2012, Here We Come

I must say, it’s been quite a year. Consider this photo that Craig’s co-workers created when he left Mithun to farm full time (they were very sad to see him go but also very excited for him):

 

 

 

 

 

And this photo, recently, when he’s somewhat sleep-deprived “shaggy farmer,” with no time to get a haircut (or trim his beard).

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, it’s been quite a year. It reminds me of being a first-time parent. You have a steep learning curve and read all about it, but nothing can really prepare you for what it’s going to be like (loss of sleep and all).

This year, with wonderful support from people all over the Island and beyond we’ve built a strong chicken CSA, selling a chicken-a-month to over 50 people. We’ve sold out our first batch of pork to a number of very enthusiastic takers. We’re selling eggs to an increasing number of subscribers and our eggs are now regularly available at Pane d’Amore in Lynnwood Center. We sold heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving.

At the end of the summer, we had a wonderful pasture picnic open house. In the fall, we had a barn dance for Blakely Elementary families as a fundraiser for their EduCulture farm plot.

Right now, we’re carefully watching all the animals as winter blows in–the wind at the farm can be quite a force of nature. We’re extremely eager to have the pigs winter housing completed so they can better stay out of the weather. We’re feeding the cattle to make sure they are staying warm and maintaining their body condition. We’re monitoring the hens and our meat chickens to make sure they are healthy and happy. We also have extremely attentive neighbors and knowledgeable friends who freely share their expertise.

Naturally we are in a place that is home to many other creatures, like hawks, coyotes and raccoons. Fortunately our losses so far have been few. But as winter continues, the wild hunger will increase so we’re respectfully watchful.

Next on the horizon, we are planning for vegetables. It will be a push to have everything planned and planted on time, but we hope to have enough vegetables for a 30 member CSA come spring.

As we look back on the year, I think Craig and I can both agree that it has been both exhilarating and overwhelming at times. The best has been the constant learning and focusing on something that we are very passionate about–healthy food that comes from healthy land and animals. Just as amazing has been meeting so many good people in this community who share our enthusiasm and commitment to values-based eating.

And you may wonder, what’s our least favorite thing about all this? Bookkeeping, permitting, licensing and taxes. Not quite so fun, but still doable.

In closing I’d like to share the grace we typically say at our table: “Thank you to all the beings who have contributed to this meal.”

Thanks to all of you and blessings in the New Year!

P.S. Come see us this Friday or Saturday between 3 and 6 at 5145 McDonald Ave. We’ll be selling whole oven-ready chickens. For future chicken availability, see our new calendar–you can click on the bolded dates and then add them to your calendar.