Closing June Farm News

The latest from the farm, brough to us of late by Zaid's daughter:

The weather is still a major issue; lots of rain and gloom with little to no sun. Thankfully, though, the crops are growing pretty well. We are still awaiting the arrival of the last three Egyptians. Very recently we have added a trio of Guatemalans to our crew because of this. This weekend we were to host a group of CSA members from Washington Square and Harvest Astoria, but the trip was cancelled, with the hope of rescheduling in September or October. Anyone interested should speak to the organizers there. This week marks the second week that Zaid and Haifa have been at the markets, chicken processing, and the start of the summer CSA deliveries. On a slightly sadder tone, both of the walk-in coolers broke down at the same time, making life quite challenging. On the flip side, the truck that was involved in an accident in NYC is coming back tomorrow. Interesting tidbits from NJ involve a teenage deer living inside a fenced off section of land (there are 12 acres with 8ft high deer fence), and the harvesting of okra.

2011 Season Begins Wednesday, June 22nd

Our season will officially begin next week! Our first distribution will be Wednesday, June 22nd. Vegetable distribution will take place between 5:30pm and 8pm at the Church of the Redeemer community hall (located behind the sanctuary). The Church is on Crescent Street near 30th avenue. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN BAGS. We will have bins to collect compost through the Western Queens Compost Initiative.

Delivery Shift: we are still waiting to hear what is the exact time our truck is expected in the morning. If you signed up for a delivery shift on June 22, you will be hearing from Tanya, our volunteer coordinator, shortly.

Distribution Shift: the distribution shift begins promptly at 5:30pm and will go through 8:30pm (shorter if we get all our cleaning done quickly!) You will be hearing from Tanya, our volunteer coordinator, shortly.

The volunteer schedule will be available here shortly. Please refer to it!

HARVEST ASTORIA FARM TRIP:

This year we have partnered with the Washington Square CSA. Our farm trip is scheduled for Saturday, June 25th. Please email Mary if you are planning to attend so we can reserve the correct size bus. Harvest Astoria will subsidize the cost. Last year we asked members to pay an additional $20 per head to attend. We do not yet know what the cost will be this year, but it will not be more than that. The bus will likely leave from a convenient location in Manhattan around 7:30am. It is a 4+ hour drive. The group will stop for lunch before heading to the farm for the visit. Details are still being worked out, but please only email Mary if you are very serious about attending so that we rent the appropriate bus. 

GREEN MARKET COMING TO SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK:

Beginning Saturday, June 25th and going through November. A great way to supplement your CSA shares and continuing supporting local, organic farmers. For more information click here.

Farm Updates for June 16th, 2010

The latest from farmer Zaid:

Just as summer appeared it has now disappeared. We had some night time lows in the 40's. But this is NY weather and we are used to it. We had 2.5 weeks of no rain and the dust bowl seemed immanent; now it is muddy again.  Cucumber Beetles made there appearance so we are all nervous now. Over 35 people visited from mainly [Harvest Astoria]. They toured Evans Farmhouse and our farm. All had a good time and I rode back with them on the bus to NYC. We are very busy now between CSA, Markets, planting, weeding, preparing, and being rusty and training new people. So keep us in your prayers please.