We are back from Honduras with a bit more vitamin D and the pace of tropical life. We look around at all there is to do and slowly make lists of “honey to do” and start to plan for the up- coming season. Most of the seed orders are in, at least the big ones. We are clearing out the hoop houses one at a time, getting them ready to seed and transplant in the next weeks so that production is in full gear by our season come mid-April. Juvencio is busy thinking about how to control the rogue chickens that have grown-up roaming the farm. They will need an enclosure to train them to stay put and stop eating every green sprout that pops up.
The goats started kidding early this season. I assured Cynthia and Andy (members who farm sat for us while we were away) that the goats would not kid while we were away and low and behold on boxing day they found kids all over the loafing barn. Over the course of the next few days 3 does delivered and we have 5 surviving kids. Diego’s champion goat “Buehla” had quadruplets and two bucks survived, “Chello” had a single strong doe and “Mapache” had 2 does. All are doing well as we wait for 10 – 12 more does to deliver. I sound unsure as there are 2 does that may or may not be pregnant. There are three first time moms this year which is always a bit dicey.
We are busy filling up the rooster with members for the 2012 season set to start April 15. We still have about 14 spaces available with a few ½ shares (every other week pick-up). We aim for 65 shares this season. We encourage current members to tell their friends and neighbors about our CSA and to call us with any questions. You folks are the best to spread the word as your experience speaks volumes to what membership is really like.
If you are interested in purchasing meat (beef, pork and lamb) get your orders in early. We will have beef this spring (potentially a lot of hamburger) and lamb and pork in the fall to winter. We may also try chickens if we can get an enclosure that works.
Upcoming community events on the farm include:
1) Pruning party – Sunday January 22 from 9 – 2 come lend a hand at getting the orchard in good shape for the upcoming year. We will have a great time learning about pruning and sharing a potluck lunch. There will be plenty of jobs that are not up in the trees and are kid friendly as we clean up from last season and prepare for the upcoming planting.
2) Opening Potluck and pizza party – Sunday April 15 3-6 pm: farm tours, orientation for new and old members, square dancing and more. Put it on your calendar and join us on that day as we kick off the 2012 season.
3) First harvest: April 16 for Monday pick- up, April 19 for Thursday pick-up, get ready for greens!!
We will keep you all posted on farm happenings, have a great January.