Members Picnic

Today was the special day -- the day when I know summer is just around the corner -- the day of the Taliaferro Farms member's picnic. It's the day when CSA members flock to the farm to meet each other, see the farm, and eat a great spring bounty provided by Robin, Pete and their big family.

The weather was a bit damp, but it didn't stop anyone from enjoying their farm time. Pete tried to rally a crowd to ride the Kubota tractor for a hay ride, but I think it was still a bit chilly for most.

That didn't stop anyone from riding their bike

or from having hot hamburgers or steak slices from Full Moon Farms.

Full Moon farms has been providing these wonderful meats for all the meat eaters out there for many years now.

First Pickup Coming Soon

Opening day is Thursday June 11th at 9am. The opening times are on the right hand side of this blog so you can refer to it any time you want.

I saw these beautiful strawberry plants today. I hope we can get some strawberries on June 11th...

Not a member yet? 
As far as I know, you can still join the CSA. You can also come to the Farm stand on the open times and purchase directly, but becoming a member has extra benefits such as free flower picking, extra produce items each week, this spring picnic, and the Thanksgiving share (when you sign up for the following season). So come and join us today and enjoy the fruits of Community Supported Agriculture.

Don't forget the Chickens

See you on June 11th!

The Last Week!

It's the last regular pick up week for the Farm. Be sure to come this week on Friday 9a-6p or Saturday 9a-3p. Laura may be there, or Stephanie, or Robin. Laura was out today, but Stephanie was working hard.

I didn't make a list of all the items available. You will surely find something you like which is fresh from the field! Don't forget to stock up on vendor items as well.

Robin asked me to pass along a sincere thanks from the Taliaferros for all the support from you wonderful members. She reminds me that they cannot do it without you!

When you come to the farm stand this week you might notice that the tarp awning is missing. Apparently it blew away last week with the high winds. It looks a like the stand is closed without the awning, but it isn't closed just yet.

Not closed. Just missing the tarp.

Two more announcements:

• Turkey Signups: If you wish to purchase a turkey in time for Thanksgiving, the deadline is Friday November 8th.
• Next Season: It is time to sign up for next season. If you sign up by Nov 15th and pay the deposit, you can come back on Tuesday Nov 25th and pick up a bonus Thanksgiving share. I have always been so happy to get that extra fresh organic produce in time to cook for the big meal.

Now I will leave you with some fun photos I took today. The first set is of Ian lubricating a John Deere 7410 tractor. He borrowed it from Paul Colucci of Full Moon Farms.

You can see the cutting blades better now.

I commented to Ian about the size of this tractor. He laughed and told me that it's actually not that big as far as tractors go. It's hard for me to to believe because it seems so much larger than other tractors around the farm.

John Deere 7410

 You can see the size of the tractor in more perspective now as Ian stands next to the front tire!

Pete told me that Ian is using the tractor to prepare the land down by the river for new apple trees. If you've been a member for a while you may recall that the farm used to have it's own apple orchard, but the trees outlived their useful lives and Pete removed them. For the last few seasons Pete has been able to rent orchard space in local small orchards. However, this is not very practical because organic apples require a lot of maintenance to keep the pests at bay. 

Since pesticides and systemic chemicals are not used, it is difficult to keep the apple trees at their peak. Normally, non-toxic surface coatings such a kaolin clay are applied to discourage pests. The disadvantage of this is that these surface coatings have to be re-applied often. When the orchards are far away, Pete has to use a lot of fuel and time to transport people and equipment to the orchards to apply the coatings. Let's not mention how difficult and dangerous it is for everyone when slow-moving farm equipment is on the same road as speedy cars. This season the crop was so small that it was not cost-effective to keep up the treatments and the decision was made to let the crop go. Consequently there is no apple harvest this year at the Taliaferros. 

Pete is a motivated farmer and is thinking of re-planting an orchard on his own local property. So we hope that there will be an apple crop if the new trees are planted and mature. It could be a while since apple trees take some nurturing before they give apples. I do not know if Pete plans to rent more orchard space while his trees are maturing. I guess this is a question to ask Pete next season.

