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The creek taking over the bottom half of our pasture this weekend…–
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Hello friends,
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We hope you’ve managed to stay dry as it has been an incredibly rainy start to December! The creeks are overflowing and the rain has been non-stop these past few weeks. It’s unbelievable how quickly the water will rise and then recede in just a few days time. Funnily enough, we’re thankful for all the mole holes underground as they make for really great drain systems here on the farm! We’re happy to be here though, just one week shy of the last CSA, as we still have food to feed ourselves and our farm-ily. And as we near the holiday and the new year we’ll be spending the shorter days inside, brainstorming and dreaming about the future and pulling out all of our inspiring seed catalogs to begin our adventure for the 2013 season! January marks the beginning of our season as we open up registration for the CSA, order our seeds, fill the greenhouse with soil amendments, and begin this exciting process all over again!
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Home. My trip back east was refreshing and just what I needed. Being far away definitely begins to feel far away when your trips home are too far and too few in between. There are so many perks to being a farmer – it really is a lifestyle choice – but with that choice you aren’t as free to just pick up and go wherever you please (the mindset of living on a farm is where you are is exactly where you want to be). To venture away from the farm, even just for a day or two, requires a lot of planning and thoughtfulness as the cows can’t milk themselves and who will be here to harvest all the veggies etc etc… Thankfully I have a great partner and farmer at my side who knows the importance of staying connected and without hesitation encouraged me to go home for the holidays as he was willing to take up the reigns at the farm.
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The weather treated me well while I was back on the Cape. We had a few days that dipped into the 30’s but the sun was shining so who cares? My favorite days back home are spent outside in the sea breeze or out amongst the trees getting work done around the Powers house which almost always means getting to hang out with my dad (who is awesome by the way, you would all love him… and might recognize him from the Lord of the Rings hehe). He’s the ultimate hunter gatherer who doesn’t spend a day inside. Hunter, commercial fisherman, forager, gardener, animal & beekeeper and supreme stalk-er of the freezers! Every meal I enjoyed while I was home was either raised or hunted and gathered by my father. Suppose you could say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when this is the life you grew up in.
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I’ve been excited to hang out with my dad while I was home as he started a new project this year working on a friend’s oyster grant raising oysters, little necks and shell fish galore. He was so animated and bright when talking about his new project, during our telephone conversations over the season, that I couldn’t wait to experience that excitement first hand. Jumping in the skiff and heading to the grant during a very low tide was wonderful. It’s easy to feel like a little kid in the presence of my dad who is incredibly intelligent and just so in touch with nature. I’m in awe of the wealth of knowledge that he has in regards to the natural world. He spends so much time out in the trees, in the dunes and on the seas that he could tell you just about anything about everything. It’s awesome.
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While we were out there fixing the (little) damage leftover from Sandy the sun came through the clouds and warmed our bodies (but mostly our hands). I was handed a basket and a digging rake as I was delegated the task of harvesting some little necks to bring home for dinner. The amount of time you spend out there depends completely on the tide which is neat. No incredibly long days… just getting done what needs to be done that day. Before I knew it the tide began to sweep back in & I was happy to be a part of this new adventure in my dad’s life. As he sat up on the bow of the boat I could I not picture him doing this? That when he finally decides to transition from 40 years of lobster fishing.. oystering just might be the ticket and a lot easier on those tired, achy bones.
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As always, my stay flew by… as I helped my parents put the gardens to bed and dig up dahlias for drying and storing for next year. Had a lovely walk on the beach with my sister & kitchen time with my mom. I spent a few afternoons with some dear old friends of mine, the dearest, who is like a grandmother to me… the 90 year old inspiration Miss Jean Iverson who is still keeping her 1/4 of an acre organic farm in West Barnstable. She’s one of my biggest inspirations to live the life that I live and a big part of my heart. Being close to the Atlantic inspired my mind and my heart. There were many nights spent beside the wood stove enjoying my family’s company. We had a lovely Thanksgiving, just the 4 of us, which started with all of us getting up at 4 am to make dad’s famous stuffing and ended by making a garland, using the trees around the yard, along the entry way of the house. I love spending time with my family.. and cherish those moments that I actually do get to spend being so far away. They are some of the best folks I know and as time moves forward so do our relationships… they really do keep getting better with time.
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My dearest friend, Miss Jean. May all your weeds be wildflowers… she’s the cutest pip I know!
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I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving with you families and of course, the up coming holidays. We’ll be here for two more weeks so don’t forget your crates, egg cartons, milk jars etc. We’ll be taking early registration from returning customers starting in January so get ready! We’re happy & grateful to share all that we have with you.
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Be sure to check out the slideshow for more images from back home!
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Our warmest wishes,
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Jess & Brian
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Farmer Jess’ dad working his oyster grant in Barnstable, MA.
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Greetings farm friends!
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It seems like forever since our last CSA week and we’ve missed it oh-so-much! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday with friends and family and are getting into holiday cheer with Christmas just around the corner. After a 12 hour adventure from east to west, Farmer Jess’ is fresh off the plane today and has many wonderful photos to share with you all from her trip back east! Be sure to look for them later on this week.
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Even though it’s only been a week and a half since our last harvest, everybody on the farm is growing up so fast… we hardly recognize the baby chicks and Maribelle is looking more and more like her mom. We’ve also had some very stormy weather here in Oregon and have seen a lot of rain, cold temperatures and wind (we’re just happy the greenhouse is still standing!). Thankfully Jess has brought the sun back with her today but the fact remains.. it’s almost December and it’s starting to feel like it. And even though the days are getting shorter, we look forward to harvesting up some veggies for you for the next three weeks. As the colder weather encroaches in on us… it’s a great time for being creative, thoughtful and spending lots of time in the warmth of your kitchen. Spring has never looked or felt so good!
