem like spring yet. With mostly cold and rainy days, getting an early start on the season is a challenge to say the least. The greens and lettuce in the field are growing , but at a much slower than normal pace, the early sugar snaps in the green houses and in the field are looking pretty dang good, and the haricots vers in the hoop houses should be coming up soon (the first seeding rotted in the cool soil). The tomatoes and corn are a struggle in this cold weather. On a sunny day like today we have to take advantage, a crew of 18 people is here, compared to yesterdays crew of 3. It becomes even more apparent that time is growing shorter & shorter to finish up last minute projects before it hits the fan. Although the days have been cold and gloomy I am extremely optimistic about the entire season, including our early season produce. This time of year marks the beginning of the "official" growing season, and its time to see months of planning and hard work start to pay off.
Posted by Brett at 12:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 15, 2006
Watch your step!
No, no, we haven't become a lifestock farm. Spring has brought a lot of changes to the farm and with it the need for caution as we navigate around our new tiny office space, step over children and dog's toys, navigate through shoulder high stacks of seed and attempt to avoid the worst of the mud puddles.
Our old office mobile home was converted back to housing and now is the residence for our three new MESA interns: Anil from India, Erasmo from Peru and Mayra from Ecquador. They will be introducing themselves to you soon.
That neccesitated a construction trailer office to store our seeds and our burgeoning office staff. We are excited that Heidi has joined the staff to support our CSA program. She brings a great enthusiasm for excellent food, sustainability, a 1-year old son to increase the volume of toys at the farm and a chef husband to fortify our recipe selection. Christine is our new office person and brings her considerable skill of mothering 5 children to the farm. Maybe, just maybe she will be up to the challenge of keeping us all in line.
Lots more people at the farm to learn from and to serve you. We are excited about the possiblities and hope you are too.
Posted by Christine at 11:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 10, 2006
A seasons beginning or an seasons end?
As I was prepping ground with fertilizer yesterday for the upcoming season, it occurred to me that this season as not fully ended. We have managed to put together a nice table of produce at the university market throughout the winter. Although it may not be much, its a real benchmark to myself and Jeff who have put a lot of thought and effort into this type of winter production that was before thought to be nearly impossible on a large scale, now it seems as though it is in our grasp. And with markets starting earlier every year, there is almost no breathing time at all. The planning and preparation becomes more challenging every year as we push ourselves to grow a great amount more with our limited space, it is a long process that is fine tuned season after season. There is no late season catching up, so its important to plan ahead and get things in the ground on time. A particularly risky endeavor comes with our greens, as we seed a large amount on a weekly basis, we must be extremely aware to avoid running short on ground, which could mean weeks of no greens during peak season if we're not careful. We are very confident that this will be our biggest and best year yet. Thanks for all the support!
Posted by Brett at 09:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 23, 2006
ready, set... GO!
Well, I have yet to feel hot sand between my toes and February is darn near over. I think Mexico will have to wait until Spring break. So... in the meantime we will get in as many seedings as possible of Sugar Snaps and Shelling Peas to feed the voracious appetite of all our market patrons. They are still being seeded under coldframes as the soil and outside temperature are just too cold. We just seeded our first corn in plug trays and will be very cozy in our 70 degree germination chamber. We seeded the corn three weeks earlier this year in an attempt to bring you corn for the fourth of July. We were three weeks late last year, so we will see what happens this year. Broccoli is sprouting as is the Cauliflower. There is well over 250,000 lettuce starts filling our propagation houses and we are adding another 60,000 every week. We better start transplanting outside soon or we will run out of room in our greenhouses! As soon as the weather breaks and we can get into the field, we will put in the first carrots, radishes, turnips, spinach and other assorted greens.
Today, we have a nice, big mobile office being delivered to the farm to accomodate our ever expanding office needs and to provide all of our office workers a comfortable environment to work in. They really deserve it... they are generally "behind the scenes" and often do not get the attention or appreciation they deserve. So, hats off to them... they all have done an amazing job in helping create a dynamic, thriving farm enterprise. Gotta go... it's moving day.