Puppies

The farm has acquired two new puppies. Monty and Huxley are brothers.

Huxley (left) and Monty (right)

Monty (left) and Huxley (right)

Monty is the blonde/brown one and Huxley has the blacker fur markings. They both have the interesting blue eyes. They are already being trained to chase deer...and play with people. I'm sure we'll have fun with them next season too.

It's been a great season! 

Every member has been appreciated by the Taliaferros -- the family that farms. Come back next season! And don't forget to sign up in time to get this year's Thanksgiving share. 

Bock Bock! Eat more Turkey.

Bean Bonanza

(Hrs: Th 8a-7p, F 9a-6p, S 9a-3p)

First off, let me say tomatoes are still coming in...patience, my children. There weren't enough ripe tomatoes for a whole unit for each member, so instead Pete decided to give each member a free tomato. I know it's not enough to cook with, but you can have a nice tomato salad or sandwich. The weather just isn't quite hot enough for them to ripen as quickly as we would all like. Patience...

There are green bell peppers this week!

bell and jalapeno peppers , and tomato

Also new this week is sorrel. I think the best way to use it is in soups or small amounts in salads. But you may have your own personal ideas! Feel free to share them in the comments.

Sorrel

Bean Bonanza

Yes, there are THREE, 3, three different types of beans offered today. Be sure to take some home!

Haricot, Romano, and Green beans

So, there were lots and lots of items to choose from at the Farm Stand. Here is the full list of what I saw Thursday:

• Cucumbers, Lettuce Mix
• Carrots, Celery
• Potatoes 
• Leeks
• Dried Onions and Garlic
• Sorrel
• Kale and large Cabbage
• Beets
• Zucchini and Squash
• Green Bell Peppers
• Beans -- Green, Haricot, and Romano

Beautiful squash

There were also a few free items. These are not seconds, but Pete's way to give us more choice while some crops are still coming in: tomato, jalapeno pepper, parsley. Amounts are currently limited for these items.

Vendor Items

New this week is Bluefield Farms Maple Syrup. It's in Mason jars and is (in my opinion) the most awesome maple syrup I've ever had. It's super-local from right here in New Paltz. Be sure to get some today. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer for longer term storage.

The quiche and butter have been restocked.

Major Weed Wacker

Major Weed Wacker...

Ian was mowing down some serious weeds between two fields with this major weed wacker. (Yes, I'm referring to the tractor, not Ian.)

Flowers Sneaking a Peek

Members can cut their own flower bouquet. Be sure to stop on your way out and cut a nice bunch. The zinnias are now starting to show their faces, so please cut them to help them flower more and more. I'll end here with two flower photos. See you at the farm!

Wet, but OK

(Hours: Thurs 8am-7pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm)

It was wet today at the farm just like it was everywhere else. Of course, it doesn't stop the work! There were a lot of people working in the fields today -- crops were being planted and crops were growing.

At the farm stand, I saw beautiful zucchini, lovely baby spinach, generous bunches of red Russian kale, garlic scapes, lettuce, and even some sweet green peas.

Please be aware that availability and conditions may affect what is offered when you arrive at the farm stand. I know Pete and Robin work hard to be sure there is enough to go around, but when it's rainy or planting is in full swing, sometimes a worker isn't able to get into the field to pick a second batch or there isn't quite enough sun to produce a second batch. So, some things I mention may not be there for you, but likewise something may be harvested after I'm there and you may have options I didn't.

Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are the top of the garlic plant. Removing the scape helps the bulb of the garlic grow so that later we'll have lovely garlic. I had never seen garlic scapes until I joined the CSA. Now, I treat the top of the garlic as a delicacy! They are only available this time of year and, as best as I can tell, they store fairly well in the fridge. They are mild enough that you can mince them and put then directly into salad. You can also slice and cook with them in the same dishes where you would put garlic bulbs. If you like garlic even just a little bit, try the scapes.

Herbs

Don't forget about the herbs. They are in the rows that are behind the swing set. You can borrow scissors at the counter. The oregano is thick and green and the sage has even flowered.

