T h e F a r m

The Farm
1057 Elizabethtown Road
Ilion, NY 13357
ph: 315.895.0060
lauraknight@thefarmandbandb.com

C.S.A. Newsletter

Greetings Csa Members 2011, October 12, 2011
Wow, can't believe this is the last box! Michael and I want to express a very big heartfelt thanks to all of you.
We feel that this was a good year all around, even if the weather threw us farmers a lot of curves! We hope that you have enjoyed what we have put together for you this season. We have tried to keep things interesting; introducing some things, while keeping a flow of the old favorites. Hopefully this worked for you. Any feedback, what you liked, didn't like, would be appreciated; we strive to improve and accommodate (and we realize it is hard to please everyone all the time, although we try).
This weeks box includes: carrots (these really are super sweet, due to a little bit of frost and being an heirloom variety. Great roasted, sauteed or just eaten as is!), Chinese cabbage (stir-fries, w/onion and crispy tofu in spicy broth, also makes great slaw.), cauliflower (lovely tender little heads, sauteed with garlic till crispy, cauliflower cheddar cheese soup...), onions, mixed potatoes (roasted), sugar pumpkin (pie! If you aren't ready to make one right now, you can-cut, peel and steam it, drain it well and freeze it. You'll never use canned again. It also makes a great squash soup.), bag-o-garlic and a bunch of mixed kale (crispy kale, sauteed with garlic, freeze for later). Hopefully you will have some of these items for a few weeks.
We hope to have you join us again for 2012! (If you could let us know one way or the other, we'd appreciate it...)
Have a great winter,
Laura and Michael

Hi Everyone, October 5, 2011
Well, the season is soon coming to an end. Next weeks box will be the last. But there are still two more then!
We are starting to feel like squirrels, quickly gathering what the fields still hold; although much of it will still be harvestable till the ground freezes solid! Of 27 rows of potatoes (a half acre), we only have more 4 to dig. We have had an evolution for digging potatoes, we have for the past four years dug them all by hand, sometimes using a fork. But now we use a trencher which still is a hands and knees job but so much easier!
We'd like to thank you all for supporting us for the 2011 season; we really couldn't have done it without your support!
We have had a lot of interest in our Csa this year from non-members. So, we are going to have a date (12/10/11), where current members will take preference to new members for signing up. As with last year, we are having three ways to pay: in full, half, or thirds (so a down payment of a half or third is fine to hold your spot; paid over two or three months). I have attached the application. We'd love to have you re-join!
This next to last box includes: Beets (a great pasta: roasted beets cubed, onion, garlic, beet greens, sauteed in olive oil, s & p, over pasta with parmesan), three color onions, red pontiac potatoes (the fluffiest mashed potatoes ever! good for soup too.), celery (not like the store, very flavorful, great for celery soup, stock, stuffed in a chicken, in stews...), parsley (another great easy pasta, chop all the parsley, saute garlic (lots) in olive oil, toss the pasta, parsley, garlic and s & p; serve with parmesan cheese... Or chop and freeze), mixed hot peppers (mince (wear gloves!) then freeze for when ever you need a little hot), leeks (braze, potato leek soup, leek tart)....
Happy eating!
Laura & Michael

Hello Csa Members, September 28, 2011

It's hard to believe that September is over already! The leaves are changing rapidly, plants in the field are behaving like autumn has arrived...Our days are now starting out and ending in darkness.The brassicas are finally taking hold; one of our favorites, kale, is doing really well. Kale is one of the best and healthiest vegetables around.

It was a wonderfully dramatic day in the field today; mist, then breaks of sun, everything wet from dew and last nights storm... The sky was busy with birds; crows cawing returning to their winter habit of gathering at dusk and then flying out to the fields to gather food for the day. The geese are moving, their numbers growing; huge chevrons flying and honking overhead. While picking spinach for market, I saw a young praying mantis, tilting its head and big eyes side to side, trying its best to blend with the weed it was sitting on...

The fall vegetables are coming in, some will be in your boxes this week: arrowhead cabbage (an amish variety, great for slaws, krauts, stuffing and sauteing), carrots, a bunch o' garlic, kale (some of you will be thrilled, some not so much... but believe me it will grow on you, this fresh from the field offering isn't its grocery store/garnish impostor! Think broccoli... Take note of the sweeter nature since the slight frost.), parsnips (parsnips can be boiled, roasted or used in stews, soups and casseroles,parsnips can also be fried or made into crisps), rutabagas (good roasted mashed alone or with other vegetables) and an acorn style squash (I like cutting them in half and putting butter, herbs, garlic and s & p in the seeded well...), the parsnips, rutabaga, squash and garlic together with olive oil, salt and pepper, all roasted together... Yum!

Enjoy,

Laura & Michael

Hello Csa Members! September 21, 2011

Some late Septembers are like peak summer, some like late fall... This year summer snuck away giving us an early light frost... Making the plants feel like it was time to start shutting down. We no longer have basil, chard is making a speedy exit, we are holding out hope for a stretch of warm sunny weather to encourage the tomatoes left on the vine. We have a few large plots of lettuce and spinach, that normally would have been ready to harvest a few weeks ago; that are growing very slowly because of the excess rain and lack of sun and warmth. It has been such a wet year! The fall crops and root vegetables are doing fairly well, growing fast with all the water... We also have to say goodbye to corn; it was hit by light frost and is not progressing because of this weather pattern.

This weeks box includes: Celeriac (celery root, great mashed or roasted with potatoes and other vegetables), leeks (wonderful with roasted vegetables, potato leek soup), fennel (wonderful brazed with leeks and cream also shaved in salad with apple), mixed potatoes and probably the last of the next four vegetables-cucumbers, peppers, green and purple bean mix and green tomatoes (fried green tomatoes, green tomato sauce)...

Happy Fall,

Laura & Michael

Hello Csa folks! September 14, 2011

It was a beautiful day today. We got a lot done thanks to many hands. Some potatoes dug, cucumbers, peppers, winter squashharvested;many bunches were made and tomatoes sorted....

Well, speaking of tomatoes, they have decided to make a come back. Lots of cherries this week! Hopefully the large tomatoes will follow suit.

Thank goodness that we have had a minute with no rain. The days are getting shorter, things are slowing down growth-wise... We have no more planting to do and we are preparing the ground as crops finish up for cover crops (to nourish the soil, they call it green manure). The end of season is in sight.

This weeks box has: Green beans with a speckling of purple beans, onions (Michael read that you can chop them and freeze them, we tried it and it works great or dry them or keep in the fridge...), dandelion greens (see website for recipes and I thought they'd be great for Utica greens, being that they are slightly bitter...), Chieftain potatoes (good for boiling, baking, mashing and making fries.), corn ( take off the husk and freeze some, it will be great come winter added to beans or on a salad.), beets, and cherry tomatoes.

