Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Looking Forward to 2017

After a mix of lessons we learned in 2016 we are going into the New Year with a clearer vision of where our farm is going in 2017. Our focus is going to be to continue to develop the farm, increase our nursery operation and double our fresh market sales. 

PLANTS
Beginning in the Spring you'll find our vegetable starts and bedding plants available at Mid Valley Farmers Market (Friday 3-6) and Greenwood Mall Farmers Market (Thursday 11-3) plus at our farm stand in Torbrook and at Annavale Co-Op in Middleton where our greenhouse will be filled beginning in April. We will have a wide selection and include growing tips and recipes. We know we have superior plants, and we want to help you be successful in your garden and kitchen. 

PRODUCE
Veggies will be available as soon as the weather allows, usually early May. Be patient, just because the afternoons are warm doesn't mean the nights are and plants live outside 24/7.  Give them time, it'll be worth it! And check out the new farm stand which should be completed in April too. A new section of garden is being developed to include perennial fruits such as strawberries and raspberries, 

GARDEN ART
From wind chimes to sun catchers, we have just what you're looking for, all locally made! Available year round from Prairie Wind Creations, you'll find a good selection at the farmers markets and in the nursery at Annavale Co-Op in Middleton beginning in April.

COMMUNITY GARDEN
If there is any interest this year, we will be offering community garden plots again for 2017. Plots will be 10x10' and payment is by donation to help cover the cost of tilling and watering or you can help us with our weeding. We will fertilize, dig and water your plot, you just have to plant, weed and harvest. 

WWOOFERS
We will welcome 12 wwoofers from May to September. The cabin will also be getting a facelift in the form of a new floor and fresh paint. I'd like to take a minute to thank all the amazing people we've met through the wwoof program, you guys are awesome and we appreciate you all very much!

BAKERY/COOLER
The bakery will potentially be moving into its own building this year which will be great during the summer when it's so warm out. And a walk in cooler is planned as well for mid summer. I think my husband will be busy! 

So there you have it. Plans for 2017 in a nutshell. We're currently working on turning our daughter Meghan's logo design for the farm into a digital format and then we are going to make a new sign on the weekend as well. Something bright & fresh for a new start in 2017. You'll see it soon as we hope to revamp all our social media January 1st.

We also wish Jordan well in his new ventures, he's been the main helper in 2016 and he's a terrific son. He's leaving home to go be a missionary for 2 years. We will miss him but don't worry, I will post regular updates once we know where he's going and how he's getting on. 

Thanks for all your support and encouragement through what was not a very good year, and here's to the future, may it be brighter, full of love and laughter, and may it rain one day each week all summer. 

Love, 

        Elizabeth