Almost Seeding Time

Welcome to the first post for the 2012 farm season. The goal for the blog this farm season is to be more consistent in detailing what is going on at the farm. To achieve this, the blog will, hopefully, be shorter, more to the point, and posted more frequently. That's the goal. We'll see how it turns out.

Spring is in the air and it is exciting to anticipate the start of seeding. Barring any unforeseen problems, seeding will begin the week of March 12. In anticipation of the coming season David spent a great deal of time going through various seed catalogs (some 28 different catalogs) to find the different varieties of vegetables that he wants to grow. Though David had his seed list from last season, he wanted to add some new varieties and remove some. Plus, the seed catalogs are a lot of fun to peruse. Combined, it takes a fair amount of time to come up with the complete list.

Another time-consuming factor was to find seeds that are certified organic. Organic farmers are "required to use certified organic seed when it is commercially available." If a particular variety of vegetable is not available an organic farmer can use nonorganic seed, but the seed must be untreated or "treated only with substances (such as microbial products)" that are approved by the standards that govern organic farms. (Source- "Organic Farming Compliance Handbook")

However, the bottom line is that the seed order has been placed, the seeds are on their way, and the seeding will soon commence. Once the seeding does start, the specific varieties of vegetables will be presented as the seeding progresses. As has been the case during the first two years of Z Food Farm, there will be multiple varieties of specific vegetables. Examples of this: five varieties of carrots, six varieties of basil, fourteen varieties of eggplant, fourteen varieties of lettuce, twenty varieties of hot peppers, and sixty five (yes, 65) varieties of tomatoes.

In case you are interested, memberships for the farms CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) are still available. A CSA is where a person/family pays for a share in the farm at the beginning of the season and receives produce throughout the course of the season. The share ends up being of greater financial value than by purchasing produce on a weekly basis. If you are interested in more information about this you can contact Farmer David at zfoodfarm@gmail.com.

Looking forward to the season and looking forward to see old friends and new at the farm, in New York at the New Amsterdam Market, and in Philly at the Rittenhouse Square Farmers' Market.

Happy and healthy eating to one and all

Los Endos- 2011 Finale

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”

Perhaps a bit melodramatic to quote from Dickens in reference to farming, but farming is a career that frequently swings from one end of the spectrum to the other. One day the plants are vibrant and full of life. Then comes an overabundance of rain that results in disease and death. One week the weather is great and the harvest for market is bountiful. The it rains on market day and people stay home and the wondrous produce becomes compost. The process of farming is truly one of contrasts; yin/yang.

For Farmer David and Z Food Farm the 2011 farm season was in many ways a great success. Many of the crops did exceptionally well. The Philly market continued to be extremely supportive. The farm expanded into New York at the New Amsterdam Market and people were kind with their compliments about the quality of the produce that was available. There was continuity with Oscar and Greg working at the farm and Jose proved to be a very solid addition. Everyone stayed healthy, Hule continued to do a great job in her job as pest controller ridding the farm of 14 groundhogs, and Maple the cat kept the mice in check. It was the best of times.

But, between excessive heat and rain the winter squash crop was a bust. David planted twice as much as last year and harvested less than half as much. The wet ground prevented regular planting of salad mix and arugula. Deer ruined a 300 foot row of both lettuce and Swiss chard- the deer had a very expensive dinner. The wet weather cut short what had been a very wonderful crop of tomatoes. Various other varieties of produce never made it into the ground due to the weather. And wet weather did play a damping role on a few of the markets. Farmers everywhere have known for time immemorial that depending on the weather for your livelihood is a tough way to make a living. Whether you shop at a super market or at a farmers' market, or a combination of both, stop and think for a moment of all the time and effort that went into growing your food.

As of today farm season 2012 has begun to take shape. The seed order is in the final stages of preparation with Feb 24 as a target date for when seeding is going to start. If this target is met, that will put David about three weeks ahead of last year. The hope is that this will allow David to start his market season two weeks or so earlier than last year. Apart from seeding there is much that needs to get done in the coming weeks. Since David will be using more of the available land this season, the rest of the farm needs to have a deer fence put up. Equipment needs to be purchased. A general clean-up of the barn and the fields needs to be done. And on and on. Anticipation for the coming year is running high as David is looking forward to the new season.

One last thing to mention. Last season David had a small CSA- Community Supported Agriculture. This is where people buy a share in the farm- they pay a sum of money up front, and then pick up their produce throughout the course of the season. The value of this for the farmer is that they have a pool of money up front that is necessary at the beginning of the season. The value for the member is that they receive extra value for their investment in the farm; having paid for their share they receive produce over the course of the season that is greater than what they paid. In this context it is a win-win proposition. The risk for the member is that if there is bad weather or crops don't do as well as hoped, for whatever reason, they may not receive all that they were hoping for. With this in mind, David is expanding the size of the CSA for the coming season. If you are interested in becoming a member of Z Food Farm go the www.zfoodfarm.com and use the email address that is there to contact David with your interest.