Have some great meals,

Laura

Hi Csa Members, September 7, 2011

Aruggggh! This rain is getting dizzying! Some things are growing like crazy (kale, root vegetables, cabbages and the like), some things aren't liking so much water and the lack of sun (tomatoes, lettuce and the winter squash)... We do count ourselves as lucky though, we are up on a hill and have good drainage.

In this weeks box you will find: rainbow carrots, a lemon cuke, dill, radishes, corn, winterbor kale, garlic, jalapenos and tomatoes...

It is supposed to rain again tomorrow so if it is possible to come early to pick up in Clinton, that would be great (just in case I may want to leave a bit early...)

Stay dry!

Laura

Hi Csa members, August 31, 2011
Hope you are all well and with power after the big storm! We have been glad for our decision to get our farm up on a hill.... When we were looking around at different areas in 2006 (before buying in 2007), we took note of the problems the low lying farms were having during that rainy year. Hopefully the waters will recede and leave some viable crops for those farms this year... We got over 7 inches here! The wind got bad towards the end of the day; that beat up the tomatoes some... The cherries faired better than the big tomatoes; it's been a rough year for tomatoes. All and all most things are fine and actually, some loved getting so much water.
This weeks box includes: Green beans, lettuce, onions (three kinds, white, red and yellow), corn (Our corn folks took a hit from the wind, as did many farmers growing corn, the wind flattened it! We'll have to see how this effects us all.), tomatoes, kale and a melon (Mike braved the storm to bring in many melons to keep them from bursting.) The melons are yummy this season.
****Monday is Labor Day so Utica pick-up will be on Tuesday***
Hope you enjoy everything and have a great Labor day!
Laura & Michael
P.S. Clinton folks please come as early as you can... Thanks!

Hi Csa Members, August 24. 2011
Wow, last box of August! The smell of pencil cases is coming on strong....
It was another 14+ hour day today. Whew. There are so many vegetables to pick, bunch, wash, bag and sort!!!
This weeks box includes: tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, leeks, lettuce, garlic, cucumbers, corn and basil....
Clinton members, if you can, please come early, it's going to rain... I might need to leave before end of market. Thanks.
Enjoy your vegetables!
Laura & Michael

Morning Csa members! August 17, 2011
Back in June the sun snuck through the curtains at 5:00 dispelling the possibility of sleeping too late; now it isn't as bright till a little after six, making getting up at five feel like the middle of the night!
Well, it's definitely high season. I keep using the popcorn analogy and things are popping like crazy now. It's also eased into heavy vegetable season; I feel very strong this time of year!
This weeks box is bountiful. You will find: Beets (a wonderful easy pasta dish uses onions, garlic, beets and greens, olive oil and s & p all in one pan over pasta, Yum!), corn (time to start branching out with this one, corn chowder, composed salads, salsa....), cucumbers (putting a few slices in a pitcher of water makes a very refreshing drink...), Kale!!!!, lettuce, onions (I don't know about you, but I use onions in everything... they will dry on the counter for future use if you find yourself with too many...), tomatillos (great in and as salsa, green enchilada sauce...), tomatoes and a little extra!
As usual come early to pick-up your boxes (the contents of your box will thank you...)
Have some great meals!
Laura

Hello farm Csa members, August 10, 2011
Well, we are still holding out hope that we will have some form of brassica to offer you this season! Brassicas are the kales, cabbages, collards, broccoli, cauliflowers... Well, we planted around 4000 seedlings mid-April, as we usually do, and they were all were eaten by flea beetles! The 29 days straight of rain at that time didn't help much either... We have done replacement plantings, and hope we can make it happen in the end; there are some organic remedies, we have been trying all we can pull out of our hats... At least we were lucky to have not been hit by the tornado and hail as a farmer friend was. He lost all his crops.
This weeks box includes: lettuce, zucchini and other summer squash, mixed peppers, onions, new potatoes, corn and mixed size tomatoes...
Remember those picking up at market to come as early as possible, so your produce will be at it's freshest...
Hope you enjoy this weeks offering,
Laura and Michael

Hello farm Csa members, August 3, 2011
Cannot believe that it is August already! It was a very lovely day today at the farm (capped off with a nice soaking rain). We got a lot done and the day went by quickly as they often do.
We had a busy long weekend with many b & b guests; it is good having people come to stay here from near and far. We get to visit with them some and then we are off to work.
A big thank you to two members (Kristen and Stephanie) who helped with much needed weeding. We still could use some help with said weeds, it can be fun, so come on down!
This weeks box includes: triple washed lettuce mix, patty pan and other summer squash, cucumbers (some lemon cukes; if you haven't tried this, putting a few slices of cucumber in water makes a very refreshing drink...), leeks (great in soups and on their own as a side dish, sauteed with butter or evoo), garlic (this weeks variety is called music, a German porcelain stiffneck garlic), corn and the first tomatoes!
Remember those picking up at market to come as early as possible, so your produce will be at it's freshest...
Hope you enjoy this weeks offering,
Laura and Michael

Hi Farm Csa members, July 28, 2011
We were so glad that the heat broke and that we got some rain!!! I think all of us working on the farm were extra tired this week because the heat really zapped us last week.
It was a very beautiful day today! All the plants seemed to be sighing in relief from getting some water....
This weeks box has: Beets, cucumbers, dragon tongue beans (looks a bit like a cranberry bean, cooks like a green or pole bean), basil, mixed potatoes, onions (if you are like me, I use onions in everything I cook (ok not cakes!)) and sweet corn (not ours but grown by a neighbor with no spraying)...
Happy cooking & eating!
Laura

Hi Csa Members, July 20, 2011
Oh boy tomorrow is going to be a hot one! I have market in Clinton (those who pick-up there please come as early as you can... so things stay fresh and if possible before 4:00; in case I want to leave early from wilting!) Back here at the farm part two of the garlic harvest needs to get done; it will be a hot job for Michael, Lauren and Tyler.
Speaking of garlic... here's a great recipe for the fresh garlic that you have gotten recently, Michael made it tonight; yum!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/dining/garlic-soup-as-a-cure-for-the-common-meal-city-kitchen.html
This weeks box includes- Deliciously sweet yellow beans, Swiss chard, carrots, chives (chop them into 1/8 inch pieces and put in the freezer to use when ever little chive might be nice, I love them on roasted potatoes come winter), lettuce, summer squashes (great on the grill) and Walla walla onions....
Remember we have many recipes on the website...
Happy Eating,
Laura & Michael

