Helen in the Case posing for a pic right after the tie rod tired of being a team player. It stuck it out pretty good.
It is hard to believe, but the last chance to plant for 2018 yields happens for several crops over the next couple weeks, among them carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. We are hustling to get them in the ground. Some of them, from transplants, others seeded directly into the earth. One thing that has tripped our hustle, adding to the saga of everything breaking, the tie rod on our Case 695, the big tractor, broke, leaving us without the ability to steer and preventing us from carrying out the final ground preparation required for planting. It was a break that was a long time coming but it certainly did pick an inconvenient time to do it. Jim has already ordered the replacement part, which didn't set us back too badly and has done the required reading to carry out the repair.
We count on our 695 for plowing, discing, incorporating nutrients and seeds, pulling the transplanter, pulling the wagon, and some cultivation. Just before the tie rod broke, we had spread the sudan grass that we talked about last week. We did it with the hand spinners because the farmall has been having issues with its hydraulics. More on that later. But for spreading seed, Lizz and I marched around the field like drummers in band. From a distance, I caught a glimpse of Lizz, and realized it really isn't apparent what is being done. Get closer and you hear the sound of the seed hitting the spinner, the whirring of it as it spins, and the sound of the seed being flung out 15 feet to either side. With the seed spread, I set out on the Case with the disc attached, to incorporate it. That was when the tie rod broke. So, our seed is laying on top of rough soil when it wants to be 1 to 2 inches in the soil and it is vulnerable. A giant flock of blackbirds has been frequenting the field, devouring seed as though we laid a feast out before them. I hate to think about the rate of consumption. I find myself wishing for a hard rain, something a vegetable farmer rarely wishes for, just so the water could wash the seed into the soil. Or no rain, another uncommon wish when it is so dry, just so the seed doesn't germinate on the surface and struggle to thrive. It looks like we are getting the no rain pseudo wish which doesn't really feel great.
Throughout the week, Jim has been diligently working away at learning and making repairs. In the last week, he has moved forward the hydraulic issue with the farmall to a place where the tractor is usable; repaired a small hydraulic leak in the Case; replaced the hydraulic hoses on the disc, where an unfortunate crunching had befallen some of the fittings, making them high risk for future abrupt failure; read about and ordered the parts to repair the Case's tie rod and prepared himself to carry out the replacement when the part comes in; and fixed the tail lights and rust on the market van. All this in addition to carrying out his routine farmbligations- payroll, greenhouse, farmers markets and more.
It starts to feel personal when everything keeps breaking on me. Admittedly some of it is a learning curve but most of it is that we are putting old equipment to hard use. I am so grateful that Lake Divide has a dedicated repair person and rapidly leveling up mechanic- Jim. It means that I can keep pushing the field work forward and stay focused on production while he gets our equipment back online. Being on his team helps me take things in stride, but it is still stressful. With the planting deadlines for fall crops fast approaching, the lack of water, and other minor breaks in addition to the big ones, it is easy to feel mired in the work before you work. Here is a reminder to future Helen and anyone that knows a vegetable farmer: July is hard. August is a little harder. Nothing ever happens just how it is supposed to and everything needs to happen at the same time. And because nothing happens just right and everything needs to happen at the same time, that means that everything thing is happening just a little off kilter all at once. There are lots of event paths that need slight navigational adjustments, which takes time, attention, and energy. It is hectic. It is okay to feel tired. Hopefully, once this rash of breakdowns subsides, we will feel a little less overwhelmed, but even without them, this time of year is a real challenge. I am reminding myself, it is only about six weeks to get through. By the time the second week of September rolls around, things will slow and we can ease up a little too.
And a market note! We are trying out the Northville market this Thursday. It runs from 8 am to 3 pm and has lots and lots of amazing vendors. There is fruit, meat, cheese, arts, vegetables, flowers, and even a knife sharpener! The address is 195 Main St, Northville, MI 48167. Feel free to come check it out with us.
Farm on, farm positive! Even in all this, I can't think of anything I would rather be doing. Because I am too tired to think, you say? NO! Because I love what I do! See you at markets.
