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The North Farm CSA

Week 7 - The boxes are getting more colorful...

7/31/2017

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What's in the Box?

From The North Farm
Cabbage
Carrots
Garlic Scapes
Green Kale
Kohlrabi
Eggplant
Sweet Pepper
Romaine Lettuce
Tomatoes​

Notes From the Field

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​Welcome to week 7 of your CSA; we hope you enjoy your selection of veggies this week as we continue on through our summer bounty! This week is our first cabbage harvest, and soon we'll be including some other delicious brassica crops.
 
Along with our plethora of tasty vegetables, these warm summer days bring out many insects and other critters on the farm, some friendly, and some not so much. One of the most important aspects of farming within a regenerative and sustainable framework is the monitoring and control of insects that will damage our crops, and managing them in an ecologically responsible way. While each season varies in terms of pest pressure, we try our best to stay ahead of the curve and take preventative measures to deter and keep out the critters that find our crops as tasty as we do! If you've been out to the farm before, you may have seen long white pieces of fabric laying on top of some of the beds; while theses “frost fabrics” serve several purposes, one of them is to exclude certain insects from eating our leafy brassica crops, which include the braising mix, baby arugula, and baby kale.
 
Our newest addition to our management strategy is beneficial insects! Last week, we released hundreds of lady bugs into our large greenhouse—where all of your summer fruits are being grown—in order to eat the aphids (small green insects that damage the leaf and stem tissues of the plants) that inevitably show up every year. In addition, we released lacewing eggs, which will eventually hatch and also act as predatory that will eat the pest insects, without damaging our crops. While beneficial insects may never eat every single aphid, they reduce the pest pressure and may help our other management strategies become more effective.
 
As the season goes by, we will face other pest challenges, and will continue to keep you updated on our progress! If you have any other questions about pest management at the North Farm, or other topics you're curious about, feel free to drop us a line in the survey at the bottom of the page. Enjoy this week's share, and we'll have plenty of more delicious produce for you next week!
 
Allison Stawara
The North Farm Assistant Production Manager 

Recipes and Resources

Caraway Cabbage Chips
  • Try this unique cabbage recipe - healthy and delicious!

Baba Ganoush
  • This versatile, hummus-like dip can be used in a variety of ways. It's a great way to use the sometimes challenging eggplant.

Grilled Romaine
  • Most know how to use romaine in salads, but have you tried it grilled? You really ought to!
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Tomatoes

Tomatoes are perhaps one of the most coveted summer crops, and there are almost too many varieties to count! This summer, we have a few larger slicing tomatoes that you'll come across in your CSA box, but where we really shine is with our cherries and grapes With 12 different varieties, we've got a little of every color and flavor. Some of them you may be familiar with, like the super sweet Sun Gold (the orange-yellow cherry), while others may be entirely new, like the Indigo Kumquat (the ovular purple and orange grape).
 
One of my new favorites for the 2017 growing season is the Sungreen Garden, the perhaps misplaced-looking green cherry tomato in your pint. While most tomatoes turn from green to red, yellow, or purple, this cherry turns ripe with only a slight yellowish blush forming on the bottom of the fruit. Bite into one of these, and I hope their sweet flavor puts them at the top of your list as well! Enjoy these summer beauties in a salad, with your favorite dip, or in your palm! .

Try them out and see if you have any favorites. If you think there are some great (or not so great) ones, feel free to let us know - there is the button at the bottom of this post where you can provide feedback.

​Storage Recommendations

In the Fridge:
Bagged
Carrots
Green Kale
Romaine Lettuce
In the Crisper Drawer (can be bagged):
Cabbage

Garlic Scapes
Kohlrabi
Eggplant
Sweet Pepper

On the Counter:
Tomatoes​
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Week 6 - Roots and Fruits

7/24/2017

1 Comment

 
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What's in the Box?

From The North Farm
Beets
Carrots
Cucumbers
Fresh Garlic
New Potatoes
Sweet Pepper (Purple or Green)
Hot Peppers (See below)
Spring Mix
Tomatoes
From Bean Pole Farm
​Radishes

Notes From the Field

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Welcome to week 6 of your CSA! We are happy to be offering up our first delivery of tomatoes and hot peppers this week. Maybe not quite enough to make salsa, but it won't be long and we will be swimming in them. Be sure to check out the information below about the different types of peppers we included in the distribution - you'll want to make sure you know what you have before taking a bite out of them!

I wanted to make sure we introduced our second farmer - Treasa Sowa. Treasa owns and operates Treasa's Treasures, both at her home in Au Train, as well as on our land as part of our farm incubator program. She is one of the most hard working people I know, and her produce shows it. You will be able to find Treasa's produce in your shares this year, as well as at the Marquette and Munising Farmers Markets.

