Hi there,
I know this is late coming out. You and I both are trying to learning the Harvie website. To make a long story short, there is so much that is new this week. We are full on into our fall squash season. We have a full array of spagetting squash (which you got last week) but we also have in abundance butternut squash, the highly saught after Diacata squash and a uniquely coloured and full flavoured acorn squash. Along with some crisp green beans, there is at last some nice romaine heads, nutrient rich rutabega and ofcourse, yellow and red onions. The hang up came with the tomatoes which we still have in abundance. It really has been a most excellent year. We sorted through the many bins and in your share will be some lovely number 1, table ready tomatoes. Now we also sorted out number 2's or in culinary slang... the saucers for those of you who are wanting to can. Finally, we have the green tomatoes in this department so don't hesitate you to indicate your preference. Some of you like green tomatoes to make relish so size doesn't matter. Others.... are doing the fried green tomato thing and you will want the nice large ones. We have both..so don't be shy. Because Harvie Farms has an algorithim that fills your share if you don't do that for yourself. So I am keeping the grade 2's and the greens out of the share just so those who want it ..can have it. There are also some very nice pumpkins ... which are simply too large to carry about so they are available at the farm for pick up only. These things will be listed in the farmgate store for purchase. How to do that that is best for you..I am still sorting out. I am working on having that in place for tomorrow as this is getting too late as it is.
Some of you asked questions about our potato harvest and how we do that. Well that is a particularily interesting story so I thought I would include it here for you. As good as this week is...NEXT week is the infamous, Mike's Garden Harvest Thanksgiving share. I literally plan the season around it so I hope you are ready.
Enjoy this weeks share folks. Of there are any issues the best way to communicate is to write me at mike@mikesgardenharvest.com
But to answer your potato harvester question and to leave with you with a little bit of farm lore... here is the story:
It was a 1927 Moody Potato Beater. Manufactured with pride by Moody and son. Originally designed to be horse pulled and since modified slightly to be drawn by tractor. Built sturdy and built to last. Simple in design really. As the cogged steel wheels move along with a steel shovel that digs into the soil and cuts under the hill of potatoes. The wheel shaft is geared and drives a large rotating 6 arm head that runs through the loosened dirt and kicks out the potatoes into the open wheel track. Then it is just a simple matter of picking up the freed potatoes. Compared to digging potatoes by hand this was piece of sophisticated machinery is magic and I was about to buy me one.
5 years ago now..at the Boyd farm that was just beside ours was having an auction. Finally throwing in the towel, property sold and all his equipment was in a line. The quick-tongued auctioneer was working fast and furiously drawing out the best of his gathering. I had already eyed up my prize and circled it a few times as if marking my territory. They were working their way down the line. A manure spreader, a few wagons and a plow. I had 650 dollars in my pocket which was over half of what I had in the bank.
Finally, the procession made their way to my section. I was starting to get nervous. I had been to auctions with my Father but never on my own and never as a buyer. I tried to breathe deep to relax and remember the rules of purchase I had set out for myself. The rhymic voice in the background: Gimmie 200...gimmie 200...anyone..goingto... 250...I got 250...NOW 300 who has got 300...ok... 275 ...let me have 275.. SOLD!!!
I jumped! It was going to be my turn. Suddenly I felt the whole world was wanting what I was wanting. Remain calm I told myself.
The auctioneer chuckled affectionately looking at this piece of steel. I saw a few others looking at it with a bit of a smile, remembering. "Now boys....I know she isn't much to look at...but she'll work hard for you and you'll never have to dig in your garden again. They don't build them like this anymore..."
The next few minutes were a blur. From the moment I confidently nodded my head showing the rest that I meant business the light of attention was upon me. There was another but I was determined. I was quickly side saddled by one of the auctioneer ‘spotters’ to make sure nothing was lost and to be my unsolicited wingman urging me on.
"Do I have 150....ok 200? good... 200 it is now 225... 275 YES SIR!!! This man knows what he wants... anyone else... anyone.... 300!!
(darn I thought to myself... clamping tigher onto my wad of cash) The seasoned auctioneer looked back at me... with resolve I nodded. "325 then .... I have 325.. do I have 350?" He was looking off into the crowd away from me. "350... are you sure.... just... no??"
Then he looked back at me pointing his boney finger, "SOLD!!! 325 to that man right there!"
Wow. It was really mine. My heart was pounding and I was a little light headed as I gave my particulars to the fellow beside me who had his clipboard out. The procession shuffled onto the next piece of equipment which happened to be the mate of my harvester. The single row planter.
Now, I have seen the harvester in action but I had never seen the planter work and so I wasn't so sure about that.
Once again, the auctioneer started to work his magic. He was about 5' 5. He had eyes that sparkled sharp like diamonds and his body shifted and jumped as he pointed and drew the crowd who seemed almost compelled to respond to his will.
"We are at the planter now here folks.... a very useful piece of equipment, who is going to give me a 150 for it? No... 75..." I felt all eyes on me. I felt my cash... bit my lip and nodded.
"HA!!! 75..100.. good 125..."
I froze and shook it off. But the auctioneer wasn't having any of this. He stopped the auction putting both hands straight out and remained dramatically stood in that pose for a moment like he was holding back the waters. He then solemnly removed his hat and looked me straight into my eyes from his lofty position on the wagon. He cleared his throat and with a very deliberate tone he spoke directly to me.
"Sir, I know you have bought the harvester. That was a good purchase. Now with all due respect to your agricultural expertise I have to tell you, if you don't plant it, you can't harvest it!!!" With that bit of insight he put his hat back on triumphantly and without breaking his gaze, "so now.... do I have $125???"
The crowd was chuckling and I grinned and nodded. It quickly went up in price and that was fine.. I got what I came for. I drifted back from the crowd and proudly stood by the very first piece of farming equipment I have ever bought.
That was 7 years ago now and to this day, that 1927 Moody Potato beater stoically lumbers along behind my Massey, kicking out over an acre of potatoes for us to harvest and for you to enjoy :-)
~Michael