Hello Csa Members July 14, 2011
Well it's starting to feel like high summer! I don't think any of us were really feeling like it would ever get here...
All we need now is tomatoes... Many long hours of prep go into the tomato plants; the tomatoes are seeded in March into trays that hold 200 plants, in April they are then transplanted into peat pots that are either 32 or 18 per tray (18's are sold at market), then ground cover goes down with rocks to weigh the edges, (holes for the tomatoes have been burned into the cloth), stakes go in for every fourth plant... We then plant the 2400 plants prepped for the field. The plants will grow for a month, each plant then gets suckered (extra branches are removed to allow more energy to go to the tomatoes and flowers on the one lead branch left to grow. We then tie each plant three times to the stakes. And come end of July we start picking... Buckets and buckets of tomatoes; we planted 85 varieties this year! Many hours are spent sorting the good from the not so good...
This weeks box includes- green beans, Augusta new potatoes (a new potato is one dug before the plant dies back, the skins are thin and delicious, they have a much different quality than storage potatoes...), dill, lettuce, summer squashes, French finger radishes (try with hard butter and salt, yum.) and cipollini onions ( great raw or sauteed; very good for caramelizing...)
Remember we have many recipes on the website...
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

Hi Csa Members, July 6, 2011
Well it's starting to feel like full on summer. It seems like I can actually see things growing! Our days are very long this time of year, Michael and I are out in the fields by 6:30 most days, we don't sit down to dinner till 8:30-9:00... We're so glad for Lauren and Tyler, their days are long too.
If any of you feel like putting in some farm time we'd love to see you and have some help... The rain has been good for helping the crops grow as well as the weeds. Even just a few hours would be greatly appreciated! (Not to mention getting some farm booty!)
This weeks box includes- shell sweet peas (check out this great blog I subscribe to, The Sweet Beet's take on peas... http://www.thesweetbeet.com/sweet-pea-recipe/ ), heirloom carrots, parsley (great as a simple pasta with the peas or freeze), lettuce, fresh full head garlic (when it this new you don't even need to peal the cloves... It's down right volatile), fennel (great slivered in salads or sauteed) and walla walla sweet onions ( great raw or sauteed; some one said they were amazing cut in half and put on the grill...)
Happy cooking and eating!
Laura & Michael

Hi Csa Members, June 29, 2011

Boy things are getting lush out there! Green everywhere, it's a great time of year; everything has a fresh and new feeling. We have so many birds living here, I have seen scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, orioles and we have lots of humming birds...
This weeks box includes- edible pod/sugar snap peas, Swiss chard, tarragon or oregano , lettuce, garlic scapes (make pesto, (a large dollop in burgers is delish) saute), beets and scallions.
*A note about July 4th, pick-up with be on Tuesday the 5th for you in Utica...
Enjoy,
Laura & Michael

June 22, 2011

Hi Csa Members,
Whew what a full on rainy day! It's good we needed it... We were all pretty wet in spite of our full rain-gear and big boots. Things are coming along out there in the fields; you can practically see the plants growing.
We are very happy with our two workers Lauren and Tyler; Lauren is going on her fourth year helping us and is invaluable, Tyler, is new and catching on fast. We have a lot of fun even with the 10-12 hour days.
This weeks box includes- edible pod/sugar snap peas, spinach (cook and freeze or eat as salad), parsley (tabbouleh, freeze, pasta...), lettuce, garlic scapes (make pesto, (a large dollop in burgers is delish) saute), the first carrots! and fresh garlic (so good, the stem is hardening, and the cloves are formed but not papered... use as you would garlic it is amazing when it's fresh!)
*A note about July 4th, pick-up with be on Tuesday the 5th for you in Utica...
Bon appetite'
Laura & Michael

June 16, 2011

Hello All,
Well, after such a wet spring I can't believe I'm saying that we were happy for the few days of rain we had! Everything jumped and we are starting to feel back on track...
This weeks box includes teenage lettuces (not quite full grown heads, a favorite of restaurants in NYC), spinach (for salads and cooking), beets and greens (great sauteed with green garlic over pasta), garlic scapes (very mild great to make pesto out of (freeze what you don't use for later) or chop and add to cooked dishes), dandelion greens (eat as a salad or cooking green, this is not lawn dandelion but an Italian cultivar), green garlic (use in anything you cook, has mild garlic flavor you can pretty much use all of it the stalk to the leaves, the leaves in soup stocks), and cilantro (If you are not a cilantro person, cook it in a Mexican dish or pasta; the volatility/intensity is much less when it's cooked.)
Remember, come early and bring your bags...
Hope you enjoy,
Laura & Michael

June 9, 2011
Hello All,
Well, we had some doubts about this spring's outcome, with the cold, 29 days straight of rain, many other days of rain, things that usually take off when planted in March dying in the ground, low emergence in the greenhouse when seeding... but we are ready and are happy to present your first Csa box; things are looking up in the fields.
This weeks box includes teenage lettuces (not quite full grown heads, a favorite of restaurants in NYC), Chinese cabbage (great in stir-frys or to use for cole slaw), radishes (try them with olive oil and s & p for an appetizer, or with butter on them! They would also be good in a stir-fry or salad), arugula (add to your salads or stir-fry), green garlic (use in anything you cook, has mild garlic flavor you can pretty much use all of it the stalk to the leaves, the leaves in soup stocks), and oregano...
Remember I have loads of recipes here on the website, bring your bags to carry your produce home...
See you soon,
Laura & Michael

February 16, 2011

Hi Csa friends,

I hope that you are all having a good winter even though it has been so cold.

I'm writing because of interest you have shown in renewing your Csa membership for the 2011 season. We would love to have you join again.

Mike and I have ordered most of the seeds and potatoes for the coming season; we just yesterday seeded some onions, leeks and celeriac. The 2011 season will be our fourth season farming in the Mohawk valley. This season has a settled knowing feeling. We are calling this farm home. We are beginning to know the way of the land and the seasons in this part of the country.

We also feel like we have a better idea of what our customer base wants and expects from us, so we can plan and plant with that in mind. Of course there is always mother nature and not being able to please everyone all the time... All that said this season is shaping up to be a great one.

Mike and I are very involved in Slow food,www.slowfood.com, a worldwide food organization, which has a very active local chapter (perhaps some of you are familiar with it or are already members) one of slow foods goals is to save heirloom/heritage varieties of vegetables, grains and animals form extinction. The program that is working towards that goal is called The Ark of Taste . This year we are planting even more Ark of Taste produce than we have in the past. These rare varieties usually have much more going for them that the standard issue varieties; they have been taken out of the running for reasons like standardization, shelf life and handing...

