So Where to Now?

Ok, deep breath. What a whirlwind start to the new year. But honestly, I would not have it any other way. For me, January sets the tone for the year to come. Is it going to be a year filled with trying new things and pushing new boundaries? Or is it going to be a year filled with fine tuning details and not too many big changes? Neither one is better than the other, but it is good to just set the tone for your year early. Our January was crazy.

Diversifying our business model and changing the name of the farm. And for those of you just joining the program now and have no idea of what I am talking about, please check out the web site to get brought up to speed here. Anyway, January was pure nerves for me. How do we make two huge (necessary) changes in the same month? Probably not advisable by many. But then again, I have total trust in you guys that you are up for a little shake up without completely losing faith in the farm.
So where do we go from here after a January like that? Luckily, the answer is right in front of us...to the fields.

You see, March 1st is the start of Spring planting outside of our greenhouses. It is when the ground outside finally warms up enough to allow sleepy seeds to wake up and throw a root in the soil. Kind of like when you walk up to a pool and wonder how cold it is. Some of us just cannonball and live with the decision. But if you are like a seed, you conservatively dip a toe.

The first week of March becomes our toe-dipping time. Tractors are driving all over the place trying to make comfortable beds that will ensure our seeds have the best chance to get going in a still cool (if not cold) spring. Greenhouses full of plants either in the ground or preparing themselves for the looming transplant. There is no doubt about it—the first week of March is definitely “Go Time” on the farm. And a time when you should be thinking about your own garden if you are planning on one.

A quick list of early crops to think about this spring looks like this—lettuce, spinach, radish, turnips, kale, chard, collards, and maybe beets. Lots of greens to start the year. And almost all of them in the Brassica family, or mustard family. Why?

The Brassicas produce a natural anti-freeze that we taste as that nutty spiciness in radishes, kales, and broccoli. That “anti-freeze” helps them grow when most other plants want to hit the snooze button and wait for warmer days. So that family is a great one to bet on during our erratic winter/spring transition.

Other thoughts on the farm right now would have to be directed to the newest partner of ours, Patagonia Orchards. Patagonia is located in southern Arizona and operate much like we do. They are growers, and they also help distribute other growers’ produce from their area. Only real difference is that they do not focus on the retail side like we do, but they are distributing into stores in Arizona. So what do they bring to the table?

Direct access to citrus, avocados, and tomatoes this time of year. Over the last 8 weeks we have been serving up their citrus, and I can honestly say that I do not think that I have tasted better citrus in my life. The key? Time from tree to your mouth. This citrus is harvested for us on Wednesdays, washed/sorted and then gets here by Saturday. So at latest you are eating it within a week of the tree. Most stores will not be able to tell you that with their lettuce, let alone citrus. I think the quality shines through.

I have gotten some emails about some of the Mexican products that we have been sourcing lately from Patagonia. So let me address it. 100% transparency is the mantra of this farm baby.

Patagonia distributes produce from farms in the Kino Bay/Ensenada areas of Mexico. I have been to Kino Bay. Beautiful place nestled in the upper part of the Sea of Cortez. The ocean there helps moderate the winter temps so they can grow wonderful avocados, citrus, and tomatoes right through the winter. Miles from ABQ to Kino? 700. Miles from ABQ to Los Angeles? 800.

My point is this. I look at our local food region as a radius and not a border. If you are willing to say that Colorado and Arizona are local, then you have to be able to say that northern Mexico is local. I draw no line in the sand about nationalities. I draw my line in the sand with miles. And so if Kino Bay is closer than many California areas, I have no issue supporting growers in those regions. As long as they are certified Organic. Which all of our growers are. And get audited every single year by inspectors just like we do. So I do not question the meaning of Organic.

Folks, I have been to some of these Mexican farms and they are amazing places. There is commerce and towns being driven by sustainable agriculture. They provide us some wonderful diversity in a time of year when we are just not capable of filling our food needs. And because of our partnership with Patagonia, there is a direct link between growers that leaves a smaller carbon footprint than if we got it out of California. A win-win situation.

Happy munching, Farmer Monte Skarsgard