We count on our 695 for plowing, discing, incorporating nutrients and seeds, pulling the transplanter, pulling the wagon, and some cultivation. Just before the tie rod broke, we had spread the sudan grass that we talked about last week. We did it with the hand spinners because the farmall has been having issues with its hydraulics. More on that later. But for spreading seed, Lizz and I marched around the field like drummers in band. From a distance, I caught a glimpse of Lizz, and realized it really isn't apparent what is being done. Get closer and you hear the sound of the seed hitting the spinner, the whirring of it as it spins, and the sound of the seed being flung out 15 feet to either side. With the seed spread, I set out on the Case with the disc attached, to incorporate it. That was when the tie rod broke. So, our seed is laying on top of rough soil when it wants to be 1 to 2 inches in the soil and it is vulnerable. A giant flock of blackbirds has been frequenting the field, devouring seed as though we laid a feast out before them. I hate to think about the rate of consumption. I find myself wishing for a hard rain, something a vegetable farmer rarely wishes for, just so the water could wash the seed into the soil. Or no rain, another uncommon wish when it is so dry, just so the seed doesn't germinate on the surface and struggle to thrive. It looks like we are getting the no rain pseudo wish which doesn't really feel great.
Throughout the week, Jim has been diligently working away at learning and making repairs. In the last week, he has moved forward the hydraulic issue with the farmall to a place where the tractor is usable; repaired a small hydraulic leak in the Case; replaced the hydraulic hoses on the disc, where an unfortunate crunching had befallen some of the fittings, making them high risk for future abrupt failure; read about and ordered the parts to repair the Case's tie rod and prepared himself to carry out the replacement when the part comes in; and fixed the tail lights and rust on the market van. All this in addition to carrying out his routine farmbligations- payroll, greenhouse, farmers markets and more.
It starts to feel personal when everything keeps breaking on me. Admittedly some of it is a learning curve but most of it is that we are putting old equipment to hard use. I am so grateful that Lake Divide has a dedicated repair person and rapidly leveling up mechanic- Jim. It means that I can keep pushing the field work forward and stay focused on production while he gets our equipment back online. Being on his team helps me take things in stride, but it is still stressful. With the planting deadlines for fall crops fast approaching, the lack of water, and other minor breaks in addition to the big ones, it is easy to feel mired in the work before you work. Here is a reminder to future Helen and anyone that knows a vegetable farmer: July is hard. August is a little harder. Nothing ever happens just how it is supposed to and everything needs to happen at the same time. And because nothing happens just right and everything needs to happen at the same time, that means that everything thing is happening just a little off kilter all at once. There are lots of event paths that need slight navigational adjustments, which takes time, attention, and energy. It is hectic. It is okay to feel tired. Hopefully, once this rash of breakdowns subsides, we will feel a little less overwhelmed, but even without them, this time of year is a real challenge. I am reminding myself, it is only about six weeks to get through. By the time the second week of September rolls around, things will slow and we can ease up a little too.
And a market note! We are trying out the Northville market this Thursday. It runs from 8 am to 3 pm and has lots and lots of amazing vendors. There is fruit, meat, cheese, arts, vegetables, flowers, and even a knife sharpener! The address is 195 Main St, Northville, MI 48167. Feel free to come check it out with us.
Farm on, farm positive! Even in all this, I can't think of anything I would rather be doing. Because I am too tired to think, you say? NO! Because I love what I do! See you at markets.
Jim installed new hydraulic lines for the disc. After we discovered a minor leak on one of the fittings, we decided it would be best to avoid certain inconveniences and possible injury by going ahead and replacing the lines.
Things break and we try to roll with it. Here is a picture of the tie rod hanging loose from the tire. You really can't steer without that! We were just grateful it didn't happen in the dippy field but instead on the shores of the great cultivation.
See you at market!
Helen writing for the Lake Dividers
Fresh From the Field!
Greens:Baby Head lettuce: LIMITED- Butterhead, green leaf, red leaf, summer crisp, and romaine, mixed and bunched
Kale: flat leaf, green curly, and red curly
Microgreens: Spicy and mild.
Shoots: Lite in the beginning of the week and heavier toward the end of the week. We are admittedly still working out the kinks.
Salad Mix: Still LIMITED but showing improvements. We should be back in full salad by next week.
Swiss Chard
Herbs:
Basil- it is pesto time!!