 

Some new thyme and lemon thyme has been planted and will be ready before you know it. Herbs are included with your membership, but it's something you get to pick for yourself.

John

John House is our new farm stand worker. He will be there Thursday and Friday until early afternoon. Robin will take over for John in the late afternoons and Saturdays. John has many years experience working on farms, including Brook Farm in New Paltz and farms in Oregon, Colorado, and California. 

Pete and John

When John is not at the farm, he also works with youth at the New Paltz Youth Program. John tells me he loves working in farming but also enjoys working with young people, and the two jobs keep him invigorated. Give John a warm welcome.

Tractors and Chickens (just for fun)

This chicken was talking to me!

First Day Success for Community Supported Agriculture!

Reminder: Open days this week: Thursday (8am - 7pm), Friday (9am - 6pm), Saturday (9am - 3pm)

I went to the farm today and saw many green growing plants! It is always so nice to see how alive everything is.

Delaney was there, but she tells me that college is keeping her busy and she won't be working at the Farm Stand this year. I also understand that Ana has new opportunities that will keep her away from the Farm Stand. Instead, we'll have John! I didn't get to meet him yet, but give him a hearty welcome.

Pete reminded me there are two young farmers partnering with the farm. Dakota and Mira are currently concentrating on raising chickens (the eating kind). They built an incredible chicken house by hand.

Dakota and Mira's hand-crafted chicken coop

Today at the Farm Stand: I saw chives, kale, pac choi and lettuce. Pac choi is a neat green that can be quickly stir fried. The early offerings are rounded out with kale, which we all know and love, and lettuce.

Next week: As weather conditions permit, as well as absence of excessive pests and deer, the hope is to harvest squash, snap peas, spinach, and arugula.

Don't forget to look for early flowers and herbs.

Want to be a Member? Consider joining by using the Farm Card membership. You can join online or just show up at the Farm Stand at 187 Plains Road, New Paltz, and sign up in person.

See you at the Farm!

The Season is Starting

The first pick up day of the season is upon us — the day we've been waiting for has arrived!

The first day for the farm stand will be Thursday June 5th. The stand will be open on the follow days each week:

Thursday:  8am - 7pm

Friday:  8am - 6pm

Saturday: 9am - 3pm

If you're a Taliaferro Farms CSA member, please come and pick up your share!
If you're an interested foodie but not yet a member, please come and see the
beautiful produce and purchase whatever strikes your fancy. Prices for public shoppers are listed on the board behind the counter.

And, don't forget to cut herbs, visit the chickens, and purchase non-vegetable
items from the carefully selected local vendors. Your money stays in the community when you spend it here, and the products are fresh and wholesome.

Who am I and What's with all the Tractors?

You may wonder who is writing this blog. I am Leigh, a member of the Taliaferro Farms CSA for several years. Sometimes Robin Taliaferro will write here, too, but I think you'll be able to tell our posts apart. When I first joined the CSA, I was just starting to get interested in food. After my first pickup, I was so amazed at the quality and freshness of the food that it really focused my resolve to eat locally and as fresh as possible. Now, I am happy to be able to share my experience at the farm through this blog. (If you want to see any photos larger, just click on them.)

One of my big obsessions is tractors. I saw these two tractors while I was visiting the farm recently.

I don't know much about them, but I loved the contrast.

Here's something neat Pete showed me under the seat of the orange tractor:

 

I will look to see if the eggs hatched safely when I'm there Thursday!

Things are growing! I can't wait to meet all the new members and say hello to returning members. I'm not the best with faces and names, so if I don't recognize you please accept my apologies in advance.

Things are growing!

Don't lay down on the job Mr. Scarecrow! We need you.

 Chickens!

OK, I have a second "obsession", which is with chickens. I threatened last year to do a chicken bonanza blog, but I never did. So, instead, I'm going to use selections from my massive collection of chicken photos to sign every blog. I hope someone will follow this blog and/or comment so I'll write things that are more interesting! See everyone this week. --Leigh

It was a HOT day in 2013.

Taken same day as above. A bit hot...but the chickens make the best of it.

