This week we moved many of the plants we will transplant outside to harden off. Here you see Kale, lettuce and spinach ready for there spot in the soil.
The greenhouse is ready for a whole new batch of plants! We will be filling it up with more summer crops- tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, you name it! In this picture you can see Amy in the background harvesting pea shoots for this weekends markets. The plants on the right in the foreground are peashoots for market in 2 weeks. And to the left in the foreground you see the plants that will produce the first delicious peppers we crunch this summer!
Parts of the farm are ready to be planted. Hopefully we will be tucking roots into the soil before the week is out. Here are 14 beds (just over a quarter acre) in the field we call Midtown 1. We are going to plant Kale and Cabbage here. The the right you can see the caterpillar tunnels that protected your greens through the winter. Within the next few weeks, we will be renovating the beds in these tunnels for cucumbers! Safely tucked between the caterpillar tunnels are beds of snap peas that have already sprouted and are reaching for the sky!
Ahoy!
It is finally that time of year. We are "getting into the field"! That means the tractor is rumbling! That sweet earthen smell will rise and bless our noses with yet another sign that we are on the other side of the hill. Forward!
Keep coming out to the market to support your local growers and if you begin feeling worried about the crowds, remember you can pre-order. If you need help figuring it out, check out our trouble shooting guide at the bottom of the email. Need more help? Just email!!
In this email:
Like I mentioned above, we are sad to say that we will not be attending the Northville, Stockbridge, or Farmington markets. We are going to miss all the wonderful people we have met and developed relationships with at these markets. They are wonderful places with wonderful people and wonderful vendor communities. Thank you for your support while we attended.
Why are we making this choice? For some family reasons, we need to streamline processes on the farm. This will allow us to grow higher quality vegetables at a better price point. Another reason is that over the years we have struggled to hire enough farm crew to cover the additional labor required to make these markets sing.
If you love us and still want to stay involved with the farm, there are ways! You can visit us at any of our remaining markets: Ann Arbor Wednesday and Saturday, Eastern, or Royal Oak. All three of the Saturday markets are open year round and we are there (almost) every Saturday an we would love to see you there.
We are also doing pre-ordered on farm pick-ups for Stockbridge members and customers. If this is something that you would like to participate in, send me an email and I will be sure to let you know when we have more details (pick-up day and times).
All said, we love you. Thank you for the support. All the best to you and I hope that our paths cross.
Shredded purple Daikon and Carrot Salad:
From Its a Veg World After all.
Ingredients:
Notes from the Farm:
I don't know if you feel it, but spring is upon us. I just watched the last days light fade between 8:15 and 8:30 pm. Last night I was on the tractor until 9:00pm! It was a little dark (a lot dark) but then but I finished my tractor work in time for the predicted but not yet actualized rain storm.
The peepers are peeping, so many birds, the skunk cabbage have bloomed (and passed?), and all of my turkey vultures are back from their southward trip. We have five that love to roost in our barn and sun themselves along its ridge in the mornings, with their wings held up like angels. I was interested that they didn't seem to travel together. One returned about a week and a half ago, closely followed by another. It was just yesterday I notices all five of them lined up, scrambling for the good spot on the northern most edge of the barn peak. I made a loud squawk, and caught their attention. I followed it with a wave and "it's me, Helen!" I don't know if I made the best impression but I did make some eye contact!
Most years we have had a lot of plowing to do. This year, with most of the beds finally raised and formed, all we have to do is some aisleway cultivation and a shallow rototill to prepare most of our fields. We are hoping that this shallow tillage keeps some of the weeds seeds in the depths of the soil, where they won't rise to choke our crops. We are also hoping that less disturbed soil will mean more fungal growth, better pathways to trade nutrients among the organisms, and an overall better habitat for all the workers in the soil. I will let you know.
In any event, I am looking forward to less grueling hours on the tractor with the two bottom plow. In my opinion, that is one of the hardest tractor jobs. You have to constantly be rotated to the right along your spine, ready to clutch, and ready to adjust the plow depth. You have to spend lots of time getting off and on the tractor making adjustments (although that part has become faster). I constantly worry if I am getting the soil to flip enough or if the plow is sinking to deep. And it just generally takes a long time. Going across the field 3' foot strips at a time. Yep. I am glad not to be doing as much of that.
Bring spring, tuck plants in the ground, start seeds, harvest what comes in- this is what I am living for now.
Onward and upward and see you at market!
Helen, Jim, Amy and Elisa: The Lake Dividers!