Treasa has always been attracted to gardens and farming since she was very young.  Her Grandma Daisy would haul her in a wheelbarrow to her garden as a toddler.  Treasa grew up on a farm south of Chatham.
She started working in the dairy barn at the MSU Experiment Station in 1973.  Later, she married a farmer from Trenary, who was formerly employed  there. They dairy farmed,  ran an 85-cow beef herd, 350 ewe sheep flock, and 2000 tap maple syrup operation over the years.  Farm tours and field days were held.  Lamb market prices were terribly poor, so in 1996, Treasa wanted to go back to dairy farming, so they gradually developed a 60-cow herd of Registered Jerseys. Her beloved Jerseys were rotationally grazed on pasture six months of the year and bred to all freshen in a two-month calving window.   All cows and calves had a name.  In 2002, juustoa was being made in a licensed, small cheese plant attached to the milk house.  

Moving on, Treasa worked for six years in housekeeping and the kitchen at a local hospital, while struggling to build a farm out of nothing.  She has been a vendor at two farmer's markets since 2010, and also sells a small quantity to the Marquette Food Co-op.  Treasa has been in the Michigan Farmers Market Association's Certificate Program, and is the Market Manager for the Munising Farmers' and Artisans' Market.  She has served two years on the MIFMA Board of Directors. She was introduced to seed saving as a child from her grandma, and still has a few family heirlooms.  Last year, Treasa became an MSU Master Gardener Volunteer Program Trainee.  She will be seeking projects in which to use the required 40 hours of community education volunteer work this year.  Her small farm near Au Train is Certified Naturally Grown and MAEAP Certified.   She has participated in the USDA GAP Program.   She has two 30' by 72' hoophouses, one from the MIFMA Hoophouses for Health Program.   Transplants are grown in a 17' by 24' heated greenhouse.  Treasa keeps honeybees and a few chickens.   She practices biodynamics, companion planting, planting for beneficials and permaculture.   She is grateful for the opportunity to gain additional production space, and to learn new ideas to incorporate on her present small farm.  Treasa has two children and two grandchildren.   She is married to John Sowa.

​Recipes and Resources

Roasted New Potatoes with Garlic
  • New potatoes are young potatoes that are harvested before their skins have thickened - no need to peel!
Baked Rosemary Beet Chips
  • Beets are great roasted, boiled, or shredded raw, but be sure to try these beet chips as a special snack.
The Easiest Tangy Cucumber Salad
  • Great as a side dish while grilling, this cool salad screams summer.
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Peppers
You got a couple of peppers in your box this week - one sweet and one hot. The picture above shows the different types we included, as well as their rating on the Scoville scale, which represents how hot they are. The higher the number, the hotter the pepper.

We haven't grown a lot of hot peppers in the past, but we are sampling several varieties this year to see what people like. There are more options that will likely be included in your upcoming shares, but if you have any thoughts on the peppers you received, feel free to take a minute to give us feedback by using the button at the bottom of this newsletter. We'd love to hear what you have to say!

Storage Recommendations

In the Fridge:
Bagged:
Spring Mix
New Potatoes
Beets - remove tops (tops are edible)

Carrots - remove tops
Cucumbers
Fresh Garlic
Sweet Pepper (Purple or Green)
Hot Peppers (See below)

On the Counter:
Tomatoes
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Have feedback? Let us know what you think!
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Week 5 - What the Heck is a Kohlrabi, Anyway???

7/18/2017

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What's in the Box?

From The North Farm
Baby Kale
​Broccoli
Cucumber
Eggplant
Green Garlic
Head Lettuce
Kohlrabi
​Salad Turnips
From Bean Pole Farm
Parsley​

Notes From the Field

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Welcome to week 5 - it's hard to believe we are already on the downhill slide into August, but we can tell as we look around the farm and start too see the colors of vegetables changing, fruits fattening, and leaves swelling. It is a nice time to be on the farm!

We wanted to introduce to you the other two farms that are providing produce for your weekly shares. These two farms are participating in what we call the Apprentice Farmer Program, which is a business incubator hosted at The North Farm. Through this incubator, we welcome growers who are looking for access to land and resources to start or expand their farm business. They settle on The North Farm for up to five years, using this time to establish their business, create a marketing plan, fine tune their growing skills, and build revenue. They are their own, independent businesses, using the resources at The North Farm to get a solid footing. This week we would like to introduce Landen Tetil, of Bean Pole Farm:

Landen, owner of Bean Pole Farm, chose her path based on the desire to fully immerse herself in a sustainable agriculture career. Landen originates from a rural area of lower Michigan, and has been surrounded by agriculture her whole life. Growing up, she spent countless summer days on her grandparent’s farm; as a teenager, she worked on a hybrid corn and soybean farm, and spent her college summers on an organic vegetable farm. These experiences, along with a never-ending thirst for dirt under her fingernails, all contributed to the advent of Bean Pole Farm.