It is hoped that the following pictures will provide you with eager anticipation of the bounty to come.

Gorgeous and tasty.


Though the green house is now barren, in less than a month it will start to fill up.


As mentioned above, twice as much was planted and half as much was harvested. We will all hope for a better harvest this coming season.



The garlic for 2012 was planted in October. Close to twice as much was planted this year as last. More will be written about the garlic, but there will be more varieties available this coming season.


Cherry tomatoes! Is your mouth watering?


On behalf of David and all connected with Z Food Farm- here's hoping that your holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving and ending with the coming of the new year, was a wonderful experience for one and all. Hopefully you all had wonderful and healthful food to eat and beverage to drink. Hopefully you had a great time with friends and family. Hopefully whatever challenges you faced last year provide you with knowledge and experience and courage to face what the coming year will bring. May you get most of what you want and all of what you need. May the coming year bring more of the best of times and less of the worst of times.



Peace, good health, happiness, and hopefulness to one and all. Support local farmers. Eat healthy.

Los Endos - Pt. 2

"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make."

Those who engage in local, sustainable, and organic farming are not, to borrow from Frank Zappa, in it for the money. This point is being restated in the context of an 'event' at Z Food Farm back on Labor Day. Labor Day was started as a day that 'celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers'. During the farm season, farmers labor on a daily basis and there is no time off. And too often there is more labor to be done than time and paid employees can get done; at times farming can be 'physically and personally unsustainable'. That's where volunteers come in. In the spirit of volunteerism something called a Crop Mob has taken root in various states. For a full description of this movement is go to http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/magazine/28food-t-000.html).

To quote from the article for this post, a "Crop Mob is a word-of-mouth (and Web) event in which landless farmers and the agricurious descend on a farm for an afternoon..." The volunteers assist the farmer in whatever tasks and chores need to be done on that particular day.

There were a few rows that had been planted with various berries, rhubarb, hops, and asparagus that got lost in the weeds. Despite David's good intentions this area remained under weeds and there was little anticipation that David with Greg and Oscar was going to get around to cleaning out this area. Well, Mary Jo, a friend and volunteer to David, upon hearing about David's needs, and about Crop Mobs, took the lead and helped to organize the first ever Z Food Farm Crop Mob. That the event took place on Labor Day, a supposed day of rest for workers, is a testament to the commitment of the people who volunteered their time. Weeding is not glamorous work, but it is essential; especially since organic farms are not allowed to use chemicals to kill weeds. So, great thanks and much appreciation to Hannah, Richie, Matt, and Piers. Their efforts were of great value as they helped to save most of what had been planted but had gotten overwhelmed by weeds. Without their efforts it is quite possible that all the plants would have been lost.

Why did Hannah, Richie, Matt, and Piers, why do others, volunteer their time in this manner? I can only guess that it is because they, as David and most others who farm in a local and sustainable manner, have a passion for what they do, a compassion for the land that provides some of their sustenance, and a love for the world in which they live.

Below are a few pictures commemorating the day.

On the left you can get a sense of the extent of the weeds. On right center you can see the results of the weeding.



This is what first year asparagus looks like. It takes three years for asparagus to reach the stage at which it can be productively harvested.


Here's David trying to hide behind a weed,


The next three pictures show the 'mob' weeding away. A strong back is a requisite of farming.






Peace, good health, and hopefulness to one and all.

Los Endos - Pt. 1

“There’s an angel standing in the sun, free to get back home.”

Belatedly, with apologies…

The last market of the season was on Dec. 3 at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The last New Amsterdam market, in NYC, was on Sunday, Nov. 20. The last on-site farm stand was Wednesday, Nov. 16. On behalf of all associated with Z Food Farm, a great shout out of thanks to all who supported the farm the 2011 farm season.

This was the second year that Z Food Farm participated in the Rittenhouse Square Farmers’ Market under the auspices of the Farm To City organization. Thanks to Kristen, the hands-on market manager, for all of her efforts. (If you are interested in more info about Farm To City and the various programs and markets that they run go to www.farmtocity.org/) The first year at the market (2010) was a huge success for the farm. This year was even better. To the residents of the Rittenhouse Square area, to those who may not live near the Square but still use the market as part of their regular shopping, and to those who just happen to wander by, thank you so much. Old friends and new, your patronage has been greatly appreciated.