I would definitelyrecommendbecoming involved in and joining Slow Food, www.slowfoodmohawkvalley.com,locally it has become a major player in the food community/movement. We are ramping up many events for this coming season, potlucks, wandering fork dinners, farm tours, cooking demonstrations and more....

Thanks for your time, hope to have join again and or see you at market.

Best wishes,

Laura & Michael

October 21, 2010

Hi Everyone,

This box is the last of out third season! :(

Your box this week is a very post frost one, it includes: Triple washed brazing mix (ready to use), carnival squash (very much like an acorn), 2 1/2 lbs carrots (carrot soup, roasted, sauteed w/leeks, in stew), leeks (use as you would onions, great with roasted vegetables or a side dish on their own...), 3 lbs green mountain potatoes, parsley (great to freeze chop and put in a reusable container, use as needed but don't let the unused portion defrost...), jalapeno's (you can mince and freeze these too and have a little hot to add to dishes all winter.) and broccoli.

Don't forget we have lots of recipes on the website... http://www.thefarmandbandb.com/vegetables__recipes_a-c

Thank you so much for supporting us this year. We hope that you have enjoyed this years offerings and will be joining us for this coming year as well.

Enjoy, have a great winter!
Laura & Michael

October 14, 2010

Hi Everyone,
Count down, one more box after this one.
We had a frost a few night's ago night, the tomatoes had been almost totally gone and now they really are... Not much else was effected but peppers and they were nearly gone as well... Most other things are fairly frost tolerant.
Your box this week includes: Kale, spaghetti squash, baby carrots, leeks (use as you would onions, great with roasted vegetables or a side dish on their own...), spinach, rutabaga (great roasted or mashed alone or with potatoes) and garlic (take it out of the plastic bag, we put it in one to keep it from getting wet).
We have included a subscription form for 2011 if you feel so inclined, we'd love to have you back...
Don't forget we have lots of recipes on the website...
There will be one more box after this one,
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

October 7, 2010

Hi Everyone,
Wow! Hard to believe that there are only 2 more boxes after this one! We are happy with what we still have in the fields and these last three boxes are shaping up to be really good ones... Next week is the last Clinton market! The last box will be at Tom's natural foods for you to pick-up.
Sadly, although we planted over 800 plants we will not have any Brussels sprouts; yet another bugs gone wild casualty. The sweet midge. We lost the entire crop.
This weeks box includes: Swiss chard, butternut squash, parsley, leeks, russet potatoes (potato leek soup), celeriac (great for soup, stews, roasting with other vegetables and anything you want a celery flavor in) and probably the last of the tomatoes (but we will have green tomatoes for frying probably next week.)
Don't forget we have lots of recipes on the website...
There will be two more boxes after this one,
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

September 30, 2010

Hi Everyone,
It is going to be a very rainy day tomorrow, so just in case I need to pack up early, could everyone plan to pick-up early? I'd really appreciate it. I may just be hanging out in the truck towards the end of the day. Also if you for some reason can't make it could you call me? 315-895-0060. Thanks!
This weeks box includes: Green beans, carrots, dill, triple washed spinach, garlic, green zebra and cherry tomatoes and radishes.
Don't forget we have lots of recipes on the website...
There will be three more boxes after this one...
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

September 23, 2010

Hi Everyone,
This weeks box includes: Green beans, beets, cilantro, lettuce mix (finally after the hail, and the heat!), onions, tomatoes and tomatillos (great in salsa, for green sauce for enchiladas, add to other dishes as well... they are like slightly tart green tomato...)

Don't forget we have lots of recipes on the website...
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

September 16, 2010

Hi Everyone,
Well, all of a sudden it seems as if fall has arrived!
This weeks box includes:
Frisee lettuce, wash well we have had a lot of rain lately... A great use for this slightly bitter European lettuce, a relative of escarole, is to make a bed of the it and put a simple oil and vinegar dressing on the lettuce, poach a few eggs to put on top, then crumble bacon or crispy onions or leeks on top of that... yum. A great simple dinner or side salad.
Leeks, leeks are great as a vegetable on their own, roast or saute them with garlic and olive oil or butter, also yum. A welcome addition to many dishes.
Purple viking potatoes, potato leek soup? Cauliflower, mixed peppers, heirloom tomatoes, and jalapenos...
Don't forget we have lots of recipes on the website...
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

September 9, 2010

Hi Everyone,
We are so happy for the rain! Things were looking pretty dry out there...
This weeks box includes: Triple washed spinach, garlic, carrots, mixed peppers, large heirloom & cherry tomatoes, cilantro and sweet corn...
Remember if you have anything that you don't use during the week, put it up or freeze it; you'll really appreciate that you did come winter... And it will still taste better than the grocery store produce!
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

Dear CSA members, September 1. 2010

Week 13 is upon us. Michael and I hope that you have been enjoying what we have offered you so far. We want you to know that what you receive is at it's peak of freshness which usually also means abundance as well.

We have 45 members and like to distribute the same thing to all members. (So if sometimes you see some thing at the market, and say to yourself "why aren't we getting that?" we might just have a small amount of that item...) We also try to do our best in advance planning to have all things for everyone. For example, this year we planted 6 very long rows of kale (a favorite of ours and a top 10 healthy vegetable) Hoping to have this in a number of boxes, but as with many of our leafy greens, the kale has been inundated with flea beetles, leaf hoppers and cabbage worms. We have been doing what we can with organic sprays but have not been totally successful. We don't feel comfortable handing out vegetables riddled with holes... We also had a hail storm a few weeks back that also added to the leafy green problem (lettuce, Swiss chard, kale zucchini etc...) And you all must have noticed the wacky weather pattern that we have been having 90 degrees in April... then 45... then 90 again. It is an unpredictable business farming. Climate change has been effecting bug load, blight prevalence, mold, and other diseases as well.

Being a CSA member from us is getting a box of peak, clean, beautiful, healthy vegetables for 20 weeks. We do our best to please everyone. Some vegetables might be what you can get year round at the grocery store (but better because they haven't traveled miles and miles are fresher), some unfamiliar... You won't necessarily get what are planning on. The vegetables are local and in season. You also are supporting a local farm; us farmers work very hard 80+ hours a week. We jump through many hoops and get few rewards. We are very appreciative of your support and depend on it greatly. The food system in this country is badly broken; small local farms and people who support them are part of the solution.

I found this to be an apt reflection of CSAs:

One of the things I have found over the years is that you never know what there is going to be an abundance of. The first year its easy to think you will get equal amounts of normal vegetables each week in a predictable manner. However, that is not the case! If you embrace the unpredictability it can actually make it more fun; if you dont it can be overwhelming and stressful. What a blessing this year to have an abundance of lettuce and carrots! Other years its been tomatoes, squash, etcEach year we create unique memories of that season. We actually remember what we ate and can reminisce about it! We have a much broader appreciation of food & farming then we did when we started. If everything happened according to plan, we wouldnt have all of these great memories.