Landen is a 2013 Northern Michigan University graduate, earning her B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. After graduation, she moved to northcentral Wisconsin, where she studied the art of permaculture and received her Permaculture Design Certificate. These teachings of sustainable life systems and closed-loop functions spurred a shift in her, and a determined search to begin a career in sustainable agriculture commenced. When word got out of a new farm incubator opening in the Upper Peninsula, she knew it was time to bid Wisconsin farewell and begin her journey as a small-scale organic vegetable farmer. Now, she grows vegetables, flowers, and herbs through a lease from the MSU North Farm incubator program in Chatham, Michigan. To learn more about the incubator program, visit the webpage: www.msunorthfarm.org/apprentice-farmer-program.html

​Bean Pole Farm, now in year 3 of production, has big plans for its future. The farm’s main goals include becoming a fully self-sustaining closed-loop system, thriving off the natural inputs a working farm provides, while absorbing the outputs in a cyclic pattern. Beyond that, Landen is working toward the dream to provide a whole-diet food share, based on a CSA model including every part of the human diet. Components will include grains, protein, vegetables, fruit, nuts, herbs and a form of sweetness. Landen hopes that one day Bean Pole Farm will be an educational farm, where the community can gather and learn about food, sustainable life systems and farming.

Recipes and Resources

Five Ways to Prepare Kohlrabi
  • Feeling a little intimidated by what seems to be a spaceship in your box, check out these quick tips on how to make the most of your kohlrabi!
Glazed Hakurei Turnips
  • I prefer eating these sweet gems raw (they are very different from what you might think of as turnips). But if you are in the mood for something a little sweeter, try this recipe. We trimmed the tops this week because they were looking a little rough, so substitute the turnip greens for baby kale.
17 Delicious Eggplant Recipes
  • Eggplant is another one of the vegetables that causes folks to scratch their heads. Check out these options on how to use this seemingly banal and confusing veggie,
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Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi evokes strong emotions from people. You either love it, hate it, or (more commonly) are terrified of it. We are here to help you on your kohlrabi journey. We know you can love it - you just have to get to know it better first.

It is in the same family as some familiar characters - cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower. Instead of being bread for its leaves or flowers, as these others were, it was bread for a fat, sweet stalk that has a delightful crunch, and a juicy sweetness.

We've included some recipes up above, but to be honest, I prefer eating it raw, peeled and sliced. It's great with a little seasoned salt, or dipped in hummus. It may look a bit strange, but we hope you can appreciate what it brings to the table.

​Storage Recommendations

In the Fridge:
Bagged:
  • Baby Kale
  • Head Lettuce
  • ​Parsley
​Broccoli
Cucumber
Green Garlic
Head Lettuce
Kohlrabi
​Salad Turnips 
​

In warmer part of fridge (top shelf):
  • Eggplant
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Have feedback? Let us know what you think!
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Week 4 - Summer Fruits!

7/10/2017

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What's in the Box?

​From The North Farm
Broccoli
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Garlic Scapes
Potatoes
Strawberries
Sweet Pepper

​From Bean Pole Farm
Peas
​Radishes
From Treasa's Treasures
Peas

Notes From the Field

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Welcome to week 4 of your CSA from The North Farm. We hope you have enjoyed the fruits of our labor so far, and we are excited to bring to you some of the actual fruits this week, including cucumbers and peppers. These, along with the first turning tomatoes and eggplants mean summer fruit season is nearly upon us. For now, enjoy the first of this year's broccoli, and old favorites like garlic scapes and some wonderful radishes from Bean Pole Farm.

I figured I had better take a moment to introduce myself - my name is Collin Thompson and I am the farm manager at The North Farm. I've been running the farm since it's inception in 2014, and have felt fortunate to have the opportunity to design and build this farm into what it is today. I am originally from northeast Iowa and have a background in four season, organic vegetable production, as well as in season extension (think hoophouses and greenhouses). I hold a Bachelors degree in biology and a Masters in sustainable food systems.

While farming is one of my greatest passions (meaning I spend the majority of my time in the fields), I try to get off the farm to enjoy all the UP has to offer. I hit the trails as often as I can, mountain biking with my dog, Finn. I am an avid skier and snowboarder in the winter months, and also enjoy getting out and paddling the rivers and lakes in the area.

Now that you have met the whole crew through these first few newsletters, we encourage you to introduce yourselves to us! We have a Facebook group that I would like to invite you all to join. There you can share recipes, tips, or thoughts on the week's shares, the farm, or on food in general. In the coming weeks, we will be introducing the two resident farmers as part of our Apprentice Farmer Program so we can round out the image of who is producing your food.

As always, thanks for your support, and if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns, please feel free to be in touch!