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We look forward to seeing you all this week. And just a friendly reminder to leave out your crates (tomorrow) or return them at farm pick up on Wednesday!
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Our best to you and yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
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– Mary Oliver
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Hello farm friends,
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We hope everyone is enjoying the change of season and first few weeks of November. Hard to believe that we’re already halfway through the Fall CSA, as it’s very different for our farmer bodies and minds to have a season shorter than 20 weeks. But with a shorter season comes shorter days and we find ourselves with a bit more time to sit down, to reflect and begin brainstorming ways to make the 2013 CSA better. We know our strengths and our limits and where we want to push and encourage ourselves just a little bit more. It’s been inspiring to make lists, prioritize and start to turn those lists into reality. Figuring it all out for the first time can be hard at times but we are having fun doing it and find that when we trust our hearts the possibilities are endless… and this life really is too precious not to try.
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Feeling grateful. With more time to reflect and Thanksgiving not too far away we’ve also been feeling really grateful for all the goodness we have in our lives…
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Our girls. So much has changed this year on the farm and we can’t really imagine how it was before with out all our gals. They’ve all made such a wonderful addition to our lives and our community and are so thankful to have them here with us. Their life here provides a circular motion on the farm, one that coincides with nature and brings everything together. They fill our days with purpose.
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And, as a side, they’ve been getting a lot of extra love and attention these days… and despite the sometimes gloomy weather are as happy and healthy as can be. Our little chicks are growing fast and we can hardly keep them contained. We’ve repurposed an old table into a very roomy brooder for them to stretch their wings and grow. Ellie and Maribelle are eating plenty of fresh green grass and appear to be very healthy in their winter coats as we head into the darker days of winter. We love them all so much.
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Farm-ily, Friends & Family. We’re so grateful for the people that inspire us day in and day out. The light that we find in others is very much a driving force of the farm. That hope is the thing that gives us purpose and makes us want to do our best. Being on the farm attracts some of the most positive energy that you can find. It helps us to all slow down, listen and enjoy each others company. We feel so blessed that you have chosen to keep company with us and for us to share with you what we believe in with all our hearts. Your support is always appreciated and you inspire us to continue on and grow and become better farmers and people. So thank you so very much for that, as we’re better people knowing you all.
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We’re grateful for this farm and for the love & support that we have in our lives. We’re thankful for new opportunities and friendships. We’re thankful that we have each other because this life, this bounty, this dream could not exist (as it does) without one or the other.
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There are so many other things that we are grateful for this year and we feel that it’s important to say them out loud for all to hear (because, sometimes, saying it out loud makes it more real). We hope that you all share what you are thankful for and have a wonderful week with family over the holiday! *Reminder – there won’t be any delivery or pick up the week of Thanksgiving. We will pick back up the week of the 26th for the last 3 weeks of the CSA.
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Be sure to click on the slideshow for some great photos of all of our gals (both big and small).
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Until then… be happy and well.
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hello farm friends!
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Our warmest welcome to you as members of the 2012 Fall CSA! Whether you are new to Working Hands or are already a part of our “farm-ily” we are so happy to have you aboard. We are two farmers (Brian & Jess), one 2-acre veggie garden, 65 chickens, 50 baby chicks, 1 jersey cow (Miss Ellie) & 1 jersey calf (our 2 month old, Maribelle) who all run freely on 3 acres of pasture. We’d be happy to introduce you to the gang and welcome you to visit us when you have a chance! Just let us know and we’d be happy to arrange a time.
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Things have surely slowed down since the height of our summer season and we welcome the change of pace.. although our bodies are reminding us now why it’s so important to take the time to take time. Many mornings and evenings have been spent stretching, rejuvenating and recuperating from our season and getting the chance to sit back and enjoy the beauty that is all around us. Oregon is such a beautiful place this time of the year, the leaves are changing, the gray skies make the evergreens pop and more time is spent in the warmth of the kitchen.
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The change of seasons means a whole new forecast, fungus, bugs & longer (and wetter) harvest times. Our first frost was a week or two earlier than expected, during the first week of October, but we haven’t had a frost since with temperatures only falling into the 40’s and 50’s at night. And we are officially in the rainy season as October was a record month for rain! The rains may bring a whole new slew of bugs but they also bring milder temperatures and when that sun finally pops back out.. let me tell you (or maybe I don’t have to) it feels glorious and we know the plants appreciate it too!
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Our bounty. Until the second week in December you will be eating seasonally from our garden. Which means leafy greens, root crops, herbs, brassicas, winter squash and to our surprise some summer crops, like tomatoes. Every week we will include a few recipes featuring a few items in that week’s CSA box. There may be times where you’re unsure of the best way to use or cook your goodies which is why we’re sharing some of our favorite recipe blogs below. Adventuring through old cookbooks or on the web is a great way to utilize all of the farm fresh goodies each week. And if you happen to have any left over greens or kale, try your hand at Kale Chips , a simple soup or saute or maybe even a green smoothie (with a spoonful of peanut butter, Farmer Brian’s favorite!) .
