Hi Everyone,
In this update:
1. “State of the Farm”
I probably don’t need to mention that this update is long over-due! The farm seems to have developed a life of its own, and I wonder sometimes if we are leading or just trying to keep up. Many good things are happening, and although I don’t have a lot of time to write, I do want to give you all an update.
At long last the new barn is under construction. Today we poured the first half of the perimeter wall. Next week will come the second half, then we will construct a “pole building” on top of those walls. The wood component of the barn will be built by Jon Romanelli, a long-time friend and member of our farm. Jon has done a lot of work for us over the years. One of his very visible, recent projects is the “market shelters” for the Carnation farmers market.
We all joke about the adage that is the tag-line of new construction: “takes longer, costs more.” But this does seem to be the way it goes! We had hoped to be pouring concrete in early June, for the simple reason that come November, one way or another, we need to have a home for our ever-growing herd! The sad truth is that our present housing for the cows just can’t handle them for another year. So we’re pushing forward and hoping for the best.
Speaking of the cows, last night I walked through the herd and counted 25 calves. We’ve been calving for a little over a month, and should have quite a few more calves befor we’re done. The herd is doing very well, and it seems this year more than any other that they seem to “understand” their daily rotation. I don’t think anyone would classify cattle as “quick learners,” but we believe the idea of daily rotation is sinking in and creating a rhythm for them (and us) that is pleasing, pastoral, and certainly agrarian! It would be hard now to imagine the farm without them.
The social and political life of the farm is blossoming. And I don’t think I will be giving away any “classified” information if I announce here that Jubilee Farm is within weeks of becoming the 9th farm to become a part of the PCC Farmland Trust program. This has been a two-year process that has culminated, in addition to several other things, in a mountain of paperwork! We will be so glad when this is over. But we’re also very pleased to have finally resolved the concern we’ve had for a long time: how can we be sure that Jubilee Farm will always be an organic farm that will produce food for people? While there are always contingencies regarding the future, we feel confident that we have done the very best we can do to assure that our desires for the farm will survive in perpetuity.
We’ll be saying much more about this in future updates, and there will be a celebration of our association with the PCC Farmland Trust here on September 15th.
Another big change on the farm is that this year we purchased a round baler. For the last several years we have had our hay cut and bailed by a neighbor who has the equipment. Last year it became clear that this neighbor had way more work than he could handle, so this spring we purchased our own baler. We ended up buying a used baler and wrapper in Missouri and having a friend haul them both here. So far we’ve been going through a fairly steep learning curve about how to bale and how to operate/maintain the equipment—which is a kind way of saying we’ve gone through a lot of frustration based on us not knowing how to operate the contraption, and because the contraption in question had not been too well cared-for by its previous owner
If all that’s not enough . . . there’s another major change on the farm and that is the position of farm manager. Most of you know that I’m not getting around as well as I used to. The ankle injury I sustained when I was seventeen is finally getting the better of me. I’m in need of a surgery that could help, but, honestly, at my age it’s not a prospect fraught with hope. Last year it became clear to me that I couldn’t keep the pace of our busy harvest days, and this year I can’t walk well enough (dependably enough) to even do much guiding of the crew. Fortunately, Wendy is more than ready, willing, and able to step in. The biggest issue in this transition is me getting used to the idea of not being involved in every aspect of the life of the farm. But I’m working on it.
2. SVPA Fundraiser at Jubilee on Saturday, July 28th at 5:30
For too many years farmers and residents of the Snoqualmie Valley have not taken decisive, collective action to preserve the valuable farmland and recreational opportunities that abound in our Valley. That is the mission of the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance. I am proud to be a founding member and current vice-president of the SVPA.
We are holding our second annual fundraiser Saturday, July 28th. Last year’s event was very successful, and we are expecting another great turnout of folks who want to stand with local farmers to insure that our valley remains farmable.
This year we're offering "The Taste of the Valley," with food coming from valley farmers and being prepared by local restaurants, and restaurants that support local farming: The Grange, PCC, The Herbfarm, John Howie, Lazy K's, Snoqualmie Valley Ice Cream Company, Cedarbrook Lodge, Ixtapa and Love's.
We are so very hopeful that we will have a strong contingency of Jubilee Farm supporters. One of our members has already bought an entire table for ten. It would be so good for the cause if we could fill another two or three tables from our farm.
You can sign up for tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com (when you get to the site, search using the word "Carnation").
If you have any questions about the event or about SVPA get back to us (jubileefarm@hotmail.com), and/or take a look at our web page at www.svpa.us.
3. Farm School is on!
July and August are the two months of our Summer Session during which we do our “farm school.” Farm school is on Tuesdays at 12:30, and Fridays at 3:30.
NW Vintage Iron Antique Tractor Show, 10 – 4 each day, the farm school is being conducted by Farmer David. Children of any age (and their parents, of course!) are welcome to attend. There may be a quiz following thefarm school, but only kids have to take it.
4. Jubilee Summer Events
This is a busy year for the farm in terms of upcoming events. Here’s what’s happening:
July 21-22: NW Vintage Iron Antique Tractor Show, 10 – 4 each day.
July 28th: SVPA fundraising dinner and auction: “The Taste of the Valley” at 5:30.
August 11th: Annual Autism Day, from 11:00 to 3:00.
September 15th: PCC Farm Tour, time TBA.
September 22nd: SVT “Country Faire” (tentative!)
September 24th: WSU “Organic No-Till Field Day,” time TBA.
October: Fall festival and pumpkin harvest each weekend day, 10-5.
Erick and Wendy and the Crew
Jubilee Biodynamic Farm
Posted July 20, 2012