This was the first year that Z Food Farm participated in the New Amsterdam Market in New York City. This is a relatively new market and it has the goal of “leading the redevelopment of the East River Market District in Lower Manhattan.” The manager of the market, Robert is striving to create a “Public Market” in the spirit of the historical nature of the Fulton Fish Market and surrounding district. For more information about the goals Robert has for the market, and about specific vendors, go to www.newamsterdammarket.org. The market is located in front of the Old Fulton Fish Market on South Street and Peck Slip in Lower Manhattan; it is just south of the Brooklyn Bridge. As a newcomer to the market Z Food Farm felt warmly welcomed by those who have previously shopped at the market and by those who were discovering the market for the first time. Becoming a part of the New Amsterdam Market family of vendors was a wonderful experience for Farmer David and the farm. To those who supported the farm by purchasing some of your produce us, thank you ever so much. Whether in Philly or NYC, you, the consumer, have many choices as to where you can buy your produce and Z Food Farm does not take your support for granted. The heartfelt thanks from David and company are extended to all.

As mentioned in an earlier posting, the Lawrenceville Farmers Market ceased operations during the course of the farm season. It is unfortunate that this happened. Whether the market makes a comeback is not known at this time. Regardless, the support of those who bought their produce at the L’ville Market this year and last is appreciated. In addition, thanks to all who have stopped by the farm on Wednesdays and Fridays these past two years to buy their produce.

At this time Z Food Farm will be returning to both the Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market and to the New Amsterdam Market for farm season 2012. In addition, the on site farm stand will return. We look forward to building on the successes of these first two years and learning from, and improving upon, those areas that fell short of our own expectations.

While the winter hiatus has only recently begun, the start of the next season is not that far down the road. Seeding for farm season 2012 will be starting late February/early March!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Hope the overall holiday season was a time of much enjoyment and peacefulness. And here’s hoping that the past year was a good one and that the coming year is one of peace, happiness, hopefulness, and good health to one and all.

STILL GOING

‘Hot town, summer at the farm
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Been down, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the fields’

‘I can't stop the rain
From falling down on you again
I can't stop the rain
But I will hold you’

The Sahara like conditions of July was followed by copious amounts of rain. The combined impact on all farms in the general Northeast area has been significant. And farms in upstate NY and Vermont have been especially devastated. Each season brings its own weather related challenges, and this year has been no exception. So, regardless of where you live, the next time you go to your local farmers’ market, give a shout out of appreciation to the farmer from whom you are buying your produce. It will most definitely be appreciated.

Specific to Z Food Farm: various plants in the ground were toasted. Germination in the green house was too often poor. With the passing of the heat the persistent rain of August has contributed to the early demise of tomatoes and a couple of other items. Last season David had a decent amount of various tomatoes through the end of September into early August. As of now, tomato season is over. This is simply part of the challenge faced by all farmers and is not specific to Z Food Farm.

There is much over which a farmer has control, but the critical factor of weather is something that no farmer can do anything about. With that said, some farmers have high tunnels (unheated green houses) in their fields. This allows the farmer to plant directly in the ground in a semi-protected environment thus providing the farmer an opportunity to minimize some of the effects of extreme weather. The high tunnel also allows a farmer to get some items into the ground a little sooner and to keep things in the ground a little later. David’s plan is to put up a high tunnel prior to the start of farm season 2012. The anticipation for next years season has already started.

Bits and pieces: Last season the last farm stand market was the Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. The last market at Rittenhouse Square was the first Saturday of December. That is the goal for this season as well, with the inclusion of the New Amsterdam Market. We’ll see if the weather cooperates.

News about the Lawrenceville Farmers’ Market- David has participated in the Lawrenceville Farmers’ Market since its inception in 2005- first as an intern with Cherry Grove Organic Farm, then as manager of Gravity Hill Farm, and currently as farmer/proprietor of Z Food Farm. It is sad to report that the Lawrenceville Market has come to an end. Attendance at the market has been dwindling the past few years and it reached a point where it was decided that maintaining the market was not in the best interests of the various vendors. Thanks to all who brought the market into existence, to those who worked to make the market a success, to the vendors who supported and encouraged each other, and, most importantly, to you who have supported David and the other vendors by doing some of your shopping at the market. We hope to see you at the farm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Support your local farmer. Eat healthy.

