Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Featherstone CSA this year. Your support helps us in so many ways. I have had a lot of time on the tractor lately as I finished the final planting of the 15 acres of carrots we grow, and have spent much of that time reflecting on the year. To say the least, it has been a strange one. We are all facing new challenges and struggles in our daily lives, but when I really think about it, this has been one of the best seasons I’ve had at Featherstone. While life is very different now than it was months ago, I see a lot of beauty in our new “normal”.
A few weeks ago my brother sent me a message: “The summer CSA box is a game changer. This will definitely add a few years to our lives.” I was glad they were enjoying the boxes, and then I thought about why they are enjoying them more this year than in the past. I have concluded that time is the answer to that question. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful thing the pandemic has given all of us. We now suddenly have more time to spend cooking, eating, and appreciating the beauty of food and the process of creating a meal from start to finish. That appreciation for food, the knowledge that food nourishes not only your body but also your soul, is why I farm. The pandemic has taught me to appreciate the beauty in the small things: a walk through the corn field at 6 am, a crew that is there to lift you up day after day, the first ripe tomato of the season. These are the things that keep us going, the reason we can work 12 hours and show up bright and early again the next day. We couldn’t do any of it without the support of our members, and for that I am grateful.
I wouldn’t be a good Direct Seed Crop Manager without leaving you a note on the fall crops you will be seeing in your late summer boxes. I seeded the first fall spinach yesterday, and am looking forward to those sweet greens as the nights begin to cool down. Hakurei turnips will be in your boxes soon. I love to eat these sweet crunchy turnips raw or baked into “Hakurei Fries.” Luscious fall cilantro is just around the corner—right on time to go with fresh tomatoes and peppers for your favorite summer salsa. Arugula and Mustards are getting seeded next week to add a little spice to your greens rotation. Fall storage crops are growing nicely and promising a nice selection for your winter CSA boxes. (It’s never too early to start thinking about securing your winter share of fresh veggies!) This week, let’s all take a little time to appreciate the beauty in the small things, and focus on the ways this change of pace has enriched your life.
Thanks again for your support,
Ellen Russo
Direct Seed Crop Manager
p.s. Ellen seeding and the watermelon harvest!
Ellen seeding our fall carrots!
Watermelon harvest!
