Agropraxis Farm

A super active time of the year on the farm. A cross-section of interesting things to share...

We have had less than an inch of rain since Memorial Day. With excellent fertility the plants have survived and irrigation has helped a few crops do well. Some plant families seem to prefer rain to ground water. The cucurbits are holding but not thriving. Plant size is small and  reproduction minimal. What I really observe is the insect and small mammal pressure is intense.  I set a pail of water down the other day and had a honey bee land on the rim and appear to drink. I'm sure they are suffering. Bees seem to crowd the blossoms in the field. A row of Okra was reduced to stubs by a leaf eating mammal that braved the fence and open field for a snack. I'll try to discourage the muncher with urine soaked horse manure (smelly!) and if that doesn't work I'll have to get more serious...

The insect eating birds are happy. They seem to thrive on the super insect smorgasbord.  Bluebirds, Kingbirds and sparrows wing after all types. The fruit eating waxwings seem to have some trouble. They resorted to the trying the honeysuckle. Maybe they tolerate them...

Market has been slow these past few weeks. Hot weather seems to have impacted the buying patterns of market shoppers. I wonder if people don't feel like cooking much when it is hot. I've also been a bit upset at produce re-marketers. These entrepreneurs buy produce at produce auctions and then sell it at Farmers Markets. They can buy in season produce at really low prices. They often grow nothing themselves, just buy at auction. I've stopped going to a few markets because of the pricing and proliferation of re-marketers.  I really wish market masters would discourage this practice. It makes it so hard for us that grow our own produce to do well. Local melons aren't in season yet but re-marketers have them for a dollar maybe two at market. When my carefully tended melons are ready I'll be lucky to sell at an acceptable price.

I'm taking a few days away from the farm. Each summer I schedule in a few small breaks. This way the physical demands of the farm keep from draining all enjoyment from  me. My stalwart volunteers (Thanks Mom & Dad) will keep on eye on things. But it's just a short 3 day visit to friends on the big lake (Michigan speak for "Lake Michigan", we have thousands of small lakes). This break will be a bit more pleasant. We had over 1/2" of rain on the farm last night. More forecast for the middle of the week. 

 Farmer Pete