Mother Nature's Bounty

In case you hadn't noticed, it has been extremely hot of late. This puts undo stress on both the plants, those in the ground and those waiting to be planted, and those doing the farming. Both requires lots of water to prevent drying out and dehydration. And while most of us can relax in an air conditioned home or office, Farmer David and his merry band of warriors (Greg, Oscar, and Jose) and all small and large farms in the area and elsewhere, are at the mercy of the elements- extreme heat, rain, and cold. If you do shop at a farmers' market, take the time to thank the farmer for bringing fresh, local, and sustainable produce to you. On top of the challenges presented by weather Farmer David is experiencing a different type of challenge. For the first time at Z Food Farm some critter is eating the plants that are developing in the greenhouse! And the damage is quite significant. Lettuce, kohlrabi, kale, among others, have been eaten. As a result there is a chance that there will be a shortage of these items at the time they would otherwise have been getting harvested during the fall. There will be a reseeding of the items that have been eaten, but this will not make up for the loss. Once everything is reseeded and starts to germinate the new baby plants will be covered, in some manner, to protect them from whatever it is that is eating the current plants.

What follows are some pictures of some of the bounty that David has been bringing to the Philly (Sat) and New York (Sun) markets as well as selling at the farm (Wed and Fri) and at the Lawrenceville market (Sat). Enjoy.









A painter's palette of colors. As you enjoy the beauty, imagine how tasty they are! Happy and healthy eating to all.

WHEW!

It has been a very busy and hectic month. However, with all that has been going on the biggest and most important news is that Z Food Farm is officially CERTIFIED ORGANIC!!! Yes indeed. It has been a long process, but this particular journey has been completed. Being certified isn't going to change anything about how David farms. David will continue to farm as he always has- using farming practices that convey a personal and abiding commitment to practices that are respectful of the soil and nature. All organic farmers are stewards of the ideals established by Sir Albert Howard about the critical importance of farming in a manner that nurtures the soil as a living organism. Healthy soil results in food that tastes good and is good for you.

Bits and pieces. Market season is in full swing. The market at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The New Amsterdam Market in New York City. The Lawrenceville Farmers' Market and at the farm itself. Though things got off to a slow start due to weather considerations and the general challenges of farming, the availability of produce is picking up with more new items available on a weekly basis. Currently available is Swiss Chard, kale, cippolini onions, summer squash, cucumbers, basil, white and purple scallions, various lettuces, and cabbage. Coming up this week should be radishes, parsley, potatoes, and fresh garlic. Taking a hiatus are spinach, collards, and kohlrabi. It has been rewarding to have f'riends' from last year tell us how happy they are that Z Food Farm is back at old markets. And the response from new 'friends' at last years markets and the New Amsterdam Market (which is new for ZFF this year) is extremely gratifying. Much thanks to all who support David's efforts by buying some of their produce from Z Food Farm.

As always the weather plays a role in the ebb and flow of farming. While there have not been too many rainy days, the days of rain have a) come at inopportune times and b) dumped a lot of rain in a short period of time. This resulted in David falling behind in forming beds in order to plant, thus delaying the planting of certain items. (Putting the tractor on wet ground will compact the soil; compacted soil is not healthy soil.) The rain also resulted in the proliferation of weeds. The weeds overwhelmed the first planting of a couple of items, salad mix being one. This has meant that David has been unable to bring some produce to market. All farmers experience these types of challenges. Those who can adapt and keep pushing forward are those who ultimately succeed. Those who don't, stop. And so it goes.

An article by Mark Bittman ( June 14, 2011, "The True Cost of Tomatoes") that should be of interest for those who are interested and concerned about how their food is grown and about those who work for certain industrial farms can be found at this link http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/14/the-true-cost-of-tomatoes/

Here is one paragraph from the article- "Most of the big purchasers, like Wal-Mart and McDonald’s, want firm, “slicing” tomatoes, because their destination is a burger or a sandwich, so the tomatoes are picked at what is called “mature green,” which isn’t mature at all but bordering on it. Tomatoes with any color other than green are too ripe to ship, and left to rot; I’ve posted a couple of pictures I took of those on my blog. The green tomatoes are gassed — “de-greened” is the chosen euphemism — to “ripen” them; the plants themselves are often killed with an herbicide to hasten their demise and get ready for the next crop." In addition to exploring the manner in which tomatoes are grown and treated, the article discusses the harsh living conditions of the farm workers. Read this article and think about the tomatoes you eat at local restaurants when local tomatoes are not in season. Speaking of tomatoes, Z Food Farm should have some cherry tomatoes within the next couple of weeks. A couple of varities of 'regular' tomatoes could be ready by the very end of July, with the second week of August being when the main crop of tomatoes start to make their appearance. When all is said and done, David hopes to have upwards of 60 varieties of tomatoes, mostly heirloom, to tantalize your taste buds.

Looking forward the the weeks to come. Good health and happy eating to all.