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Happy Yolks
Smitten Kitchen
Mollie Katzen
101 Cookbooks
Naturally Ella
Sprouted Kitchen
My New Roots
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Get creative. Everything in the box was picked just hours before it reaches your home. Be inspired. Cook meals with family, friends and just for you. Find solitude in the kitchen, share it with others… it’s one of our favorite places to be. Do something zany like making Beet Brownies! Don’t fear being too wholesome or earthy because you are having fun. You know exactly where most of your food came from and who grew it and that’s empowering! And please feel free to share what you might find and discover along the way. Us farmers are inspired by our members journeys everyday.
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Crates, cartons & jars. Our setup is simple around the farm in order to be efficient (as it’s just the two of us) and we try to make it just as easy for our members. At the beginning of the season we build our farm crates and for 20+ weeks we pack them full of bounty. Each week, members return or leave them out the morning of home delivery – exchanging an empty crate for a full one – not a bad deal. We also reuse the egg cartons, as well as our 1/2 gallon milk jars, so feel free to leave them in your crate as well. If you forget your crate and miss a week, we will of course forgive you, but just know it makes these 2 farmers harvest days a lot easier to have what we need! Many thanks in advance and if you have any questions please feel free to ask!
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Farm Photos 2012. We also posted some of our photos from the 2012 season for all those wanting to revisit or see just how far we’ve come in the last year! It’s been a blast and we look forward to seeing what the next month or so will bring.
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Thanks for supporting our little farm as we couldn’t take this journey without you. Enjoy your week and we’ll see you soon!
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Your farmers,
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Jess & Brian
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hello farm friends,
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Well, here we are. Week 20. It goes without saying that Week 20 is a bittersweet time at the farm as it’s the last week of the Spring/Summer CSA… Do you remember Week 1 and the first few weeks with all the cooler weather crops (like kohlrabi, lettuce, radish, green onions)? Or that delicious cauliflower and romanesco? Or the very first taste of summer time cukes, squash, potatoes and tomatoes… It’s been so much fun and a really big year for us farmers. We started the year not knowing what exactly would come of the season (as is the insecurity that comes with entering any new season)… but as time has shown we are capable, no matter what happens, because our hearts are in it 100%.
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Bounty. 2012 was without a doubt a very bountiful season but we’re already getting excited about next year! Adding in some new crops, planning and planting even more efficiently and providing an even more diverse amount of vegetables on our 2 1/2 acre vegetable farm… yes, please, bring it on! We’ve been writing down our favorite varieties from this year in hopes of becoming better farmers. We love what we do and every year we will grow smarter and work a little less harder. Growing vegetables is the “easy” part. And if this season is any indication of the summers becoming a steadily dry season then we will plan accordingly (bumper crop of heirloom tomatoes this year anybody?)
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For 5 months you have been receiving a crate full of bounty, from the farm, to bring home and share with your family and friends. We are just really happy that we were able to feed your families and hope that you too feel the difference from eating fresh from our garden every week.
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Chickens and Bees and Cows, oh my! This year we introduced many friends here on the farm. The diverse ladies of Chateau Poulet whose antics make for many days of amusement and rich farm fresh eggs that inspire you to make the best kind of breakfast in the morning. There is also the wonderful addition of Wolf’s honey bees who helped pollinate this farm and brought you the many fruits of the farms labor (and also a delicious jar of Wolf Honey!). Then there’s our sweet Ellie girl who is at the very heart of the farm and who’s personality, demeanor and smarts outshine any cow that we’ve ever met. And it goes without saying that little miss Maribelle has quickly stolen our hearts with every affectionate head butt or nuzzle around our legs (of course now she’s getting too tall) – she’s been the belle of the ball. You have all grown with us this year.. you’ve seen the changes and have reaped all the benefits that these dirty hands and fertile lands have to offer.
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We’re glad that you chose to be a part of our CSA and, after 5 months, a part of our little farm-ily. As we said at the very beginning of the CSA.. with your support, your enthusiasm and commitment this farm dream is not only possible but it becomes a reality. You are not just a member of this farm but the very foundation on which this farm stands. You put your faith into a few crazy hearted young farmers and it takes a special kind of person to do just that. And for that reason alone we feel both happy and blessed to have the members that we do this year. We hope that we are here to serve you for year’s to come and that you enjoy the bounty, the hard work and the love that goes into it just as much as we do. Whether we see you again next season or catch up with you from a far just know that each one of you has made us better farmers and that means everything.
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So, thanks again for such a wonderful season. Keep cookin’ in your kitchens & we hope to see you all real soon! And don’t forget to look for the sign up for the 2013 season at the start of the new year!
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p.s. Crates & Surveys. If there are any Working Hands Farm crates hanging about be sure to bring them to the pick up or leave them out for home delivery. We are also hoping to receive a survey back from all of you (your thoughts mean a lot to us) and have attached it to the email just in case it has been misplaced since the last time we saw each other. Thanks again everyone! Cheers to a very successful season!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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Brian & Jess
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hello farm friends!
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The rains really have come and it’s starting to sink in just how many weeks we have left in the CSA. On the one hand, things are finally start to feel like they are slowing down over here and we find ourselves with a few more moments in the day to sit down and relax in between chores. We were beginning to wonder if we’d ever slow down but the weather certainly helps with that….
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One more week after this one… it’s incredible. You never really know what to expect when you start the season. You hope and stress that you have enough members, you seed until there is no room left in the greenhouse, on the ground and on the outdoor seedling tables. You transplant ferociously for months, lay irrigation, plant perennials, plan crops & pray for good weather. Not to mention, marketing yourself like crazy while you day dream about the future and figure out the ways to grow better, not bigger. And there’s always trellising tomatoes, weeding, creating new recipes, weeding, squashing bugs, weeding, harvesting with headlamps, hand milking the cow and did I mention, weeding? From sun up to sun down we are busy bees.