Posted by Jeff at 08:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 26, 2006
Winter Break
We have two more weeks at the winter markets in Seattle, finishing our '05 season... but wait a minute it's already the end of January,'06. Our first propagation greenhouse (which by the way was big enough for many years) is already full of young lettuce starts in plug trays and our second house will be filling up soon.
We have not even finished with last year and here we are starting again for this year. Many years ago the farm took a break from December thru February, but it seems those days are behind us. In an attempt to extend the season on both ends we inadvertently eliminated a period where we used to rest and get ready for the following year.
As the business continues to grow and new opportunites present themseleves it seems prudent to make the most out of the entire year and not just the six months of prime growing conditions. In doing so, we must remember to be mindful of our physical and emotional needs or soon the dreaded burn-out will be upon us. I will take some time off in February to travel someplace warm, maybe Mexico. Dig my toes into some hot sand... a Pina Colada or two or three or four... find a hammock in the shade and sleep for two or three days... you get the picture...
So... thank you for a great year (the best yet) and see you in May!!!
Posted by Jeff at 12:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 11, 2006
23 days huh, I haven't noticed...........
No denying it, it's winter time in Western Washington, 23 consecutive rainy days going on 24 today. But it's not the abundance of rain that gets me, it's the lack of sun. As a farmer I have become extremely in tune with the seasonal changes, and as it changes it affects my energy level as much as it affects the produce I grow. In the sunny summer time when the plants seem to grow right before your eye's and there is not a patch of ground on the farm not seeded or waiting to be seeded, the sun seems to fuel me just as much as the tender green's and veggie's. Going all day, all week, all month, trying to keep up, and the days still just seem too short. Fall sets in and inevitably leads to winter, where despite our efforts and success in growing veggie's this time of year, there is a whole different feel to the farm. Hours are cut dramatically, but at the end of the day I acctually feel exhausted. The winter time definitly offers a time for rest and relaxation, which I feel like without, I may just go crazy. I know it's more than just the sun's powerful ray's, it's the energy of the entire farm and everything it produces. I can always look forward to the busy spring and summer months, despite the hectic days and ridiculously long work weeks, it's me at my happiest.
-Brett Blair, Manager WGOF
Posted by Brett at 09:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 02, 2005
We're freezing our butt's off so you don't have to
It has finally turned cold here in the valley, getting motivated to get out of my heated car and put down my latte seem to be the biggest obstacles in the morning, but are soon forgotten as we embark on the task of winter harvest. Although most all our veggies are covered many root crops are not, and on a morning like today they are blanketed with snow making the soil rock hard even with a pitch fork your hands are gonna take a beating, not like you feel them anyway though. The task of uncovering and recovering on a daily basis becomes very mundane and at times seems pointless but definitely proves to be worth while to do everyday. No more machine cut greens or wholesaling for a few months, this is a good thing for our csa customers, as all our greens will be cut by hand, which adds more control over the quality of the greens we harvest, which is extremely important in these cold times. All and all its a bittersweet time for me and Jeff, we finally have time to take a few breaths and relax, but we will probably be using it to think of ways to make next fall/winter even busier. Thanks for taking the time!!!
Brett- Manager, Willie Greens Organic Farm
Posted by Brett at 03:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 20, 2005
Winter on the farm
As winter approaches... short, rainy, cold days, it is all to easy to sit by the fire with a hot cup of tea letting the hours roll by. But these days are spent catching up on farm-related projects that get neglected during the busy summer months. Finishing the siding on our packing shed is our top priority, completing the landscaping around our irrigation pond and finishing the fountains and landscaping on our ornamental pond (a five year project that always seems to be put on the back burner). The huge storage shed we built four years ago still needs a coat of paint; the winter greenhouse we built last year to grow winter greens is still waiting for its end walls. The greenhouse one of my employees drove into last year eagerly awaits some T.L.C. Planning for next seasons crops and seed orders need to be completed by the end of the year. Our propagation greenhouse needs to be cleaned out(we will be planting in there by the first of the year) and so on and so on....... all this while still harvesting and cleaning produce for our two remaining farmers markets and our 200 member winter C.S.A. program. The harvesting season will extend to the end of January this year.