Lake Divide Farm: Good for the Earth, Good for the Farmers, Good for the People. The Trifecta of sustainability. Good for the earth: Taking care of the natural world is a important, after all, it takes care of us; Good for the farmer: We believe farmers should have livable hours and livable wages; Good for the people: We believe in food equality and bringing our produce to market at an affordable price and keeping it accessible is important to us.
Fresh From the Field!
Greens:
Kale Raab- so sweet and delcious
Microgreens! Just Arugula, Mustard Mix, Just Mustard, Broccoli, and Radish
Pea Shoots
All manner of deliciousness:
*Carrots from Tantre (certified organic)
Garlic from the Student Organic Farm (certified organic)
Radish- Purple daikon and spicy black!
*Scallions from The Student Organic Farm (certified organic) plus some from Lake Divide for Ann Arbor folks
*Turnips for roasting! from the Student Organic Farm (certified organic)
Transplants: While we don't do a lot of them, we will be brining Pea Transplants to market this week!
*These items only available for preorder or at Royal Oak and Eastern Market.
:
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged: Last update December 8th, 2020
Our intention is to update this list regularly. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated.
In the meantime, keep learning, listening, speaking up, and showing up. We have to continue providing energy for change. There is much to be done. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
If you come across resources, readings, or movements that you feel are powerful, please send them our way so we can share them.
I have included below a couple links to readings and some ideas on how to work towards racial equity within your community as well as links to some places where dollars can make a difference.
Because the Michigan Library Association had so much great information, I have linked to their Racial Equity Resources page here. You will find a wide range of resources including books, films, action plans, and organizations. https://www.milibraries.org/racial-equity-resources
To read: Definitely use the MLPP list for this (linked above). They have some many valuable reads listed there.
Read books by people of color and indigenous people. There are many great booklists to be found.
Anti Racism books for children- from Book Beat in Royal Oak.
This blog also included a few resources to help children cope with crises. Specifically the National Black Children Development Institute's "An Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crises."
Soul Fire Farm's Food Sovereignty Action Steps: “If we are not acting to change the system, we are complicit, casting our silent vote to maintain the status quo.” The following food sovereignty action steps were compiled by the Soul Fire Farm community and Northeast Farmers of Color alliance It is divided into seven sections
To Listen and Watch:
There are so many TED talks on talking about race and racism, race, race relations, and the history of racism. Here is one to get you started.
What I am learning from my white grandchildren -- truths about race | Anthony Peterson | TEDxAntioch
Ted Talks on Racism
Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge I still recommend it!
<>Organize a reading group.
<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. While they are not marching daily now, they are very active. Check their website for their schedule https://detroitwillbreathe.info/
<> Join an organization: A few listed below, again more can be found on the Michigan Library Association's website
If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it.
To contribute monetarily:
Zinn Education Project: Teaching People's History. 100% of Zinn Education Project funding comes from individuals.
The Zinn Education Project promotes and supports the teaching of people’s history in classrooms across the country. For more than ten years, the Zinn Education Project has introduced students to a more accurate, complex, and engaging understanding of history than is found in traditional textbooks and curricula. With more than 110,000 people registered, and growing by more than 10,000 new registrants every year, the Zinn Education Project has become a leading resource for teachers and teacher educators.
Donate generally to Zinn to help share the People's History.
Or Donate to Zinn's campaign to send people’s history books and lessons to Mississippi teachers and librarians
Detroit Will Breathe:
While their general fundraising GoFundMe currently redirects donations to support their Federal Lawsuit fund, you can find lots of information about the work that they have been doing and what they have accomplished on that page (found here)
Here is a direct link to support their federal lawsuit. Below is a bit of what the lawsuit is about. You can read more about it on their gofundme page.
Link to copy paste if needed: https://www.gofundme.com/f/detroit-will-breathe-federal-lawsuit-fund
"On Monday, August 31, 2020, Detroit Will Breathe and fourteen individuals filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit, Mayor Duggan, and Chief Craig. Detroit Will Breathe is represented by attorneys Jack Schulz and Amanda Ghannam of Schulz Law PLC, William Goodman and Julie Hurwitz of Goodman Hurwitz PLC, and Sean Riddell of the Riddell Law Firm.
The City, through the Detroit Police Department, has continuously violated demonstrators’ First Amendment right to protest, Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force, unlawful arrest, and punitive conditions of detainment; and the right to be free from state-sponsored retaliation for conveying a message of racial justice under 42 U.S.C. 1981."
