Weekly newsletters

March 2020 MHOF Newsletter


March, 2020

Dear Friends – a special plea,

Kalina, the little 8 year old who last week was quoted as wanting salad because it was Julie’s salad is in the hospital in the Intensive Care Unit with a yet to be totally confirmed disease. Please send her and her family you best prayers, energies and healing wishes.

Julie

News from the Farm

Here, at the beginning of spring, the ground is slightly spongy underfoot in some places, thick with mud in others. The winter-killed crop residue has mingled with fallen leaves and formed a thick mat over the thawing soil beneath. The stalks of last season’s kale jut up, tall and dry with a tuft of browned curly leaves on top. Between the gusts of wind, birdsong.

In March we focus on pruning, starting with the fruit trees on the hill – peaches, apples, plums, pears and mulberries – making strategic cuts to allow for movement of air and sunlight, to balance the proportion of fruiting wood to vegetative growth, to grow bigger and better fruit. Julie took a jarring fall off a ladder while pruning and participating on a conference call simultaneously. I saw her the next day. She was sore and moving slowly…and laughed about it all the same, telling me that she finished the call while lying on the ground.

Caring for our hoophouse greens is also a regular feature of the week’s work. In addition to weeding, we nourish the plants through regular foliar feeding. Our mix is a blend of several products from Advancing Eco Agriculture. It supplies a number of minerals needed for good plant growth, nutrients to help the plants maximize their photosynthetic capacity, and fungal and bacterial inoculants. Directly applying these nutrients to the leaves is an efficient way to nourish the plants. As the plants grow big, fast and deep-rooted, their photosynthesis nourishes the soil: bringing in nutrients, supporting microbial activity, strengthening the network of mycorrhizal fungi and pulling carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it in the soil. Have we mentioned that the plants taste great and are chock-full of nutrients, too? It’s a true win-win for everyone…which is why weekly foliar feeding of our veggie and fruit crops is a practice throughout the growing season.

Soon, the first veggies destined for the summer share – beets, cilantro and lettuce – will go in the ground. We also have a lot of good stuff on hand to enjoy now. Read on for information about our summer and fall vegetable shares and our other Many Hands-grown (and made) goodies available for purchase.
Yours, in joyous anticipation of longer days, fresh spring salad greens and peach blossom,
Nora Weaver

Our hoop house greens thrive under our regular foliar feeding regimen.  Click on the image above to watch a video of Clare in action!

Got Cardboard?

We’re looking for donations of cardboard to use in mulching our fruit trees and small fruits.  Cardboard should be brown, tape-free, and flattened.  Get in touch with Julie if you have some to give!  Email julie@mhof.net or call 978-355-2853

Available now!

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2020 Vegetable Share

Enjoy 22 weeks of produce from June – October with our summer share. Choose from three sizes: large, medium and small.

Fall shares provide 4 more weeks during the month of November and come in one size.

Pick up in Worcester, Paxton, Holden, Princeton (NEW site for 2020) or Barre. Pay by check, PayPal or SNAP benefits, or become a working shareholder. HIP benefits became available again on March 6, 2020. If you’d like to pay using SNAP benefits, get in touch – we can process in person or over the phone.

Whichever option you choose, you will receive a bountiful summer of beautiful, nutrient-dense, Certified Organic produce that will nourish your body, grown with practices that sustain and regenerate the land.

Learn more and sign up

Other Goodies

Frozen applesauce: $6/quart

Frozen peaches: $12 for a 2 lb. bag

Frozen lard: $20/quart. We will ship.

Frozen pork ribs, roasts and chops: $10/lb

Frozen turkey: a 21# bird at $6/lb

Frozen pork stock: $7.50/quart

Comfrey salve :$8 for a 2 oz jar. We will ship.

Peppermint and lavender soap – $6/bar. We will ship. Made from our own lard and tallow.

