Milton Farms

Yes, spring is here!  We thought the frosts would never end, but then the rains began.  Now we wonder if they will let up so we can plant.  The life of a farmer is so at God's mercy with the weather.  We can carefully plan, research, select, and hedge our bets with greenhouse starts, but in the end we must wait upon weather to get into the fields where the real growing is done. 

Here, at Milton Farms our spring crops are in and growing: great looking lettuce, kale, bok choi, napa cabbage, etc.  Yet we are chomping at the bit to get into the main field to plant our summer crops of tomatoes, beans, edamame, sunflowers, etc.  We pray for patience and clear weather.

This year another of my daughters is getting in on the farming.  Most of you who have been my customers will have met Abby and probably Daniel.  Abby is my soon to be 15 year old who helps me at the Bloomington Market.  She knows everyone there!  For a while it seemed she came to the market to set up then socialize with the rest of the farmers and artists for the morning, now however she is understands better how much work it can be.  Daniel is another story.  At 11, he is still at the happy to see you and aren't we done yet after the first hour stage.  Don't get me wrong, I couldn't do it without them and they do love the market time. 

Olivia is joining me this year.  She is my eldest and the family horse trainer.  The horses have kept her busy for years as a hobby, vocation, and great passion. While she would like it to pay the bills, she is finding that she needs a little extra.  So working the farm seems pretty good this summer.  She may be more in the background doing field work, but you may see her pop up at some of the markets.  So yes, the redhead is mine as well. I do love having the kids with me and involved in something where you have to work hard but you learn that you can love hard work.