Changes at Crossroads: Summer CSA ’12 – Week #1

 In CSA Newsletter

Welcome to year 8 of our CSA!  Each season that rolls by is full of similar cycles and patterns, as well as changes. For our first newsletter, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about what has changed around here and what’s staying the same. You know, our version of the holiday card from the farm.

The biggest change for the farm this season is our name. Many of you have known us as Primrose Community Farm for years. After much deliberation we decided to change our name this season. A newer farm to the area named itself Primrose Valley Farm and is now marketing in the area. Having two Primrose farms around was pretty confusing, so we decided to change our name. While it wasn’t easy, both logistically and emotionally, to let go of our old name, we do think it will be best for the future. Crossroads reflects our location in Cross Plains and the two County highways we are located on. We hope when you spread the word about us, you’ll use the new Crossroads name!

Another big change around here this season is our partnership with two local businesses; both of whom are providing wonderful additional options for all of you. This season, you can buy a bread share with Honey Bee Bakery and have it delivered the same day as your veggies! Mary still has room for folks if you are interested. The other new partnership we have is with Local Thyme. They provide a customized weekly menu based on the contents of your CSA box. Each Tuesday morning I tell them what will be in your box, and they’ll have a menu ready for you on Wednesday. They are offering a free trial for those of you who would love the help of talented chefs to use the bounty of food you receive!

The final big change around here is the anticipation of our second child. We feel very fortunate.  Zea is so excited to be a big sister. Most days she wants a sister, but every once in a while we see some excitement about the possibility of a brother. Needless to say, I won’t be out in the field much this year. Wash shed for me. It’s much easy to stand up straight and work than bend down to the ground with a beach ball in my mid section. We are due right in the middle of the harvest season – August 31st. We’ll figure out how to balance it all somehow…

For all the changes, some things are staying the same. The biggest thing staying the same around here is our employees. We feel so grateful to have Alex, Douglas, Anna, Jada, Julie, & Eva returning to work for us for yet another season. Each of these individuals is a joy to have at our farm and we are lucky to benefit from their hard work. We also want to welcome Matt who is new to our crew this year.

The other things that are staying the same around here aren’t nearly as flashy, but they are welcomed just the same. Despite our crazy March weather, that familiar cycle of life and growth is with us here again. One of the biggest joys of living and working on a farm is feeling so immersed in the weather and the land. Just as the land slowly wakes up, so do we begin working more and more hours. As the weather warms and plant life – both veggies and weeds – explode into action, so does the pace of our every day life. Some days I long for the slower time I enjoyed with Zea throughout the winter… but most days I am excited to be moving at the break neck speed of photosynthesis writ large across the land.

We do sincerely hope you enjoy this first box of veggies!

Cassie, Mike, Zea, & crew

 

 

 

In the Box

  • Bok Choi
  • Cilantro
  • Garlic Scapes (curli-Q green stems bunched together)
  • Head lettuce
  • Kale, Red Russian
  • Kohlrabi (either green or purple)
  • Radish
  • Salad Mix
  • Salad Turnips
  • Scallions
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries

This Week’s Recipes:

Local Thyme has created 3 customized menus for your box this week. Click here to sign-up for your free trial.

Summer Week #1: Wednesday, June 6th – Everyother Group A