Taliaferro Farms

2009-09-03T02:56:00.000-07:00

Todd Essig wrote this piece about the late tomato blight. Check it out
http://trueslant.com/toddessig/2009/07/18/like-selling-spoiled-milk/

2009-09-03T02:29:00.000-07:00

It's already September. The tomatoes are beautiful after a season of manic hard work to fend off the late blight.

Important notice for CSA memebers-This Saturday, bring your containers and pick your own Raspberries. (9-5-09) and Sunday (9-6-09). It looks like good weather and there are lots of Raspberries!

July 4th week-end

2009-07-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

It is summer and it is July 4th week-end. We are open at the farm on July 4th from 9:00AM-3:00PM. Also, we will be at our Ossinging and Hasting's Farmers Markets as usual on Saturday July 4th. We will also be in Rhinebeck on Sunday July 5th. Hope to see you there!

Welcome to our 2009 season

2009-06-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

We started our 2009 CSA season. CSA pick up will be on Thursdays 8:00AM to 7:00PM and on Saturdays 9:00AM to 3:00PM. We are also open to the public on those same days and times. Along with the amazing assortment of vegetables and small fruits that the farm provides, we also offer other products from the Hudson Valley; organic milk, cheeses, meats, and organic bread. The pick-your-own flowers have been planted. Soon we will have a beautiful assortment of to enjoy.

Since watching the move The Future of Food, I have been focused on the unregulated use of GMOs in our country. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. Other countries are not allowing GMO foods and still others require that labels indicate that the food contain GMO products. The only way to know that food in our country does not contain GMOs is to buy Certified Organic. Certified Organic does not allow the use of GMO seeds.

The following is from the article Spilling the Beans:
On May 19th, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) called on “Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM (genetically modified) foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks.”[1] They called for a moratorium on GM foods, long-term independent studies, and labeling. AAEM’s position paper stated, “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. They conclude, “There is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects. There is causation,” as defined by recognized scientific criteria. “The strength of association and consistency between GM foods and disease is confirmed in several animal studies.”

If you go to newsletter@responsibletechnology.com and look up Spilling the Beans, May 20, 2009. You can read about these studies.

spring 2009

2009-05-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome!
Pete, Peter, Ian, and the rest of the crew have been planting, planting, planting. The farm looks fantastic. The green houses are planted, new hoop houses are errected, and a new experimental effort with low tunnels is in progress to name just a few of the things going on. We are all excited about the 2009 season.

We are having our 2009 CSA Orientation/Farm Picnic on Sunday May 17th rain or shine from 11am to 2pm. The farm will provide food and beverages sticking with the Eat Local theme. Bring along the whole family and or a friend. Get your questions answered & enjoy a day at the farm. As always we have high hopes for the 2009 growing season.

The following is a copy of the spring letter Pete sent out for those who missed it:

Dear CSA Members, Spring / 2009
We hope all has been well for you and your families. It’s been a darn good winter for all of us here at the Taliaferro household and farm. We are about to start another season and this year will be our eleventh year with the farms CSA program. We’re putting the finishing touches on the 2009 season plans as you read this letter. Thanks to your enthusiasm and generosity over the past years and especially last fall we are in a great position going into the spring. We were able to order our seeds and supplies in good shape. All we need now is some sunny not to cold spring weather. We have been investigating some early-season agricultural growing practices to help force certain crops along. These crops would normally be harvested in late June and late July and we would like to make them available in early June and early July. To push these harvest dates forward we would make use of a handful of different types of temporary (and reusable) structures and materials. These materials and structures would enhance the sunlight and help protect the plants from potentially cold nights (also days) and frost. I’ve tried some of these methods in the past with limited success because it takes quite a bit of micro-managing and I was spread too thin. I couldn’t stay on top of things and we fell short of our goals. As you probably know, both my sons Ian and Peter are getting more and more involved in the farm and have some great ideas. They have also become pretty darn capable. With their input and abilities we should see some successes with these early growing methods. Of course a prayer or two for good weather wouldn’t hurt. In any case, it is one of our goals for the 2009 season to not necessarily start the season earlier but to be able to offer some varieties of vegetables much earlier than normal.
More news is that we are in the process of finishing the addition to the store. We’re basically doubling the size of the store by going around the corner to the west. I’m sure everybody will be glad to have more room to pick up your produce, move about and visit. We will also have a second scale available, hooray! At this point, we have the new structure framed and will be working on the roof as soon as the weather breaks. (continued on back)

