Winter Newsletter
As you probably know, Groundhog Day was this past Tuesday and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Now we’ve got another 6 weeks of winter to look forward to. Even though the best sources of farm weather predictions say we’ll continue to experience 90 days of below normal temperatures, we’ve decided to “Think Spring” and share some of our plans for the upcoming Balanced Harvest Farm & CSA season with you. While the below average cold may seem like bad news, the good news is they are also predicting below average precipitation, which with our land, is a very good thing.
Todd has been working on the crop plans and seed orders for 2010. He's been excitedly poring over stacks of seed catalogues gleaming with colorful pictures of all the vegetable growing possibilities. Todd is never swayed by a beautiful picture, though. It’s the taste and texture that matter most. Besides our usual varieties, we intend to add a few more “Ark of Taste” crops to our growing plans this year as well.
Since we won’t be distributing CSA shares at the farmer’s markets, we plan to spend some time at our various pick up locations. CSA members will be able to meet your farmers and talk to us in person. Of course, member or not, you can always find us at the Balanced Harvest Farm stand at the Carmel Farmer’s Market from the end of May through the end of Sept. So please drop by to say “hi”, share a recipe or two and take the time to get to know YOUR farmers. Most importantly, hang in there... spring is coming!
Eat well & be well,
Todd & Kathleen
In this Newsletter:
1. Several 2010 CSA pick up sites are nearly full. Don’t be left out!
2. Todd will present at IUPUI and Altum’s
3. We encourage you to join Slow Food USA
1. Several 2010 CSA pick up sites are nearly full. Don’t be left out!
First we’d like to say “thank you” to both our returning and new members for understanding the importance of supporting local agriculture, for seeking out certified naturally grown produce to feed your families, and for appreciating the significance of food that is grown with integrity and respect for the land and the community. We appreciate your support. For those of you who’ve been thinking about joining the Balanced Harvest 2010 CSA now is the time to act. Our Thursday and Saturday locations are just about full and Sunday & Tuesday locations are quickly catching up. If you’d like to become a member for the 2010 season don’t procrastinate - join now. Not only does knowing you're “in” help us plan accordingly, it ensures that you will receive a share of the freshest locally grown produce available - It’s peace of mind for both of us!
2. Todd will present at IUPUI and Altum’s
In a program themed “Food For Thought” Local food. Global Impact, presented by IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations on Saturday, March 6th , Todd will be presenting on behalf of Slow Food Indy & Balanced Harvest Farm. His topic is “Slow Food, Not Fast Food: You Are What You Eat.” This daylong conference will also include such topics as “Frankenfoods: The Ethics of Bioengineered Food Products”, “Food Connections: Re-Learning Community and Sustainability”, “Gardening in an Urban Setting: What You Should Know Before You Plant” and “Ethics of Consumption: Taste is Personal, Political or What?” Conference details and registration are available online.
On Saturday, March 13, 11am, Todd will speak at Altum’s on the topic: “Potatoes in a Trash Can and Other Fun Facts of Vegetable Gardening”.
Sunday, March 14 you’ll find Todd at Perk Up in Broad Ripple presenting the principles of Slow Food as well as the methods used in the production of Certified Naturally Grown crops on Balanced harvest Farm.
3. We encourage you to join Slow Food USA
If you want to have an impact on our food culture in central Indiana, meet other “local food” minded folks, take farm tours, eat great food and learn a lot, then Slow Food Indy is the organization for you. Join Slow Food USA and choose Slow Food Indy as your chapter. Not ready to join yet? No problem. You don’t need to be a member to attend events. So, please come and check it out!
The next upcoming Slow Food Indy event: Brogarten- authentic German baking talk, demonstration and tasting will be held on Sunday, March 28th at Perk Up in Broad Ripple. More information should appear soon on the SFI website.
Slow Food Indy’s got some exciting events planned for 2010. Hope you’ll join us!
If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us at BalancedHarvest@hotmail.com or (317) 815-9863.
Build a snowman. Have fun!