Order by email or phone:
julie@mhof.net   978-355-2853

 

“Thank you, Jack and your team for all your hard work and your committment to being organic and sustainable as well as carbon sequestration. It mirrors my values and is a few of the reasons why I enjoy supporting Many Hands”. – from Jackie, 2019 CSA member

 

 

 

February 2020 MHOF Newsletter

February 2020

 

Dear friends and customers of Many Hands Organic Farm,

 

Halfway through winter we are and it is time to let you know about all of the wonderful things that we are growing to eat this year.

 

CSA https://mhof.net/community-supported-agriculture/

29 years in with the CSA we are happy to announce our CSA offerings for 2020. After many years at the same price we are edging up slightly to keep in tune with our improved salary structure for our hardworking staff, the cost of almost everything that goes into the vegetables and fruits – fertility, supplies, seeds, etc. and also, most importantly, the increased quality and quantity of the food we raise.

Large Shares will be $700 this year, Mediums will be $475 and Smalls, a new offering for the modest eaters, will be $350. Pick up locations and times are on the website along with pricing for delivered food. Some of our locations or days are not yet sorted out, but rest assured that long before the first of June we will have all of this sorted out. Newly in – we have a Worcester site – The Elan Vital Medical Center at 21 West Street. Food will be on the back deck. Thanks to Karen Way and Abbas Qutab for letting us use their space. And while you are there, you might want to set up an appointment with either of them. They are great health care providers. That will be a Wednesday pick up.

Want to get a delivery to a location closer to you? We can talk about how many shareholders we need to make that happen.

SNAP customers are very welcome to join the CSA. Ask.

Meathttps://mhof.net/organic-meat/

I was talking to one of our turkey customers the other day, and he said, “That was the best turkey I have ever eaten.” Similar things are said about our pork and chicken. We have some pork cuts left in the freezer, and one turkey, but now is a good time to place pre-orders for 2020. Slaughter for meat chickens (presently sold out from 2019) will be August 30. Old layers will follow in mid to late October, pigs in mid-November and then turkeys on Thanksgiving week. You just can’t beat the meat we raise with certified organic grain, woods for the pigs, and pasture for the turkeys and chickens, all of which gets more nutritious every year. We have stocking rates all figured out, and Franny and Dingo have already signed on to be our pasture watchdogs for the entire poultry season.

 

Products on hand – email or call

  • Frozen Lard – your best source of Vitamin D and a great cooking fat with its higher combustion temperature than most fats – $20/quart and we will ship.
  • Frozen Pork stock – limited supply – $7.50/quart
  • Frozen Applesauce – this is so tasty – $6/quart
  • Frozen peaches – $12 for a 2 lb. bag
  • Hemp salve – Jack loves this for his aches and pains – $10/2 ounces – we will ship
  • Comfrey salve – my go to salve for all sorts of hurts and abrasions – $8/2 ounces – we will ship
  • Peppermint and lavender soap – $6/bar made from our own lard and tallow – we will ship

 

Working Shareholders sought – https://mhof.net/about-us/

This is such a deal for you and for us. Come at 6:30 for breakfast on your appointed day (M, W, or F) or from 8-12, with lunch regardless. Running through the CSA 26 weeks you will receive a large share in return for your efforts. Learn how to farm, have a great time, get lots of exercise, and make some new friends. We are looking for a total of 12 working shareholders. There may be an opportunity to pay for your gas with a delivery job for the CSA on your way home. You can start earlier than June 1 for a bag of frozen peaches, quart of applesauce or stock, or something else we have in abundance.

 

Circle of Song starts Thursdayhttp://circleofsong.net/music/index.php

We sing in four part harmony an array of wonderful music. This spring we will be doing Copland, Rutter, Barber, Walker, The Amidon and Mark Hayes in a “Copland and other Notable American Composers Concert” in mid-May. Contact me if you would like to consider joining. We meet at our house on Thursdays 7-8:30.

Looking for one more full-timer this year on the farm  . . .

to join Clare, Mario, Marj, Jack Dan and me plus an array of working shareholders and itinerants. Pay is commensurate with experience and hustle. All of the hundreds of things we do on the farm from raising animals, vegetables, fruits, tending hoop houses, cutting and stacking wood, preserving food, managing visiting groups,  marketing,  mowing, hay making, etc. are part of the job. Apply with a resume and a phone call.

