Mid-Winter Farm News

Zaid just returned from an extended trip to Egypt and shares his thoughts on the recent events there. Also, lots of news from Norwich Meadows Farm:

I have been back from my trip for about a week now. It is good to be home; with one exception and that is the 1.5' of snow on the ground here. The farm is under its winter cover and it has not been warm enough to harvest any greens. We hope by March to have some greens in the share. We thank all those who took advantage of the [early bird] discount and sent in payments. That will pave the way for getting up and running smoothly.

In our travels to find workers we went to Turkey and Bulgaria and found some candidates but none with the experience of the Egyptians. There are possibilities but much more needs to be one in the way of recruiting.

Our last stop was in Egypt and we were there during the first two days of the revolution. It was exciting to witness history unfolding and see first hand what happened on the ground. We hope [their] fervor becomes contagious and effects all people to pay more attention to what their governments are up to because almost all governments do not have the best interest of the average people at heart.

Our deepest concern this time is for the people of Egypt and for their aspirations to be free from dictators. Please contact your representative and urge them not to support Mid East dictators. In the long run this will only create hatred and animosity towards America.

As you know our farm relies on the guys from Egypt. We had a scare earlier in the year when Immigration asked for more information for the application to bring the guys back. We had to hire a lawyer and we received notice that the case was approved last Friday. However, the uncertainty lies in if they can get interviews at the US consul in Cairo.

Last but not least, put March 5th on your calendar for the Just Food event..see you there.

The Heat Wave Continues as Norwich Meadows Prepares to Ramp Up New Jersey Farming

The extreme heat we're feeling in the city is also affecting our farm. Zaid sent a note detailing some of the changes, and letting everyone in on the latest expansion of Norwich Meadows: new farmland coming online soon in New Jersey. Our food is getting even more local!

The hottest summer we have experienced in our 10 + years farming (global warming??) has made us rethink how we do things. We normally have very few days above 85° F. We are planting things for the fall and winter both in Norwich and in a week or so at our new NJ location. I went out yesterday and we started installing irrigation for our new fields. Three thousand feet of 4" hose laid out going up hill in 90°+ weather...at least there was a cold spring where the head starts for the irrigation and I was able to wade in the stream while awaiting...pressure readings 3000' away.