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP is at the forefront of the movement to build political power and ensure the wellbeing of communities of color. Underscoring the advocacy of our 2,200 local units across the country, we empower our communities to make democracy work for them. Your donation to the NAACP helps further our mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Donate today to become our newest monthly sustainer.
Market Details:
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday- We will be back in the spring
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday (Amy): 8 am to 3 pm (or till sold out), pre-order walk-up or curbside pick-up, on site vegetables!. All orders must be picked up by 1 pm. All curbside orders must be picked up by 12 pm.
The market runs until 3 pm but we may leave early so it is important that you pick up your order by 1 pm.
For curbside pick-up: Email us to let us know. On market day, pull up and park along Detroit street and tell a volunteer your name and that you are picking up an order from Lake Divide.
Eastern Market, shed 2, Saturday with Shana 6 am to 2:30 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases. *If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car.
Royal Oak, Saturday with Jim and Lisa! 7 am to 1 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.
Find us inside in our usual spot.
*If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car. I will email you the instructions Friday after all orders are in.
Stockbridge, Saturday on the farm with Elisa team!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and shoot us a text. We will bring you your order!
If you are a CSA member and your account balance is low:
Ordering: How to Register with Local Line
If you have already registered with Local Line, just log in and use your account to order. If you haven't already done it, please make sure your account name is in the format Lastname.First as in Chandler.Helen or Neumann.Jim. This isn't required but it helps us when we are entering data, packing, and handling pick ups.
Trouble shooting:If you have filled your cart but your order isn't going through: If the answer to one of these questions is yes, that is the cause of your problem.
How to create a Local Line Account:
It is finally that time of year. We are "getting into the field"! That means the tractor is rumbling! That sweet earthen smell will rise and bless our noses with yet another sign that we are on the other side of the hill. Forward!
Keep coming out to the market to support your local growers and if you begin feeling worried about the crowds, remember you can pre-order. If you need help figuring it out, check out our trouble shooting guide at the bottom of the email. Need more help? Just email!!
In this email:
- Generally important notes-
- We are sad to say that we will no longer be attending the Northville, Stockbridge, or Farmington Markets. Find details below.
- We are hiring! If you know anyone that is interested in farming and proximal to the farm, don't hesitate to tell them about our jobs!
- Shredded purple daikon and carrot salad!
- Farm News
- Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
- Staying active and engaged with social change
- Market Details
- Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
- CSA members- what to do if your account is low
Like I mentioned above, we are sad to say that we will not be attending the Northville, Stockbridge, or Farmington markets. We are going to miss all the wonderful people we have met and developed relationships with at these markets. They are wonderful places with wonderful people and wonderful vendor communities. Thank you for your support while we attended.
Why are we making this choice? For some family reasons, we need to streamline processes on the farm. This will allow us to grow higher quality vegetables at a better price point. Another reason is that over the years we have struggled to hire enough farm crew to cover the additional labor required to make these markets sing.
If you love us and still want to stay involved with the farm, there are ways! You can visit us at any of our remaining markets: Ann Arbor Wednesday and Saturday, Eastern, or Royal Oak. All three of the Saturday markets are open year round and we are there (almost) every Saturday an we would love to see you there.
We are also doing pre-ordered on farm pick-ups for Stockbridge members and customers. If this is something that you would like to participate in, send me an email and I will be sure to let you know when we have more details (pick-up day and times).
All said, we love you. Thank you for the support. All the best to you and I hope that our paths cross.
Shredded purple Daikon and Carrot Salad:
From Its a Veg World After all.
Ingredients:
- Purple Daikon
- Carrot
- toasted sesame oil
- rice vinegar
- honey
- lime juice
- garlic
- microgreens (my add but I love them sprinkled on top of this crunchy delight)
- Wash and trim a daikon purple radish and a large carrot.
- Use a sharp knife or julienne peeler to slice the radish and carrot into matchsticks. (Also good if just shredded with the cheese grater.) Combine in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, and garlic. Pour over the radish and carrot.
- Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes from the Farm:
I don't know if you feel it, but spring is upon us. I just watched the last days light fade between 8:15 and 8:30 pm. Last night I was on the tractor until 9:00pm! It was a little dark (a lot dark) but then but I finished my tractor work in time for the predicted but not yet actualized rain storm.
