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Farmer's Corner
Welcome!
This week I would like to help you make sense of
the word sustainability, which is a very popular word with farmers and
consumers now days. What is sustainability?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as such: a method of
harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or
permanently damaged or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of
sustainable methods .
How
are we developing sustainable agriculture or techniques? One way is,
Last year we installed new owl and bat houses. These are the little
green houses high up on poles located in various location the around
farm. On your next visit, see if you can spot one. In fact, Valley End
Farm was selected to receive a grant from The Natural Recourse and
conservation service (NRCS) an arm of the USDA to install these houses
on our farm. With this opportunity specific guidelines as to their
size, where to put them, and which way they needed to face was required.
In following these guidelines we also needed to make male and female
maternity bat houses. Due to their nocturnal nature, these bats and
owls are a farmer's best natural defense against rodent infestations. In
fact, a single barn owl is known to consume up to 2000 rodents a year.
When feeding their young, that number drastically increases. We have
already begun to observe the immense benefits these wonderful creatures
can provide.
This
year we are also working on native plant hedgerows that attract bees,
butterflies, and beneficial insects. We have put in a lavender hedgerow
so far and plan to plant another hedgerow in along the fence line that
follows the road in the near future. This is exciting as these
hedgerows will beautify the farm while making it more sustainable.
I
hope this helps provide a better understanding of our efforts to
provide all of our CSA member with a incredible sustainable source.
I look forward to seeing you all this week when picking up your CSA
boxes. Don't forget to try one of our many selections of CSA add-ons.
This week we will be promoting our locally farmed pickles. Stop by for a
tasting when you're picking up your CSA box.
Your local farmer,
Sharon Grossi
Valley End Farm
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Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe
is the most popular melon variety in the U.S. today and has been
enjoyed by many civilizations throughout history. The exact origin of
the fruit is unknown, though thought to be from India, Africa, or
ancient Persia. They were brought to America during colonial times but
did not become widely grown and sold until the late 19th century.
Cantaloupes
have loads of vitamin A because of the concentrated amount of
beta-carotene. Additional nutritional benefits include vitamin C,
potassium, and fiber. Research promotes cantaloupe as preventing loss of
vision in adults and helps...
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