Good Morning

Well, -  if Wall Street had weather as one more factor in the business mix - what then?! 

It has been an unseasonably unseasonable season all season.

Spring was dark and wet and cold - we were again designated a disaster area this year because of the unceasing rains that lasted for weeks - Chicago had a taste of that kind of rain a couple of weeks ago and it's easy to see the possibility of delay and setback it can cause when you're trying to work the ground and plant.

With that beginning, we lost the option of some crops but got many others planted.  Then the strategy became a strong second planting for the latter part of the season.

Drought conditions followed where seeds may sprout but the tiny seedling dries up from a lack of continual moisture.

Drought and an unusually cool summer, and now, -  this last week -  unseasonably cool weather and an unexpected frost.

I'm listing these weather related problems only to bring you closer to the differences in agriculture compared to most other businesses -  and because your CSA experience should bring you along with the farm you have supported.

There are CSAs forming that keep the hard facts from their shareholders as a marketing tool.  I feel without the true reality of this business being shared - farmers will have no real and lasting base and no real support for their issues.

We are an orgainc farm for 35 years. With that statement comes the implied intention of caring for the health of the planet and those who eat the food we grow - and we are not done yet.

I am checking everything in daylight and assessing crops - we all worked long and hard to offset the posssible frost damage and I am sure we will be able to continue through the end of October.

Just give me a little time to get a grip on what needs to be done and I will update as soon as I have a plan for delivery.

Farmer Renee / Sweet Earth

Those Chicago-Damen shareholders who did not pick up their share this morning will be contacted individually to make arrangements to get their veggies.

Due to unforeseen circumstances at the Chicago Damen site, we are unable to get your shares by 3 p.m. We will for sure have your shares delivered by 7 p.m.

There is no one at the site right now. Due to the heat, the veggies had to be transported back to the refrigerated truck. As soon as the truck is packed, there will be a decision made as to when and where your shares can be picked up. Stay tuned for information as it becomes available.

The Chicago-Damen site, the electronics store, is not open today. We have no idea what is going on as we have not been able to contact the store owner. We have someone at the site with your boxes outside the store. Please make arrangements to pick up your box as soon as possible, as we will not be able to stay at the store all day and night. Check your email for more information about contacting us.

I felt tired enough driving last night to pull over and take a quick nap -which turned into a too long sleep.  As you know I must make farmers marklet and be set up by 7

I can deliver all sites but can't make Evanston and Northbrook until after the market - they are off the direct path and i would be too late to do the market at all - of course I am so sorry about this

Shares will be at Evanston and Northbrook by 3 and I'll leave  pile extra veggies for shareholders at both of those sites - so please help yourselves and know I'm contrite

Hi to all shareholders

When we started to try to separate bags for full and partial shares the realization was that it would be confusing and cause problems - too much of a challenge when everyone is getting back into the swing of things - so - the plan is:

This week full shareholders will pick up a grocery bag along with their regular brown shareboxes and next week the partial shares will get their extra - makeup veggies.

All shares can be picked up Saturday morning after 8.

Thanks for your support as always and enjoy!

Good Morning to all shareholders

The truck is home and fixed. It was a quick and inexpensive - hurray!

It takes a literal day of driving to get back and forth and it will be best not to try for any marathon runs that will further complicate getting back to a routine.

Both last and this week's share will be delivered together. We don't have enough recirculated boxes here - so - how to package without buying a whole new set of boxes so late in the season is what I will be working on - but that will be an option.

Great to be back - please check for any updates - thanks for hanging in there

Hi to all shareholders-

We will have to take the truck into a shop on Monday.

I feel we shouldn't plan anything until we see what needs to be done and how long it will take - as soon as we get that information - we'll decide on a plan of action.

Farming takes in all of the parts.

Many farmers have had to learn to fix everything that moves on a farm from cows to tractors. Some do a better job than others at fixing mechanical problems. I have learned to tell the difference between a starter, an alternator and a torque convertor but identification and running for parts is where my talent for mechanical challenges ends

I will keep you posted - thanks for your patieince -Farmer Renee

I e mailed all shareholders early this morning but wasn't sure about the mechanics of putting a message on the website. Can't reach the webmaster yet.

We have just found that the bearings (?) on the truck alternator pulley failed last night.  It is a good thing I turned around and came back to the farm without trying to attempt the delivery - the fan that cools the engine is also connected to that assembly and the problem could have been accelerated. 

I am currently unloading the truck into the cooler and will keep everyone posted as to how soon a delivery can be expected.

Sorry for this inconvenience,

Farmer Renee / Sweet Earth