CSA Signup Week… Who’s Your Farmer?

Thinking of joining a CSA? Who’s Your Farmer? Ask this question… and so many more! It matters. Do you trust them? What is their experience? What motivates your farmer? When equipment breaks down, animals get sick, somebody calls out of work and Mother Nature wreaks havoc on crops… ALL on the same day, can your farmer “plow through it”? It is your investment, your food dollars, in their hands. As a farmer with 13 years of CSA growing experience, I can assure you managing a CSA is complex and demanding. And as a farm owner, growing your food is my primary focus and commitment. Ask…how much will you get and for how many weeks? How do they grow it and why? What happens if a crop fails? In farming, there is much to overcome on a daily basis. Does your CSA have a strategy to deal with a range of scenarios? I work throughout the winter on crop plans, making calculations and managing risks. Before a seed goes in the soil, critical decisions that determine a crop's success are made. Additionally, I attend agricultural conventions and get involved with organizations to learn from other farmers, educators and experts in the food industry for the betterment of agriculture and the health of our communities. If you want to know more about me, my commitment to agriculture and my community, my growing practices, or my CSA, reach out! Choose your farmer and CSA wisely. Walking Bird CSA signups are OPEN! Early Bird discounts expire this weekend. Regular prices in effect March 1. Thank you for supporting local farmers. It is my pleasure and privilege to grow your food.

We Bought B&B Farms!

April 30, 2020

We did it! WE BOUGHT B&B FARMS! After years of business planning, exploring all options, negotiating, stress and doubts, Ryan and I came to terms several months ago to purchase the farm from his aunt and uncle, lifelong farmers, Art and Carolyn Brown. At times, it was not clear if retiring and passing on the farm was the right decision. It’s a family, it’s a business, it has personalities, and a history. And it is complicated. In my heart I am conflicted the Brown’s are moving off the farm to make room for us, yet forever grateful to continue to grow the farm that I love.

Art, being the farmer that he is, would do anything to help another farmer, including selling his farm to a next generation farmer like me. I have farmed with Art for 10 years; retired or not, his help and advice will continue to shape the farms’ progress. B&B Farms was built by farmers, and it will continue to be owned and operated as such, by the next generation of farmers.

Buying and selling in this current climate is not business as usual. Virtual hugs and handshakes to everyone who helped us manage and navigate the farm sale amid Covid 19. From family and friends to other farmers, agricultural professionals, lawyers, Farm Service Agency, and local business partners, all of us are adaptive and resilient. Due to social distancing, we closed the deal at separate appointments and wore masks and gloves; somehow the significance of the moment was not lost. There is hope, and we will have much to celebrate together.

Times are uncertain; it is an unprecedented time to live in and buy a farm in. This has been an emotional journey, especially during a global pandemic. The silver lining is we are still farming. We are planting and growing healthy, quality food for our community. We value your business and are proud to be “essential” and put food on your table. Local support for our CSA bought this farm! We are focused on the future and ready for whatever comes next.