Rainy spring to date.

"Officials with the local Farm Service Agency expect the state will declare much of upstate New York a disaster, following three months of very wet weather. The steady rains have prevented farmers from getting all of their crops planted."


There was a threat of frost after Memorial Day Weekend this year - most unusual - just escaped it - 34 degrees!


Our planting has been slowed in the beginning but we are moving ahead - 630 feet rows of tomatoes planted so far with lots of varieties and more planting to follow!


As a CSA member you share crop losses with farmers - but I think we are going to have a good season despite the delayed start.

Membership Waiver

As farmers, we are seeking to preserve land and agriculture and as members, you agree to help us with unconditional support,  which includes, but is not limited to, accepting crop losses and all liability for participation in any and all activities at the farm.

There are waivers to sign before you can walk the fields and pick.  The waivers state that you, as a member, hold harmless the farm and it's owners for any food poisoning and injuries while on the land and properties.  

"I waive all claims against the farm, the farmers, the owners, employees, and agents that the owner might hereafter assert for damages or loss, except for willful misconduct or gross negligence.  I  understand that some of the food is not FDA or Ag and Markets.  I have read this Agreement, Fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and affect.


As a CSA Member - you may ask for a refund if you are unwilling to sign this waiver before you begin UPICK.  

UPICK: 1

"June 02, 2011, 4:06PM

The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for parts of Central New York from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. Friday. The frost could damage sensitive plants and crops."

We covered the tomato plants which were not planted yet - luckily - and picked baby lettuce.

UPICK: 1

List of what is available for UPICK CSA MEMBERS Weekend Sat, Sun, and Mon (6/4th,5th,6th)

This weekend you can pick up /UPICK the following:

1. prewashed bowl of baby mixed lettuce 
2. foraged wild greens such as nettles, mustard, mint, and lambs quarters - see more on utube and "wildman steve brill" and "eat the weeds"!
3. scallions
4. pea shoots and tendrils
5. brick oven pizza
6. local baked goods
7. maple syrup
8. "dutch girl" cheese
9. farm fresh eggs

We will also have your shopping lists to keep track of your selections.

2011 Heirloom Tomato Varieties Custom Grown

Our tomato plants are ready to be planted this week! CSA members will benefit from lots of great red and purple types - mouthwatering sunbursts of flavor in no time! Each member can pick ripe tomatoes beginning around July - harvest is limited to a smaller basket (but still generous) once per week.

We are also selling some of our custom grown tomato plants until June 7th.
The price per plant is .65 - Each order is 16 plants - while supplies last.
Offer open until June 7. Pick up in Utica NH area - email your order.

maximum from this group = 5 of any variety
cuor di bue
pantano romanesco
san marzano
striped roman
cherokee purple

maximum from this group = 1 of any variety
delicious
hazelfield
moneymaker
beauty queem
rei dos
morado
mama leone
black early
black oxheart
black giant
black pear
igneli gigante
illini star
orange purple smudge
vorlon

Custom Greenhouse Plants and UUVA Annual Plant Sale

Almost a decade ago, I approached Russ and Anita of Sirkos Greenhouse to grow our H E I R L O O M - tomatoes and other veggies for us in their greenhouses.  They were generous enough to dedicate a whole greenhouse for our farm

 - and to this day we are still working together!  It is great to see a small scale greenhouse - hands on family working together - and be able to purchase such vibrant plants to kick off our season.  Our first pick up was over 600 plants...with many more over the next few days.  We need to "harden" them off before they can be planted in the fields.  By working together -we support the local economy and essentially help create a village like the one featured in Vermont.  They have added a great store with seeds for sale - soon they will carry heirloom seeds from Baker Creek, we hope.  Best Wishes for continued success.  Thank you members of the Upper Unadilla Valley Assoc. for helping to preserve this beautiful valley and all of it's beauty, natural habitat, and wildlife - as today is their annual plant sale.  And thank you members for supporting small scale farmers, artisans and bakers!

http://www.uuva.org/
http://www.romesentinel.com/news?newsid=20110513-142034

Ramps are In - Goats are Out!

Happy Spring!
Ramps are picked with a limit per member of 2 bunches (quantity same as shown here!) cleaned and ready for one more washing when you get them home.  Quantity is limited.  I roasted them and ate with Pasta e Olio.  Please contact me to reserve your bunches - if you want some - I am delivering these since that is the only item available right now.

Drop off point.
For members in Utica/NH area, we need a drop off point - a store with refrigeration would be best - for those rare occasions you need a delivery.  I will try and find one but any member who has a suggestion - please let me know.

Our goats are out in their newly fenced pasture, 

covered with a variety of good eatings - the wild roses, thorn apple, the more thicket the more they like it, with some grass here and there.  Lots of varied terrain so they don't get bored and best of all - rocks to climb!  Here's the happy HERD!!  

Make sure to look for them near the store when you visit on Sat, Sun, or Mon after Memorial Day weekend - the start of our weekly CSA -  the store will be stocked and more greens are foraged...

UPICK - HARVEST DAYS

 - harvest days will generally be held on SAT, SUN, & MON - we are doing this so we can be available and minimize traffic -if you need a harvest day not shown here - please let us know in advance- we will try and work with your schedule as best we can