Newsletter: First Fall CSA Box of 2020!

Here we are! First box of the 2020 Fall CSA! This year has been... well, let's just call it an adventure, shall we? From moles to potato beetles, summer gale-force winds to October snowstorms, there has been no shortage of challenges here on the farm. That all being said, there is so much more to take away from this this year than just hiccups, frustrations, and hair-pulling.

For starters, I'd like to spend a minute thanking our community. We of course couldn't run our farm without folks like you who value our labor and our produce. The immense outpouring of support from you all literally from day one has been so inspiring.

I'd also like to shout out our amazing, hardworking crew here at Foxtail. Many of you know Chris already. For those of you that don't, Chris is one of the former owners of Foxtail Farm. She has been farming this land for over 15 years, and has spent 2020 helping Emmalyn and I transition into full-fledged farm owners. We could not have had as much success this year without her guidance.

Ashley (and her husband Tyler) moved onto the farm in mid-May. Ashley expressed interest in learning about organic farming, and we took her on as an intern. She is a hard worker and a quick study, and we soon realized that she was somebody that we could really lean on in times of need, of which there have been a lot this year. Whether it's harvesting veggies by headlamp after a full day in the field, washing radishes while soaking wet in 30 degree weather, or getting up well before dawn to sell our wares at Fulton Farmers Market, Ashley is down for all of it, with a smile on her face and 90's pop music blaring in the background.

Abby found us at the Midtown Farmers Market. About a month into the market season, she approached Emmalyn to ask us if we needed any help on the farm. No self-respecting farmer ever turns down help, and so began our friendship with Abby. Abby and I are the primary vegetable washers, so if there's ever any soil on a carrot or beet, you can blame me. Her playful, whimsical attitude is a great fit for us, plus she is a musician and singer/songwriter which has led to all kinds of fun conversations in the field. (You can check out her material on Bandcamp under the name Ginger Bones)

Maritza came to us after chatting with Chris at the Osceola Farmers Market. She originally hails from Bulgaria, and is another musician (a violist, vocalist, and songwriter). Maritza is one of our big, harvest day workers. She has gotten very familiar with all things carrot these past few weeks, though she also dabbles in beets, radishes and the occasional turnip. Maritza is also a heavy metal music fan, so she and I get along famously.

We've had a number of other folks come and help us out throughout the year (looking at you, Mom!), and we're hopeful that with increased awareness, testing, and a possible vaccine, we can more fully open our doors to our community in 2021. Emmalyn and I did not anticipate being so far removed from our people this year, but we're very thankful to have found and/or lucked into such a wonderful group of supporters, co-workers, and friends.

What's in the Box?!

Bonus Squash!

-Beet Greens: These truly are show stoppers. Sautéed with garlic and onion or baked into Spanakopita, yum!
-Red/Green Frisse Head Lettuce: Crisp from first frost and packed with flavor. Dress in a big salad and enjoy!
-Bell Peppers: The miracle of the hoop house makes this possible. Harvested just before the snow fell, a last taste of summer.
-Delicata or Acorn Squash (Steadyhand Farm) : Delicata are yellow and long with green stripes. You can eat the skin on this squash. Chop and roast; very sweet. Acorn are deep green, hard with inedible flesh. Great stuffed with rice or lentils, and baked until tender.

-Sweet Mokum Carrots: These are snacking size. No need to peel. Enjoy raw or steam them whole and toss with a bit of oil, salt and pepper.
-Salad Mix: A mix of red and green baby lettuces and arugula. The last of our outside beds that were unexpectedly put to bed early by the snow! Enjoy!
-Liberty Apples: What a year for apples! The trees were dripping! Tart with a sweet finish. Great for snacking or baking.
-Crunchy King Radishes: Spicy and delicious. Great raw, steamed, and roasted believe it or not!