I spent the good part of today in the field. I ended up doing three rows of peas. I actually had more seed than I needed which I hope is not a portend of things to come. In addition, I planted some potatoes and shallots. Yesterday I planted the scallions.
The soil temperature fluctuated between 50 and 60 degrees for most of the day. The overcast afternoon was a bummer.
I had to go to Roork's Farm Supply in Elmer to get some seed and inoculate. What a place! They have every thing there you need and the ride is nice. Sure beats paying shipping and waiting a few days for it to come in the mail.
Tomorrow is supposed to be nicer. We will probably try out the plastic mulch and drip lines. I'm not sure if the lettuce, spinach and broccoli are ready for this weather as they are still small.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
First post of 2013 - is anybody out there?
This is my first blog of 2013. It has been almost a year since I wrote the last one. It's a long story not worth going into.
We are preparing things on the farm liking getting the ground ready, liming and fertilizing. The garlic is up and growing nicely. The first set of onions is in the ground but not by choice. I left them in the house too long and they started to grow because of the warmth. So I had no other choice but to plant them or let them rot. I took the lesser of two evils. It was nice out last week and I put them in the ground. They have the frost covering on them so we'll see what comes up. I bought another three pounds of Super Sweets and put them in the shed so I don't make the same mistake twice.
Normally, it is time to plant the peas. But it has been very cool and it is supposed to rain today and tomorrow. I am erring on the side of caution and waiting a bit until the weather is dry and warm for a longer stretch. I don't need rotting seed in the ground at this point if I can help it.
We have purchased some equipment to help in our downsizing of the farm. Downsizing is normally a bad word in business but we have been getting smaller and more efficient. We don't have to grow as many things as we did five years ago because we no longer cater to restaurants.
We are preparing things on the farm liking getting the ground ready, liming and fertilizing. The garlic is up and growing nicely. The first set of onions is in the ground but not by choice. I left them in the house too long and they started to grow because of the warmth. So I had no other choice but to plant them or let them rot. I took the lesser of two evils. It was nice out last week and I put them in the ground. They have the frost covering on them so we'll see what comes up. I bought another three pounds of Super Sweets and put them in the shed so I don't make the same mistake twice.
Normally, it is time to plant the peas. But it has been very cool and it is supposed to rain today and tomorrow. I am erring on the side of caution and waiting a bit until the weather is dry and warm for a longer stretch. I don't need rotting seed in the ground at this point if I can help it.
We have purchased some equipment to help in our downsizing of the farm. Downsizing is normally a bad word in business but we have been getting smaller and more efficient. We don't have to grow as many things as we did five years ago because we no longer cater to restaurants.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
It's getting close to that time
Technically, we have been farming since February. But come this week, I switch into farming as my full-time occupation.
School ends on Thursday. That is also the opening of the market in Margate. Dad and Donna will be going to sell what we have to this point. Considering that we went from no winter into summer, it's a miracle that you can count on anything for long.
Strawberries and asparagus are memories. Both came in early and both went out early. The string beans we have are looking fantastic but they are also earlier than usual. The good thing about early stuff is that it satisfies your customers who long for the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season. You would think that would make me happy but to be honest, I would rather see everything come in at its time and last awhile.
Anyway, it is about this time of the year when I use my pet phrase, "School is getting in the way of my farmwork." I'm usually ready to kick this crop of students out of the nest and welcome the new ones in two months. But I have grown fond of this group and will miss them. So I want to savor every moment that we have left together. They all want me to move up a grade to fourth but that won't be possible.
So come Friday morning, I will turn into Farmer Ed Fulltime. It seems like the summer is already half over and I will be just jumping in the fray.
The hardneck garlic got hit with a fungus that is affecting garlic all over the Northeast. The softneck seems OK but it is a bummer realizing that our garlic will not be as plentiful and as beautiful as last year's crop.
The second planting of beets is shaping up nicely. As are the second planting of carrots. Squash is fair but I am not worried about that; everybody and his grandmother has squash. Corn will be ready before the 4th of July. I can't ever remember that happening before.