- Rachel Zylstra, a member of Trillium Haven Farm CSA.

That said, This weeks box will include: Zucchini, romanaze potatoes, melon, leeks, mixed basil bags, heirloom tomatoes, and corn (note the corn is kind of a bonus item, we are getting it to promote the stand (it's working!)).

Also those who pick-up in Utica/Cafe please note, the Cafe is closed for Labor Day, pick-up will be the next day, the 7th...

Thanks so very much for being members!

Laura and Michael

August 26, 2010

Hi Everyone,
This weeks box includes: Beets, onions, celery (not like the grocery store, very potent flavor, great in chicken, stews and soups... use the leaves as an herb; they also freeze well.) triple washed brazing mix (baby kale and cabbage), chocolate peppers (yummy unique flavor), heirloom cherry tomatoes and serendipity sweet corn (so good! Eat on the cob or make chowder, use in Mexican dishes, in salsas and on salads off the cob)...
Remember if you have anything that you don't use during the week, put it up or freeze it; you'll really appreciate that you did come winter... And it will still taste better than the grocery store produce!
Happy eating,
Laura & Michael

August 19, 2010

Hi All,
This weeks box included/includes: Carrots, onions, a melon, potatoes, Romanesco zucchini (this variety grows big fast, the ones you got are mid-sized. They are great on the grill, sauteed etc...), tomatoes and sweet corn (not ours, but naturally grown)...
We feel very happy that so far the tomatoes are coming in strong and that they are blight free. Tomatoes take a bit of doing, picking, washing and sorting from 2200 plants.
Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
We hope that you are enjoying your boxes,
Laura & Michael

August 12, 2010

Hi All,
This weeks box includes: Triple washed mesculn mix, scallions, rainbow carrots, dragon tongue beans, an herb (labeled), purple viking potatoes and garlic. Please come to pick-up early; it's so hot!
The tomatoes are taking their sweet time! But soon we will be inundated.
Please let us know if you are going to be away by email, I have so much going on that telling me at market isn't always something that sticks to my memory... We can schedule your box for you at a later date, or you can arrange for a friend to pick it up... Because, we hate to see our hard work go to waste.
Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
Enjoy,
Laura

August 5, 2010

July 29, 2010

Hi All,
This weeks box includes, included: Triple washed mesculn mix, onions, beets, purple beans, basil, cabbage and heirloom tomatoes.
http://how2heroes.com/videos/field-trips/all-about-heirloom-tomatoes
http://www.tomatofest.com/what-is-heirloom-tomato.html
We have planted lots, 2200 plants, of heirloom tomatoes all heavily ladened and taking their time to ripen! If all goes well we will all be eating many delicious tomatoes. The blight that we all experienced last year is looming. We are doing what we can to keep it at bay (NOFA approved...) Heirloom tomatoes are gorgeous but often imperfect, but the taste is unsurpassed; this year they are particularly delicious!
Please let us know if you are going to be away by email, I have so much going on that telling me at market isn't always something that sticks to my memory... We can schedule your box for you at a later date, or you can arrange for a friend to pick it up... We hate to see our hard work go to waste.
Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
Enjoy,
Laura

July 22, 2010

Hi All,
Pick-up of your CSA box at Clinton farmers market is from 10:00- 5:00 today. (Note: since the weather is so hot the earlier you can pick-up your box the better/fresher) If you can please try to come before 4:00... Thanks.
Please bring bags to carry home the contents of your boxes (much appreciated!) Tomorrow's box will include: Triple mesculn mix, onions, red gold new potatoes, beans, specialty zucchini, cauliflower and cucumbers. Tomatoes coming soon! (We like to wait until we have enough for everyone...)
Please let us know if you are going to be away... We can schedule your box for you at a later date, or you can arrange for a friend to pick it up... We hate to see our hard work go to waste.
Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
See you tomorrow,
Laura

July 15, 2010

Hi All,
Pick-up of your CSA box at Clinton farmers market is from 10:00- 5:00 today. (Note: since the weather is so hot the earlier you can pick-up your box the better/fresher) Please try to come before 4:00... Thanks.
Please bring bags to carry home the contents of your boxes (much appreciated!) Todays box will include: Triple washed lettuce, onions, carrots, savoy cabbage, specialty zucchini, parsley and Spigariello (leaf broccoli, Spigariello can be steamed, sauteed, stir-fried, or boiled. Mix it in when cooking other greens such as kale, collards, and mustard greens. Leaf Broccoli can also be substituted for other leafy greens in a multitude of your favorite dishes and gourmet recipes.)
Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
Please let us know if you are going to be away... We can schedule your box for you at a later date, or you can arrange for a friend to pick it up... We hate to see our hard work go to waste.
See you later,
Laura

Hi All, July 8, 2010

Oh my, it's been a hot stretch! I guess it really is what we craved so last year... The plants are loving it, we can practically see them growing. We are out there picking and weeding no matter what the weather....The heat also is good for killing diseases (it may help ward away the evil late blight...) We are using all that we can (organically) on the tomatoes and potatoes to see if we can avoid the blight!

We are so glad that we made our cool-bot walk-in cooler (it uses an air conditioner instead of a big compressor; a farmer developed it he made a gizmo that overrides the normal low of the air conditioner)... ! When we pick the vegetables we bring them right in to where we process them, by the greenhouse and dunk them into cold water (to get the heat of the field out of them) then they go right into the cooler. It keeps them so much better than our cellar that we used to use (which was cool but not like a fridge!)

Great news for us. We now have two great workers! Not only do we have Christina who is in her second year with us (and is a treasure), we also have Lindsay, who just joined us last week. She has worked on farms before and is fitting right in! We now can stop working at a more reasonable hour and also get to more of the side stuff like weeding, seeding, planting, tying up tomatoes etc....

