Welcome to week 4! It has been quite the year for us so far here down on the farm. Record heat has taken its toll on both workers and crops throughout the first part of the year. The longevity of the heat wave in June was especially brutal with very few days below 90. You can imagine the impact this has on early crops that we normally think of as “cool season.” Cabbages, Kales, Parsley, Broccoli etc, have all taken hits due to not having the weather they prefer. Of course, the other side of that coin is that the heat loving crops are all looking wonderful in the fields. Watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn all look to be strong producers for us this year! We're excited for what will hopefully be a tidal wave of product soon to hit us.
Here's a few pics from around the farm this week:
We've been working on our high tunnel tomatoes, pruning and tying them for their best success
One of our winter squash plantings on the ridge.
Olegario found this guy inside one of our high tunnels!
Often times it can be hard to stay motivated in the heat with the crops not producing the way we want to see in a perfect situation. Around this time of year we try to stay focused on the small wins, trusting in them to build momentum into further success around the farm. So many things are out of our control and all we can do is trust in the plan that we’ve put detailed consideration into.
I cannot say enough how much we appreciate our CSA members who walk with us through this. Continuing your support throughout the lengthy season is what keeps us working. Having members that understand the complexity and unpredictability of vegetable farming in the Midwest, yet decide to be our supporters regardless is invaluable to us as a farm business.
I hope this break from the heat is doing as many wonders for you all as it is for us down here!
As a bonus note I asked one of our harvest leads, Victor, if he had anything to say to our CSA members. His response: “Muchas gracias por su apoyo. Comprando los productos de Featherstone. cada manojo, cada bolsa que va en las cajas lo hacemos pensando que es para nuestro familia. Con mucho amor y tratando de aselo lo major que se pueda para que sea de su agrado.” Which in English is: “Thank you very much for your support. For buying Featherstone products. Every bunch, every bag that goes in the boxes we are thinking that it’s for your families. With lots of love, and trying to handle it the best we can for your liking!”
Me and Victor with his nephew Jordan
Thanks again and I hope you enjoy your share!
Nathan
Operations Manager
