11 Feb Sat 2012
Women as Farmers
I was in Wichita yesterday at the Women Managing the Farm Conference and it is always good to visit with other Agra Women. I was invited as a speaker and shared some information about a I project I have worked in over the past three years that looked at local foods as a means to create rural economic development. I had a blast sharing our story but also I was impressed with the number of Agra Women participating in other sessions on organics and small farm operations who understand our farm communities are healthiest with a nice balance of large and small farms. I sincerely appreciated the interest and support offered by Frontier Farm Credit. Their partnership was one I enjoyed when our project was forming and their desire to see Kansas find its opportunity to rebuild our rural communities through increased diversification in agriculture is impressive. I was also able to run into a friend Rhonda Junke with Kansas State Research and Extension. She is a fountain of information related to organic methods. Both of us added our first high tunnel in 2011 and it was nice to hear her experiences. We both agree the creation of the high tunnel was a wonderful thing.
In all of this I have come to realize that building coalitions dedicated to improving the economic outlook in rural areas is something many of us are trying to figure out. I have also been asked by several groups to offer what we have learned through consulting opportunities!
06 Feb Mon 2012
Monday Morning
While checking in on things this morning I found a few surprises. All of the tomato varieties planted to date - Stupice, Beverlodge, Italian Tree Tomato and Marglobe are sprouting quite nicely. I was pleasantly surprised to find the yellow strawberries are also breaking through like tiny blades of grass- whew! The broccoli thyme and chamomile are also coming up. Even to my amazement the living stone is spouting, but just barely. The petunias and celeric are another story... At this point it is still a little early for both- so patience. :}
This week we will continue with new plantings of wonderful tomato goodness. This week I will start my cherry tomato varieties - Reisentraube, Aunt Ginny's Green Cherry, the Pink Pearl, European Snowberry, White Rabbit, the Yellow Taxi, Juane Flemme, Orange Parchute, the Shooting Star, Yellow Grape, Red Fig, Black Cherry and much more. About a third of my tomato plants will be some sort of cherry tomato and most are heirloom and yummy. If you like your cherry tomatoes sugary sweet, full flavor or rich and smokey- I will likely have one you will love. My cherry tomatoes come in a variety of colors and sizes. One of my favorite salads during the summer is one I call Tomato Confetti where a colorful assortment of tomatoes are tossed with feta cheese, olive oil, red onion, and garlic. YUM!
I will also start a tray of cabbage and additional trays of lettuce. Inside the tunnel I will begin planting some early onions. Hubby has been busy making planters for me that are truly unique and will only be for sale on farm or at one of our farmers markets. It is made entirely from recycled material and is stunning on the dining room or patio table.That hubby of mine is a keeper!