This weeks box will include: Teenage lettuce, green garlic, onions, fennel, broccoli/cauliflower, zucchini and cilantro. Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael, Christina & Lindsay

June 30, 2010

Hi All,
Pick-up of your CSA box at Clinton farmers market is from 10:00- 5:00 tomorrow. (Note: since the weather is getting hotter the earlier you can pick-up your box the better/fresher) Please try to come before 4:00... Thanks.
Please bring bags to carry home the contents of your boxes (much appreciated!) Tomorrows box will include: Teenage lettuce, green garlic, chard, spinach, carrots, onions, sugar snap peas. Remember, I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
I hope to be having more elaborate emails soon as time allows!
See you tomorrow,
Laura

June 23, 2010

Hi All,
Pick-up of your CSA box at Domenico's 5:30-7:30 on Monday (Note: since the weather is getting hotter the earlier you can pick-up your box the better/fresher)
Please bring bags to carry home the contents of your boxes (much appreciated!) and sign in...Tomorrow's box will include: Teenage lettuce, garlic scapes, fennel (in salads or sauteed), Chinese cabbage (stir fried or a great coleslaw base), kale (it's sweet and delicious), an herb, scallions and snow peas. Remember, we have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael

June 16, 2010

Hi All,
Hopefully everyone has been enjoying their first csa box of the year.
Your next box will contain teenage lettuces (a phrase coined by a farmer at the NOFA conference...), Triple washed arugula (which makes a great salad with cooked beets and goat cheese), triple washed spinach, garlic scapes (cut up and cook with vegetables, make pesto...), kohlrabi (good grated over salads, chopped and stir fried...), radishes, beets.
It has been a wet week! We are happy that we have all our plants that needed to be planted by hand in ground cover in the ground, the winter squashes, melons, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes. Lots of weeding too.... (weeds love rain!)
Enjoy!
Laura & Michael
June 9, 2010
Hi All,
Well this is the big week! Pick-up of your first of the season CSA boxes.
Please bring bags to carry home the contents of your boxes (much appreciated!) Tomorrows box will include: Triple washed lettuce mix and spinach (both ready to use), green garlic (use as you would a scallion, but it will have a mild garlic flavor), dandelion greens (great added to lettuce in a salad or make Utica greens!), Chinese cabbage (stir fried or a great coleslaw base), beets (eat your greens!), oregano and another herb. I have lots of recipes posted on our website. Please feel free to inquire about anything in your boxes...
I will be posting a letter online weekly about your boxes, so check there to know what is in store for you...
See you soon!
Laura & Michael

Hello CSA Members Old and New, May 10, 2010

The farming season is upon us! We are already very busy in the field and greenhouse. We have nearly 600 flats of plants in and around the greenhouse. The first, onions and leeks, were seeded February 14, and many since, yesterday we seeded winter squash, cucumbers gourds and pumpkins. Much of what we grow is frost tolerant; so we also have many things in the ground, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beets, carrots Swiss chard, many onions, fennel, lettuce and lots more. There are also many vegetables that wont go in the ground till the danger of frost is over (around Memorial Day) Among them are tomatoes (they are nearly a foot tall now, we will have a big jump on the season there!), peppers, eggplant, basil, celery and more.... We have many varieties of each vegetable.

Our first farmers market of the season is on Saturday in Cooperstown! It is early in the season, but we will have a few things to offer... There will be asparagus, ramps, herbs, wintered-over leeks and celeriac, sorrel, many flats of vegetable plants and eggs.... Maybe we'll see some of you there?

The first market in Clinton will be on the 10th of June. This also is our first CSA pickup day for Clinton 10:00-5:00.

The first farm pickup will be on June 11th. Those of you who pickup at the farm, have the flexibility of picking up after 5:00-8:00 on Friday till Saturday morning. Pickup this year will be from our new walk-in cooler located in the farm stand... No more cellar stairs!

The first Cooperstown CSA pickup will start on Saturday June 12th from 8:00-2:00. Please... don't arrive before 8:00 we will be setting up before then, thanks.

And first pickup at Cafe Domenico's in Utica is on June 14th from 5:30-7:30. Orin and Kim are kind enough to let us use the cafe, please help them out by carefully folding up your box and leaving room for their customers...

For all of you, please remember to bring bags to carry home your produce; we reuse the boxes...

Every week by Wednesday evening, I will post the weeks CSA letter on our website, this letter will let you know what will be in your box for the week, what we've been up to and suggestions and explanations for the vegetables of that week. http://www.thefarmandbandb.com/csa_newsletter You may want to paste this link into your browser...

Also on the website is an extensive recipe section. I've tried to include simple and delicious ones that are easy and quick among others. http://www.thefarmandbandb.com/vegetables__recipes_a-c

I also found this great website that might prove very helpful:
http://thelocalcook.com/2010/04/27/top-10-things-to-do-before-csa-season/

We are very excited about the up coming season! Things are coming along quite nicely, the plants are big, healthy and beautiful. We hope you will enjoy what we offer you. Remember you can always save and freeze things for after the CSA season. We are just finishing some of what we put up and saved from last summer!

We are very happy to have Christina here working for us again for the 2010 season! We have had friends and members help as well. Please feel free to spend some time on the farm, help is always welcomed, it is a beautiful place and a day of farm work can be very rewarding...

We also welcome any feedback that you might have. Please share recipes you like as well I will post them on the website.

Again, Thanks so much for your support!
Laura & Michael

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October 21, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Well, another season comes to an end. It's been a challenging season for all farmers in the area; too much rain (lettuce celery etc...), not enough sun or heat, the blight (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant) and a new pest that effects broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts... As of now there isn't an organic solution... And not to mention an early frost! All that said, we did have some crops that thrived, maybe you saw more of these than you might have liked?... We had farmer friends that had to suspend there CSAs for a few weeks of the season...

We hope that you have been happy with what we have put in your boxes... We have worked very hard (80 plus hours a week) to make what we gave you the best possible of what was available at the time. We have asked other farmers, from time to time, what did you have in your boxes this week? And found our offering to be very similar to theirs.

So we are battening down the hatches; making plans for next season. We'd love to have any suggestions/feedback as to what to see in your boxes next season and how you have found this season. We will be emailing you subscription forms for next season soon-

In this last box you will find: Baby brassica mix (triple washed, ready to use...), russet potatoes (great baked, coated with olive oil and salt...), leeks (use as you would onions), garlic (use or save for winter...), buttercup winter squash (good for soup, pie or mashed with potato...) and we will have two grab-bag items (beets, baby carrots, radishes, celeriac or arugula...). Many of these late vegetables are great roasted. I put leeks, blue potatoes, celeriac, carrots and garlic together with olive oil, s & p and a splash of balsamic vinegar, in a roasting pan cooking them till browned and they were fantastic!

Thank you so much for supporting us this season at The Farm- We hope to see you with us again this next season.

Have a great winter,

Happy Halloween,

Laura & Michael

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October 15, 2009
Hello from The Farm,

Well, mother nature has had her own ideas about this season. Let it rain and make it cold! And throw in some pestulance... at least there was no raining of frogs! We have had a few frosts already (particularly so today...) and it is colder than normal for fall. (This has cut back on our selection...)

Another sign that the end of season is upon us; Christina had her last day on Friday. We missed her very soon after. We couldn't have asked for a better worker. She always brought her all to whatever was asked of her. Even after the umptenth time things always looked beautiful. She was invaluable. Thank you Christina.

