Farm to Table

Hello

The fall weather is beginning to leave Ohio and Pennsylvania only to be replaced by cold nights and our first snow fall. With the change in weather insulated long johns and flannel shirts are now part of standard farm attire. The farm market is now closed for the year only to be replaced by a flourishing greenhouse filled with 1200 poinsettia plants waiting to show color for Christmas. The farm equipment is being cleaned and repaired for the next season while Richard (master greenhouse guy) pours over seed and flower catalogs anticipating Spring and the beginning of planting. It is a continuous cycle of preparation, planting and harvesting.

This past Thursday 20 CSA members along with the farm crew and members of the HM Community gathered to share a pot-luck supper and conversation about our first year of Community Supported Agriculture. Needless to say the food was delicious.... many dishes were created from farm fruits and vegetables. Members shared their cooking and baking talents to nourish us with fresh and healthy dishes.

It was energizing to be with people committed to buying and eating local produce. A round table disucssion was held after dinner to allow members the opportunity to share their thoughts on CSA participation. It was overwhelming for the farm crew to hear the positive comments about the farm specifically how pleased people were with the quality and quanity of their share. The most gratifying comments were those related not to the produce received but to the spiritual connection the members felt to the land, the animals and to the experience of working the farm. Many members expressed the sentiment of "receiving so much more than they expected". They received quality produce, an opportunity to share with others the love of earth and the experience of acutally working the land. Each week Richard and I looked forward to meeting our new friends in the market as they picked up their share. To our delight we discovered that members also enjoyed talking with us and sharing "farm talk" about pest, critters, and the weather report of the day.

Another community has been formed as a result of the committment the farm made to establishing the CSA - the farmers and I are beginning to plan for next year and look forward to another growing season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Beth