The peepers are peeping, so many birds, the skunk cabbage have bloomed (and passed?), and all of my turkey vultures are back from their southward trip. We have five that love to roost in our barn and sun themselves along its ridge in the mornings, with their wings held up like angels. I was interested that they didn't seem to travel together. One returned about a week and a half ago, closely followed by another. It was just yesterday I notices all five of them lined up, scrambling for the good spot on the northern most edge of the barn peak. I made a loud squawk, and caught their attention. I followed it with a wave and "it's me, Helen!" I don't know if I made the best impression but I did make some eye contact!
Most years we have had a lot of plowing to do. This year, with most of the beds finally raised and formed, all we have to do is some aisleway cultivation and a shallow rototill to prepare most of our fields. We are hoping that this shallow tillage keeps some of the weeds seeds in the depths of the soil, where they won't rise to choke our crops. We are also hoping that less disturbed soil will mean more fungal growth, better pathways to trade nutrients among the organisms, and an overall better habitat for all the workers in the soil. I will let you know.
In any event, I am looking forward to less grueling hours on the tractor with the two bottom plow. In my opinion, that is one of the hardest tractor jobs. You have to constantly be rotated to the right along your spine, ready to clutch, and ready to adjust the plow depth. You have to spend lots of time getting off and on the tractor making adjustments (although that part has become faster). I constantly worry if I am getting the soil to flip enough or if the plow is sinking to deep. And it just generally takes a long time. Going across the field 3' foot strips at a time. Yep. I am glad not to be doing as much of that.
Bring spring, tuck plants in the ground, start seeds, harvest what comes in- this is what I am living for now.
Onward and upward and see you at market!
Helen, Jim, Amy and Elisa: The Lake Dividers!
Lake Divide Farm: Good for the Earth, Good for the Farmers, Good for the People. The Trifecta of sustainability. Good for the earth: Taking care of the natural world is a important, after all, it takes care of us; Good for the farmer: We believe farmers should have livable hours and livable wages; Good for the people: We believe in food equality and bringing our produce to market at an affordable price and keeping it accessible is important to us.
Fresh From the Field!
Greens:
Kale Raab- so sweet and delcious
Microgreens! Just Arugula, Mustard Mix, Just Mustard, Broccoli, and Radish
Pea Shoots
All manner of deliciousness:
*Carrots from Tantre (certified organic)
Garlic from the Student Organic Farm (certified organic)
Radish- Purple daikon and spicy black!
*Scallions from The Student Organic Farm (certified organic) plus some from Lake Divide for Ann Arbor folks
*Turnips for roasting! from the Student Organic Farm (certified organic)
Transplants: While we don't do a lot of them, we will be brining Pea Transplants to market this week!
*These items only available for preorder or at Royal Oak and Eastern Market.
:
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged: Last update December 8th, 2020
Our intention is to update this list regularly. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated.
In the meantime, keep learning, listening, speaking up, and showing up. We have to continue providing energy for change. There is much to be done. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
If you come across resources, readings, or movements that you feel are powerful, please send them our way so we can share them.
I have included below a couple links to readings and some ideas on how to work towards racial equity within your community as well as links to some places where dollars can make a difference.
Because the Michigan Library Association had so much great information, I have linked to their Racial Equity Resources page here. You will find a wide range of resources including books, films, action plans, and organizations. https://www.milibraries.org/racial-equity-resources
To read: Definitely use the MLPP list for this (linked above). They have some many valuable reads listed there.
Read books by people of color and indigenous people. There are many great booklists to be found.
Anti Racism books for children- from Book Beat in Royal Oak.
This blog also included a few resources to help children cope with crises. Specifically the National Black Children Development Institute's "An Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crises."
Soul Fire Farm's Food Sovereignty Action Steps: “If we are not acting to change the system, we are complicit, casting our silent vote to maintain the status quo.” The following food sovereignty action steps were compiled by the Soul Fire Farm community and Northeast Farmers of Color alliance It is divided into seven sections
To Listen and Watch:
There are so many TED talks on talking about race and racism, race, race relations, and the history of racism. Here is one to get you started.
What I am learning from my white grandchildren -- truths about race | Anthony Peterson | TEDxAntioch
Ted Talks on Racism
Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge I still recommend it!
<>Organize a reading group.
<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. While they are not marching daily now, they are very active. Check their website for their schedule https://detroitwillbreathe.info/
<> Join an organization: A few listed below, again more can be found on the Michigan Library Association's website
- Be the Bridge, led by Latasha Morrison at Be the Bridge www.bethebridge.com
- EmbraceRace www.embracerace.org
- GARE – Government Alliance on Race and Equity https://www.racialequityalliance.org/
If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it.
