Seeds are getting sown. Soil is getting prepped. February is quite contrary as we jump into spring vegetable production! The outlook: a dry and warm late winter / early spring. Since we have no reserves, in order to provide fabulous produce for the start of the season, we depend on community support to farm. We are budgeting for 75 CSA households joining us this year, although we could take more. So far, we have 6. It’s better for us to see what our membership will look like sooner rather than later so we can adjust our crop plan for other markets. In about 6 weeks, our spring crop plan will be unadjustable. By the beginning of May, our summer crop plan will be locked in.
We have ordered spring seeds but are short the funds to order summer seeds, including tomatoes, which we need to start in the greenhouse this month. Fortunately, meat sales and off-farm work are helping cashflow the farm right now. By March, if we can get at least 30 members to at least put the minimum deposit of $150 down, we can get the seeds, fertilizer (chicken manure to compost) and rental of the compost spreader. It would also let us know whether to continue with our current crop plan or shift toward planting more profitable veg for other markets. (For example, greens are much more profitable to grow than broccoli or potatoes.)
The community commitment to invest in local sustainable agriculture motivates us to support our community with agriculture. We think this translates to preservation of open space, meaningful employment, and flavorful nutritious food. Tell your friends, co-workers, and neighbors about the vegetable CSA and what it means to you. You can sign up online at mendoorganics.csasignup.com or download a paper Member Agreement atmendocinoorganics.com/produce
We hope you like the new things we have planned for members this year – think new optional add-on shares & discounts. Oh, and there will be benefits to signing up early, too!
