Welcome to our 17th week of the 2014 Season

In Farm News this week, Farmer John Writes  “It’s not just about the Food; it’s also about the Farm.”

As shareholders, you support not just healthy food and healthy eating; you support the ongoing transformation of a small part of the planet by helping to build up a farm, your farm: its soils, buildings, trees, grasslands, wildlife, economy, and culture.

At the recent farm open house, several shareholders were very effusive about how much Angelic Organics means to them. Diana McCluskey told me, “I’ve been with you for 15 years. I love the farm and truly feel a part of it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a farm—this is my farm.” She went on to comment about all the improvements she has noticed that have been made on the farm over the years: the gardens, the upgrading of the buildings, the care of the fields. She added, “I read all the newsletters, and I can feel the love in those boxes. I am completely in no matter what changes occur.”

It was a dream for me to listen to her. Even though I devote tremendous time and effort to bringing fresh, healthy food to our shareholders, I don’t want the relationship to end there; I want it to begin there. I want our shareholders to feel you have a farm, to feel deeply connected to the place that grows your food.

I was privileged to grow up on this farm, so I’ve been blessed my whole life to have a farm to which I could intimately relate. I feel it is important for all of us to experience a deep connection with a farm, a place where wildlife, weather, moonlight, soil, sunshine, seed, and people converge. It’s not just about the food; it’s also about the farm. To flourish, a farm needs ongoing care and attention. A farm is not just a piece of real estate enclosed by property lines; it is a tender being, a living organism. It needs devotion. Thank you from the farm and me to all of you who are devoted to Angelic Organics.

The Crops

We still have peppers and eggplant in the field as October approaches. We’re letting them size up until just before the frost, an interesting waiting game. We have given you a lot of potatoes so far. (I’m sure you’ve noticed.) And there are more potatoes to come. We didn’t plan on such a huge potato crop, but that’s what we got.

Overheard: “These are the best vegetables I’ve ever eaten. And I don’t even like vegetables.”

The Weather

I believe the last few days are the longest period of dry weather we’ve had all year. And it’s been very mild…lovely fall weather—great for getting crops out of the fields.

The Work

The crew is working an extra hour a day now, quitting at 5 pm rather than 4 pm, to make good use of the dry, mild weather.

Want to farm?

A one year training course sponsored by the Angelic Organics Learning Center. Stateline Farm Beginnings® is a farmer-led training and support program designed to help people plan and launch sustainable farm businesses. Enrollment closes soon! – See more at: http://www.learngrowconnect.org/farmer

U-Pick Garden

Our U-Pick Garden has a few flowers now.

More from Shareholders

Visit us often at www.facebook.com/angelicorganics, where we post exciting farm developments regularly, and shareholders post recipes, tips, and photos.

Box Contents

Please Note: this summary is written before you receive your box—please be aware that some guesswork is involved. As always, be sure to thoroughly wash all of your vegetables.

Broccoli Side Shoots
Celeriac
Choi
Confection Squash
Dill
Bunched Kale
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Potatoes
Radishes
Spinach

 Upcoming Program at the Angelic Organics Learning Center

Last cheesemaking class of the year!

We have a few spots left in our ever-popular cheesemaking class coming on Sunday, October 5 from 9am-12pm. We’ll make 5 different cheeses, including ricotta, chevre, and mozzarella, with fresh goat’s milk from the farm. Plus, you get to milk a goat!

Pre-register on our website: www.learngrowconnect.org/events

Warmly,

Farmer John and the Angelic Organics Farm Team