CSA #39

Dear CSA-ers,

This week’s preassembled bag will contain Broccoli, Cabbage, Swiss Chard, Carrots, Bok Choy, Parsley and Radishes. For those of you placing custom orders, you may do so between now and Tuesday evening on the website at: http://magneyfarm.locallygrown.net/market

Bright morning sunlight glitters the frost-covered landscape of the farm. Our over-wintering birds flit about the fencerows, gleaning seeds from the grasses and wildflowers that line the property. The sounds are quieter than they were earlier in the year, but still present- rustlings in the leaves, the sound of gentle winds blowing. Days are short as the farm stands at the precipice of winter.

Yet there is still so much life! Diligent frost clothing and careful selection of our Fall varieties has resulted in a surprisingly robust set of crops; both inside and outside of the high tunnels. Even many of the unused beds are verdant green with our soil nurturing cover crops, rye and crimson clover. The dividends of nurturing the ecosystem with organic practices seem to be paying off. Many crops we have grown but struggled with in the past are performing better than they ever have before.

Our featured vegetable this week is one of those difficult performers. Broccoli has been a heartbreaker for us in the past. Its tender green flower buds are so delicious, but it seems tragically ill-suited to Kentucky’s climate and insect pressure. We thought we were on track this summer, only to have a crop devastated by an abrupt onset of the peskersome harlequin beetle right before producing. We persisted. We made some adjustments to our spacing and nutrition for the Fall. Though we were a bit late on planting, the plants came in strong. It will always be a challenge to grow such a nutritionally demanding crop with organic amendments, and likewise florets may still be smaller than you are used to seeing at groceries- but nevertheless, we are so pleased to be putting portions of our organic broccoli in your bags this week. Enjoy it roasted, stir-fried, steamed, or perhaps in a hearty broccoli cheddar soup!

As always, we would like to thank you for your enduring support of our farm. This CSA is the next to last for 2020. This has been a trying year in many ways, but your participation and enthusiasm has inspired us to persevere. Together we are a stronger farm, and a stronger community!

Sincerely,
The Magney Legacy Ridge Farm Team