Found myself seeding lettuce this afternoon. Farm dog Penny was laying attentively in the shade looking down the driveway. T-so, our cat was perusing under the pallet decks of plants until he decided to take a nap on the seeding table. The sounds of hip hip, soil, seeds, fans were happening simultaneously.
This year marks the first where a portion of the farm production is where we live. For the past 3 years we have commuted 20 minutes to an hour everyday during to check crops, open greenhouses, irrigate, set up the farm stand, feed animals, or any other number of farm tasks. Hours upon hours of time spent driving between farms. Sleepless nights hoping the heaters stay on through the snow storm. Laying in bed wondering if the irrigation water was turned off or not. Sometimes it would make crazy and I would hop in the car at midnight to drive and check.
Affording land, with a house, and water within 30 minutes of Fort Collins just isn’t quite feasible (yet). As a long term farmer told me recently, land ownership is one of the farmers last crops (arguably the most valuable crop as well). Even many of the farmers I know with land still commute from a home base.
We have found ourselves in a fortunate living situation this year. Having the nursery in the backyard has saved tremendous amounts of time and the plants have never looked better. We have also moved closer to the land we are farming and the furthest drive is around 10 minutes one way.
The Folks are busy planting out our fields. Rounds of greens, roots, and vegetables are growing as we continue to plant, water, weed, and prep beds. This week marks the official start to the season. The first markets and CSAs fill out our schedule to the max, but also provide the opportunity to engage with our customers who make this all possible. Now it begins!
Farm News
This Wednesday marks our first CSA Pick-up/Farmer’s Market. Come down to the Taft Farm from 4-7pm for great food and vendors.
This weeks vendors:
Pig and Plow-Bread
McSwain Farm- Pastured poultry
Hoka Hey Food Truck!