One new and exciting item in the store will be a glass door freezer provided by Full Moon Farm (Paul & Laura Colucci) so that we will always have his grass fed devon beef available. Paul Colucci has generously agreed to let Veritas Farms (Paul Alward) sell their poultry out of this freezer also. To continue our quest to work and partner with other local farms and make local foods available we’ll have a new vendor on Thursdays. Popovich Provisions (Joe Popovich) will be selling his local made cheeses, sausages, pates, salads and more. I’ve known Joe for 6 years. I’ve worked along side him at the Rhinebeck Farmers market and indulged in his handmade / homemade foods and I’ve never been disappointed. The farm will also (as always) be trying a few new produce items this season. Some of the items that we are looking to do are fennel, a new variety of eggplant, two additional varieties of summer squash, yellow fleshed watermelon and peanuts to name a few.
I need to mention the use of plastic bags when picking up your produce. I want to let you know that we made some pretty big steps as a group in an attempt to reduce our use of plastic T-shirt bags here on the farm. I can tell you that we made 72% less bags available in the 2008 season than in previous seasons. This is a wonderful thing. I urge you to continue this conservation and we will continue to try and be open to suggestions to conserve. So that’s all the news that is the news. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody. As always your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. As I’ve said before we couldn’t operate the farm without your support. Many thanks from all of us at the farm.
Sincerely, Pete, Robin, Peter, Ian & Delaney (the family that farms)
(PS- To all of you who offered your condolences & sympathy in regards to my mom passing last August, a heartfelt belated thank you. Your gestures didn’t go unnoticed.)

**If you are splitting a share please contact the person that you are splitting with so you both know that you received the letter and that your balance is square between the two of you
Many Thanks for Your Support,
Pete, Robin, Peter, Ian & Delaney (The family that farms)

2009-01-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

Important information regarding our 2009 growing season!

Due to the success of the farms 2008 season, we have already sold over 90% of our available shares for the 2009 season . If you are thinking about getting involved for the 2009 season, do it soon.

To sign up, down load a sign-up form from our web site, fill out and mail to:
Taliaferro Farms
187 Plains Road
New Paltz, NY 12561.

If you have any questions call and leave a message at 845-256-1592 and Pete will get back to you or e-mail Taliaferro@hvi.net.

Spring is right around the corner!

See you soon!
Robin

Farmer Pete on Be the Change!

2008-12-11T13:21:00.003-08:00

Greetings friends!

Two of our many wonderful CSA members, Julie and Amy from the Mount Tremper CSA, host a weekly talk show called Be the Change on 91.3 FM on Wednesdays from 5-6 pm. On November 12th, they invited Pete to the studio to talk about Taliaferro Farms.

Below you can find a link that will bring you to the MP3 archieve of the interview.

http://bethechangeradio.org/audio/Be%20the%20Change%202008-11-12.mp3

Also at http://bethechangeradio.org/archives.htm check out other great interviews they have in their archieves!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy transition from fall to winter.

CSA Member essay reading on NPR

2008-12-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we listened to Laura Heady, a fellow CSA member give a reading of her essay on NPR!
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1430095&sectionID=231

This link will bring you to the reading, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Hope everyone is settling into the colder days and longer nights, we wish you well from the farm!

The Today Show!

2008-11-21T14:12:00.001-08:00

Well recently we were featured on The Today Show!
Watch us on the following link!
It's only about 3 1/2 minutes long.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/27820887#27820887

(there is a short advertisement first, and then the program will show)

2008-11-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

It is November 6th! The last CSA pick up of the 2008 season.
Pete has an awesome line up for today!

Arugula Salad
Mesclun Salad
Carrots
Beets
Greens (pac choi, collards, kale, broccoli raab)
Potatoes
Sweet Potatos
Winter Squash
Apples
Apple Cider
Remember :
-If you are interested, you can order your turkey for Thanksgiving.
-If you sign up early for the 2009 growing season remember you get that awesome Thanksgiving Share the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

2008-10-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Only a few weeks left to get farm fresh produce.
Today (10-29-08) we had sleet on and off all day...the cold weather is upon us.

This week we have the following:
Mesclun or Asian Salad
Arugula
Pac Choi
Kale
Broccoli Raab
Carrots
Potatoes ( Sangria, Butter Ball, Purple, While Fingerlings)
Sweet Potatoes
Apples
Golden Nugget Squash
Acorn Squash
Loose Beets

Make sure to pick up a newletter. Pete started taking early sign-ups for the 2009 season. Look for a flyer. Early sign ups get that awesome Thanksgiving Share.

2008-10-09T04:37:00.001-07:00

Hello Taliaferro Farm CSA Members!