 

What do farmers do in the winter, anyway?

This year we are building our firewood supply, cleaning up all sorts of junk, re-organizing all of our tools and stuff, pruning fruit trees, weeding greens in the hoop house, mulching fruit trees, ordering seeds, animals and supplies, working on the website and our extensive marketing profile, putting together our planting and fertility schedules and applying for organic certification, and doing all sorts of fun talks to Northeastern, NOFA Mass, CT and NH, and UMass so far.

What will be new on the farm this year?

Not a whole lot – mostly continue to enhance fertility – we are working in year 2 with our consultant at Advancing Eco Agriculture, we have added two more hoop houses – now 5 – for winter greens and summer goodness – melons, tomatoes, eggplant, looking forward to our first full year with our ripper to help us with bed prep, stockpiling lots of hay for mulching and putting together an intricate plan for cover crop usage throughout the season. Our foliar feeding protocol for this year will almost require a spreadsheet. We are focusing on improving our blueberries, tomatoes, apples, and finally coming to terms with slugs – hopefully encouraging them to go somewhere else. Our organic matter jumped at least 1% point in all of our fields in 2019 over 2018 and the food only gets that much more fantastic. We upped our meat birds to 250 and added another pig for 6 total. We hope to raise 2 steers again, but they won’t be ready for your freezer  until late 2021.

 

Enjoy the rest of winter. It will speed by. But don’t tarry on joining the CSA. We can use some cash right now as this is an expensive time of year! Julie

2020 MHOF CSA Shares Now Available

January 15, 2020

No time like the present to sign up to become a member of the Many Hands Organic Farm CSA. This will be our 29th season and we know how to do it!  New this year we are offering 3 share sizes during the Summer CSA season as well as the Late Fall Share during the month of November.  Depending on how often you cook at home, how you consume fresh vegetables, whether you preserve food throughout the season, and the number of people in your household, you can choose a Large, Medium, or Small share.  Each year you get more for your money- as the quality of our vegetables continues to improve; the quantity is generous too. We don’t think you can beat the taste, quality, and nutrition of our nutrient dense produce, which we continue to improve as we focus on plant and soil health. You will receive 22 to 26 weeks of vegetables, fruit, and herbs.

Here are a handful of testimonials from our CSA shareholders–

“While we have enjoyed participating in this CSA for a long time now, I think this was the most bountiful year we’ve experienced.  And  not just quantity, but variety and quality, too.  I can’t even eat tomatoes from anywhere else anymore – I’m so spoiled with the delicious ones we’ve received from you the last few months.  Last night we had the best butternut squash, the night before I had a wonderful soup with the most delicioius Asian cabbage, carrots, celery and leeks…  In fact every week this past season, we have felt the same – loving it all! 

I haven’t had a chance to try the sunchokes yet, but I’m planning on roasting them later this week.

Thank you for all of your hard work – I couldn’t be happier!” Becky

“Just a couple ideas. Curly Kale can easily be frozen. Strip it from the stem, put it on a cookie sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer. In about an hour place Kale into a plastic sealable bag. Works like a charm. Beet greens and chard make a wonderful pesto for pasta or fish or anything. Just use greens instead of basil. Parsley works well also. I even use carrot fonds for a pesto.

 

Once again, we are sooo happy we found you. Have a good week.”

 

“I just wanted to take this moment to thank all of you for what you do. I agree that organic farming is HARD work with little return. I think it must be in your blood. Regardless, we LOVE our share and that we are assured that out produce is 100% ORGANIC for 6 months of the year. Your hard work and care doesn’t go unnoticed. I will continue to tell others about the farm.” Karen

 

 

“Thank you for another amazing week of produce. We actually took our share with us when we went away last week and ate tons of delicious veggies the whole time.” Emily

 

“Absolutely beautiful!  Getting this CSA share has been one of our best decisions along with getting the fresh eggs.  Thanks for all that you do.” Rich