As I sit here typing this, it makes me realize just how busy the farm is and for everything we get to scratch off the list we add two more. For as busy as it is, I would not trade this lifestyle for anything. I am planning for a three week break sometime in late January.... what will I do?????????
Posted by Jeff at 04:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 17, 2005
Come one! Come all !!!!!
Hello everyone! I wanted to take this time to send my thanks out to everyone who enjoys the produce I grow. I am extremely grateful to know that all the hard work is enjoyed. I love growing all the produce on the farm, and my main goal is always on you the customer, it is extremely important to me that everyone has a good experience with the food I care so much about. So if there is ANY kind of feedback you have good or bad, I would love to hear from you, and rectify the situation if need be. I know many of you probably don't know me, I never have time to get to any markets with my responsibilities on the farm. I would love to have the opportunity to show you all what we do here, and I would gladly arrange tours for anyone willing to come out and see where it all comes from. This is a great time for me to do this as the season is slowing down. If you are interested or have a comment to share, You can contact me(Brett) anytime at (425) 232-7401 or send me an email at brettblair1@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!!!
Brett Blair - Farm Manager, Willie Green's
Posted by Brett at 10:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 28, 2005
Season Extension
With winter approaching... rainy, dark days and the threat of freezing temperatures always lingering, we are always searching for means to extend the season. This year we purchased a piece of equipment that in one pass over... let's say a bed of spinach...
sets wire hoops 15" above the bed, and then lays perforated plastic over the hoops and then secures the edges with soil. We have dozens of these 300' mini greenhouses all over our farm. They keep the rain off the plants and keeps soil temperatures an average of 5-8 degrees warmer than the outside soil temperature. The greens thrive in this mini micro environment this time of year. In addition to these we set up 8 large cold-frames, 12'x 300' to house all our winter lettuces. These are tall enough to comfortably walk through and an absolute joy to work in when the rain is beating down upon the plastic covering. With these two additions to our season extension arsenal we can safely guarantee lettuce and greens through mid- January, perhaps longer if it is a mild winter. So keep looking for all those tasty greens and lettuces at the farmer's markets and our winter C.S.A. program. They tend to be extremely tender and mild this time of year. Now, when you see them and eat them you will know the tender, loving care it takes to bring you Willie's finest during those dark, rainy winter days. Eat well!!!
Posted by Jeff at 03:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 06, 2005
Thanks for making it all worth it!!
Well, it is still busy here in early October, We are currently juggling around orders from our wholesale account at Charlie's Produce, the Summer and Winter C.S.A programs, (which so conveniently for me overlapped this year) nine markets weekly, countless special requests and orders, and we have two bulk orders of miscellaneous produce to Pike Place's C.S.A program. All the while keeping things maintained, cleaned and protected from harsh weather to ensure a diversified crop and maintain the highest quality for our customers through fall and into winter. After working at Good Ol' Willie's for over 5 years and managing for 3 or 4 seasons? (It's all one long day really).
Posted by Brett at 03:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 29, 2005
End of summer or endless summer?
As we were all so busy yesterday, like any summer day here, I realized it was nearly October, I have been irrigating almost everyday here this September, my crew is as large as its been all year, and we are still doing everything we can to stay ahead. It was looking as though the sun was never gonna leave us, but as us farmers know, it is inevitable. But we have been getting better and better every year at preparing for cold wet months and extending the season to bring our own produce to our loyal c.s.a. and market customers.
Things are really looking great out here this fall, knowing there is always risks when you put seeds in the ground anytime of year, it is extremely important to have as much control as possible over the growing conditions of those plants. By starting many of our crops in trays to ensure good germination, then transplanting them into which by design conserve space and make maintenance and weeding easier, and covering them with hoop houses to keep the frost away and promote growth these last months of fall. With these points in mind and a massive amount of organization and experience we hope to break barriers that most Washington growers never thought possible. Our Loyal c.s.a. & market customers should be looking forward to months more of our fresh greens and vegetables, grown locally & environmentally sound, with the utmost care and greatest quality available. Thanks for making it all worth It!!! *Brett*-Manager, willie Green's.