This week's recommended Share is:

Baby Arugula Salad
Leeks
Celery Root
Tomatoes
Butternut Squash
Acorn Squash
Spaghetti Squash
Apples
Leeks
Yellow Peppers
Assorted Greens
Potatoes

We have those delicious fingerling potatoes this week!
The celery root is a must. Make sure to try the Celeriac Remoulade salad recipe in this week's newsletter. Pete and I loved it!

2008-10-02T04:23:00.001-07:00

Hello CSA members

This week starts some of those wonderful fall items i.e. apples and butternut squash
Enjoy the last tastes of summer and jump into fall!

Baby Arugula
Etna (Cranberry Beans)
Leeks
Garlic
Early Rome Apples
Butternut Squash
Potatoes
Greens (a variety)
Celery
Onions
Red and yellow Peppers
Parsley

September 25th's pick up!

2008-09-24T11:18:00.001-07:00

The following vegetables are available for this weeks Thursday or Saturday pick up:

Mesclun
Etna (Cranberry Beans)
Leeks
Garlic
Red tomatoes
Spaghetti Squash
potatoes
Summer Spinach
Mustard Greens
Celery
Onions
Red and yellow Peppers

**Don't forget to get your tomato sauce recipes ready, we've got our Canning tomato seconds available on a first come first serve basis!

See you all at the farm!

2008-09-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

September 18th 2008

This week we have:
Mesclun
leeks
red tomatoes
napa cabbage (Chinese cabbage)
Spaghetti Squash
Potatoes
Summer Spinach
Mustard Greens
Celery
Cantaloupes
Onions
Red and Yellow Peppers

See you all at pick-up!

CSA Share for september 4th 2008

2008-09-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hello from the farm!

The Beananza is continuing. This is your opportunity to freeze beans for the winter. We also have lots of delicious summer tomatoes. It has been really dry on the farm. We need rain. Pray that the rain comes next week during the week. We need the markets on the week-end to be strong with perfect weather.

Recommended CSA Share includes the following
Mesclun lettuce
Pac Choi
Leeks
Red and Yellow Peppers
Red Tomatoes
Green Beans
Romano Beans
Mini Tomatoes
Celery
Cantaloupe
Potatoes
Garlic

The following are possible alternates
carrots
spaghetti squash
cucumbers
eggplant
Summer Spinach
Parsley

Thanks for your support!

CSA Pick Up for this week

2008-08-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings CSA members and friends!
The following items will be available for pick-up this week for your CSA share.

*Beans
*Mesclun Lettuce
*Red Chard
*Carrots
*Leeks
*Basil
*Petters
*Eggplant
*Zapallito Squash
*Spaghetti Squash
*Mini Tomatoes
*Slicing Tomatoes

**Possible Alternates:
These are items that might be available depending on other extrenuous factors, such as weather and the amounts that are in the field.
**Summer Spinach
**Heirloom Tomatoes
**Watermelons
**Garlic
**Parsley

Tomato Seconds!!
Starting this week we will have our tomato 'seconds' available. These are tomatoes that aren't fit to sell or put out for the CSA because of small defects, such as bruising. But they are still delicious, and would be great for making sauces! They are available at a first come, first serve basis.

We hope you are enjoying your produce, as well as the dairy and other items we will have available to you. Also, starting next week, Bread Alone will have some of their breads available for purchase on our Thursday CSA days. We hope you take advantage of this, their breads are really fantastic.

Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather we've been having this week!

August 21, 2008

2008-08-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

The farm's cut your own flowers are spectacular, lots of sunflowers and snapdragons and more. Make sure to cut a bouquet. We also have pick your own flowers open to the public daily. Each bouquet is $6.00.

This week's recommended share:
Mesclun lettuce
Squash Patty Pan and Zapallito
Cucumbers
Egg plant
Red Swiss Chard
Potatoes-red and white
Hasta la Pasta Spaghetti Squash
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Leeks
Romano Beans
Mini Tomatoes
Slicing Tomatoes

Tomaotes are finally rolling in!

CSA members, remember if you are not here for a week's pick-up because you are on vacation, pass your share on to a relative or friend, they will love it!

Our on-site farmstand is open to the public on Thursdays 8:00-7:00 and on Saturdays 9:00-3:00
Come and visit!

8-14-08 recommended CSA share

2008-08-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Recommended CSA Share includes the following
Summer Squash-yellow zucchini and Zapallito
Cucumbers
Summer Spinach
Carrots
Garlic
Beets
Potatoes
Green Peppers
Eggplant
Parsley
Lacinata Kale
Melons
CSA HOURS-THURSDAY 8:00 AM TO 7:00-pm
SATURDAY-9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

This weeks C.S.A.

