Before I was a farmer I used to really enjoy a windy night. Sitting in the house at night and listening to the sound of the wind moving through the trees outside made the household feel warm and cozy. Nowadays it makes it really hard to sleep. With 10 caterpillar tunnels, 2 hoop houses and a greenhouse out in the field, the same sound now elicits fear and panic. "what is breaking? Do I need to get out there? When is this going to end?!" Noting this change in behavior prompted me to embrace my grandfather's flair for overdesigning structures. We adjusted the way we build caterpillar tunnels (amongst other things) and they can withstand 50 mph winds without any unnecessary drama. Unfortunately we built this hoop house prior to that hahaha, ugh. Helen worked it over with some 6" polypatch tape, it should hold through the season.
Almost all the garlic is mulched (few more beds to go), now we wait... and then weed, and then wait some more haha
This is not really farm related, but Helen and I took a walk by Mud Lake on Sunday and the view seemed like it was worth sharing.
As I was going through the pre-season mechanical checklist on our main tractor, I discovered that one of the large rear tires sprung a leak! I tracked down the leak with some soapy water (as ya do), the culprit was a dry rotted valve stem. Usually this means you have to remove the tire to install a new valve (fat chance). Surprisingly, Krazy glue or any cyanoacrylate glue will do a solid job bonding rubber! I gave it a couple coats of glue, and the tire seems to be holding air now. What really blew me away was that my tiny little cordless air compressor (see pic) was able to inflate this beastly tire. It took about 12.25 minutes, but it got the job done. Bravo
we added the EMT shelves back into the greenhouse to help keep up with all the micros and transplants coming from the germination chamber. It's good to see the greenhouse filling up again.
We are back at the markets this weekend! You can find us at Ann Arbor, Eastern and Royal Oak, or pre-order to pick up on the farm! Microgreens are back on the menu as well as some green from the caterpillar tunnels. You know who else is back? The red wing black birds, killdeer, and turkey vultures. They are the ones that make it feel like spring is winning. And they are here, eulogizing its victory in song.
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:
Microgreens Salad with Lime Vinaigrette:
From Everyday Dishes
Ingredients:
Have you noticed it is warmer and sunnier outside? Have you noticed it is windy? Both these factors have us putting in more hours and losing a little sleep. The warmth awakens the hustle, lengthens the lists, and excites the mind! All the bounty and joy of spring and summer is just around the corner. I wake in the night with thoughts of the workflow and forgotten yet important items tasks that need to be communicated and executed.
Likewise, the wind makes our farm more high maintenance. With all of those caterpillar tunnels and our two high tunnels, we have been sure to keep an eye on things while we move from task to task in the field. Some rebar with a tie down rope pops out on one of the tunnels- we've got it! A tarp covering rain sensitive material comes loose? On it! Or, a tear in the plastic of our high tunnel- special greenhouse tape and determination to the rescue! And losing sleep, well, I listen to the wind in the night. I can hear the plastic adjusting on our high tunnels, a mere 100 feet from my bedroom window, and I wonder, will it be ripped off and caught in a tree come daylight? If I know I have done what I can do during the day, I put that thought to rest and imagine I am riding an elephant (my current go to sleep inducing daydream.)
And I spent so long on that, I haven't told you all that we have been getting done on the farm! We hired three more Lake Dividers jump aboard for their first season on the farm this spring! Jim is moving his maniacal, mechanical list forward- the walk behind tiller is tuned up, the big tractor and the 3 point mower are good to go, and he had made headway on sourcing parts and prepping! We pushed a whole lot of field clean up forward and will now be able to mow and get some good cover crop stands in for this spring. We seeded our sweet peas, and first round of arugula, tatsoi, and loose leaf cabbage just before the alleged rain. Of course, we didn't get a drop, so we've got some irrigation to set up, but it's hard to complain about the rain.
We started a massive round of beets and spinach in the greenhouse. While it is a little more work to transplant these by hand rather than seeding them directly into the ground, the security of know that they will have good germination and be putting on growth during these upcoming cold nights makes it worth it. We really want to have those crops come May.
And on a boring but still important note we are pushing the office work forward- updating spreadsheet, finalizing our organic management plan for 2021 (a yearly occurrence), entering data from last year, interviewing potential Lake Dividers, and making good plans for the coming season so things run smoothly. So much office work, ugh. But! It is the work that lets us get better at what we do and stay afloat during the tsunami of work that happens during peak season. Never a dull moment indeed!