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Gratitude. And here we are 8 months after starting up the farm season. A lot of lessons have been learned and we know it will all get easier with time. We’re excited about the future and we’re so excited that you’ve helped to make this year such a success! We were amazed by all the thoughtful gestures and conversations we had with you last week… about what the CSA has meant for them and what it will continue to mean for their lifestyle into the future. Talk about putting your farmers on cloud 9…. It’s seriously the best kind of compliment when people acknowledge healthy change in their lives and love it! We understand as food is at the very core of why we’re able to do all that we do. Without it, it would be impossible to do the best job we could do.
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CSA Survey. Speaking of that… this week we will be including a CSA Survey in this week’s share that can be returned to us next week. They can be filled out anonymously as we will have a big box for putting them in next week. Or, if you prefer, we will also send out a digital copy so that people can email them back. As a CSA member, your responses to the survey will influence the forward progress of the farm and the direction it takes. Your response to this survey is the best way to meet your needs and the needs of future CSA members. Not to mention, the importance to us as we really strive to work smarter, not harder and better, not bigger. We thank you in advance!
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You all are great and we really hope that you will all join us again next season (2013!). After the winter we know you all will be craving those first tender greens and sun ripened veggies… it gives all of us something to look forward to! But for now, let’s enjoy the time that we have! Here’s to 2 more weeks!
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p.s. EGGS. After the weekend we have lots of farm fresh eggs to sell this week. So come prepared to the drop and purchase some delicious extra protein! The ladies of Chateau Poulet thank you in advance!
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faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Our eggs are available through becoming a CSA member, where you you will receive the priority, and on a first come first serve basis at our farm. Our flock is 100% free range and fed a supplemental diet of organic/certified GMO free whole grains from Scratch & Peck, a local feed supply that we feel lucky to be working with. We keep 14 different heritage breeds in our flock in order to maintain the healthiest birds via bio-diversity, the corner stone of our farming methodology. We love our chickens and we love feeling deeply connected to a valuable source of essential fats and Omegas. Click this link to meet our chicken of the chicken of the week.
Every dozen is rich in color, nutrients & flavor.
To learn more about out CSA program click here!
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Hello friends,
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Well.. just like that… it’s officially fall! We had our first of several frosts over the weekend with 70 degree weather during the day…. craziness. We’ve been closely watching the weather and a frost was anticipated, at some point in time, but has come a week early compared to last year. We’ve also had the driest summer and fall in over 50 years so that definitely has something to do with it as well. Needless to say, as farmers, we are looking forward to a little cloud cover and some rain in the coming weeks..
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The bountiful crate. We are working extra hard to preserve our summer crops that were once flourishing and are now no longer fruiting and in quick decline. Our barn is full of all kinds of peppers, green tomatoes, eggplant and melons in hopes of keeping them in regulated temperatures, and out of the sun for as long as we can. Unfortunately for the fruits, their companion plants look like they are waving tiny little black flags. The flower garden has also turned from all colors in the rainbow to a sea of brown. But as farmer Brian so eloquently said upon finding our sad summer crops a few mornings ago, “an early frost comes and mercy is extended to only a select few. My heart hurts. All the hard work, the splits in our hands, the late nights trying to protect them from the inevitable, all for not. But this is the way life is. The heart resides in the pursuit.”
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A bittersweet time. This time of the year is most bittersweet for those foods we long to have all winter & spring. Crops we sometimes wait 8 months or more for… We’ve been scurring around our nest this past month, trying to fill the pantry with canned, fermented & dried goods, in hopes that we can enjoy the summer bounty year round. To remind us of the sun filled flavors of the garden when we’re deep with in the gray dampness that winter brings. But in just one morning they are all gone. 8 months of cultivation. Bounty. Nourishment. Some go silently while others hold strong and see how many cold nights they can take.
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A reflective time. After a walk through the garden at first light, I found myself overwhelmed and had to lie down in the grass to watch our big pine tree blow in the gusty breeze. I noticed upon it newly formed pine cones just waiting to be released in hopes of spreading it’s seed. It made me think of how bountiful our efforts have been this season. That we couldn’t work any harder or with any more love than we did this year. We gave it everything and in turn the crops had everything they needed to feed so many families & friends (over 200 when all is said and done). It’s a reflective time of year for all of us. When the seasons change, our habits change and sometimes even our appearance. I’m sure as the next weeks unfold we’ll all reminisce about the bountiful season that’s almost behind us. How it made us feel, how it’s changed our habits, lifestyle and overall quality of life. And as much as we’ll miss it, we welcome the rains, the change of season, all of it. Though our hearts will miss the bounty and the sunshine it is our bodies that yearn for less hours of daylight and time for practicing new hobbies, reading more books, hunkering down in our crafts, planning for next year & getting better at what we do.
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Your Savings. Did you guys know that by signing yourselves up for the 2012 CSA season for fresh picked, nutrient rich, organically grown produce you also saved a lot of money at the grocery store? We broke it down each week in order to see just how much you saved over the course of 20 weeks. As the season got going and the crate became more bountiful and diverse you also started to save money. $293 dollars to be exact. We say the cost of the CSA breaks down to $31.25 per week (which is then divided by 2 – 3 people) but around week 7 the crates changed and only kept changing as the week’s continued. Turning that $31.25 into as high as $55.00 (and you all have the muscles to prove it… those crates have been pretty heavy these past few months). That $293 is not just money to be saved but a commitment that you can feel proud about. You made the choice for you and your family to know where your food was grown and whom it was grown by. You chose to support this young farm and be apart of it’s growth and it’s only going to get better. We are dedicated to this craft and to feeding you and your families. Handing off that crate full of veggies to you is our privilege and seeing your faces light up upon receiving fresh VEGETABLES never gets old. Hearing how you’ve been cooking more and feeling fit and happy is what it’s all about. It’s all incredibly rewarding.
