News from the farm, Monday October 19th

This week Julie put a lot of time and fundraising muscle into the NOFA/Mass Human Health and Climate Action Challenge (with administrative support provided by yours truly). Daily video tips were created, posted to social media, and emailed out to a big list of supporters, friends and donors to previous NOFA/Mass events – and we raised $2,311! In response to this overwhelming generosity, Jack and Julie raised their goal to $4,000 with fourteen fundraising days left. Julie adds, “it’s not too late to donate in our name to support the broader movement that supports us” – and no gift is too small! If you are able to chip in a donation of any amount, please do so via Jack and Julie’s fundraising page (or mail your check made out to NOFA/Mass to Julie and Jack, 411 Sheldon Road, Barre, MA 01005). If you are among the 26 donors who have already given, Julie sends her heartfelt gratitude to you!

Out on the farm, the crew took advantage of this week’s rain to sort the winter squash, onions and garlic in the barn and move it all to the root cellar. Between the rains, the crew planted about 500 beautiful lettuce seedlings into the garden, lovely little leftovers that didn’t fit into the hoophouses. It’s a bit of an experiment which we hope will result in some nice lettuce in the next few weeks – a compelling prospect for both Julie and Clare, both big time lettuce lovers.

In staff news, Anthony Brogno postponed his arrival (he’ll join staff on Wednesday) and Gavin postponed his departure. We also expect Mario Mendes (a many year staff member who came up through Stetson) to join us on Wednesday.

Jack is getting a knee replacement on Friday. Julie asks that you “send good wishes for a successful operation and recovery, please” and wants to also send “thanks to all the staff who are putting in extra work to help us out – including Clare and Cathleen for extra food”.

Last and not least, CSA registration is open for the 2021 growing season! You can reserve your share with a deposit or pay in full. Read more and sign up here. We also have about thirty more turkeys left to sell. We sold about fourteen this past week alone, so if you want one order now and don’t tarry!