Posted by Brett at 02:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 15, 2005
Michael jumping into the deep end
Hey everybody,
Well it's been three weeks and some change since I arrived at Willie Green's. I originally imagined myself working at the markets this year, because back in the Fall of 2004 that's what Jeff mentioned would be a possibility. However during the spring and early summer a different role developed for me... It's kind of hard to pin point exactly--the WG utility man would be the best way to describe it since I'm doing a bit of everything on and off the farm.
Rewind a bit: I was traveling in South America when I decided to come back to the beautiful NW summer....and just in time to fill in the giant hole Misty left by traveling to costa rica in July. (Hmmmmmmm, maybe she was more intelligent by leaving the chaos of peak farm season, than I was by jumping into it.)
Although initially the transition here during these crazy summer weeks was a challenge-- probably since I had been living the easy life for so long--I've survived the dive into the deep end, and now it honestly feels good to be exhausted after an honest day's work. It is also refreshing to work outside in such a beautiful area of the earth.
If you have been to the University District Market and/or West Seattle
markets as of late, you probably have seen me. (Im the guy climbing around, over , and under the tables to make sure our display looks as beautiful as the food we grow. I've also made 2 appearances at Bellevue and 1 at the Lake City Festival. Mostly I'm on the farm working to get the finist berries, haricot verts, shelling peas, romano beans, and sugar snap peas, etc. to our faithful customers.
In the next few weeks I will make occasional appearences at the markets again, this time with the objective of promoting our winter CSA program. So if I happen to put a pamphlet into your hands, please introduce yourself to me.
Ate Logo (literally "until soon",
Michael
Posted by at 10:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 23, 2005
Is it summer yet...
After dragging irrigation pipes around for months only to find it raining that very night. It seems we are actually having our first stretch of hot summer days, when I have a moment a dip in the irrigation pond is a must, for the refreshing feeling and to clean off the dust which has innevitably collected on my face, but those are few and far between. These days always tend be harder and longer than the rainy ones, constantly worried about all the young starts and they're sensitivity to dry soil and hot conditions. We are carefully planning the days harvesting schedule to minimize the crops time in the sun, and moving irrigation pipes back and forth to keep everything healthy and growing. But the end of the day rewards you with a beautiful and different sunset everynight, and as I watch the irrigation sprinklers throw much needed drops of water over rows and rows of greens, I can for the first time all day relax and enjoy all that has been accomplished in the sun. No matter how tired I am, I always have a few minutes for that feeling.
Posted by Brett at 02:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 12, 2005
You know it is berry season when...
at 9:30 at night I am still waiting for the pickers to finish for the day so I can do payroll. We started late this morning, the cars didn't start rolling in until about 6:30am. On morning market days, there is a steady stream of cars unloading pickers by 5:30am. Since we pick our raspberries at peak ripeness, they have to be picked while it is cool out. We have a crew in the morning hours and then they return at about 6 to do the evening picking. Some will stay at the farm to pick peas and beans that aren't as picky about the heat. The days are long now, a 12 hour work day is a short day in July. Busy with harvesting, we are also rushing to start our fall crops. It is a busy and bountiful time of year.
Posted by Christine at 09:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 04, 2005
Busy busy...
Time is short around here these days, as we have all become used to this time of year. Planting and maintaining crops for the rest of the season, some of which wont be harvested for 7 months, while at the same time organizing and harvesting for all of our weekly markets and our wholesale accounts. But it seems as though as the harvest's are more bountiful so is our energy level, no matter how long the day is there is always that little bit of energy left to do what has to be done to grow the best produce possible. Somehow through the craziness of a day we always manage to get it done, as the sun goes down and for the first time all day your not sweating, the feeling of looking over a beautiful field and just enjoying it is indescribable and keeps me here year after year.
