The letters “GMO” make many people shudder. “Is the corn GMO?”, I am often asked. Why are people worried about GMO, and what does it all mean? Genetically modified organisms, GMO, refers to a relatively new method in breeding, where DNA is manipulated in a laboratory by shooting a gene of one species into the…
I love our CSA drop off, watching everybody explore and get excited about the vegetables. Recipes are swapped while filling up the bags and baskets, children bounce around and laughter abounds. Even though I’d like to be there, the magnetic pull of the farm keeps me here. Potato harvest had to happen, as hot, wet…
One of the best things we can do is give someone a job. I am pretty good at this, as anyone who has visited here for a while can ascertain. By joining the CSA, you have given me a job and I want you to know how grateful I am to have such meaningful work….
To till or not to till, that is the question. The no-tillsystem works well if the ground is well-tilled, otherwise it is best to till. Tilling works best the less you till, A rototiller tills too much, destroying soil tilth although it appears to make it look like good tilth. Tillonly until you can no-till,…
I recently attended an advanced course in biochemistry. You may not want to read any further. On the other hand, if everything in the world can be reduced to a few unreducable elements, let’s try to learn a little about them. N, P, and K are the primary elements farmers fertilize their fields with. They…
Winter is here and we are thankful for our greens that are still growing out in the ground, the root crops we have stored in warm places, and the summer vegetables we canned in anticipation of a cold, non-yielding winter. While there is less to do in the garden this time of year, there is…
Water winds its way downhill, seeking its own level. The Long Hungry Creek swells mightily after a big rain. Lack of moisture in the dry spell limits agricultural production. An obvious question arises, “How can we keep the water that falls on our farms for later use?” Lateral trenches along the contour come to mind….
After last week’s local food summit, I have to amend an old saying. The way to a man’s and woman’s heart and mind is through the stomach. The chefs stole the show and the food was phenomenal. Although the many lecturers gave great workshops, the demonstration kitchen was always packed. People would rather be in…
The Southeast annual biodynamic event went off without ahitch as once again our log cabin became transformed into a conference center. About 150 folks roam about for a few days of fun and feasting, most of themcamping in the field. Speakers came from as far away as Oregon and Costa Rica,along with a good representation…