In your boxes this week you will find: lettuce, acorn squash, leeks, blue potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers and ornamental gourds.

Clinton: remember you will be picking up your share at Tom's Natural Foods, from Thursday 11:00- 6:00...

I have posted two pieces: one from Yoga Journal on eating locally and CSA's and an article from a farm blog about the tomato blight, see these in the articles section...

Enjoy!

Laura & Michael

P.S. I will be teaching a yoga class on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30 at The Other Side in Utica across from the Uptown theater on Genessee Street... 895-0060 or email me for more info-

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October 7, 2009
Hello from The Farm,

The season is definitely winding down... We have our last Clinton market on Thursday, it's hard to believe- (Although we may sneak in one more week, the 15th with a few of the other vendors...) And there are only two more weeks after this one for Csa boxes...

We now have our sites on the fall and winter, trying to find our winter work, besides the farm chores, figuring out next years crops, planting garlic and general straightening of field and farm. I will be doing some of my color/design work, as well as some house painting and tiling (if you know anybody who needs that kind of help...) Michael will be working cutting and splitting wood to keep us warm and is tracking down a few leads...

In your boxes this week you will find: triple washed arugula, delicata and carnival squash, leeks, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, peppers and celeriac (celery root, good in soups, roasted, were ever you want celery flavor, you can use the leaves as well).

For those of you who pick up in Clinton... Tom's natural foods has agreed to let us have your shares there for pick-up, we will have them ready after 11:00 on the final two Thursdays.

We are also thinking about next years Csa, we wanted to see if we could get a rough count on membership renewals for next year... So if you could let us know if you plan to or might re-join, that would be great.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

P.S. I will be teaching a yoga class on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30 at The Other Side in Utica across from the Uptown theater on Genessee Street... 895-0060 or email me for more info-

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September 30, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Wow, October is upon us! I've been hoping that we'd get our warm weather late (like now), well I guess not... it didn't dry up either. It has been a challenging growing season for every farmer. But we feel that a lot of good vegetables came out of it anyway...

News flash! Kale made the super-foods top ten!

Kale: A dark, leafy green in the same vegetable family as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, kale contains high amounts of beta carotene, iron and folate. It's also a low-calorie, low-carb source of protein that's packed with fiber, which improves digestive health and helps you feel full. A small cupful of cooked kale provides more than half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

In your boxes this week you will find: Acorn squash, Japanese long scallions, beets, a brassica (broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts), onions, garlic, and collards (four new collards recipes in the collards section... one new beet recipe).

For those of you who pick up in Clinton... Tom's natural foods has agreed to let us have your shares there for pick-up, we will have them ready there after 11:00 on the final two Thursdays.

We are starting to think towards spring, we wanted to see if we could get a rough count on membership for next year... So if you could let us know if you plan to renew, that would be great.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

P.s. I will be teaching a yoga class on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30 at The Other Side in Utica across from the Uptown theater on Genessee Street... 895-0060 or email me for more info-

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September 23, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Well fall is here! We were lucky to have not been hit by the frost that effected many farmers in the area. We have 4 more weeks of pick-ups, we hope to keep each box as varied and interesting as possible; but like the beginning of the season some things don't do as well in the cold. We have planned for this time and will have things like Brussles sprouts, celeriac and more of the cool loving vegetables.

In your boxes this week you will find: Leeks, potatoes, zuchinni, peppers, onion, garlic, and kale (I made Utica greens with kale our peppers, onions and garlic... it was delicious!. A potato leek soup could be good as well...)

Utica Greens

1 large head escarole (kale, Swiss chard or other greens...)
4 thin slices prosciutto, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbs olive oil
2 italian long hot peppers, seeded & julienned
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup pecorino romano cheese, grated
1 cup chicken broth
salt and pepper, to taste

Clean and rinse escarole twice; chop in large pieces. Boil down for 5 or 6 minutes so its tender and wilted.

Place olive oil in a saute pan and heat. Add chopped garlic and prosciutto and render for 2 or 3 minutes. Do not burn garlic. Add seeded peppers and cook another minute or so.

Add the escarole and all the other ingredients in the pan. Gradually add the bread crumbs and grated cheese, tossing gently until blended. Taste for final salt and pepper seasoning. Place in a casserole; sprinkle a little of the bread crumbs and place under a broiler for 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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September 16, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

It sure is starting to feel like fall out there, color on the trees, the days are shorter... The plants in the field are feeling it too... I wonder if we will have Indian summer this year? Especially since summer itself was so subdued. I checked our farm diary, last year the first snow fell on October 24th (we had snow cover till spring!) We picked vegetables through the snow...

In your boxes this week you will find: winter squash, Swiss chard, beets, peppers, onion, garlic, and a grab-bag item.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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September 9, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Well, after much effort on our part the tomatoes have finally totally melted down from the blight- Very sad considering how much effort was put into their prep- We very much hope that you have enjoyed the ones that we were able to get to you! This has been a hard summer with the blight (which effects tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant...), all the rain and the lack of heat!

We have had some interest in the fall CSA and want to get a better idea of how much interest we have in it. We will have three pic-up sites: at The Farm and in Utica, both would be for Tuesdays after 4:30 starting 10/27 and Cooperstown on Saturdays (10/31)... The last pick-up would be the week of Thanksgiving. Boxes might include: Swiss chard, onions, leeks, garlic, kale, Brussels sprouts, winter squash, cabbage, pumpkin, beets, cabbage, lettuce and more... (many of these items save well for stocking up for winter...) The cost is $100.00 for the five weeks- (Please let us know soon if you are interested...)

In your boxes this week you will find: Leeks, potatoes, collards, peppers, onion, garlic, oregano and zucchini.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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September 2, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

September is here and the smell of pencil cases is definately in the air! We planted our last seeds in flats for the season had some very tenacious weeds to attend to, we have our sites set on the fall.

In your boxes this week you will find: beets, kale, cucumbers, peppers, onion, tomatoes, garlic, basil and zucchini.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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August 26, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

In your boxes this week you will find: Potatoes, lemon cucumbers, cabbage, Swiss chard, tomatoes, garlic, basil and zucchini.

We had an extremely busy week! Loads of harvesting!... Things get very heavy this time of year; they are also coming in strong! We are seeing winter squash, Brussels sprouts, leeks and pumpkins, among other things developing into the future forms...

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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Laura, Michael & Christina

August 19, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

We had fun at the open house this last weekend... Not a really big turnout... But an excuse to sit with people, talk, and have some good food! We got this note from Sarah a member who attended...

Hi Laura!

Just wanted to let you know that both my father and I enjoyed the Open House this weekend immensely! Both of us had a great time on the tour and spending time talking to everyone. Please count us in for the next Open House you have!