2008-08-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!
This has been a very hectic week for the Taliaferro Family. This share information, while we try for accuracy, may be off by a few items. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Here is the expected list for tomorrows pick-up:

summer squash-yellow zuchinni and zapallito
cucumbers
onioins
potatoes
summer spinach
green peppers
eggplant
parsley
mini tomatoes
lacinata kale
lettuce*
slicing tomatoes*
cantaloupe
watermelon

*these items may not be available due to quantity available from the fields.

Thanks! We'll see you tomorrow!

recommended csa share

2008-08-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

The following in the recommended CSA share for 8-7-08

summer squash-yellow zuchinni and zapallito
cucumbers
onioins
potatoes
summer spinach
green peppers
eggplant
parsley
mini tomatoes
lacinata kale
cantaloupe

remember:
Thursday hours are- 8:00 AM-7:00-PM
we also have Saturday pick-up 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

The flowers are looking beautiful-Yay!

This weeks C.S.A. Share!

2008-07-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hello to our valued C.S.A. Members and customers!

We'd like to let you know what you can expect to be available for this weeks share. These items are subject to change, but for the most part this is what will be available! The share amounts will be posted when you come, at this time we aren't able to get too specific. But this way you can contact your share partners (for those splitting half or full shares, or those who are picking up for someone else) and pick up what they would like, and also do some pre-planning as far as recipes and meals! Please let us know via email or comments what else you would like to see on this blog. We look forward to hearing from you!

This weeks share varieties:

*Summer Squash
*Red Chard
*Summer Spinach
*Dandelion
*Lacinato Kale
*Pac Choi
*Green Onions
*Cucumbers
*Carrots
*Eggplant
*Garlic
*Potatoes (two varieties; white and red)
*Hi-Beta Spaghetti Squash
*Mini Tomatoes
*Green Peppers
*Cilantro
*Parsley

Everything we have available will also be available for purchase to the general public.
Don't forget about our dairy and bread selection!

We'll see you either on Thursday or Saturday!

Reflections on Planting

2008-06-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well the season is moving right along, and amazing things are happening. Plants are slowly going into the ground, like parsley, tomatoes, melons, squash and peppers, just to name a few. This is my first experience planting, the system is totally new to me and it takes some time getting used to.
Planting can either be done by hand, or by using a tractor. For the most part the tractor is used, but once in a while you can find one of us out there with a shovel and some plants, digging holes and filling them back in with tiny plants or seeds. The process of planting on a tractor is very different, and I really enjoy it. Two people sit on these seats on an attachment to the tractor, which are low to the ground. A different part of the contraption is a wheel with spikes on it that, as it turns, creates holes in the ground and also supplies some water for the newly planted variety.
There is something about planting, though, that is very reflective, meditative and satisfying. There is always the aspect of helping things grow, which is very rewarding, but it’s not quite that…
There is a rhythm that develops; numerous partnerships between you and the ground, you and the tractor, you and your planting partner, you and the variety you’re planting -begin to develop and a delicate, slow dance of all these actions seem to form. As the tractor moves slowly your one hand gropes for the right amount of seeds, while your other hand retrieves them, puts them in the dry dirt and swiftly covers them back up. At first its tricky; the seeds aren’t coming out easily in pairs, your hands haven’t found that perfect rhythm, and sometimes you have to yell “STOP!” to the tractor driver so you can catch up some holes that were missed. But eventually your hands start thinking for themselves; the feeling of two seeds between your fingers just seems right, and the transition of them going into the ground as you slowly work down the row comes naturally. There are times where my planting partner and myself have time to talk and laugh and get to know each other better as we sit back there, and other times when the focus on our methodical movements are so intense and quick that there is no time for any conversations or questions; just the mantra of movements that interpret into planting.

Welcome to our new blog!

2008-06-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Sarah, and I’ve worked for Pete for the last six months or so. I started before the season had begun, when all the paper work had to be filled out, certifications had to be renewed, crop plans had to be made and C.S.A. memberships were flowing in daily. My participation at the farm then was all office work, yet as spring began to show some signs of arriving, the outside work soon began to start as well.
This is my first experience on a farm; I came up from Queens three years ago to attend SUNY New Paltz and soon found that this town has a lot to offer besides an education.
Although this season has only begun, I am thrilled to be here, and am already working harder than any job I’ve ever had before.
I look forward to writing on this blog, to document this summer of growth, to share my experience of being on this farm, and share news and events with its readers.
We hope to hear from you, as well. The community is a large part of this farm, and we encourage you to leave your comments, and even write your own entries and send them to us so we can post them. We would love to share many perspectives on this farm as possible.
**Please subscribe to receive messages when this blog is updated! You can do this by clicking the RSS tab at the top of the page.