Fall Bounty
We all wait for summer--when the cucumbers and tomatoes are ready--and then before you know it fall sneaks up on you. Fall brings such a variety of crops and colors, it's a feast for the eyes and the stomach. ...and a workout for your muscles!
I just registered for the Farmer to Farmer Conference (aka F2F). It is held in lovely Northport, Maine, by MOFGA. The wonder of this conference is its unique structure. The sessions are 3 hours long and mostly consist of farmers talking to other farmers. Each session starts with an hour of speakers, usually farmers and someone from a University, then we are allowed ample time to share information with each other on the topic. It's a genius idea because, truly, the farmers are the "experts". Every year we learn from our mistakes and create new processes, but we don't have time during the growing season to communicate our findings. This conference is a forum of shared ideas, a beautiful community of people who "compete" with each other at markets or for share holders, but openly lift each other up to make the farming community a greater whole. It's quite amazing, actually.
While I am feeling a little sad that fall is here and winter not far behind, I am looking forward to another winter full of farming research and shared knowledge. Without winter, I would not be able to rebuild my internal or external strength to carry on for another season. It allows for rest and recharge and creates space for the excitement of another season to build. I hope your winter may also be filled with time to rebuild things you are passionate about.
Thank you, again and again, for loving Little Ridge Farm!!!
The last week's bounty: cabbage, winter squash, peppers, green tomatoes, onions, leeks, potatoes, carrots, beets, kale, chard, garlic, fennel...