Hopefully both of us get some down time later in the season to be able to come and help out for the day!

Thanks again!
Sarah

In your boxes this week you will find: onions, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, cucumber, zucchini, basil and collards.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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August 12, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Weeds, weeds, weeds! We spent much time over the weekend giving them a good talking to! We seeded some of the last trays of the season, more beets and zucchini... Most of our week lately is taken up with harvesting...

We are hoping many of you will be able to join us for our open house/pot luck on Sunday from 9:30-2:30; meet other Csa'ers and people from the local food community, see where the food is coming from, help in the process, learn some vegetable prep techniques and enjoy some good food. Please drop us a line to let us know if you are coming- (Or just show up!)

In your boxes this week you will find: onions, red gold potatoes, beets, garlic, cucumbers, basil and green beans.
Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina
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August 5, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

We harvested the garlic! This was another big hard job. We are glad to have it out of the ground, with all this rain...We have some worries about the tomatoes, you probably have heard about the blight introduced by the big box stores, it is affecting most growers. We are keeping our fingers crossed!

If anyone ever feels like having a day or part of the day out in the field, we would welcome the help... We'll feed you lunch, give you some vegetables...

We are hoping many of you will be able to join us for our open house on August 16th from 9:30-2:30; meet other Csa'ers and people from the local food community, see where the food is coming from, help in the process, learn some vegetable prep technics and enjoy some good food. Please drop us a line to let us know if you are coming-

In your boxes this week you will find: kale, zucchini, onions, triple washed lettuce mix, garlic, cucumber and green beans.
Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina
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July 29, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

It's hard to believe that the next box you receive will be in August! There are subtile changes that happen this time of year; the vegetables all seem to become heavy, the weeds are stronger, taller and woodier, the plants are in the throws of producing fruit. The warmer weather is helping to excellerate all these changes. The buckets have come out in full force, high harvest season is upon us!

We are hoping many of you will be able to join us for our open house; meet other Csa'ers and people from the local food community, see where the food is coming from and enjoy some good food. Please drop us a line to let us know if you are coming-

We are now offering a five week fall CSA. It will start directly after the summer one. We will have all the pick-up locations except Clinton (since market will be over... The cost will be $100.00 (payable at start-up.) Let us know if you are interested.

In your boxes this week you will find: zucchini, onions, triple washed lettuce mix, garlic, cucumber, cabbage and a surprise item.
Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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July 16, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Well the tomatoes are just shy of being totally mulched, staked and suckered... A big job! The rain has been a tad less relentless. Most things are fairing pretty well (the weeds included!) Lettuce is not a big fan of too much rain--So we have lettuce hearts this week. This part of the season yields a lot of other greens (so you will find them in your boxes). If you find that you don't eat them all within the week, blanch and freeze them, you will be thankful that you did come winter, frozen farm fresh is still better than most store bought in winter.

In your boxes this week you will find: onions, collards, lettuce, a cucumber, cabbage, garlic, basil and a surprise item.
Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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July 8, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Whew! We are a busy crew! Lot's of weeds were given a talking to this last weekend by Michael and I... It feels so much better! We are well on our way with the tomatoes, suckering, finishing up the mulching and tying them up to stakes. We already have had a few ripe ones... It will be a little while till we are all enjoying them...

In your boxes this week you will find: beets, Swiss chard, lettuce, cipollini onions, a fennel, a head of garlic and oregano. A good salad recipe includes fennel and cipollini onions with shaved parmesan...

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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July 1, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

It's hard to believe that it is the first of July already! Things are really beginning to feel like high summer, the long days, warm refreshing showers and the vegetables of summer... Carrots, peas, beets, basil and cabbages-

While Christina was away for a few days at an Aikido seminar, we were most generously helped by our friends Cathrine and Ryan who came down from Inlet for a few days. We were able to complete planting the winter squashes, pumpkin, cantaloupes and gourds and we are just shy of being done with mulching the 1500 tomato plants. Very big thanks to them!

In your boxes this week you will find: carrots, kale, lettuce, sugar snap peas (edible pod peas), a kolrabi (like a radish or turnip can be grated or sliced put in salads or stir fries...), garlic scapes (use as you would clove garlic, it is milder, can be made into pesto or cut up into pieces and added to vegetable dishes...) and basil.

A few people haven't picked up their boxes... If you know that you aren't going to pick up your box, please do let us know. We can make two boxes for you at a later date. But if we have made it already, it won't be available for you later. We hate wasting food, so please do let us know in advance.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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June 24, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

In your boxes this week you will find: carrots, collards, lettuce, Swiss chard, scallions, garlic scapes and parsley.

We had an extremely busy week! We planted all the winter squash, cantelopes, corn, beans and more cucumbers. The plants, for the most part, like the rain, but so do the weeds! So, we did more extensive weed work...

Things are really starting to come in, it's very exciting!

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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June 18, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

We hope you enjoyed your first box...

In your boxes this week you will find: kale, lettuces, Chinese cabbage, garlic scapes, oregano or parsley, dandelion greens and scallions.

I have continued to put together pages on the website for the vegetables, with descriptions of each and recipes. I will also be putting in pictures of the different vegetables.

This week was a busy one. We planted many things including ornamental corn, more lettuce, many brassicas and flowers. It was a big week on the weed front... We hit things with our new 6 tine cultivator and our eco weeder (a ride-on, behind-the-tractor, mechanical weeder). We also got a good portion of the 1500 tomato plants mulched. This is a big yucky job; we are nearly done thanks to our friends Catherine, Ryan and Christina.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

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June 11, 2009

Hello from The Farm,

Well, the long awaited week is here! Things are growing like crazy, we are keeping up with the weeds and planting and now harvesting what we have sowed.

We now have a wonderful new worker named Christina; she has been with us for about a month now, and has proven to be invaluable. She happily found us and we are very glad she did.

In your boxes this week you will find: Lettuces, Chinese cabbage, green garlic, oregano and scallions.

I have started to put together pages on the website for the vegetables, with descriptions of each and recipes. Please feel free to forward any recipes or interesting vegetable facts or uses... Please do call if you are stumped by anything in your csa box. 315-895-0060

Just to let you know... the earlier you pick-up at our drop sites the better, the heat can cause wilting. (Although it is fairly cool where we keep the boxes at the farm.) If anything does wilt, just submerge in cold water for a bit, then drain. Things will keep best refrigerated in plastic, moist paper towels or eco veggie bags.

Enjoy!

Laura, Michael & Christina

P.S. We have eggs. Also as always egg cartons are appreciated...

The Farm
1057 Elizabethtown Road
Ilion, NY 13357
ph: 315.895.0060
lauraknight@thefarmandbandb.com