School ends on Thursday. That is also the opening of the market in Margate. Dad and Donna will be going to sell what we have to this point. Considering that we went from no winter into summer, it's a miracle that you can count on anything for long.
Strawberries and asparagus are memories. Both came in early and both went out early. The string beans we have are looking fantastic but they are also earlier than usual. The good thing about early stuff is that it satisfies your customers who long for the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season. You would think that would make me happy but to be honest, I would rather see everything come in at its time and last awhile.
Anyway, it is about this time of the year when I use my pet phrase, "School is getting in the way of my farmwork." I'm usually ready to kick this crop of students out of the nest and welcome the new ones in two months. But I have grown fond of this group and will miss them. So I want to savor every moment that we have left together. They all want me to move up a grade to fourth but that won't be possible.
So come Friday morning, I will turn into Farmer Ed Fulltime. It seems like the summer is already half over and I will be just jumping in the fray.
The hardneck garlic got hit with a fungus that is affecting garlic all over the Northeast. The softneck seems OK but it is a bummer realizing that our garlic will not be as plentiful and as beautiful as last year's crop.
The second planting of beets is shaping up nicely. As are the second planting of carrots. Squash is fair but I am not worried about that; everybody and his grandmother has squash. Corn will be ready before the 4th of July. I can't ever remember that happening before.
Monday, May 21, 2012
It has been awhile since I have posted a blog. But in juggling my teaching job with our farm and my family things tend to be hectic this time of year.
We started the market on Saturday at Moorestown. We had a good day but sales were off compared to past markets. I attribute this to the ecomony, novelty of farmer's markets wearing off for most so that only the people who have committed are coming and an oversaturation of farmers markets in the area.
Luckily, our sales are now generated by return business. I saw very few new shoppers at our table on Saturday. This is good and not good. The good part is that we are strong enough to continue every week to do well. The bad part is that opportunities for new customers has shrinken to the point that could hurt us in the future. Just looking at the demographics of our customer base there it is older people who are settled and look forward to shopping at the market every week. The younger families are not showing up like they did in the past and this will be problem if it continues in the future.
Our CSA also kicked off last week. It was nice to see our returning customers and to meet new people who are trying us for the first time. Our building has been spruced up and we continue to update it so that when people come to pick up their stuff it is fresh and convenient for their perusal. It was nice to see Deb and Bob back from their European jaunt. Looking forward to hearing Deb's food tales every week.
We did have a bump in the road but we were able to overcome it. Virtua Hospital System had agreed to let us use their facility in Voorhees for a market and CSA pickup. But with a week to go before opening, I was told by administration that they have a no solicitation policy that their legal department wanted them to enforce. It was unfortunate and I think politics paid a part in their decision but we moved on. Due to the decision, however, we almost lost CSA customers. Some adjustments had to be made to the program to keep them on board and we were able to do that.
Things are growing well in the fields. The warm weather continues to push things along at a rapid pace. Our spinach is winding down for the spring because of this. Rain, which did not appear until recently, has become almost a weekly event. No problem here with that for now but come August I would love to see it dry so I can irrigate and stop cutting my grass every week!
We started the market on Saturday at Moorestown. We had a good day but sales were off compared to past markets. I attribute this to the ecomony, novelty of farmer's markets wearing off for most so that only the people who have committed are coming and an oversaturation of farmers markets in the area.
Luckily, our sales are now generated by return business. I saw very few new shoppers at our table on Saturday. This is good and not good. The good part is that we are strong enough to continue every week to do well. The bad part is that opportunities for new customers has shrinken to the point that could hurt us in the future. Just looking at the demographics of our customer base there it is older people who are settled and look forward to shopping at the market every week. The younger families are not showing up like they did in the past and this will be problem if it continues in the future.
