I have always ascribed to the theory that “it takes a village to raise a child.” The same could be said for raising food on a small-scale farm. At Sweetland we have so many important interactions with the “villagers” supporting our farm every week. We chat regularly with other farmers in our area to share information, concerns and ideas about the growing season. We are cultivating relationships with nearby restaurant- and general store- owners to supply them with the produce they need. We mow the fields of our neighbors for hay, and mark the passing of time by observing the increasing height of neighborhood kids as they cross our hay fields on their way to the school bus. And of course we have so many shared moments with CSA members every day.
Just a few of the neighbor to neighbor conversations I’ve had recently included snippets like:
“I have a pile of composted horse manure that you are welcome to use.”
“Can you save me some chicken necks for my cats?”
“Have you noticed a higher population of flea beetles on the brassica pants this season?”
“Can my child help with haying this summer?”
“Let me tell you about all the new recipes I’ve been making with your veggies this season!”
“I once designed a tool to fix that problem, let me show you how it worked.”
This week we are celebrating the interconnected nature of our farm and our village with 2 community events. We hope you can join us for one or both!
Shareholder Twilight Tour & Potluck Dinner
Friday June 29, 5:30-8pm
Join the farm crew for a walk through our greenhouses and lower fields from 5:30-6:30, then settle onto a hay bale for a potluck dinner. Bring a dish to share.
Volunteer Morning; Save the Asparagus!
Saturday June 30, 10-12am
Weeding therapy, fun in the sun, weed dating, weedmagedon… call it what you will, but come help us weed the asparagus patch! The asparagus is in our upper fields, so drive past the CSA barn on Rt 132 and turn left onto Kerwin Hill Road. Across from our house (97 Kerwin Hill Rd, with a big rock at the end of the driveway) turn into the field on the right. Park on the farm road and walk out to find us in the patch. Snacks provided! BYO hat, gloves, water, sunscreen, and weeding prowess!
And now, on to the harvest!
Cheers
Norah and the Sweetland Crew