Kyla, Malcom and Rachel are just a darn pleasure to work with!
The winter plantings in the caterpillar tunnels is almost ready to harvest!
We pushed the final massive project of the season forward. The garlic planting is well underway. We took advantage of the warm weather opening this past week and got all the ground prepped. We're planting 24 beds this year. Given the spacing and bed dimensions, that's almost 29,000 plants!
These farm dogs really know how to brighten our spirits!
With this weather it is hard to feel down. Sun. Warmth. This is not your average November. I am not complaining. We ran the irrigation on Sunday and it was easy as ever. We didn't have to wait for anything to thaw. Now, needing to irrigate in November? That's something a little new! All this sunshine displaces the ages of rain we usually experience in this time of year. I'm not complaining though. Certainly not.
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:
No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week. We still need a little time to get the winter in gear. Look for us Saturday and next week.
If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!
If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.
Recipe: Roasted Turnips or Rutabaga
From The Spruce Eats
Instructions
Notes from the Farm:
There was a bat in the house. We opened the door and let it find its way out. It was so silent in flight. I felt so lucky to get to see one up close. We see them every night hunting insects. The mostly likely candidate for that mammalian miracle circling our rooms last night is a Big Brown Bat. These species consume many agricultural pests, as well as mosquitos! Although bats are fantastic, they don't make the best housemates. Because of this, I was grateful to not find more of them when I carefully inspected the house. Tonight, I will sit out as the sun sets and watch a few key locations just to be sure.
And in other farm news, we are rounding the bend on garlic. We have just over a third of it planted and the rest just about cracked and ready to head out for its winter slumber. The cloves are edging out root nubs, ready to dig in to the ground and gather some nutrients to prep for the spring sprint. That is what we are ready to do as well!
Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva!
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:
Arugula (limited)
Bok Choi
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots
Radish greens
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi (?)
All manner of deliciousness:
Broccoli (limited)
Brussel Sprouts ?
Celery root- mini orbs
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish
Rutabaga!
Turnips- purple top and maybe sweet!
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Futusu, spaghetti, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins
Herbs:
Parsley
Sage
Coming Soon:
Swiss chard
Baby romanesco
Purple carrots
:
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy.
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.
To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."
Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans
Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group.
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group.
<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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:
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.
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 with Kyla 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight.
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.
Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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.
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- We will be closing pre-ordering for Ann Arbor Wednesday at 10 pm Tuesday night.
- Recipe: Roasted turnips or Rutabaga- simple and succulent.
- Notes from the farm
- Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
- Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
- 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
Generally Important Notes:
No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week. We still need a little time to get the winter in gear. Look for us Saturday and next week.
If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!
If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.
Recipe: Roasted Turnips or Rutabaga
From The Spruce Eats
- Gather the ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- While the oven heats, trim and peel the turnips. Tender baby turnips can be simply scrubbed instead of peeled, but their peel will still be a bit more fibrous than the tender insides. Leave baby turnips whole; cut bigger ones into a little larger than bite-sized pieces. (NOTE FROM HELEN: I rarely if ever peel our turnips. I do not find the skins fibrous at all and enjoy the texture and flavor the add)
- Put the prepared turnips in a baking pan or on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands or 2 large spoons to toss the turnips around a bit to coat them thoroughly with the oil. Sprinkle them with salt.
- Roast the turnips until they're tender and browned. Start checking them after about 30 minutes. Depending on their size and age, it may take them up to an hour or more to become completely tender.
- Sprinkle with more salt and pepper, if you'd like. Serve and enjoy.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the shallot with a pinch of salt, and stir frequently until starting to brown, 3-5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, and chili, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric with another pinch of salt, and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to stick.
- Stir in the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and chickpeas, and bring a boil. Reduce the heat, stir in the broccoli, and cover the pan. Cook for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Stir in the lime juice and season to taste with additional lime, and soy sauce or salt. (As a reference point, in my soy-free version I used about 1/4 tsp additional salt. When making this with low-sodium soy sauce I added about a tablespoon.)
- Serve hot, with rice or other accompaniments of choice. (Pictured is white jasmine rice and steamed sweet potato).
- After 20 minutes, add a few grinds of coarsely ground black pepper over the turnips.
- When you take the turnips out of the oven, toss them with a tablespoon or two of minced fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, sage, and/or rosemary.
- Drizzle the roasted turnips with romesco sauce or homemade pesto when you serve them. If it's spring and you have baby turnips, they are a particularly good match for green garlic pesto.
- When the turnips are almost done, add about 1 tablespoon of butter, toss to melt and coat the turnips, then sprinkle them with about 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, and toss again to coat them evenly. Roast for another 5 to 10 minutes.
- If you're cooking a chicken or a pork roast, simply add the turnips to the pan to roast with them. The juices from the roast will flavor the turnips beautifully.
- Mix things up by roasting other root vegetables—potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and rutabagas are all goods choices. Cut the vegetables into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Beets are tasty, too, but know that they will stain the turnips pink when they touch.
Notes from the Farm:
There was a bat in the house. We opened the door and let it find its way out. It was so silent in flight. I felt so lucky to get to see one up close. We see them every night hunting insects. The mostly likely candidate for that mammalian miracle circling our rooms last night is a Big Brown Bat. These species consume many agricultural pests, as well as mosquitos! Although bats are fantastic, they don't make the best housemates. Because of this, I was grateful to not find more of them when I carefully inspected the house. Tonight, I will sit out as the sun sets and watch a few key locations just to be sure.
And in other farm news, we are rounding the bend on garlic. We have just over a third of it planted and the rest just about cracked and ready to head out for its winter slumber. The cloves are edging out root nubs, ready to dig in to the ground and gather some nutrients to prep for the spring sprint. That is what we are ready to do as well!
Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva!
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:
Arugula (limited)
Bok Choi
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots
Radish greens
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi (?)
All manner of deliciousness:
Broccoli (limited)
Brussel Sprouts ?
Celery root- mini orbs
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish
Rutabaga!
Turnips- purple top and maybe sweet!
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Futusu, spaghetti, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins
Herbs:
Parsley
Sage
Coming Soon:
Swiss chard
Baby romanesco
Purple carrots
:
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy.
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.
To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."
Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans
Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
- Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
- Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
- Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
- How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
- Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
- Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
- Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
- by Michelle Alexander
- The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century
- by Grace Lee Boggs
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
- This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD
To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
- 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
- American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
- Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
- Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
- Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
- Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
- Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
- I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
- If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
- Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
- King In The Wilderness — HBO
- See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
- Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
- The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
- The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
- When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group.
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group.
<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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:
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.
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 with Kyla 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight.
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.
Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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.
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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