Posted by Brett at 04:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 18, 2005
summertime!
The sun is up, its hot, things are growing fast and the work list seems impossible to tackle, which can only mean one thing, its summertime here at Willie Greens. Time to reap the fruits of our labor and try and stay sane in the hectic proccess. With limited harvest time for the greens in the hot summer months, the cooler mornings and evenings are utilized to bring the freshest greens around. What seems like of months of rain and plenty of water, the sun and hot days seem to erase it in a matter of days, and the constant irrigation will begin soon. Organization is always a key element at this time of year, with multiple markets, c.s.a.'s and our wholesale accounts are all large tasks in themselves, and easy to get caught up in, but even more important is to keep looking forward to ensure the success of future crops, a slip up could mean weeks without a particular item. This is what we do best here, and despite the massive amount of stress I am put under, it is a hugely rewarding time and it keeps me coming back to subject myself to it every year.
It is always nice to see the berries finally producing, with the strawberries coming on strong and the first ripe raspberries and blueberries appearing we are extremely eager to supply them for our customers at the market. Come on by to try em'!
Posted by Brett at 07:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 04, 2005
Rainy Days
Well after a few very helpful days of sun and heat, we seem to have reverted back to winter a bit. The rain hasn't seemed to stop around here, just slow down from time to time. The freshly cultivated soil is mush and at the moment it is impossible to get things in the ground, but it doesn't appear to be a problem for our crops, they are still thriving in this wet and mild weather. Me and my crew are ready for the sun to make things easier on us, but as far as water is concerned it is always too much or not enough, from experience, I'll take the too much any time. It is an easy time to stay upbeat though, with first harvests of carrots and broccoli, things are looking great and the growing season has just begun. Soon enough I will be begging for rain.
Posted by Brett at 09:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 27, 2005
Surrender
Staying positive, focused, on one's goals and objectives during a tragedy is the lesson for us this week. Trying to find the opportunities that present themselves, or perhaps just surrendering and letting those opportunities find you in the face of dispair.
All of us experience loss, it's what we do with that makes the difference.
We are holding our heads high during this difficult time and moving forward, realizing now it could have been alot worse. The beauty in nature is it's ability to bounce back quickly, lettuce and greens are growing again and the farm is once again full of life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our market customers who have been so gracious in their support and their friendly words of encouragement.
Posted by Jeff at 08:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Recovering
Sometimes even us farmers need to be reminded that plants grow back. And after the weeks of hard rain, these sunny days are creating the perfect condition for just that. Cutting our first small harvest of salad greens for the markets this weekend. Its scarce, but its a start to what is to come. Our first harvest of sugar snaps, also a small amount, look top notch. The damage is still substantial all aound the farm, but life is sprouting up out of the destruction at a rapid rate. It was a humbling experience for us, though Jeff and myself took it in stride, as we know its all you can do, finding the positive aspects was all we have set out to do these past weeks. Looking only ahead now we still see a positive year and plenty of produce to come. We are grateful for all that we do have and hope our loyal customers are as well. Thanks for listening.
Posted by Brett at 02:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 21, 2005
Just another day??????????????
Sugar snap peas grounded
Well, Brett pretty much said all there is to be said. This IS farming... although I can't think of a time when it hurt so bad, both financially and the incredible emotional toll it seems to be having. I must say though, we are holding our heads up and searching for the positive in all this. This is certainaly no time to get depressed, it's a long season and we have plenty of time to recover. Some crops will be 75%-80% lost (sugar snap peas) for the season and others, lettuce and greens will be up and running in 2-3 weeks.
You just never know what opportunites lay ahead following a disaster, I like to think there is a higher power out there watching over us, ready to bring us something great when we least expect it. So for now please be patient with us and we will bring you all that wonderful Willie Greens produce as soon as we can.
Posted by Jeff at 04:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 20, 2005
Beaten and bruised
The sky darkened once again and the sky opened up. Although there was only a minute of small hailstones, heavy winds whipped the trees. The downpour of heavy rain lasted about 15 minutes, beating down on our already bruised and tattered crops. Farming is often a lesson in humility and learning how to be small in a very big world. Hmm there was a HUGE clap of thunder when I typed the above line, how apropo.
