Fertilizer, fishing and Farmer Specht

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Dan Specht, who was taken from us all too soon last week by a haying accident, was the embodiment of the stewardship farmer. His kind, curious nature—housed in a powerfully-built, bear-like body—was complemented nicely by a passion for the land. And he represented what may be our best bet for balancing food production with a healthy ecosystem: the ability to connect the dots near and far. His use of innovative production systems on the northeast Iowa hills overlooking the Mississippi River should be a model for countless farmers who want to leave the landscape better than they found it. Continue Reading

Midtown Farmers Market: Market report with Bayfield Fruit Company

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In this week’s Market Report, we talk to Fred Hobbs who sells strawberries for Bayfield Fruit Company at the Midtown Farmers Market. [Audio below]Market Report Notes:Hobbs expects one more week of strawberries, and says to look for raspberries and blueberries next. The blueberry season will last about a month.Bayfield Fruit Co. was established in 1963 operates on 50 acres of land. The farm has approximately 50 apple trees, so look for Haralson, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp this fall.The Midtown Farmer’s Market is open Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check out its website for more of what’s fresh at the market.If you like My Broadsheet, help us spread the word and tell your neighbors and friends. Continue Reading

Class warfare and the “gerry-rigged” Farm Bill

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Unless farm groups, community organizations, faith-based groups and state and local governments weigh in on the debacle in Congress, a class warfare battle over who has access to the American pie—and our food—is going to get uglier, costlier and more damaging to future generations of Americans. Continue Reading

Midtown Farmers Market: Market report with Mao Lee

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In this week’s Market Report, we talk to Mao Lee at the Midtown Farmers Market to find out what’s new at her stand. She also offers tips on how to pick and prepare green beans. [Audio below]Quick tips from Mao Lee:To pick out the best beans, size isn’t as important as freshness. How to tell if a bean is fresh? If it bends like licorice, it’s old. Continue Reading

The cowgirl and her bone-breaking “Ferrari”

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Every jolt jerked my head and neck, and pulled at my shoulders. After the first 30 minutes, I began checking for cracked molars and loose fillings. Two hours into it, I could feel the tendons straining in my lower arms from pushing, pulling and twisting the skid steer controls. The high furrows and steep ditches of the alfalfa field alternately pitched me forward and bumped me back, keeping me to 4-5mph. (Yes, skid steers have seat belts.) I finally shut the engine and climbed out of the cab after 3-1/2 hours, my ears ringing, face dusty, hands grimy, and body thankful for my, ummm, sturdy vestments. Continue Reading

Midtown Farmers Market: Market report with Seed to Seed Farm

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Don’t miss our first-ever Market Report from the Saturday Midtown Farmers Market. We talked to Ariel Pressman of Seed to Seed Farm to find out what’s new at his stand, got tips on the best way to pick out a summer squash and prepare it, and learned a little bit more about where all of his beautiful produce is grown. We think it’s a good use of a little more than a minute of your time. [Audio below]Quick tips from Pressman:When looking for the perfect summer squash, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Big summer squash get pithy in the middle, so look for the smaller squash.A good way to enjoy a summer squash is to pop it on the grill or saute it with greens and garlic.Seed to Seed Farm is in Clear Lake, WI, about an hour away from the market. Continue Reading

About farm: CSA season begins

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This week has been a very fulfilling week on the farm. We made the decision to delay the start of our CSA season one week and it has really paid off. With the warm weather, rain and sun our plants and family are really thriving. It is always a wonderful feeling when we are able to start eating out of our field again. So For today’s post I thought I would let you know some of the good things happening around here. Continue Reading