Collin Thompson
Farm Manager

​Recipes and Resources

Garlic Broccoli Parmesan and Potatoes
  • Substitute the garlic cloves with the garlic scapes you received this week and enjoy a delicious side dish!
Cucumber Canapes
  • Want a simple snack or hors d'oeuvres? Try these finger sandwiches and top with cucumbers and sweet peppers.
Spaghetti with Broccoli Balls
  • Try this vegetarian approach to a classic. It doesn't takes like meatballs, but that doesn't mean it isn't delicious.
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​Featured Item

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Broccoli
One of my favorites, broccoli is always among the crops we grow at The North Farm. It loves our cool spring and fall, and the fact that we don't get too hot during the summer means we can produce a pretty good crop all season. So not only is it a great producer, but it also is delicious and great for you! Here are some fun facts about broccoli:
  • It is high in vitamin C - 1 cup of broccoli has the same vitamin C content as an orange.
  • Broccoli contains kaempferol, which is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid, helping combat cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
  • The average American consumes 4 pounds of broccoli a year - let's get started!

​Storage Recommendations

In the Fridge:
  • Broccoli
  • Cucumbers
  • Garlic Scapes
  • Potatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Sweet Pepper
Bagged:
  • ​Lettuce


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Have feedback? Let us know what you think!
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Week 3 - Happy Fourth of July!

7/4/2017

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What's in the Box?

From The North Farm
Arugula
Garlic Scapes
Kale
Romaine Lettuce
​Scallions
Strawberries
From Bean Pole Farm
Basil
​Sugar Snap Peas
From Treasa's Treasures
​Snow Peas

Notes From the Field

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Welcome to week 3 of the North Farm CSA! My name is Morrison and I'm the summer intern here at the North Farm. I arrived mid May and I’ll be working through August. In the fall, I’ll be heading back down to Michigan State University for my final year of school in Sustainable and Organic Horticulture. I hope to open my own little organic farm someday, so I'm happy as a clam to be involved with the many exciting things happening at The North Farm. Time has been flying by as I learn to drive tractors, prune tomatoes, and move hoop houses.
 
When I'm not working I like to hike, rollerblade, swim, sleep, visit local farmers markets, read, and do yoga. Taking in the beauty of the Upper Peninsula could be a full time job in itself, so I try to get out and experience as much as I can when I have free time!
 
With June coming to a close, our warm season crops are really taking off, and I look forward to harvesting and packing your beautiful and diverse shares in the weeks ahead. This week, your share consists of some of the great transition crops as we move from spring to summer. Garlic scapes are included, which are a sign that the year’s garlic harvest is not too far off! We also are coming close to the tail end of the strawberry season, which breaks my heart. But we have plenty more great food coming your way! Recipe ideas can be found below, along with an anonymous survey so that you can tell us your thoughts about the shares thus far - we love getting your feedback.
 
I'm glad that you have signed up for a share. In doing so you have done a service to the earth, your local farmers, and yourself. Congrats! I hope to meet you all as the season goes on. I hope you had a happy 4th of July and enjoy the veggies!
 

Morrison
​MSU Extension Intern

​Recipes and Resources

7 Things to do with Garlic Scapes
  • New to garlic scapes? Here are some great ideas for what to do with them, from pesto to soup to butter!
Strawberry Basil Smoothie
  • Strawberries and basil go great together, and what better way to enjoy them on a hot summer day than in a chilled smoothie.
Parmesan Arugula Kale Salad with Pine Nuts
  • Not sure what to do with all the greens? Here is a way to pair the heartiness of kale with the spice of arugula.
Classic Caesar Salad
  • Got romaine? Well, you'd better make a Caesar salad! Strip the outer leaves to expose the tender hearts of the romaine and dress it up with some homemade Caesar dressing!
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Featured Item

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Garlic Scapes
On certain types of garlic, a flowering head called a scape will emerge in June or July. We remove these from the plant because it helps redirect energy into the bulb, resulting in larger heads of garlic at harvest.

Luckily, these byproducts of the garlic growing process are delicious! They are a slightly less biting form of garlic, with a little more oil behind them. Try them as a substitute for garlic cloves, grilled, pickled, or in pesto. The whole scape is edible, so go ahead, give them a try!

Storage Recommendations

In the Fridge
Bagged:
  • Arugula
  • Lettuce
  • Scallions
  • Kale
  • Peas
Garlic Scapes
Strawberries

On the Counter
Basil - put cut stems in a glass of water
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Have feedback? Let us know what you think!
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    The North Farm is a research, education, and production farm located in the central Upper Peninsula. 

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    • The North Farm >
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    • Mighty Soil Farm
    • Previous Farms >
      • Bean Pole Farm
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      • Treasa's Treasures
      • Mastfell Farm
  • Education
    • Apprentice Farmer Program
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