Cilantro
Dill and dill flowers
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Sage- Have you tried fried sage? Heat up some olive oil and flash fry those big flat leaves. Toss them in some salt- SAGE CHIPS!!
Thyme
All manner of deliciousness:
Broccoli: LIMITED
Carrots!
Cabbage and Napa cabbage. Have you ever made a stir-fry with napa cabbage? I really recommend it.
Garlic nice and fresh
Eggplant: LIMITED- Still coming to its full potential.
Fennel
Kohlrabi
Onions? This could be the week we bring some tasty tiny onions to market.
Peppers: LIMITED- Green bell peppers, a touch of hot peppers, and maybe a few shishitos!
Tomatoes: Really coming into their own this week. Tomato sale season will be upon us before we know it!
Summer squash- get ta grillin!
Sunflowers!
Markets, always rain or shine!
Wednesday: Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Market is located in the Kerrytown District at 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI. The market runs from May thru December, 7 am to 3 pm and January thru April from 8 am to 3 pm.
Thursday: Northville
The Northville farmers market is located at 195 Main St, Northville, MI 48167. The market runs from May thru October from 8 am to 3 pm
Friday: Stockbridge
The Stockbridge Open Air Market is located on the square in downtown Stockbridge. It runs from May thru October from 4 pm to 7 pm
Saturday: Ann Arbor and Chelsea
The Ann Arbor Market is located in the Kerrytown District at 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI. The market runs from May thru December, 7 am to 3 pm and January thru April from 8 am to 3 pm.
The Chelsea Farmers' Market is located in the lower library lot along Park St. It runs May thru October from 8 am to 1 pm.
Sunday: Howell
The Howell Farmers' market can be found in the heart of Howell at State st and Clinton st, adjacent to the historic Livingston County Courthouse. It runs May thru October, 9 am to 2 pm.
Helen writing for the Lake Dividers
Fresh From the Field!
Greens:Baby Head lettuce: LIMITED- Butterhead, green leaf, red leaf, summer crisp, and romaine, mixed and bunched
Kale: flat leaf, green curly, and red curly
Microgreens: Spicy and mild.
Shoots: Lite in the beginning of the week and heavier toward the end of the week. We are admittedly still working out the kinks.
Salad Mix: Still LIMITED but showing improvements. We should be back in full salad by next week.
Swiss Chard
Herbs:
Basil- it is pesto time!!
Cilantro
Dill and dill flowers
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Sage- Have you tried fried sage? Heat up some olive oil and flash fry those big flat leaves. Toss them in some salt- SAGE CHIPS!!
Thyme
All manner of deliciousness:
Broccoli: LIMITED
Carrots!
Cabbage and Napa cabbage. Have you ever made a stir-fry with napa cabbage? I really recommend it.
Garlic nice and fresh
Eggplant: LIMITED- Still coming to its full potential.
Fennel
Kohlrabi
Onions? This could be the week we bring some tasty tiny onions to market.
Peppers: LIMITED- Green bell peppers, a touch of hot peppers, and maybe a few shishitos!
Tomatoes: Really coming into their own this week. Tomato sale season will be upon us before we know it!
Summer squash- get ta grillin!
Sunflowers!
Markets, always rain or shine!
Wednesday: Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Market is located in the Kerrytown District at 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI. The market runs from May thru December, 7 am to 3 pm and January thru April from 8 am to 3 pm.
Thursday: Northville
The Northville farmers market is located at 195 Main St, Northville, MI 48167. The market runs from May thru October from 8 am to 3 pm
Friday: Stockbridge
The Stockbridge Open Air Market is located on the square in downtown Stockbridge. It runs from May thru October from 4 pm to 7 pm
Saturday: Ann Arbor and Chelsea
The Ann Arbor Market is located in the Kerrytown District at 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI. The market runs from May thru December, 7 am to 3 pm and January thru April from 8 am to 3 pm.
The Chelsea Farmers' Market is located in the lower library lot along Park St. It runs May thru October from 8 am to 1 pm.
Sunday: Howell
The Howell Farmers' market can be found in the heart of Howell at State st and Clinton st, adjacent to the historic Livingston County Courthouse. It runs May thru October, 9 am to 2 pm.
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