farming
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Snow fell in darkness leaving a thin blanket of white. The pin oak tree began shedding last year’s foliage indicating warm weather activated new leaf buds and pushed out the old. Seems weird to rake leaves in February. More to the point, it’s not normal. In a couple of hours I return for a fifth… Read more
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From: Paul Deaton Sent: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012 10:14 AM To: Farmer Kate Subject: Processing and other ideas Kate: Thanks for the kale and spinach. We had both for dinner last night, and now I have a whole refrigerator drawer full of kale, ready to make something. Very yummy, with the… Read more
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Temperatures are forecast in the single digits and low teens all weekend — fit weather for beginning the year. My planned tasks include taking down holiday decorations and meeting with my friend Carmen to discuss a role at her community supported agriculture project this season. I have a pile to take to our meeting: two… Read more
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In this final 2016 post it was easier than last year to outline my writing plans. The work I do to pay bills and support my writing has been tough mentally and physically. To cope with an aging frame and occasionally distracted mind I have had to focus. That meant planning, and then with discipline,… Read more
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Between picture perfect onions and the compost heap lies an opportunity. A friend grows onions using organic practices as part of a Community Supported Agriculture project. Onions are harvested from the field then dried in the greenhouse for storage. Sorting, trimming the tops and roots, and removing excess skin comes next. As an experienced onion… Read more
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RURAL CEDAR TOWNSHIP — Yesterday was the Practical Farmers of Iowa field day at Carmen Black’s Sundog Farm. Carmen and Susan Jutz explained their farm transition process in a simple duet about bankers, government agencies, insurance companies and community. Like everything Susan has done since I met her almost 20 years ago, the transaction of… Read more
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My friends Carmen and Susan are hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day called “ZJ to Sundog: Sharing Knowledge and Passing on the Farm” at Sundog Farm on Sunday, July 17, from 2 until 5 p.m. The transition in farm ownership has been a long time coming and Sundog Farm is finally here. Susan Jutz… Read more
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Why don’t more Iowans grow celery? More specifically, why don’t more Community Supported Agriculture projects produce it for members and local food farmers for restaurants and markets? I’ve been asking this question of growers and the reaction has been surprise at my results and maybe an assertion they will try it. There is substantial demand… Read more
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Farming is more than putting plow to furrow. It is a multitude of experiences, evaluations and decisions made over time. The same is true for gardeners. Each garden, each plot, has its own micro environment and climate. Not only sun and rain, but wind, topography and history play a role. This year a friend changed… Read more
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