Our CSA also kicked off last week. It was nice to see our returning customers and to meet new people who are trying us for the first time. Our building has been spruced up and we continue to update it so that when people come to pick up their stuff it is fresh and convenient for their perusal. It was nice to see Deb and Bob back from their European jaunt. Looking forward to hearing Deb's food tales every week.
We did have a bump in the road but we were able to overcome it. Virtua Hospital System had agreed to let us use their facility in Voorhees for a market and CSA pickup. But with a week to go before opening, I was told by administration that they have a no solicitation policy that their legal department wanted them to enforce. It was unfortunate and I think politics paid a part in their decision but we moved on. Due to the decision, however, we almost lost CSA customers. Some adjustments had to be made to the program to keep them on board and we were able to do that.
Things are growing well in the fields. The warm weather continues to push things along at a rapid pace. Our spinach is winding down for the spring because of this. Rain, which did not appear until recently, has become almost a weekly event. No problem here with that for now but come August I would love to see it dry so I can irrigate and stop cutting my grass every week!
Opening week thoughts
It has been awhile since I have posted a blog. But in juggling my teaching job with our farm and my family things tend to be hectic this time of year.
We started the market on Saturday at Moorestown. We had a good day but sales were off compared to past markets. I attribute this to the ecomony, novelty of farmer's markets wearing off for most so that only the people who have committed are coming and an oversaturation of farmers markets in the area.
Luckily, our sales are now generated by return business. I saw very few new shoppers at our table on Saturday. This is good and not good. The good part is that we are strong enough to continue every week to do well. The bad part is that opportunities for new customers has shrinken to the point that could hurt us in the future. Just looking at the demographics of our customer base there it is older people who are settled and look forward to shopping at the market every week. The younger families are not showing up like they did in the past and this will be problem if it continues in the future.
Our CSA also kicked off last week. It was nice to see our returning customers and to meet new people who are trying us for the first time. Our building has been spruced up and we continue to update it so that when people come to pick up their stuff it is fresh and convenient for their perusal. It was nice to see Deb and Bob back from their European jaunt. Looking forward to hearing Deb's food tales every week.
We did have a bump in the road but we were able to overcome it. Virtua Hospital System had agreed to let us use their facility in Voorhees for a market and CSA pickup. But with a week to go before opening, I was told by administration that they have a no solicitation policy that their legal department wanted them to enforce. It was unfortunate and I think politics paid a part in their decision but we moved on. Due to the decision, however, we almost lost CSA customers. Some adjustments had to be made to the program to keep them on board and we were able to do that.
Things are growing well in the fields. The warm weather continues to push things along at a rapid pace. Our spinach is winding down for the spring because of this. Rain, which did not appear until recently, has become almost a weekly event. No problem here with that for now but come August I would love to see it dry so I can irrigate and stop cutting my grass every week!
We started the market on Saturday at Moorestown. We had a good day but sales were off compared to past markets. I attribute this to the ecomony, novelty of farmer's markets wearing off for most so that only the people who have committed are coming and an oversaturation of farmers markets in the area.
Luckily, our sales are now generated by return business. I saw very few new shoppers at our table on Saturday. This is good and not good. The good part is that we are strong enough to continue every week to do well. The bad part is that opportunities for new customers has shrinken to the point that could hurt us in the future. Just looking at the demographics of our customer base there it is older people who are settled and look forward to shopping at the market every week. The younger families are not showing up like they did in the past and this will be problem if it continues in the future.
Our CSA also kicked off last week. It was nice to see our returning customers and to meet new people who are trying us for the first time. Our building has been spruced up and we continue to update it so that when people come to pick up their stuff it is fresh and convenient for their perusal. It was nice to see Deb and Bob back from their European jaunt. Looking forward to hearing Deb's food tales every week.
We did have a bump in the road but we were able to overcome it. Virtua Hospital System had agreed to let us use their facility in Voorhees for a market and CSA pickup. But with a week to go before opening, I was told by administration that they have a no solicitation policy that their legal department wanted them to enforce. It was unfortunate and I think politics paid a part in their decision but we moved on. Due to the decision, however, we almost lost CSA customers. Some adjustments had to be made to the program to keep them on board and we were able to do that.
