Looks like we're well on our way to the peak of summer; the heat is settling in, no rain in the forecast, and the zucchini and yellow squash are surpassing their expectations! Now is the time to really start looking forward to what is coming this season. With the peas winding down (after picking 400 pounds last week), the beans will be the next most labor-intensive crop to pick. We're keeping a close eye on our carrots and beets have arrived for those of you who love that deep red root crop. Even though things are still weedy around here, everything is looking beautiful!
Speaking of weeds and harvesting, we must say we wouldn't be able to do it all in a week without the help of our employees. So this week we'd like to take the time to introduce them to you all!
First up is John Bailey, who is full-time and started working back in late-March pruning grape vines, seeding in the greenhouse and planting lettuce in our hoophouses. John is currently on the quest of a new career in farming, with plans to start his own farm this fall and into next year. He was raised in Petoskey, enrolled in the Army and served in Afghanistan and even lived and worked in Alaska. An avid hunter, if there is something heavy to move with Brendan, he's our go-to guy.
Derek Sturvist is our part-time farm hand who reached out to us for a job this summer after graduating from Central Michigan University in May. He wrote us an eloquent email and we just couldn't say no to him. After graduation, Derek had the desire to come back to Cheboygan and get to work; he also works part-time at the Cheboygan Golf and Country Club. Even though he graduated with a degree in philosophy, he has a passion for the environment/sustainability and homesteading, which is why he approached us for employment. He never says no and always puts a smile on our faces!
After working with us last year, we apparently did not scare away our next door neighbor, Elizabeth Harke. She asked us back in January if she could work part-time again, and after being impressed by her work ethic last year (she's only 15), we couldn't say no. Elizabeth will be a sophomore in high school this fall and is one of the most involved and outgoing students we've met. During the summer, she continues cross-country training, attends summer camp at Michigan Tech University and will participate in band camp, all while putting in long hours at the farm. She definitely adds interest to the conversations and we always know she's on her way by the sound of her mini bike!
Over the winter we had much debate on whether or not to continue the workshare positions, which members could work on the farm every week and in return receive a free share. After much thought, we decided it would be best to hire two people instead to help with the washing and packing. We didn't think it'd be easy to find people to fill a 4 hour/week or a 12 hour/week position, but within a day after posting the job descriptions we had a handful of interested people! And we must say we found two great people for the jobs:
Rebecca Bauer has been one of our members for four years now and hails from St. Ignace. She originally is from South Dakota and moved to St. Ignace about ten years ago, working with the park system in the area. She enjoys watching Bridger play with the water while she's cleaning the veggies and loves our sunflower shoots. We're glad she's here to help scrub veggies, wash and pack greens and even pack the farm share boxes.
Lastly, Christine Viets has joined us on Tuesday afternoons for our busiest day of washing and packing produce. Chris spends her summers here in Cheboygan on Mullett Lake and returns to Eastern Montana for the winters. She also volunteers her time at the Lord's kitchen in Cheboygan and is constantly on the move while she's here.
There are several moving parts to a farm, but we'd say the people are the ones who really make it run smoothly. We're glad we found each and every one of our employees this year!
Have a great week!
-Brendan & Greta
