We're nearly in the thick of summer crops - we've got a taste of tomatoes in shares this week (WAY more to come, plants just always start slow), the mercury is rising, the irrigation pumps are running. This is the time of year, with both the heat and amount of work that makes a farmer weary. Our crew (who are wonderful) looked a little tired this morning when we had our mini crew meeting, and I know I was dragging. I can't tell you how grateful I am that these few hot days are falling on days off for the crew. When it gets this hot - I get worried. 95 degrees can be lovely if you like the heat and you're in the shade or a pool or a hammock with a sea breeze, but in an open field, exposed to the sun, working hard, it's dangerous. And there just isn't much work this time of year that isn't in the sun. Anyway, I'm glad this steamy heatwave is strategically placed on the weekend. I know Eric, Iona, and I will probably be down by the river with our feet/whole bodies in the mud.
Please note, that we don't recommend visiting the Upick this weekend. There is limited shade, and it's pretty exposed. If you are committed to coming, you are welcome, please bring water, hats, sunscreen, and more water:) Check for a full update in our next email regarding the UPick and farm events to follow.
To beat the heat here on the farm, we have a few strategies that make the days more bearable:
1)Do strenuous tasks early while it's still cool, or at least before the hottest part of the day: around 2-3 PM. Sometimes we even start extra early to skip this part of the day all-together.
2)Extra water and shade breaks to get our body temps down.
3) SWIM, mostly after work, but the river is a major source of cooling goodness for us and for the crew.
See you soon!
Bethany and Eric
