Tractor getting a facelift
This week our tractor got some necessary adjustments. It’s a 1986 John Deere I bought used from Craig’s list back in 2007. It’s the only tractor I have ever owned and I am grateful for it. While we do a tremendous amount of hand labor, this machine does work that would swirl us into exhaustion so fast we wouldn’t get a single seed in the ground. Every time it starts, I say “thank you” and we get to work. I am also extremely grateful to have an amazing friend and tractor repair guy. I have a backup too, in fact, which is also reassuring. Starting our farm in 2007, I met so many locals to help with welding, tractor repair, machine repair, and anything in between when in a pinch (including wrangling escarped cows). Back then, most farmers knew how to do it all themselves. Machines were simpler, being raised on the farm had given them the know-how and, well, farmers are a smart, thrifty and sturdy kind of people. All of those folks were 20-40 years my elder back in 2007; sad to say some of passed, some are ill and so my number of folks who can physically helped has dwindled. To find someone my junior who is so fast and slick with machines gives me confidence. He’s built up his rig so he can come here and do most anything to the tractor. No need to haul it off farm and lose it to the shop for a week. This repair was part 1, we will do a part 2 when we get another break in time where we don’t need to use the tractor, but this week we are poised to get more heavy field work done!
Raspberries are in their prime!
In between walking to and fro, we grab a handful of these rubies. They are sweet and tart, rich and juicy. Such a treat! We do not pick these as pre-picked boxes to sell. They are just too delicate. CSA members, be sure to get here before the dang japanese beetles whittle them.
Irrigation is our main task right now. It’s a TON of walking and time. Back and forth to the well, turning on and off valves, making sure the drip tape is dripping, that there are no leaks or new splits. I will admit, when I look at the forecast and only see hot sun, humidity and no rain, I get a little depressed. Natural rain makes our day sooooo much easier. We already have loads to do and adding irrigation the list forces us to deprioritize other things (like weeding). Speaking of weeding….we have a “few” in the fall carrots. If anyone is into quiet time listening to birds, pig snores and the hum of insects, we have the perfect space for you! Email me and we can set you up.
Alrighty, I am off to pick blueberries. I hope you are enjoying the new crops that trickle in each week….full on cukes now and tomatoes are beginning to blush!!
This Week’s Bounty: lettuce, pac choi, chard, kohl rabi, cucmbers, summer squash, red onions, basil, cilantro
**be sure to post your favorite recipes and new favorite CSA veggies on our private FB page. It’s a way to swap, share and learn with the LRF community!!
