The 2-Wheel Tractor is Here: Newsletter September 6, 2022
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| New Crew Member This last week, we took a trip to Kentucky in order to pick up our newest helper, a walk behind tractor! These machines are very common where they are manufactured in Italy. Like a regular 4-wheel tractor, they can handle a variety of implements such as a tiller or mower. The smaller size makes it more affordable and appropriate for our farm, where it can fit into tight spaces where our larger tractor can’t go. We were on a waitlist for this particular model for nearly a year. The day after we brought it home, it was put to work. It didn’t take long to see what all the hype was about. We are excited to utilize this new addition which will help to cut down on labor while maintaining our mission statement of caring for our soil and natural ecosystem. So what? Farmers get new equipment all the time, why wait so long for this specific tool? A walk behind tractor is… lightweight, averaging around 300 lbs (less soil compaction) fuel efficient not as loud as other tractors low maintenance more financially accessible much smaller and easier to maneuver only a single axle machine. capable of reversing its handlebars for easier handling. capable of utilizing over 50 attachable implements including mowers, aerator, plow, mulcher, chipper, stump grinder, carts etc. |
| CSA Products and News WEEK EIGHTEEN: Only seven shares left! |
| Vegetable Share Contents: Delicata squash Summer squash Potato Sweet Peppers Green Beans Scallions Eggplant Tomatoes Bread Share: Pita Pockets OR Pita Chips Our pita pockets are made with 100% whole spelt and naturally leavened. This week members have the option to choose the regular pockets or a bag of chips made from the same dough. |
| Tackling the Groundhog As a sustainable farm we don’t believe in artificial pesticides or inhumane traps. In order to keep our plants from being eaten we resort to picking bugs and their eggs from our plants with our bare hands or occasionally using the naturally occurring benefits of Neem Oil on young seedlings. These practices are no match, however, for the pesky ground hogs every Virginian is familiar with. They have been hard at work trying to prevent our crops from growing this year. From lettuce to cabbage to squash to sugar snap peas, there is nothing these fiends won’t take a chunk out of. After trying several humane ways of deterring them from coming through our deer fencing, we have upped our security measures to include movable electric fencing. This will prevent the ground hogs from accessing one of our plots without harming them or our plants! Ground hog proof broccoli, cabbage and kale coming your way soon! |