To contribute monetarily:
Zinn Education Project: Teaching People's History. 100% of Zinn Education Project funding comes from individuals.
The Zinn Education Project promotes and supports the teaching of people’s history in classrooms across the country. For more than ten years, the Zinn Education Project has introduced students to a more accurate, complex, and engaging understanding of history than is found in traditional textbooks and curricula. With more than 110,000 people registered, and growing by more than 10,000 new registrants every year, the Zinn Education Project has become a leading resource for teachers and teacher educators.
Donate generally to Zinn to help share the People's History.
Or Donate to Zinn's campaign to send people’s history books and lessons to Mississippi teachers and librarians
Detroit Will Breathe:
While their general fundraising GoFundMe currently redirects donations to support their Federal Lawsuit fund, you can find lots of information about the work that they have been doing and what they have accomplished on that page (found here)
Here is a direct link to support their federal lawsuit. Below is a bit of what the lawsuit is about. You can read more about it on their gofundme page.
Link to copy paste if needed: https://www.gofundme.com/f/detroit-will-breathe-federal-lawsuit-fund
"On Monday, August 31, 2020, Detroit Will Breathe and fourteen individuals filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit, Mayor Duggan, and Chief Craig. Detroit Will Breathe is represented by attorneys Jack Schulz and Amanda Ghannam of Schulz Law PLC, William Goodman and Julie Hurwitz of Goodman Hurwitz PLC, and Sean Riddell of the Riddell Law Firm.
The City, through the Detroit Police Department, has continuously violated demonstrators’ First Amendment right to protest, Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force, unlawful arrest, and punitive conditions of detainment; and the right to be free from state-sponsored retaliation for conveying a message of racial justice under 42 U.S.C. 1981."
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP is at the forefront of the movement to build political power and ensure the wellbeing of communities of color. Underscoring the advocacy of our 2,200 local units across the country, we empower our communities to make democracy work for them. Your donation to the NAACP helps further our mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Donate today to become our newest monthly sustainer.
Market Details:
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday- We will be back in the spring
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday (Amy): 8 am to 3 pm (or till sold out), pre-order walk-up or curbside pick-up, on site vegetables!. All orders must be picked up by 1 pm. All curbside orders must be picked up by 12 pm.
The market runs until 3 pm but we may leave early so it is important that you pick up your order by 1 pm.
For curbside pick-up: Email us to let us know. On market day, pull up and park along Detroit street and tell a volunteer your name and that you are picking up an order from Lake Divide.
Eastern Market, shed 2, Saturday with Shana 6 am to 2:30 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases. *If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car.
Royal Oak, Saturday with Jim and Lisa! 7 am to 1 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.
Find us inside in our usual spot.
*If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car. I will email you the instructions Friday after all orders are in.
Stockbridge, Saturday on the farm with Elisa team!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and shoot us a text. We will bring you your order!
If you are a CSA member and your account balance is low:
- If you want to continue on as one of our members and your balance does not cover your current order
- Order what you want
- Add money into your account either by
- Putting a check or cash in your trunk/backseat Saturday for pick-up and emailing to let me know
- Mailing a check
- Using the online store
- If you just want to add more to your account, go for it! Use any of the methods listed above.
- If you no longer want to be a farm member
- We ask that you do not go over your balance.
Ordering: How to Register with Local Line
If you have already registered with Local Line, just log in and use your account to order. If you haven't already done it, please make sure your account name is in the format Lastname.First as in Chandler.Helen or Neumann.Jim. This isn't required but it helps us when we are entering data, packing, and handling pick ups.
Trouble shooting:If you have filled your cart but your order isn't going through: If the answer to one of these questions is yes, that is the cause of your problem.
- Is your total less than $10? We have a $10 minimum to help us deal with the extra cost of packing orders.
- Is it between Friday morning and Tuesday afternoon? Ordering is open from sometime Tuesday afternoon until Thursday at midnight
- Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business.
- Did you verify your email address? After you create your username and password, Local Line sends a confirmation email. You can find it by searching your inbox for and email from localline.ca and the exact phrase "please verify your email address"
How to create a Local Line Account:
- Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
- Register using the green button to the right.
- You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
- Be sure to use the email address that this email went to. If you don't, you may be asked to pay using a credit card.
- Please use the Lastname.First for the Account name. (Your last name follow by a period followed by your first name, with no spaces. For example Chandler.Helen)
- You will then need to verify your email address by going to your email inbox and responding to the email that comes from Local Line.
- At last! You can order!
- Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
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