Something changes in the air on the farm the day the high tunnels are turned from a tomato jungle into a nursery for beets and carrots. Fall must really be on its way, and days like yesterday are just a fleeting reminder of summer. One of the best parts of summer was getting to know each of you and your families, how you came to know the Farm, and what you love the most about CSA. Every email you send, and comment you post online, touches all of our crew, far beyond just those you see at your pickup sites!
Some of you may remember Farmer Collin from Winter CSA last year. He was still new to his post then, having moved all the way from Michigan to take over as Farm Manager here at Willowsford. After almost a year as our fearless leader, his favorite moments so far have been the large-scale plantings that mark the change in seasons: spring and fall brassicas. The total transformation of the fields in just a few hours is a heady rush like no other.
John stepped into the position of Assistant Manager at the same time as Collin, albeit from closer stomping grounds in Pennsylvania. He has a ready smile appreciated by the whole crew, and all our animals. In addition to the livestock and the dogs, he is the resident insect expert, carefully nurturing imported ladybugs to protect our crops and the honeybee hives that thrive in little colonies throughout the farm. While coping with the heat of Virginian summer, John discovered a newfound appreciation for thirst-quenching watermelon. In his words, “They should be…eaten sloppily, like a happy child, outside.”
Our last new addition in 2019 was Rory, an experienced crew member from the famous Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in New York. Rory farms as she does everything- with gusto! Many of the candid photos of the fields and crew you see on our Instagram are courtesy of her talented eye. Some of her proudest moments at Willowsford have been behind the wheels of our massive tractors, as John and Collin teach her to fine-tune her driving.
Every farm should be lucky enough to have veterans like Lex, Nate, and James on its crew. Lex, our livestock manager, is a quietly reassuring presence at the lunch table and in the livestock barns. All his years of expertise are helping our breeding program for Willowsford “Mangalitsa” piglets off to a strong start. Nate is both a farmer and an erstwhile butcher, with the soul of a chef. He makes miracles with a hot plate! Last but never least is James; when he’s not working in the fields, he builds computers and software programs that track everything from weather to freezer temps.
The veggies you’ve enjoyed are ‘fruits’ of the labor of a talented, dedicated crew. Each member brings something unique to both field and table; we are fortunate to have found exactly the right pieces for a seamless, productive team this season. No matter what we each gravitate to after the sun sets on the barn and hoop houses, every day we’re bound by the love of growing food for each of you. We hope it’s a love you can see and taste in every box.
Eat Well Today and Be Well Always,
Ashley, Collin, John, Rory, Nate, James, Lex, Alexandra, the farm dogs, the piglets, and the happy hens