The Grain Drill

You may recall that on November 8th I promised I'd tell you more about the Grain Drill that Pete showed me. True to my word, here is what I learned about Pete's John Deere FB-B grain drill.

The grain drill is the green, rusty, John Deere device to the right of Pete. He's telling me about how he purchased it at an auction Upstate, made a thankfully uneventful journey to retrieve it, and then waited until Ian diligently refurbished it. Now he's ready to start using it.

Actually, I'm glossing over quite a bit of details! I can't repeat all of them here but suffice it to say that Pete carefully chose an especially quiet travel day to put this monster-large piece of equipment in the back of a pickup truck. It was so large that he and Ian had to build an extension to the bed of the pickup truck so it would be supported and not simply flop out of the back of the bed. The tongue was laying over the side of the pickup...and it was stuck out a bit more than one would prefer!

Pete maneuvered the loaded pickup truck onto I-87 and made it back to the famous Exit 18. Apparently, the toll booth operator was left speechless after seeing what was in the truck bed. Pete paid his toll as rapidly as possible and stepped on the gas! He tells this story better than me; you will have to talk to him to get the complete details.

Looking from the tractor side. You can see many moving mechanical parts.

Once back at the farm the drill waited for Ian to put his hand to refurbishing it. You see, it takes about 3 passes with the tractor over the same piece of land to do what the grain drill can do in 1 pass. A huge time saver! And using the grain drill probably makes Ian's backside feel much better since he would only have to sit in the tractor seat for 1/3 of the time. So, Ian was motivated to get it working just right.

Let me attempt to explain how the drill works:

You'll add seed to the seed hopper. There is also a smaller hopper that can hold fertilizer.

Looking at the seed hopper from the back side.

The seed hopper currently is holding rye seed. Pete will use it to prepare some fields with a winter cover crop.

The seeds will fall down from the hopper through these black flexi-tubes and into the metal shafts running behind the cutter blades. You can see the cutter blades at the bottom half of the photo below. They look rusty, but hey, this is a refurbished grain drill! The flexi-tubes are hooked into a little tunnel that is running right in front of the cutter. We're actually looking from the rear-direction, so when the grain drill is in motion, the cutters cut through the ground and make a row at the correct depth for the seed. Once the row is created, the seed drops down right behind the cutter.

In the photo below, you can see a close up of the seeds coming from the hopper, flowing into a green chute and then into the same black flexi-tubes from the photo above.

Here we see a view looking down on the cutters. We're viewing the cutters from the tractor side now.

After the cutter opens the ground and the seeds fall from the hopper through the green chute and the flexi-tube and into the furrow made by the cutter, the last step is to cover the seed. The seed is covered effectively by the chains that are being dragged by the device. I did not get a good photo...the chains are hand-made with various odds-and-ends weighing the end of the chain. The net effect is for the dirt to be gathered back over the seed.

The red hydraulic tube you may have noticed in the very first picture was something that Ian added. It gives extra power for pushing the cutters into the dirt. So, you hook this thing up to the tractor, load it with all your grain and/or fertilizer, then arrange yourself onto the field you want to sow. You use the hydraulic to push the cutters into the soil, then you start moving. The mechanics of the grain drill does the furrowing, sowing, and covering of the seed. A huge time savings!

Other Grain Drills on the Web

I tried very hard to find some information about this John Deere model FB-B grain drill. I was only able to find a few things:

I believe a similar, modern grain drill is the John Deere model BD11.
Another similar, modern grain drill is the John Deere model 8300.

A "large size" grain drill might look like this John Deere model 455.

If you're dying to buy a grain drill of your own, I found one on ebay.
If you're dying to buy a toy for the child in your life, or for your inner child, or your own adult collection, I found this one on ebay.
A little disclaimer: I do not endorse these ebay ads and have no association with the sellers. The links are meant only for education and entertainment. Thank you.

Well, that's what I learned about the grain drill with Pete 2 weeks ago. I wanted to get a video of the drill in action, but it was sprinkling rain and Pete wasn't ready to go to the field while I was there. So, I will have to wait another time to get some video. I hope you've enjoyed learning about this equipment as much as I did!