Archive for May, 2008

Alternative fuels

There is a good spring hay crop this year and we have been busy trying to get it made. The problem has been getting enough sunshine to get it cured. The other problem is affording enough diesel fuel for “Old Blue.” (our farm tractor) So hay making costs are up along with everything else.

The nice cool spring weather has made it comfortable out working. And for cool weather crops, such as potatoes, it has been a great season. However, some of the warm weather vegetables are growing slowly and will probably be later than usual. I’m sure summer is on its way though.

Fuel prices continue to rise and no one seems to know what to do about it. The oil companies have a different excuse almost every day. Politicians just blame each other. Meanwhile, most of us are hurting and feverishly trying to adjust. Since oil is a basic part of our economy everything is increasing in price.

But, as we have said, there are alternatives. Every city or county that has a landfill should have a methane gas collecting system. The methane could be used to produce electricity or for other energy needs. Since methane is said to contribute to “global warming”, or is at least a pollutant, it seems to just make sense to use it. The city or county could sell or trade the energy to reduce their operating cost.

Since it is Memorial Day weekend we should all honor our military personnel both past and present. We personally think most wars are unnecessary. But those guys and gals deserve our thanks.

Our freezers are well stocked with Pasture Finished Jersey Beef, Pastured Chicken, and Homegrown Pork. It is the beginning of cook-out season so we have a special sale on sirloin steaks at 10% off the regular price.

Vegetables are a little slow in coming but we will have some Jericho Romaine lettuce and a bit of arugula and kale along with strawberries. We continue to have some Heirloom tomato and herb plants.

Post tornado report

close up of basil plants

Greetings,

As you may know, the Triad Farmers Market was closed Friday 5/9 because of a tornado that went through the market Thurs. night.

However, the market will be open Sat 5/10. We plan to be there from 8:00 until 4:00.

Everything we had in our booth was blown away. All our tables, supplies, printed materials, signs, etc. are nowhere to be found. Luckily, our trailer with the freezers and other supplies was at the farm. So we will have beef, chicken, and pork for sale. We will have some plants and arugula greens.

Some of the vendors lost more than we did. There were freezers, refrigerators, tables, plants, and all kinds of products scattered all over.

So come on out to the market. Many of the vendors I talked to plan to be open for business.

Blessings,

Joe