Things are growing well in the fields. The warm weather continues to push things along at a rapid pace. Our spinach is winding down for the spring because of this. Rain, which did not appear until recently, has become almost a weekly event. No problem here with that for now but come August I would love to see it dry so I can irrigate and stop cutting my grass every week!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
What is it worth?
Recently I got into a discussion on what things are worth. I had done some reading that said that farmers are now netting in revenue what they did roughly 40 years ago. In the meantime, everything has managed to make its way upwards in terms of producing food.
While not getting too deep into a philosophical discussion, I would like to discuss some merits worth thinking about. Let's compare apples to apples, so to speak. Or in other words, the cost of fuel versus the cost of food.
I am not an economist but I when I look at what is happening today with the cost of fuel, I shudder to think what the scenario would be if we treated our food the same way.
Simply, we have collected enough oil at this point to satisfy a demand, no matter where that demand may be. For example, politicians and people scream for the need to produce our own oil from our own land. In the meantime, people have cut back on fuel consumption by changing their cultural habits. Meanwhile the price of gas continues to rise. Why? Because the oil companies are shipping it elsewhere such as China and India where they are paying for it thereby giving the oil companies their nice profits.
Imagine for a second if farmers decided to do this. First, understand that farming today is different then just a generation or two ago. Corporations now produce our food with "farmers" used as management and overseers of the operation. Much in the same way as oil companies. So what would happen if those corporations decided to raise the price of food. People would react the same way - they would change their eating habits. And yet the price of food would continue to rise, maybe to the point where the lower classes of society would have trouble feeding themselves on a regular basis. Meanwhile food being produced on our soil could be shipped elsewhere to feed other people who are paying us a nice buck to do so. Should we be taking care of our own first?
I shuddered to imagine such a day but it is possible. My original point here is that we blame the cost of food on the cost of oil when in fact we don't have to. In agriculture there are so many ways to grow food to keep it reasonable for everyone to purchase. Yet, the person growing the food needs to make a living at it.
I recently saw a story in which a dairy farmer is listed as one of the worst jobs to have. Of course, they don't give you the whole story behind that. Yes, dairy farming is a 365 day, 24 hour job unless you have someone to relieve you for a break now and then. It is hard work. Yet here's the catch - the price of milk rises and the farmer does not make money. That's because some one in the middle is "skimming the cream". That's why dairy farming is a difficult occupation and undesirable for people to consider as a livelihood.
When we sit down to set the prices of our produce, I want people to enjoy the experience of eating, so I try to price it so that they can do that and I can continue to provide that experience. I have another job so income is not my main concern. But the cost of producing the food is. Therefore Dad and I have to make decisions to minimize cost of producing and balance it with the price to charge. So far I think we make it work. But in the future it will be interesting to see how it turns out. Can you imagine paying $10 for a bunch of carrots?
While not getting too deep into a philosophical discussion, I would like to discuss some merits worth thinking about. Let's compare apples to apples, so to speak. Or in other words, the cost of fuel versus the cost of food.
I am not an economist but I when I look at what is happening today with the cost of fuel, I shudder to think what the scenario would be if we treated our food the same way.
Simply, we have collected enough oil at this point to satisfy a demand, no matter where that demand may be. For example, politicians and people scream for the need to produce our own oil from our own land. In the meantime, people have cut back on fuel consumption by changing their cultural habits. Meanwhile the price of gas continues to rise. Why? Because the oil companies are shipping it elsewhere such as China and India where they are paying for it thereby giving the oil companies their nice profits.
Imagine for a second if farmers decided to do this. First, understand that farming today is different then just a generation or two ago. Corporations now produce our food with "farmers" used as management and overseers of the operation. Much in the same way as oil companies. So what would happen if those corporations decided to raise the price of food. People would react the same way - they would change their eating habits. And yet the price of food would continue to rise, maybe to the point where the lower classes of society would have trouble feeding themselves on a regular basis. Meanwhile food being produced on our soil could be shipped elsewhere to feed other people who are paying us a nice buck to do so. Should we be taking care of our own first?