“I should say weekly applause.  This season to date has been spectacular!  I know it’s a holiday weekend but I am so full of food appreciation and happiness that I’m bursting!  In fact, some mushrooms and green pepper in the saute pan now.  Eggs going in later.  Tomatoes at the very end.   . . .. What’s an email without a comment about the lovely fresh eggs?  The girls are doing a great job as always. Hope you have a Labor Day weekend that’s just what you want it to be.  Know that we CSA subscribers appreciate all the labor and love that goes into the MHOF offerings.” Nancy

“I’ve totally changed my diet to clean eating and can’t wait to enjoy more this summer.”  Caroline

 

“Wow we are enjoying the produce.  The chard was both beautiful and tasty.” Linda

 

“Thank you so much Julie! It was so beautiful this week’s share. The produce was amazing and fresh.  Thank you so much for everything.”  Alma

 

“Your produce is delicious, and I feel very healthy after I eat it, especially since I’m getting a lot of kale this year! Thanks for all that you’re doing at Many Hands Organic Farm.”  Cathie

 

“I hope you are doing well and enjoying your season. I’ve been thinking about everything I learned from you during my time as a working shareholder as I am spending my summer working on this tiny farm that we’ve created on the Cape. I think about Jason every time I skip weeding the vetch. Speaking of weeding, I think one of the most important things I picked up from you is to be sure to stop everything once and awhile to look back at what has been accomplished. This is important in weeding, faming in general, and life too!

Anyway, I just wanted to express my gratitude for you and your wisdom and the work that you do.Thank you!” Cory

“Thank you for the weekly bounty! I’m so glad you reached out and brought us back into your fold. I have really enjoyed learning new ways to use these gifts. I was surprised how much I enjoyed sautéed Lamb’s Quarters (with garlic scape) and the berries were amazing!!  Every day kale and chard are enjoyed in our morning smoothies. And now I have my husband eating so many more veggies. Last weekend he finally admitted he liked squash. But I think it’s because it was your squash, so sweet and perfect, that I steamed with parsley for a change. Amazing summer side! Keep up what I know is hard and frustrating work. But you’re doing great!  Thank you.” Caroline

 

 

Thanksgiving Turkeys – SOLD OUT!!

Turkeys are sold out for this year.  Check back next year for more organic turkeys.

September Sale! Call or email to reserve your order!

Many Hands Organic Farm
Barre, MA. 978-355-2853 or farm@mhof.net

September Sale
Food must be sold to help us make room for the harvests that are coming in now!

Quantities limited, call or email to reserve your order.

Fruit

Frozen sliced peaches – $12/2 lb.
Frozen strawberries – $12/2 lb.
Frozen applesauce – $5/qt.

Dried peaches – $10/8 oz.

Canned grape juice – $12/qt.

Vegetables

Fresh Kale – $3/bunch
Fresh chard – $3/bunch
Fresh parsley – $3/bunch
Fresh celery – $3/bunch
Fresh green peppers – $3/bunch
Fresh garlic – $12/lb.

Frozen corn – $12/2 lb.
Frozen peas – $12/2 lb.
Frozen green beans – $12/2 lb.

Canned tomatoes – $6/qt.

Dried mushrooms (winecaps) – $10/8 oz..
Dried zucchini and yellow squash – $5/lb.

Meat and Animal Products

Fresh Turkey (pre-order for Thanksgiving) $5.50/lb.
specify hen (12 – 18 lb.) or tom (20-24 lb.)

(all frozen)
Whole chickens – $7/lb. (5-7 lb.)
Chicken feet – $5 for 12 feet

Beef Roasts – $10/lb.
Beef Steaks – $10/lb.
Beef Short Ribs – $10/lb.

Pork Chops -$10/lb.
Ground Pork – $10/lb.
Pork Ribs – $10/lb.
Country-Style Pork Ribs – $10/lb.
Pork Hot Dogs – $12/lb.
Pork Lard – $20/qt.

Personal Care Products

Comfrey salve – $8/2 oz.

Fall CSA (November)

4 more weeks of the same luscious vegetables – $120 with $8 delivery to Worcester and Holden – https://mhof.net/csa-order-form/