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Fall CSA. If you’ve signed up for our Fall CSA expect an email of greetings soon! We’re so happy that you have chosen to take this adventure of 6 more weeks with us. We’ve never done this before but it feels good to take the adventure with some really good friends and community. It’s the best kind of feeling.
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And thanks again to everyone who was a part of the farm this year. Whether you are one of our members, a volunteer, a farm stand regular or just someone who passes by and appreciates what we do…. we are better farmers knowing you all and it’s our goal to keep getting better, not bigger as time goes on. You guys are the best.
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We’ll see you all this week! 2 more to go!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hello friends,
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Happy October and many wonderful greetings after another sunny weekend. The days are getting shorter but the beautiful autumn weather is helping our fall and winter succession crops gain a big jump start before the rain and cold sweep in. Our bodies, minds and hearts couldn’t ask for anything better.
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We’ve come leaps and bounds this weekend after Maribelle took her first bottle of milk. We wanted to keep calf and cow together for as long as time would allow but as Maribelle is getting bigger and stronger it’s time to really form that bond as farmer and cow. She turned one month (for adorable calf photos, click the link) on Saturday and since then has been on the bottle full time. She has already begun to eat some grass and grain for protein and within a few more months she should be well on her way to eating that diet full time. It will be wonderful, as Maribelle gets older, when Ellie and her will be able to roam together in the same pasture and be the best of friends (although I have a feeling I know who will be the boss….)
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Self Sufficiency: Dairy. We have also been busy trying our hand at making new dairy products. Some of our list includes raw yogurt, milk soap, soft & hard cheese. So far, the yogurt has been the best we’ve ever tasted. Perfect consistency and delicious creamy flavor (and it only took 12 hours overnight!) We’re looking forward to the week ahead when we try our hand at making mozzarella, extra sharp cheddar & soap!
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Self Sufficiency: Veggies. I recently purchased this book which has been of high interest to me as we try to work smarter, not harder here on the farm. It’s a collaboration of old world techniques and recipes using drying, cold storage and lacto fermentation methods from the folks at Terra Vivante. It inspired us to make our first drying rack for herbs, peppers, etc in the barn. We are using the resources around us to make less frequent trips to the grocery store. If it involves a few more steps in the process of harvesting the bounty then so be it (that’s what it’s there for, right?) Last night, before, after and during dinner, we canned 27 more quarts of sauce. It came out beautifully and we can’t wait to put away a few more before the long road ahead (sans tomatoes) is upon us. *Speaking of which.. has anyone had luck canning, fermenting, or freezing salsa without it changing too much? We are always craving heirloom salsa in the winter months…
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Helping Hands. We’re happy to have a few friends of mine (Jules & Jared) visiting from my home state of Massachuetts as they make their way down to California for a change in scenery and way of life. They will be here for the next few weeks so give them a friendly greeting if your paths cross. They’ve been helping to fill the gaps on the farm and they are making a big difference in their time here. Many hands make light work… and really nice company. We’re definitely feeling blessed for a little extra help when it’s hard to feel caught up on rest! ( winter = should be farmer rest time.. perhaps for a few weeks, we hope!)
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Fall CSA. If you are thinking of signing up for the Fall CSA, let us know! We’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Feel free to spread the good word to friends or invite them along for the ride for NEXT season. We’ve had such a blast growing food and getting to know you all. All of it is just pretty amazing….
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Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you all during the week!
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p.s. If you have forgotten or are unable to bring back your crate this week, please bring a bag. We are short again and it looks like the brown bags will be making an appearance again at the pick-ups!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Happy One Month to our sweet & (not-so) little Maribelle…
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Hello friends
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Another week begins as we make our way into autumn and welcome the change of the seasons. Can you believe there are only 4 weeks left (after this) of the full season CSA? On the one hand we can hardly believe the summer has already come and gone but on the other our farmer bodies feel a different way entirely.
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There is such beauty to be found in nature and we all have the privilege of bearing witness to that each and every day. Our heirlooms tomatoes are having a big hurrah these past few weeks despite the chillier nights. They’ve been slowing coming in over the past few months and now they hang from every vine on the tomato trellis. In all colors of purple and green, yellow and red and every color in between. Our cooler weather crops are looking better since those 90 degree days have past. Lots of the beginning of the season tender greens are back and more delicious than ever so expect to see some of those in your box in the coming weeks!
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Lately, our hearts have felt a wee bit lighter as many things have been checked off our lists in the past few weeks.. MILK! we’re getting better at milking each and every day as Maribelle and Ellie are getting into the swing of working with two farmers who are learning what it truly means to be a farmer (it’s no 9-5, that’s for sure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way). We’ve also been reaping the benefits of having so much raw and delicious jersey milk with Buttermilk pancakes (seriously, like you’ve never tasted before), fresh butter, ice cream (no sugar needed) and hopefully soon CHEESE & YOGURT! If anyone is ready to try a 1/2 gallon of our farm fresh, nutrient rich, enzyme packed, raw milk (it tastes like drinking ice cream) or would like to try a sample please let us know!