I shuddered to imagine such a day but it is possible. My original point here is that we blame the cost of food on the cost of oil when in fact we don't have to. In agriculture there are so many ways to grow food to keep it reasonable for everyone to purchase. Yet, the person growing the food needs to make a living at it.
I recently saw a story in which a dairy farmer is listed as one of the worst jobs to have. Of course, they don't give you the whole story behind that. Yes, dairy farming is a 365 day, 24 hour job unless you have someone to relieve you for a break now and then. It is hard work. Yet here's the catch - the price of milk rises and the farmer does not make money. That's because some one in the middle is "skimming the cream". That's why dairy farming is a difficult occupation and undesirable for people to consider as a livelihood.
When we sit down to set the prices of our produce, I want people to enjoy the experience of eating, so I try to price it so that they can do that and I can continue to provide that experience. I have another job so income is not my main concern. But the cost of producing the food is. Therefore Dad and I have to make decisions to minimize cost of producing and balance it with the price to charge. So far I think we make it work. But in the future it will be interesting to see how it turns out. Can you imagine paying $10 for a bunch of carrots?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Lettuce is ready and heat is pushing everything else
As much as I would like to admit that I do not relish hot weather this early in the growing season, it does have one advantage - it makes those pesky seeds that refuse to germinate come flying up through the ground.
It's bad enough that it has been warm the last few days. But the wind has always made an appearance and made the ultra dry weather even drier. I found myself cursing mother nature yesterday for this happenstance. The wind was non-existent for most of the day but around 3 o'clock it all of the sudden started to gust in small bursts. I had the cold frame propped up on a stick and this wind action sent it crashing to the ground and busting up for the fourth time this spring. I brief flurry of swearing ensued!
The lettuces have benefitted from this weather and a good combination of drip irrigation and Bumper Crop soil enhancement. They are beautiful! Unfortunately, they are ready a month ahead of schedule and we have no market for them. I am scrambling to find some local restaurants that are interested in taking them. The problem there is that some of restaurants I have dealt with in the past have gone out of business. I was lucky to find one restaurant that will take two boxes of the Romaine for today. My fear is that the warm weather will cause bolting. That's why I am scrambling to get buyers before this happens and it becomes a lost cause!
Asparagus is also being cut this week and we should have some to sell to anyone who is interested. It is also ahead of schedule which means that it will probably go out faster than usual.
My only wish is that it is this hot and dry come August. Past performance has indicated that August is rainy and muggy, two conditions that prevent the harvest from reaching its full potential. We shall see.
It's bad enough that it has been warm the last few days. But the wind has always made an appearance and made the ultra dry weather even drier. I found myself cursing mother nature yesterday for this happenstance. The wind was non-existent for most of the day but around 3 o'clock it all of the sudden started to gust in small bursts. I had the cold frame propped up on a stick and this wind action sent it crashing to the ground and busting up for the fourth time this spring. I brief flurry of swearing ensued!
The lettuces have benefitted from this weather and a good combination of drip irrigation and Bumper Crop soil enhancement. They are beautiful! Unfortunately, they are ready a month ahead of schedule and we have no market for them. I am scrambling to find some local restaurants that are interested in taking them. The problem there is that some of restaurants I have dealt with in the past have gone out of business. I was lucky to find one restaurant that will take two boxes of the Romaine for today. My fear is that the warm weather will cause bolting. That's why I am scrambling to get buyers before this happens and it becomes a lost cause!
Asparagus is also being cut this week and we should have some to sell to anyone who is interested. It is also ahead of schedule which means that it will probably go out faster than usual.
My only wish is that it is this hot and dry come August. Past performance has indicated that August is rainy and muggy, two conditions that prevent the harvest from reaching its full potential. We shall see.
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