This week, the team toured a local farm that has a much bigger operation than we have. We have worked with them some in the past and see the owners at educational events, but we had never really seen their farm or understood how their operation works. This other farm a has a 200 member CSA program and they have 25 acres of vegetable production going from March until November. They have equipment that I really want to at least try out, some that I know I want to buy. They operate smoothly and efficiently, maintaining 5 times more crop with the same amount of crew members.But the more we walked around and the more questions we asked, I realized just how special Ashbourne is and how amazing our CSA program is.
We grow over 6 different varieties of tomatoes plus our cherry tomatoes. We produce Celery and grow 3 different types of green beans. We are able to extend our growing season and our CSA program last about 6-8 weeks longer than the average CSA in the area. We have greenhouses that allow us to have a winter CSA program. If you walk around our fields, you will see the same crop being grown two or three different ways. We are able to try different methods and grow experimental crops, like peanuts (We did harvest them last year, but our storage system for them was not mouse proof). Yes, we have weeds and crop failures and work crazy hours (what farm doesn't). But we do it all with sustainable methods that have minimal impact on our land. They use heavy equipment for almost every task. We aren't limited to just one variety because we know it works and don't want to risk a failure with another type. They only grown on variety of everything, with no room to play. This other farm has an amazing program and impressive operation and I really respect what they do, but after seeing their farm, I feel like ours is more personal.
I feel like Ashbourne is a multiple family farm. I know that my daughter will spend the vast majorities of her summers here. My husband and I aren't the only couple that works on this farm. Our show barn is filled with pictures and memories from the past and we have equipment that really needs to be cleaned up and put on display, some has already been put on display. Ashbourne Farms is a really amazing place with an amazing history and an awesome group of people taking care of it. And by participating in our CSA, you are all apart of it too. With out you, I wouldn't be doing what I love. Thank you!