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Ellie has such a vibrant and loving personality and has been patient with us over the past month. Although, she has certainly passed on her stubborn genes to Maribelle. As we learn how to lead and facilitate a relationship with her she likes to drag her heels in the dirt as much as she can (and she’s pretty darn persistent too!). She is getting stronger by the day and has nearly doubled in size since she was born 3 weeks ago. She’s already chewing some grass and imitating most of mom’s moves in and out of the field and has the most impressive kicks we have ever seen.
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Seed Saving & Transplants. We’ve begun to save all our favorite tomato seeds from this year. It’s such an fun and easy process that just about anybody can do at home (wink, wink). We’ve also transplanted most of our next succession of crops in preparation for the fall csa. We’re excited to see what the land will yield come the months of November & December. If you haven’t already please check out our Fall CSA page where you’ll find information about the 6 week breakdown, the benefits and of course, how much it means to us for you to be a part of what makes this little farm thrive and survive. We’d be happy to answer any further questions you may have and hope to see you all for a little bit longer in the year 2012. It really has been a blast!
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Honey harvest. Wolf is almost finished gathering up the frames of honey from the boxes but there are many jobs to be done to extract it and jar it up for the coming year. If anyone is interested in coming out on the dates below please let us know… we’d love to have you! He’ll be(e) here from 11-5 on these days….
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Wednesday, September 26th
Friday, September 28th
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Friday Night Film on the Farm. This week we’re watching O Brother, Where Out Thou?. Movie starts at dusk (a little after 7pm) so aim to arrive 15 minutes early to enjoy the sunset, set up your chairs and say hello to your farmers! Pack a picnic, snacks, a extra blanket for warmth and a jacket. A $5 donation is appreciated.
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Also, a very big thanks for bringing your crates last week! Let’s keep it up this week and if you are unable to bring your crate back please bring a bag. It makes our harvest days go more smoothly when we have everything that we need. Thanks in advance!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hello Friends,
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First off we would like to thank you for investing in our little farm so that we can provide you with the freshest produce possible all season long. This season has been another bountiful year and we are so grateful to have the best CSA members a little farm could ask for. Our hearts have been overjoyed at watching you observe the changes in your eating habits over the last 14 weeks, to see your energy levels rise, your smiles brighten and we know folks have been punching new holes in their belts. Your farmers are so proud and we really appreciate the opportunity to partner with all of you and to be a part of positive change.
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Jess and I have decided, and by popular vote, that we are going to go forward with a six week extension on the CSA, a fall CSA, if you will. The CSA will start on Tuesday October 30th and continue for six weeks until December 13th. This is an exceptionally exciting time of year to grow as the mild Oregon winters offer and incredible climate to grow exciting Veggies and herbs throughout the season. Here is a list of comfort veggies that we will be hoping to provide through the fall CSA:
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Tomatoes (Until the first frost), Potatoes, Leeks, Onions, Sugar Snap Peas, Butternut squash, Spaghetti Squash (my favorite!), Broccoli, Carrots, Beets, Kale, Chard, Collard Greens, Lettuce mix, Spinach, Arugula, Mustard Greens, Kohl Rabi, Cauliflower, Cilantro, Chinese Cabbage, Parsnips, Rutabaga, Brussels Sprouts, etc…
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(Fun fact, in order to keep from freezing winter crops produce high amounts of sugar, which makes them extra sweet and tender!)
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Also, as shareholders in the farm, you have the option of receiving all the wonderful fresh goods produced on the farm. From produce to fresh eggs and most recently a “herd share” aka the goods from our friend, Ellie. The options available are on the Sign Up form found below. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email us anytime.
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How will the CSA work?
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Glad you asked! The CSA will switch to home delivery or farm pick up. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we will be making home delivery runs and Wednesdays will continue to be farm pick up day. In order to qualify for home delivery you must live within 8 miles of The Burnside Bridge in downtown Portland or 5 miles from the Blue Moon Cafe in Lake Oswego. If you think you are located outside of our delivery range just Google map your home address. If you know you are outside of our delivery range but still want to participate in our Fall CSA than send us an email and maybe we can work something out.
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Will you be making deliveries the week of Thanksgiving?
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No. We will be closed for the holiday during the week of the 19h and resume delivery the following week.
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How much will it cost?
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The cost will be $30 per week (the same rate as the regular season CSA) plus a weekly $5 home delivery fee for those of you that are not picking up at the farm. So for farm pick up the total cost is $30 per week * 6 weeks = $180 and for home delivery it will be $35 per week * 6 weeks = $210. The total amount will be due in a single payment upfront before the start of the CSA.
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Will you have egg and herd shares available to members?
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Yes! You will find the “herdshare” & egg option when you sign up through the website.
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6 weeks worth of eggs (1 dozen per week) = $39
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6 weeks worth of fresh milk (½ gallon per week) = $30 + $10 bottle deposit = $40
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How do we sign up?
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Visit our SIGN UP page here – https://workinghandsfarm.com/fall-extension-sign-up/ . Then select the winter CSA option that best fits you. After you sign up send a check made out to Working Hands Farm to our address 12101 SW River Rd. Hillsboro OR, 97123. After you have signed up online and we have received your check in the mail we will send you a confirmation email and add you to our 2012 Fall member list.
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Will the shares be limited?
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Yes, we will be limiting the fall CSA to the first 40 members to sign up. So act fast as we expect it to fill up fast.
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Thank you for helping to support our little farm!
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p.s. We will be showing a movie this Friday so stay tuned for more information about that! Also, we have been running low on crates lately. So, if you have crates at home please bring them this week! If you are unable to bring your crate back please bring a bag. It makes our harvest days go more smoothly when we have everything that we need. Thanks in advance!
