It might be deep winter outside but I am keeping my brain warm and fuzzy inside these days. The most important part about seasonal farming is definitely the off season. It's when we learn and really grow.
Last week I pot-lucked with a clan of local veggie farmers over in Plymouth. We talked about everything from member eating preferences to marketing. It was that marketing conversation that prompted me to ask some of you for your feedback. And WOW let me tell you, I have been busy! Over 50 of you reached out and will be giving me your feedback. I can't tell you how much it warms my cold winter heart to hear about how much people love Park Ridge Organics and our produce.
Earlier this week I headed down to Watertown to meet with my Farm Viability Circle (yep thats a thing). Thanks to the Angelic Organics Learning Center in Illinois, myself and 3 other southern Wisconsin farms get a little grant funding to help us during our farm businesses financial journey. We talk and compare techniques that we use for geeky financial stuff. You know topics like cash flow, budgeting, financial ratios and tax structure. It was super exhausting on the brain but I feel extra special to be a part of this group.
This weekend myself along with farm managers Becky and Jeff drive south (to Madison!) to attend the Organic Vegetable Production Conference. For two glorious days we get to learn all about how to grow stuff! It's a veggie farmers paradise. From leek spacing to hot water baths for seeds, our brains will be expanding at a rapid rate I am sure. Yours truly will be on a panel talking dirt about beets. Who knew that life could be so exciting?!
But the most exciting thing coming up in the next few weeks is something that YOU CAN ATTEND. On February 20th the Illuminating Women exhibit at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts will be opening. This is a heartfelt show with 30 of our local women being highlighted. Our very own long time member, Juliane Troicki is one of the creators along with past member Laura Schnieder. These women are themselves an inspiration for putting this show together. As one of the featured women, I personally would like to invite you all. I will be there giving out free hugs and smiles. The opening reception will be February 20th from 6pm-8pm. The show will run through the end of March. But I will not be there that whole time giving out hugs.
Thanks for reading everyone and stay warm out there!
Robyn
Farm Owner
P.S. If you haven't signed up for your 2020 Customizable Vegetable Share yet you still have time! We have about 160 shares of our 400 share limit remaining. So don't drag your feet too long or you might miss out. Don't forget that you only need to pay 25% now and the rest during the share season (June-October). So go on and GET CLICKING: VEGETABLE SHARE SIGN UP.
