They say you never get a second chance at making a first impression. We are keenly aware how excited everyone is to get their share and to unpack it seeing all the fresh vegetables that they have so carefully selected. If we make even the smallest mistake packing..something not quite up to par, or something miscounted ..well, it is a disappointment. Even though we work hard to make up for it, it really isn't quite the same as getting it right first try. Hours upon hours of work and dollars spent go down the drain with one simple error. This is the challenge of the packing crew.
Every morning, with a sleepy smile, the ladies faithfully arrive often with coffee in hand. Brienna, Taylor and Summer who have known each other from childhood make their way to the trailer. We are so fortunate to have them with us.
They start their day peering at the daily pick list that is posted and carefully start going over the bins of vegetables that are waiting to be broken down into bags or bunches. Everything has to be carefully graded and ready to go. It is about the count. Do we really have enough for the run? Once the tables are set, much like a buffet, the gals pick up your customized order and start moving down the line building it. Linh double checks and everything is carefully placed into our reusable grocery bags, label up and placed into a bin which is numbered to correspond. It is all in the details. Lift your head to answer a question or let your mind drift and just that easily a mistake can be made.
The day concludes with a complete tidy up and wash down so we are reset to do it all again for tomorrow. Great job ladies!
Historically, I have spent hours responding with apologies via email and driving all over the city on a Saturday instead of farming, making up for packing mistakes that have been made. This year, because of these three who have leaned in and really made an effort, that problem has been almost none existent. I can't tell you how great it feels to check a bag as it is placed on your doorstep and seeing something that we are all proud of :-)
The very, very last of the planting happens next week and then it is a matter of keeping ahead of the weeds, irrigating and walking the entire expanse of the fields with an eagle eye making sure everything is as it should be. Has hard as this season has been to get going, we are definitely catching up and we are very pleased to see how things are growing. We can't rest now...there is too much at stake and we want a strong finish!
The season is maturing, and the fields are truly looking great and the choices for you are broadening. Fresh peaches from Niagra are ready this week. They are harvested and shipped in their prime and I meet the truck at 4:30 in the morning. We will do that for just a couple of weeks so you might want to make the most of it. More of you than ever are customizing and that is great! Enjoy :-)
~Michael
