07 Apr Sun 2013
Awaiting Spring
When the responsibilities of preparing for the coming season overtake all available time it is natural to conclude that spring has arrived. The wildlife has certainly made clear that spring is here for them. However the plant life has shown that it is willing to wait for more hospitable conditions before bursting into flower.
I spent several days in the field this past week. Planting a few beds to early crops and prepping others. On April 3rd there was frost in the ground in the morning. A strengthening sun warmed the soil so it was workable by mid-afternoon. The fencerow was the being divided by the Redwing Blackbirds in to suitable territories for nests . The males squabbled and debated. The Bluebirds were a bit upset with the Sparrows that were trying to keep claim to the house they occupied over the last weeks. Robins scanned the yard and fields looking for their spring sustenance only to realize that they are a bit early. Monster, the barn cat, was catching and offering voles to me. Monster needs to realize that it’s good food for cats. Or is the cat letting me know that there are lots of easy to be caught voles in the field and why am I trying to grow vegetables (?). Patience seems to be the attribute in demand…
Our Harmony Acres CSA is in great position for the year. We are in a position to focus on farming and not trying to sell more shares. The resulting peace of mind allows my focus to be on producing the best for the shareholders. In addition to CSA we will be at the Vicksburg Farmers Market again this year. Also Tillers International is joining with the farms at Tillers in attending the Bank Street Kalamazoo Market for the season. This is really a great opportunity for all involved to cooperatively work and offer great produce, meats and more to the largest local foods market in our area. Exciting!!
The transition from a few short chores each day to full days in the fields reminds this aging farmer that the physical condition may have been worked on through the winter, but a full day in the field (and I don’t mean sitting on a tractor seat) means sore muscles and mental challenges to be surmounted once again. Yes, it’s looking more and more like spring!
Farmer Pete