Farm Update 9/18/11

Yes this is really a farm update! Wow, what a season we have had! There have been a lot of changes, some we are excited about, and some that we are sort of sad about. The CSA program for 2011 is about to come to an end; October 5th will be the last day. Currently we have many new fall crops coming in, and they are doing very well with the cooler weather! We have learned a lot this year, like grow tomatoes under cover or don't get attached to having them around! Our tomato crop this season was a huge failure, but the good thing about failure crops is that you reeducate yourselves heavily so that is is sure (almost sure anyway) to not happen again. The main change for the months to come here is that we are putting all of our efforts into our soap company. It has been about 2 years since we have had a growth spurt and we are finally ready! This is a very exciting time as we watch things fall into place that we have been envisioning for quite a while. Overall, our farming experience has been very good, and very fun, and we do not plan on stopping altogether, but we do not plan on doing a 2012 CSA program. It has been very rewarding to be able to supply fresh veggies for 34 families during this season, and we are sad that we will not be able to have a 2012 program. However, we know of several excellent farms in the area to choose from for a 2012 program! Farms that we often refer to as our "farm mentors". I am positive that we will have extra produce at the markets next season and hopefully the Wilkes market will continue. The Wilkesboro market had a great strong start, but lately it has fizzled out to just a few people, and from a vendors point of view, it is very saddening. Markets can only continue if the people want it! The town of Wilkesboro has put a lot of time and energy into creating an environment that is very appealing, along with a talented number of vendors who love interacting and helping the community, so support them! We do have a lot great local business's in the area as well that need your support as well, it's been a tough year! Thankfully most of us are dedicated to helping in whatever way we can, so the economic status does not determine our values! So spread the word, we wanted local and we got it, so let's keep it! Ok, as far as the farm goes, we are currently harvesting a lot of sweet potatoes. There are 5 varieties and we have loved all of them so far! The purple  sweets are definitely very pretty to look at in a meal, and the whites are rare, so it's exciting to have them as well. we grew 2 other kinds that we have enjoyed as well, Bush Porto Ricans, and Georgia Jets. We also have an abundance of whole chickens available. Hopefully we will be updating a little more regularly as we grow! Let us know what you would like for the Tuesday drop off at Talias at 5pm. Otherwise you can make arrangements for a farm pick up. Have a good week! -Dale

Sweet Potatoes - $2.50/lb. (Red, pink, white, purple, orange)
Whole Chicken - $3.00/lb. (on sale!)