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p.p.s Wolf is harvesting the honey from the hives this week and next and is looking for a few extra volunteers each day. Here are the days he will be out here starting at noon:
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Sunday, September 23rd
Monday, September 24th
Wednesday, September 26th
Friday, September 28th
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So please let us know when you are interested in coming out! Many hands make light work!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hey everyone, –
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We hope all is well and the end of summer transition is going smoothly for everyone so far. We are also trying to get into the swing of things here at the farm. Trying to find a balance between all the responsibilities, the harvests, the plantings, and the animals. Although there are even less hours in the day (both literally and figuratively) we’re confident we’ll find a way to balance everything out. With certain types of responsibilities comes certain simplicities. Like all new things you only truly understand it when you see it through the whole way. So here’s to seeing it through… –
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Tomato harvest this week has been the biggest it’s been all season with the heirlooms finally kicking into gear. We’ve had some pretty chilly nights the past few days with temperatures in the high 30’s so if you’re planning to can or freezing extra vegetables now is the time to do it! Chop up all those peppers, bag those tomatoes whole and stick them right in the freezer. Save it for later to make some homemade sauce or soup when you have some time to do it on one of those chilly winter nights. If you’re looking for any extras this week or next we have 10, 20, 30+ lbs of saucing tomatoes available for purchase. Just send us an email and let us know. –
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Also, if anyone is interested in doing an egg share for the next 6 weeks please let us know! The girls are getting into the swing of things over here at the farm and if your enjoying our veggies it only makes sense to be confident where your eggs are coming from too! They are wholesome and delicious and we guarantee these ladies are the best loved chickens around. Help support these hard workin’ little ladies and the farm. These are all things that you can feel really good about. –
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Friday Night Films on the Farm. We are so excited to say that we’ll be showing The Fantastic Mr. Fox this Friday at dusk. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to enjoy the sunset (it’s at 7:20) and we’ll be starting the movie shortly thereafter. Bring warm clothes and a blanket to wrap in incase it gets a little chilly. A $5 donation is appreciated. –
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Thanks (as always) to everyone for your encouragement and support! We couldn’t do it with out you. And for those who have been asking, we are planning on sitting down in the next few days to finalize our CSA extension for this season and put it out there to everyone by early next week. Thanks for being patient and understanding while we learn to juggle all these new exciting possibilities… –
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faithfully yours, –
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your farmers –
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dirty hands, clean hearts –
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Hello dear friends,
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Wow what a weekend…we hope everyone enjoyed their holiday as we know school is starting back up for the little ones and the change of season will be upon us in the coming month… it’s definitely a time of transition. Things are changing plenty around the farm too and not just with the garden… and with that being said we have some news to share with you all…
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Ellie had her calf at first light on the morning of the full blue moon. I was inside baking up some granola when Brian ran in and said I had to get my shoes on quick that he saw something with Ellie in the field. There were no signs that she was ready to calve but it happened rather quickly. We checked on her at first light and she was grazing in the field… and not an hour later there was a little wet calf laying in the grass. There she was licking the baby and cleaning it off like a good mama should. She was perky and aware and on her feet. The calf’s eyes were bright. We wondered if it was a boy or a girl…. we checked… A GIRL! We were extremely excited. We had no idea what to do despite all the cow books & forums we’d been reading and the farmer advice we had been seeking. Our first intuition said to call up Farmer Britt of Everbearing Farms (and Ellie’s previous owner). She said she would make her way up within the next few hours to help us out with any questions and to check on both Ellie and the baby. And it’s a good thing she did. As the early morning progressed Ellie began to act funny. She wouldn’t come when she was called and had made her way down to the furthest most point in the property with baby in tow. Something was up and she didn’t feel right. Britt suggested that we call the vet and get her checked out. There was a possibility that she had Milk Fever (which is fatal if not treated) and it wasn’t worth taking the risk. The vet was called and we were on wait for the next two hours… and it felt like the longest two hours ever.
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He came right in time. When he arrived we weren’t 10 steps away from the barn and he was already coming out getting ready to give her an IV. Sure enough she had milk fever and was progressing quickly as she could hardly stand on her legs they were shaking so bad. He laid her down for several minutes… within a few minutes of receiving both the IV and calcium tablets Ellie was back on her feet. We let out a huge sigh of relief. I asked if this was a sure sign that she would recover. The vet said that this was the surest cure there was and her getting right back up on her feet was a great sign. But boy, did everything happen so quickly… the excitement of the baby finally arriving, the decline in Ellie’s health, Ellie feeling better and us trying to wrap our heads around the day we just had and the big changes that were about to come. The idea of losing her still weighs heavy on my heart and I feel a little lighter every time she stands by my side and puts her head around my body assuring me that she is as present as she ever was.
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These two farmers before you are growing up and doing it quickly. We are definitely feeling those growing pains after this weekend. The lack of sleep, the extremely early mornings, the late nights, the 2 hour milkings, the stack of garden chores mounting in the distance, the 1,000’s of transplants that want and need to get into the soil, the transition time from just the 3 of us to the 4 of us…. but somehow it all dissipates for a moment when we see that little calf leap and bound across the field or witness her finding her mother’s milk for the first time. Those happy moments when there is no question that things make sense. A happy mom and a happy baby who are bonding more and more each day. We are learning how to be a part of that process and so is Ellie. She has never been given the chance to bond with her former calves so this is a whole new experience for her. It took her a day or two but we see our sweet old Ellie in there when she nuzzles up for a scratch or lays her head on our laps… we know girl, we’re tired too. We’re proud of her for being strong and for being a really good mom and for reminding us to take it one day at a time.