Oh, and we are harvesting! Our greens had impressive survival after that bold dip below zero. We are so excited to bring them to market! Hope you come out and see us!
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!
Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.
That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.
Greens:
Spinach
Tatsoi-raab
Kale
Swiss Chard
Microgreens!
All manner of deliciousness:
Cabbage from Tantre- only available at Eastern Market, Royal Oak and pre-order.
Carrots from Tantre- only available at Eastern Market, Royal Oak, and pre-order
Radish- Purple daikon, spicy black, sweet and spicy green!
Onions- yellow (limited)
:
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 (Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann): 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 5, 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 Helen 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 Amy 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:
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- UPDATED please note!
- Recipe: Microgreens Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
- Farm News
- Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
- Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated December 8th)
- Market Details-
- Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market!
- Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
- CSA members- what to do if your account is low
Microgreens Salad with Lime Vinaigrette:
From Everyday Dishes
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg microgreens
- 6 radishes halved or sliced
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1/8 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- coarse sea salt to taste
- ground pepper to taste
- Place the microgreens and radishes into a serving bowl and reserve in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- At the last moment before serving, dress the salad lightly with dressing, sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Enjoy!
Have you noticed it is warmer and sunnier outside? Have you noticed it is windy? Both these factors have us putting in more hours and losing a little sleep. The warmth awakens the hustle, lengthens the lists, and excites the mind! All the bounty and joy of spring and summer is just around the corner. I wake in the night with thoughts of the workflow and forgotten yet important items tasks that need to be communicated and executed.
Likewise, the wind makes our farm more high maintenance. With all of those caterpillar tunnels and our two high tunnels, we have been sure to keep an eye on things while we move from task to task in the field. Some rebar with a tie down rope pops out on one of the tunnels- we've got it! A tarp covering rain sensitive material comes loose? On it! Or, a tear in the plastic of our high tunnel- special greenhouse tape and determination to the rescue! And losing sleep, well, I listen to the wind in the night. I can hear the plastic adjusting on our high tunnels, a mere 100 feet from my bedroom window, and I wonder, will it be ripped off and caught in a tree come daylight? If I know I have done what I can do during the day, I put that thought to rest and imagine I am riding an elephant (my current go to sleep inducing daydream.)
And I spent so long on that, I haven't told you all that we have been getting done on the farm! We hired three more Lake Dividers jump aboard for their first season on the farm this spring! Jim is moving his maniacal, mechanical list forward- the walk behind tiller is tuned up, the big tractor and the 3 point mower are good to go, and he had made headway on sourcing parts and prepping! We pushed a whole lot of field clean up forward and will now be able to mow and get some good cover crop stands in for this spring. We seeded our sweet peas, and first round of arugula, tatsoi, and loose leaf cabbage just before the alleged rain. Of course, we didn't get a drop, so we've got some irrigation to set up, but it's hard to complain about the rain.
We started a massive round of beets and spinach in the greenhouse. While it is a little more work to transplant these by hand rather than seeding them directly into the ground, the security of know that they will have good germination and be putting on growth during these upcoming cold nights makes it worth it. We really want to have those crops come May.
And on a boring but still important note we are pushing the office work forward- updating spreadsheet, finalizing our organic management plan for 2021 (a yearly occurrence), entering data from last year, interviewing potential Lake Dividers, and making good plans for the coming season so things run smoothly. So much office work, ugh. But! It is the work that lets us get better at what we do and stay afloat during the tsunami of work that happens during peak season. Never a dull moment indeed!
Oh, and we are harvesting! Our greens had impressive survival after that bold dip below zero. We are so excited to bring them to market! Hope you come out and see us!
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!
Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.
That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.
Greens:
Spinach
Tatsoi-raab
Kale
Swiss Chard
Microgreens!
All manner of deliciousness:
Cabbage from Tantre- only available at Eastern Market, Royal Oak and pre-order.
Carrots from Tantre- only available at Eastern Market, Royal Oak, and pre-order
Radish- Purple daikon, spicy black, sweet and spicy green!
Onions- yellow (limited)
:
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 (Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann): 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 5, 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 Helen 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 Amy 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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