Love Farms News

January 2011

Peas are Planted!

 Today we took advantage of the nice weather and planted eight 140-foot rows of “Cascade” peas.  In 2010 we purchased an automatic pea sheller in hopes to sell fresh-shelled peas at the farmers’ market but the peas never got planted early enough to mature before the hot weather.  Drat.  Maybe 2011 will be the year for fresh-shelled peas!

Love Farms Delivery Services

 
We began in March of 2010 with a used truck and a dream to make the distribution of local produce happen.  Pretty discouraging first year with expenses being $1,000 more than income…. But the COOP has established 11 drop points around the county and we have had the privilege of delivering for them.  We have provided delivery services for other local growers to schools, restaurants and stores in Lake County.  We just printed 1,000 flyers to advertise the delivery service and increase the revenue this year. Advertising space is available on the sides of the truck too!

Greenhouse Project Update

 On December 28, 2010 nine people met to see how they could help small farmers like myself.  I had mentioned that I was the recipient of a USDA grant to purchase a greenhouse.  I also mentioned that the money was not available until the project was completed and I did not have the cash to get started and wait for the reimbursement.  The group decided to let Love Farms be their first project in 2011!  With the leadership of Barbara Christwitz to date 11 persons have pledged at least $100 each toward the project.  Another individual has offered help in putting the project together.  We are so thankful!  After the project is completed the money will be returned upon receipt of grant funding.