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We look forward to the next few weeks and to see how it all progresses. Hopefully the milking, feedings, etc get easier. We are being tested but we haven’t hit our final note. Despite all the things on our list, all our responsibilities and there not being enough hours in the day, we still have hope that we can get up and do it all again. There is no time to be too tired because there are just too many people, animals & plants depending on you. We believe in what we do and although things feel harder than they’ve ever felt we still have confidence that we can make this work… that we will figure it out and it will become lighter with time. After all, we’ve already learned so much in the past few days, from the baby, from Ellie, from ourselves…. we will never forget anything that happened to us over this labor day weekend.
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Also, a big thanks to everyone who came out on Friday for movie night as Singin’ in the Rain was a total hit. It was definitely an intimate affair but it was probably one of the loveliest nights we’ve had on the farm all season. It gave us a chance to sit down and take in the full blue moon rising up over the hills before we got the film rolling… and it somehow inspired Miss Ellora to have her calf the next morning…. this Friday we’ll be watching The Sandlot and encourage you all to come out at dusk for show time! Hope everyone has a great week. We’ll see you all soon.
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Hello friends,
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The adventure begins yet again! We sure have had some funny weather since we saw you last but it looks like the sun is shining and we’re back up into the 50’s at night. Everything looks great in the garden <sigh of happiness> as August and September are such bountiful months in the season. Farmer Brian and myself will be working on numbers, dates, etc for the winter CSA and will be happy to share those with you hopefully by next week! We truly believe in what we’re doing and see a very bright and rewarding future in growing food for the community. This season has led us to amazing friends, new and old, and we couldn’t be happier to have you all aboard!
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Thanks to those who came out for our first movie night last week. This friday (August 31st) we will be showing Singing in the Rain a fantastic musical comedy made in 1952. It stars some of the greats, Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor & Debbie Reynolds who are singing and dancing about all things Hollywood and the change from silent films to “talkies.” Movie starts a little after 8pm but feel free to come a little early to enjoy our beautiful farm sunsets. Make sure to bring a few layers with you for when the sun goes down. A $5 donation is suggested.
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Our girls are laying a few more eggs each and every day. We’ll have eggs available at a first come, first serve basis this week for all that are interested. They are fed a glorious diet of pasture and Scratch & Peck feed so eating them is something you can feel really good about. Finn, short for Huck Finn, is our chicken of the week. As soon as the girls are let out at first light Finn is the first one to jump the fence and find her way over to the shade structure. There you will find her for the majority of the day, snacking on tomatoes, scratching up the grass, eating slugs or lounging in the sun. Like clockwork, before we even step out of the coop, she is there. We also have a lemon cucumber and summer squash loving cow named Ellie. We have recently discovered that she loves eating our split carrots and looks adorable to boot. We might be biased but we think they are the happiest dairy cow and chickens this side of the Mississip!
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Just a reminder about TOMATOES! The time is now! Several of our members have purchased some day old tomatoes which are great for canning season! We’re offering them at a steal of a price, in bulk for canning purposes. If anyone is interested in purchasing 10, 20, 40, 60 + lbs of tomatoes please let us know. They make great sauce, sundried tomatoes, ketchup, jam and more for filling up your pantry or giving as Christmas gifts! Last fall we put together a little tomato canning how-to and you can check it out here.
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Also, on Tuesdays, due to the nature of the season, we will be making several deliveries before the drop and CSA pick up begins at 4:30. We hope to be there a little earlier to slang some vegetables to the happy folks in NE/SE Portland but members should plan on the pick up starting at 4:30.
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Thanks for all of your encouragement! We look forward to seeing you all this week! Don’t forget to bring your crates or any extra you might have laying around!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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Tonight we will be showing our first film in our succession of outdoor Movie Nights on the farm.
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Paul Newman & Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
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Come an hour early (at 7pm), pack a picnic, bring a blanket & a warm sweater
and watch the most amazing sunset from the farm!
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Movie starts at sundown. All are welcome. $5 donation suggested.
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Hello friends!
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Boy, we can’t get over how different the weather has been this week. A little mix of sun and clouds, cooler and much more enjoyable weather to work in! It’s almost starting to feel like the halfway mark of the season is here. Sometimes the slight change in weather helps process just how fast time really does go by.
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Thank you to everyone that made it out to the farm on Saturday. It was nice for both of us to take a step back, show members the farm, talk about what we do and share in some homemade food! We know that time is precious this time of the year and we hope to have another gathering over the weekend of the fall solstice which is a month from now.
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TOMATOES! The season for canning is here! We have been harvesting an unbelievable amount of tomatoes this week… 470lbs to be exact and there are more ripening on the vine every day! We’ve had a few members buy our “day old tomatoes,” at a steal of a price, in bulk for canning purposes. If anyone is interested in purchasing 10, 20, 40, 60 + lbs of tomatoes please let us know. They make great sauce, sundried tomatoes, ketchup, jam and more for filling up your pantry or giving as Christmas gifts! Last fall we put together a little tomato canning how-to and you can check it out here.
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We’re pleased to announce that the first film in our succession of outdoor Movie Nights on the farm will begin THIS Friday! Who can resist Paul Newman & Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? Come an hour early (at 7pm), pack a picnic dinner, bring a chair and watch the most amazing sunset from the farm! Movie starts at dusk (a little after 8pm). $5 donation suggested.
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Happy week to you all!
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Faithfully yours,
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your farmers
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dirty hands, clean hearts
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working hands farm 