Posted by Christine at 03:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Massacre at 19501 Tualco Rd
At about 12:30 pm yesterday, me and my crew were rushing to harvest the last of the produce for our two farmers' markets. We were also finishing packing the boxes of a large wholesale order for Charlie's Produce. All the sudden these black clouds seemed to roll in out of nowhere. Our sunny afternoon turned to dusk and within 5 minutes the clouds were on us. There was no time to cover our crops. The clouds brought the most intense hail I've ever seen, along with ferocious winds and rain. The wind was so strong that it pushed the rain and hail 30ft into our covered packing shed. Fifteen minutes of this, we lost power and water. From my experience, I knew what the awesome power of the storm had done, or so I had thought.
Spinach shredded into green confetti.
As the rain died on and the sun shone bright, I took the long walk to survey the damage done. Never had I seen, such destruction, the holes, tears and scrapes that I usually dread seeing after a hail were the least of problems. The storm had literally shredded into tiny pieces, what an hour before were perfect greens. Sparing nothing, it had left only stems on my young greens, and humbling me in an instant.
Corn stalks battered by the hail
This morning as I walked over other field, my eyes filled with tears as the beautiful sugar snaps we had put so much work into, looked like someone had sliced their tops off with a machete. The early corn I was so proud of was a shadow of its former self and the head lettuce I was eager to cut for this weeks market was beaten down to nothing.
To pour salt on the wound, now we must see the disappointment of our loyal customers, who enjoy our produce every week. I only hope they can bear with us during this tragic time.
This is farming and that’s how it goes sometimes. Now before we have time to feel sorry for ourselves we must pick up the pieces and go on. When the going gets tough...
Posted by Brett at 12:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 08, 2005
It has begun
The first two weekend markets are behind us, only 319 more to go this year. It was great to be back in the market with it's high energy and smiling faces. All our customers were so happy to see us and eager to snatch up all those wonderfully sweet and tender spring greens. It is a very satisfying feeling to reconnect with all our customers and we thank all of you for your continued support!
Posted by Jeff at 09:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 06, 2005
12 hours 'til the bell
The sun is setting fast. The last of the greens have been cut and triple washed. Three men's hands race as they begin packing the bags of salad mix by hand. Florencio is rapidly washing the last case of radishes. The old farm van rumbles up the main drive from the other field, bringing in the last of the produce.
It is 9pm now, the "early" crew has just left for the day so they can come back early to load the truck and handle the last minute produce jobs. Two of us stay, hours still left in our work day, as the farm activities move inside to desks and computers.
See you in the morning!
Posted by Christine at 09:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 03, 2005
Surrender
Today's theme has been surrender. There are things that I can create, control or put in place by the time the markets open and things I can't. All those things that we said we would do during the off season of winter? Well, a lot got done but with our winter market/CSA last year and this year's extended market season, the winter felt darn short!
Somethings that we really thought that we would be bringing to the first markets just won't be on the tables. They need another week or so to really mature or to be in sufficient quantity to do a good harvest.
By surrending and accepting that not everything is exactly the way we want it, we can allow ourselves to truly appreciate what is going well. The market tables will have a good variety of tasty produce. We are offering our customers more ways to enjoy the produce. We have the skeleton of our new tracking systems in place. Life is good.
Posted by Christine at 08:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 21, 2005
Patchwork
Brilliantly colored baby lettuce form a vibrant patchwork quilt of color in the greenhouse. These trays are awaiting transplant into our rich and fertile fields.
The Cascades supervise our planters as they transplant the baby lettuce plants.The mountains serve as a beautiful back drop as well as an important role in providing the cool misty mornings that our greens love. Our tender transplants are treated with care and planted by hand. Willie Green's Organic Farm works in a delicate balance of handcrafted farming partnered with mechanized efficiency. While one field is being hand planted, another field is being prepared by tractor for the next planting.
Posted by Christine at 12:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack