Taproot Farms

It is over here

2010-07-13T22:14:00.001-03:00

Our days on Blogspot are now over. You can keep up with us at Taproot by going to our webpage www.taprootfarms.ca and clicking on blog. We have it embedded in our site now. Hopefully this will make things easier to manage.

Sorry for any trouble this may cause you! I very much appreciate your contributions and following! Please start following us over there too.

It will take me a bit to get use to the new program - but I hope it will be as friendly as this has been. Thanks blogspot!

Patricia

Photo catch up

2010-07-06T15:31:00.004-03:00

It seems like it has been weeks since I uploaded some pictures for you. Now I will play catchup:)
The youth team - with the fresh garlic and scape harvest on Monday.

My Grandmother Sandy and my Father Andrew at Franks 3rd b-day party - 4 generations of farmers in we include the kids:)

Louise and Gerald on back with Calvin at the wheel - Transplanting cabbage

The Farm - Canada Day Picnic - Izaak front and centre.
Onions and weeds
Tomatoes coming along well
Peppers coming along well too.

Have a great day!

Walk about

2010-07-02T15:39:00.002-03:00

This afternoon I have been weeding a patch of cilantro, dill and then I took a long, slow walk about to see how things are coming along.

The broccoli is getting ready to harvest. Some heads are ready and Calvin is spot picking each day. We will not have enough for everyone on this first harvest, so what I am proposing is we give the Monday group the first lot, Tuesday the second lot, etc.....so that everyone gets broccoli.

The tomatoes look great a few of the golden nuggets are nice and ready. Only a few handfuls at a time right yet. The peppers are sizing up too. The hungarian wax look great and will be the earliest I think.

The basil is in full production how. The artichokes look very interesting. I can not wait to see how they turn out.

We had a lovely day on the farm yesterday with all of those members who came. Thanks so much - the kids had a great time and I hope the adults were happy too.

Frank is 3 today. We are having a birthday supper tonight. It sure will be a great evening.

The plants are growing well here and we are looking forward to a great variety so very soon.

Happy Canada Day and Farm Day

2010-07-01T15:59:00.001-03:00

http://nogginsfarm.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html#4843301072064060507

I posted pictures today but I posted them to the wrong blog. Opps....

Here you will see a few shots from the picnic today. We had a wonderful turn out, the sun was shining the kids were playing and the day just felt great.

Thanks so much!!

Happy Canada Day and Farm Day

2010-07-01T09:07:00.001-03:00

Good Morning - It is 9 AM and the weather is beautiful here on the farm.
We will see you later this morning for our strawberry shortcake picnic.

Looking forward to some fun on the farm.

Saving the Season Workshop Series

2010-06-24T16:03:00.000-03:00

Taproot Farms Saving the Season Workshop Series
email me to register

Sunday July 11th 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Strawberry JamCost: $35.00 per personSpace: 5 peopleYou bring: 12 250 mL Jars with lids - clean and ready to use, liquid, certo, sugarWe provide: berries, equipment, snack

Sunday July 25th 1:00 PM - 5 PM
Canned BeansCost: $35.00 per personSpace: 5 peopleYou bring: 12 500 mL jars with lidsWe provide: beans, equipment, snack

Saturday August 14th 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Basil PestoCost: $50 per personSpace: 8 peopleYou bring 4 ice cube traysWe provide: basil, all other ingredients, equipment, snack

Saturday August 28th 9:00 - 5:00
Canned Plums and PeachesCost: tba - depends on price of fruitSpace: 5 peopleYou bring: 24 1 litre jarsWe provide: fruit, all ingredients, equipment, lunch and snacks

Saturday September 4th
Canned TomatoesSession one: 9-12Session two: 1-5Space: 4 people per sessionCost: $70.00You bring: 24 1 litre jarsWe provide: tomatoes, equipment, snack

Saturday September 18th
Farmers Market SalsaSession one: 9:00 - 2:00Session two: 3:00 - 8:00Space: 4 people per sessionCost: $60.00 per personYou Bring: 12 500 mL jarsWe provide: all veggies, all ingredients, equipment, lunch/dinner

Saturday October 2nd 9:00-12:00
Sauerkraut and KimchiSpace: 8 peopleCost: $35.00We provide: all ingredients, equipment and a snack

Saving the Season Workshop Retreats
The retreat workshops will take place at the farmstay, Swallows Nest. Each retreat weekend includes 6 meals, (Friday night supper, breakfast, lunch and supper on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday.) Participants have access to the sauna, the farm, the walking trails and the jacuzzi tub.There is space for 8 participants. The workshops will begin at 6 PM on Friday and end at 2:00 PM on Sunday. You will leave with a smile, a rest of sorts, and with 48 1 litre jars of preserves for the winter. Cost per participant is $414.00 taxes included.

Retreat 1: September 10, 11, & 12th
Tomatoes (12 jars), Pasta Sauce (24 jars) and Bread & Butter Pickles (12 jars)

Retreat 2: October 22, 23 & 24th
Canned Corn (12 jars), Canned Pears (12 jars), Salsa (12 jars) and Canned Apple Sauce (12 jars)

Thursday June 24th

2010-06-24T15:39:00.002-03:00

School is out. One last day next week, but really it is over. This will add an element of family to the summer which feels great. Izaak and I got the market all set up at the end of the drive this morning. Then he collected the eggs and did some transplanting.

The other day, I missed taking a picture of it, but Calvin was driving the tractor with Louise and Gerald on back transplanting with a mechanical transplanter. Whow, they were excited, we were excited. It was so quick and all of the cabbages went in that day.

Things are growing well on the farm and there a few new things on the go - Canning workshops. I finally have a list of workshops for this year. Also, we are entering into an arrangement where we are going to test the waters with dehydrating some fruit and veggies. I am excited about this project. There are lots of projects and fun days ahead.

I hope you are loving the scapes, you know it means garlic to come. Yippy!!!

Friday the 18th of June

2010-06-18T06:30:00.002-03:00

This morning I woke up to the blating of a sheep, the sound of our little tractor and a bit of chatter between the guys so early in the morning. Josh is up and gone. The farm is still this morning with a haze over everything as the sun comes up. I think it will be a hot day. My mind is spinning already with the lists of things to do today. First task is to get the kids fed and off to their activities, Izaak to school. Lily and Frank to preschool.

My todo list is long, but it is exciting. We are welcoming guests to the farmstay for the weekend. This afternoon Drea will be here to work in the kitchen making rhubarb jam and it is time to get our end of driveway market stand opened up. It is the beginning of another great day!

Farm Stay - Available Weeks

2010-06-17T13:34:00.004-03:00

If you are interested......

Only week remaining open in July is 18 - 25

In August we have 7th - 12 and the 22 to 28th available

September there are some openings for a few days at a time.

October is wide open. Consider a Thanksgiving on the farm????

Here are some pictures. Also a whole bunch of walking trails have been mowed now that the threat of distrubing the nesting is over. It is so beautiful here so I hope all of you have a chance to come. Even if just for the day on July 1st for our Farm Day.

This is a shot of the upstairs room. The couch pulls out. There is also the Queen bed shown below in the south windows. Behind the couch is a twin bed and the toys are in containers behind the couch. The crib is hidden away in the other bedroom. This room is also the grand room where events take place.

The awesome sauna that I love!
The 'master suite' with a king bed, two person tub with jets, shower, fireplace and washroom and large door that opens to the gardens.
The kitchen and dining area and sitting area too. This room has a large fireplace, not shown in the picture, a cozy place to curl up. Just to the right of this picutre is a dining table and chairs.

Mary Beth's Workshop Series

2010-06-17T13:32:00.001-03:00

Intro to healthy eating

3 Week Workshop

Presentation, cooking demo, tasting, and recipes

June 16, 23 & 30 at 7pm

or

June 15, 22 & 29 at 10am

$85 for all 3 or $30 per session

Phone MaryBeth 670-9355

Week 1

Concious Eating -

Learning to listen to your body and the messages its sending

Digestion guidelines- eating properly

Cooking - Gluten free grains

Week 2

How food can affect your mood -

good/bad mood foods

Balancing moods - understanding sugar, flour and fiber

Cooking - breakfasts, variations on oatmeal, homemade granola

Week 3

Raw Foods

Superfoods

Cooking - Nutrient rich dessert treats

www.nofarmsnofood.ca

2010-06-15T09:53:00.000-03:00

Dear Friends of Farmland and Supporters of Food Security. Please click below to visit the No Farms No Food webiste launched yesterday.

www.nofarmsnofood.ca

In the weeks immediately ahead a decidedly pro-development municipal council in Kings County is set to rezone close to 600 acres of agricultural land for residential, commercial and/or industrial uses. This municipal council has been described by external reviewers as dysfunctional and lacking in ability to plan for either the short or long term benefit of Kings County. These councillors continue to push their individual agendas having dismissed the CAO and "let" key planners "go" in response to the external review.

This website invites you to help us stop them from destroying Kings County farmland.

Please spread the word by sending the link to our website to your networks.

Many Thanks in Advance --- Pauline Raven

Taxes

2010-06-15T09:46:00.002-03:00

What a beautiful morning.

Last night I met up with Mike who is creating a new and improved website for us. We will have the ability to do add on's and payment processing so you can add on a flat of berries or a pound of basil to your CSA and pay with paypal. I am really excited about this and hope that it will work better for everyone.

Let me know if you would like to be one of the members who test runs it for us to see that we have all the bugs worked out.

The farm is hopping today. We have Tim harvesting some garlic scapes that will be added to the shares going out today. Calvin is harvesting mixed greens, Gerald is harvesting spinach and green onions. Lousie and a new addition Jem are bagging. And Andy is planting two rows of sage plants for next year.

Sylvan is building the moveable chicken house.

And in a few minutes I will be off to the accountants office to file my taxes. Nothing like the last minute.......

Have a great day everyone! It is June 15th - what a wonderful day!

Young farmers forum

2010-06-13T11:24:00.001-03:00

This morning Lily, Frank and I joined the NS Young Farmers Forum for an annual meeting and farm tour. Here we are.

Minister John MacDonall, joined the young farmers at Charlie Keddy's farm in Lakeville

Saturday morning walk about

2010-06-12T08:15:00.000-03:00

Radish plantings

Herbs and flowers

New haskap plants

Greenhouse

Transplants ready for planting and garlic to the right

Louise weeding spinach

Calvin turning on the water for the tunnels

Chickens out and about

Greens growing
Enjoy the weekend!

Farmer on the go!

The sun is out

2010-06-08T11:27:00.002-03:00

Finally the sun is shining. The farm is quite wet but hopefully we will get back into the regular swing of planting in a day or so after things dry out.

Last week, our first week of the 26 week CSA went over okay. We had a few hiccups on Monday and a few on Thursday but overall it was a great week. We are two days into week two and I am finally getting to a blog entry.

I've had lots on my mind to write here but the days are going so fast I can't believe it.

We have new sheep on the farm. They arrived on Sunday. I gave a tour to a small group of University students yesterday. They are learning about food, culture, health, etc. Sounds like an interesting class. They heard all of my opinions on how we eat and the choices we make.

Enjoy the day!

Busy week

2010-06-03T12:02:00.001-03:00

We are nearly finished our first week for the 26 week members.

Josh and I took a late night walk to check on the crops. Rapini is such an interesting plant. We thought our plants were done, but they have grown a bunch and we are harvesting some today. It seems to be behaving a bit like zucchini.

Have a great day. I am off to Bedford and Hammonds Plains this afternoon for the final day of pickups this week.

- Farmer on the go!

Edgewood - oxford 1st pickup

2010-06-01T16:54:00.001-03:00

Even with the rain ( thank goodness for the rain) we were all smiles at the church pickup.

Here are a few new members.

And Alex who will be doing the majority of driving to the city on Tuesdays.

Have a great week!

- Farmer on the go!

Monday after lunch

2010-05-31T13:34:00.000-03:00

26 Weeks begin

2010-05-31T07:03:00.002-03:00

Good Morning.
Starting today.....

Dartmouth area deliveries. Hawthorne Elementary School 4:30 - 5:40
Peddars Way 4:40 - 5:30

Tuesday - Halifax area deliveries. Edgewood-Oxford United Church 4:30-5:30
Grainery 4:40-6:30

Wednesday - Local area deliveries and at Taproot pickups - Farm 4:30-6:30, Wolfville 4:45-5:15, Kentville 4:45-5:15

Thursday - Hammonds Plains and Bedford area deliveries - Springvale Nurseries that is now newly named Bloom - 4:30-5:30. Bedford pickup is at St. Ignatius Catholic church on 5 Bedford Street between 4:15 and 5:45PM

Windsor deliveries will be drop on Monday or Thursday we will see which day it works into better. Wilmot deliveries will occur on Tuesday.

Thanks - enjoy the week! Patricia

26 weeks start this week

2010-05-28T19:51:00.003-03:00

Over the weekend I will get an email out to remind everyone of the times, places, etc for pickup. I will post it here too. Yippy, ya who, it is the start of the 26 weeks of CSA.

Rapini Bolts

2010-05-28T19:45:00.002-03:00

Wouldn't it be neat if our daily news headings were all about what is happening on the farm? Not what is happening with the PM or the scandal of the day, but of the goin'ons of our food production. The heading in tomorrow mornings newspaper would be 'Rapini bolts from lack of moisture' Here at your farm, we have two lovely rows of rapini that are small and flowering. They are a bust. In retrospect I should have had them set up with trickle irrigation, but I just didn't know that they were so sensitive. Anyway, live and learn and luckily they will make wonderful organic matter for the soil and the next batch of plantings.

Just an short evening update! Enjoy the weekend!

Middleton CSA delivery

2010-05-26T10:42:00.000-03:00

Hello Friends,
After talking with a few interested people, we have decided to offer 26
weeks of Taproot Farms CSA and 20 weeks of the Noggins Corner Farm Fruit
Share in the Middleton/Kingston area. The pickup will be on Tuesdays
from 4:45-5:15 PM starting June 1st for the Taproot CSA and June 14th
for Noggins CSA. We will meet at the parking lot beside the Guys Frenchy's in Wilmot.

If you would be so kind as to pass this information around to your
networks I would greatly appreciate it!!!

People who are interested can just add the location to the bottom of the
registration form.

www.taprootfarms.ca
www.nogginsfarm.ca

Look under CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) on both sites to learn more!

Thanks so much for your help in sending this out.
Patricia

Wild night

2010-05-26T09:34:00.003-03:00

At 4:30 AM I bolted out of bed, woke Josh up because 'the chickens, the geese, there is something getting into the chickens!'
Josh ran out to to see what was up, but then we realized the noise was coming from our neighbours Barb and George's. They have chickens and piglets and cows. So Josh drove over to check on them. The sound was terrible. In the meantime I called over to let them know that Josh was on his way over.

Come to find out, it was raccoons fighting and they had one raccoon out on a limb screaming like what I thought was a chicken dieing.

I feel so bad for waking everyone up - it was quite a commotion. No sleep after that. Maybe a bit paranoid I guess. Now I am even waking the neighbours:((

Have a great happy chicken day!

A special surprise

2010-05-23T18:33:00.001-03:00

Josh found these tonight.
A Killdeer nest. Whow!

They are amongst the broccoli.
- Farmer on the go!

Saturday am pic's

2010-05-22T08:52:00.001-03:00

Rapini

Tomato tunnel

Sunny Morning

2010-05-22T08:08:00.002-03:00

Josh has just loaded the kids in the van to go on a crop check this morning.
They are heading over to Medford to check on the peas and beans planted there.
Josh picked a handful of ripe strawberries yesterday. It will soon be time for earily berries!
I am off to do a morning check of this home farm. Things here are greeen and growing fast!!! The weeds are also growing fast:)

Over cast Thursday

2010-05-20T15:28:00.002-03:00

Well this morning Lily headed off to her first morning at school. It was the orientation day for the primary kids. It is hard to believe that she is already old enough to adventure off to school.

Last evening we went for a drive around to see how things are coming along. The strawberries are starting to turn colour. In a week we will have berries.

Josh is very excited with the healthy condition of the berry plants. They are so lush and green and full of health!

The garlic looks wonderful, the potatoes are up about a foot, the carrots are up, parsnips too - altough I can imagine that some of you aren't too interested in hearing about parsnips:))

The artichokes are planted in the tunnels, we are going to try them this year. I can't wait to see how they work out.

The leeks are all planted out on the new side field and the onions are going out next to them.

Things are moving right along! I am just starting to get organized for some canning weekends. We can begin with a jam weekend with rhubarb I hope. I will keep you posted.

Enjoy the day!

Planting tomatoes

2010-05-19T10:27:00.001-03:00

Here is Gerald and Calvin transplanting tomatoes this morning

May 13th - Thursday

2010-05-13T09:28:00.002-03:00

It is another beautiful day on the farm. Last night it was music to our hears hearing the rain come down in the night. What a perfect routine, sunny all day, rain at night and the plants just grow, grow, grow.

Yesterday I had an interesting experience. I was a witness for the Standing Committee on Agriculture. There were about 15 people who were witnesses, we each had 7 minutes to speak. Once we spoke the MP's asked us questions. It was hard because there are so many issues and it is difficult sometimes to articulate them and to think of what are the best strategies for moving forward. The topic for feedback was Young Farmers and the Future of Agriculture.

It will be interesting to see what the committee recommends from their consultations.

Tonight the film DIRT is showing in Truro. After the drop in Hammonds Plains this evening I will scoot to Truro for the movie. Hopefully there will be some people out to see it. It has shown in Truro a few times already so we;ll see.

Today I am catching up on a large pile of papers in the office here. Last night Ron was spreading manure before the land is cultivated likely in the next day or so. Calvin is seeding and Gerald is digging out kale stalks so we can cultivate where it was planted.

Justine and Conall are likely into NB by now on their trip to Ontario. What a wonderful day to be starting an adventure!

Enjoy your day!

Peppers going in

2010-05-10T15:59:00.001-03:00

Here is Gerald planting the pepper tunnel.

- Farmer on the go!

3 kids and fiddlehead soup

2010-05-08T12:14:00.001-03:00

Seeding

2010-05-08T11:06:00.001-03:00

Friday events

2010-05-07T08:24:00.002-03:00

We are cultivating land preparing it for planting.
Harvesting spinach.
Weeding the asparagus bed - next year we will be able to harvest from it.
Mulching raspberries.
Seeding.
Weeding greens.
Varnishing floor in Swallows Nest.
Cleaning out herb garden beds.
Transplanting green onions.
Celery has been planted.
Plant more radish, arugula, and greens.

Enjoy your day!!!

Newsletter corrections

2010-05-05T07:54:00.002-03:00

Goodmorning -
I realized in the city yesterday that the newsletter said that Wayne Parker grew the parsnips - they are Josh's farm parsnips and were grown on transition to organic land.

Also there was 1lb of fiddle heads and 1/4lb of greens.

Sorry!

Orchard update

2010-05-04T08:37:00.001-03:00

If you are intersted in following the progress of the fruit CSA - you can check in at http://nogginsfarm.blogspot.com/

We are going to start backing greens in about 20 minutes. They are being harvested right now.

Enjoy the day!

Draft Day Care Centre Policy - Consultations

2010-05-03T13:08:00.000-03:00

Other CSA's

2010-05-03T10:43:00.003-03:00

Please share......so we can ensure a viabrant, sustainable, small scale, new farmer, presence here in Nova Scotia. Here are four CSA's that have emailed me their info. There are many more. Thanks!

Farm Name: Moon Fire Farm
CSA Location: The Grainery in Halifax
Start date: June 2nd 2010
Contact: Kimm or Domenic 902-757-1912 moonfirefarm@gmail.com

Localmotive Farm
Stewiacke, NS (serving Stewiacke to Halifax)
Tentative start date of June 9th
localmotivefarm@gmai.com
www.localmotivefarm.com

Farm name: Southfield Organics
CSA location: Tantallon
Start date: June 16
Contact info: southfieldorganics@gmail.com

902-757-0262
Shani’s Farm- www.shanisfarm.com
668 Hwy # 236 Scotch Village, NS

Charlotte Harper
Horse and Garden Farm
1563 Wentworth Rd. RR1
Windsor,
Nova Scotia
B0N2T0
(902) 472-2498
charper@eastlink.ca
Our CSA runs June 14- Oct 30 (20 wks) at a cost of $500 for the season. ( $25 per week) Pick up at the Farm is preferred, but we offer delivery at $3.00/ wk

New pigs next door

2010-05-02T14:52:00.001-03:00

Lily, Frank & I went next door to see the 12 new piglets. They are so cute!!! They were born at the beginning of last week.

Tomatoes

2010-05-01T07:35:00.001-03:00

This morning Josh and I made a list of tomatoes for planting inside the tunnels There are only 7 rows ready so we need to be selective. The tomatoe plants will be so happy to get out of the trays.

End of the day. End of the week

2010-04-30T16:05:00.002-03:00

Well here it is 4:05 PM on Friday. I just finished entering new CSA members into both the accounting program and the spreadsheet program. Justine is done for the day and the kids are jumping around on the trampoline.

We have finished week 4 this week and I finally feel like I have a handle on names, spreadsheets and numbers. So finally, a bit of order to it all.

I think having order it the key to many things. It is sometimes hard to maintain order when there are lots of things going on, but finally today I feel that there is some resemblence of order in the office.

Tonight we are gathering together with a group of friend who are interested in viewing the film DIRT. If you have a group of friends and you;d like to use the movie, just let me know. I can't lend it out until after the DIRT showings are finished but starting in June - we can pass it around.

And on Saturday night there is a Grand Reviaval at Sutton Oak Farms on Church Street. A great list of performers will hit the farm, the Hupman Brothers included. It is looking like a full weekend.

If there is anyone out there who has a love for staining and varnishing floors, let me know. Swallows Nest is coming along so nicely - walls painted, bathroom in, new floor upstairs and newly varnished floor down stairs, newly tiled shower. And brand new beds. I am so excited for when everything is in place.

Oh, it is starting to down pour - the kids are running in, gotta go.

Enjoy the weekend!

Blueberry blossoms

2010-04-29T16:30:00.000-03:00

Just on a walk about and see these blueberry bushes are blooming. They are next to Swallows Nest. I am just checking out the new paint job and floor in the house.

- Farmer on the go!

Lots of nettles

2010-04-29T16:29:00.001-03:00

Get ready for some stinging nettle soup next week:) We are fortunate to have such an endless supply of the green.

Calvin just finished transplanting the rapini in the tunnel. It is our first time growing it so I am not sure how long from now until it is ready.

The Slow Food Canada leaders were just here for a tour. If you'd like to learn more about the events surrounding their visit check out the slow food Mova Scotia website.

Enjoy your evening.

Tuesday happenings

2010-04-27T11:26:00.001-03:00

It is 11:23 AM and we are rushing to get the shares done in time. Right now we have 43 bunches done of the garlic so the push is on:) We need 88.

Crab Meal arrived

2010-04-24T13:07:00.001-03:00

On Thursday the 4 ton of crab meal arrived. Friday Josh was able to get it spread, chisel plough the fields and tunnels, and this morning the harrow passed through. Calvin has been transplanting Swiss chard and kale and direct seeding carrots, radish and cilantro.

Yippy!!! Seeds are going into the ground.

It is a beautiful today. Both farms, Canard and here are bustling. Josh is planting corn and covering with clear plastic for a second planting of early corn.

Enjoy your day!

On the road

2010-04-22T17:35:00.000-03:00

Today has been a day of driving and talking. This afternoon I presented at an agriculture event in Truro. I talked about CSA's and about how ours works. It was a good few sessions I took in and there were great questions after my talk.

I jumped in the car and headed to Mahone Bay were at 7pm the film Dirt is showing. Tonight, Earth night, we are showing the first of four viewings. I am enjoying the art in a lovely bistro called Cheesecake Gallery.

A glass of wine and a great meal will hit the spot before heading to set up the movie.

Enjoy this lovely spring evening!

Out for a walk

2010-04-21T19:25:00.001-03:00

Checking out the gardening results at swallows nest. Valarie and crew were very busy today and did a fabulous job!

Share day

2010-04-20T11:29:00.001-03:00

- Farmer on the go!

Try it again

2010-04-19T13:02:00.001-03:00

This is our nicely organized seeds

Office work

2010-04-19T13:00:00.001-03:00

Josh is learning how to make a blog posting. He calls this - the gals in the office on the inside end of the farm work.

Annual Jarvis Lecture

2010-04-19T09:48:00.001-03:00

The Friends of the Public Gardens present the Annual Jarvis Lecture :

Dr. Susan Guppy
Community Gardens: >From Traditional to Contemporary
Ideas to inspire the urban gardener and community groups.
Thursday 6 May 2010 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Doors open at 6pm for viewing of information displays
Scotia Lecture Theatre,
Saint Mary's University
The lecture will be preceded by a showing of
My Urban Garden , dir.Polly Bennell,1984,N.F.B.

All are welcome. Please feel free to forward this to your members and anyone who might be interested and to post it on your website.
After the lecture there will be light refreshments in the lobby .
There are a limited number of tables available for information displays. If you would like to promote your group at this event, please contact Ann Kitz (annkitz@ns.sympatico.ca) before April 29th.

Dr Guppy ,Associate Professor of Planning at Dalhousie University, has had a varied educational and professional career. First trained as a chemist and limnologist, she worked in Ontario with companies like Hough Stansbury and Associates. After managing academic programs and teaching at the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie she returned to Columbia University to study architecture. After practicing as an architect in New Jersey and Quebec, she returned to Nova Scotia to take a position at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, before joining the School of Planning at TUNS (now Dalhousie) in 1993.With teaching interests as varied as her background, Dr Guppy teaches courses in Urban Ecology, History and Theory of Landscape Architecture, Planning Studio, Introduction to Community Design, and Reading the Landscape. Her research focuses on urban ecology, the environment of the suburbs, and food in the city.
In Polly Bennell's short film, Halifax gardener Carol Bowlby harvests a mouth-watering crop from her small backyard plot. In considering soil quality, lack of space and a short growing season challenges rather than obstacles, she offers a wealth of practical growing tips for urban gardeners. By heeding Bowlby's advice, bountiful organic gardens work equally well on apartment balconies, in small or large city lots or in a rural setting.
Presented with the support of St. Mary's University and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Farm Visit Day

2010-04-18T11:45:00.002-03:00

Well it is noon time and the rain is coming down. We will still be here to go for a walk about, but just want to you know that rubber boots and a rain coat are required.

I will plan for another farm day in a few weeks when the weather is better for those who wish to come but will miss today because of the rain.

For those who are still planning to come - see you soon :)

Saturday afternoon

2010-04-17T17:08:00.000-03:00

Calvin got this tunnel ready for planting.

Josh and Ron got the chicken house cleaned out.

The garlic is growing fast!

Clean up day

2010-04-17T07:53:00.002-03:00

Good Morning - Josh is off planting corn again this morning before the rain flies again. Yesterday we moved some leeks out of the greenhouse to make room for more seeded trays. We moved them in again late last night in case of freezing temp's.

Today we are getting things tided up before the visit tomorrow. It is good to have visits throughout the year to give us that little boost to get things put away. I am like that at home all the time, if we invite people over for dinner the house get really cleaned up:)

At Swallows Nest we are almost finished the fix up work. The floors have been redone so they are beauitful. New windows to replace some old ones. I am really excited for you to see it.

Today Calvin is planting out some pac choi. The swiss chard and kale need to be transplanted out and crop cover put over them. They are in need of the soil to provide them with nutrients.

All of the tomatoes and peppers in the green house need to be transplanted into larger trays. They have out grown their little trays.

There is lots to do and lots happening:)) See some of you tomorrow.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Greg and Josh

2010-04-16T10:47:00.001-03:00

This Greg Gerrits talking with Josh about various farming things. Greg has been farming for 18 years, but grew up on the farm so really for 30 some years.

- Farmer on the go!

Busy Friday April 16th Morning

2010-04-16T08:18:00.003-03:00

Good Morning - As I look out one window this morning a large lime spreading truck is spreading lime on the farm. Lime corrects the pH so the soil has a suitable pH for growing veggies, we strive for a pH in and around 6.5 . Out the other window a bull dozer is moving a large burm out of the way so we can use the whole field. I have pictures that I'll load after I get the kids ready for the day. Tim, Conall, Justine, and Calvin are all here today.
It will be a great Friday - with lots of activity!

Enjoy your Friday.

Family Farm Day

2010-04-15T13:07:00.002-03:00

Sunday - 2 -4 PM Rain or Shine - farm visit day.

Please bring weather appropriate attire. If it rains we can still walk about and check out the crops, greenhouse and new farm stay.

Bring the kids, the kites, the friends, the grandparents.

We will just walk, talk and enjoy the farm.

Bring your own cup/mug for some coffee, tea or cider.

1736 Church Street

Hammonds Plain pickup

2010-04-15T13:04:00.002-03:00

We are starting a new 52 week pickup location at 1421 Hammonds Plains Road at Springvale Nurseries. It will be from 4:30-6:30 PM on Thursdays.

We are starting today!

Head colds all around.

2010-04-14T10:19:00.003-03:00

Sorry for the challenges with the pickup yesterday. For those who were not affected, I didn't do my math correctly and didn't bring enough shares to the city. It all worked out in the end.

Also, the newsletter mentioned frozen zucchini but we did not have enough so some of you got frozen tomato sauce.

Lily and Frank are both down with bad colds + fevers. We are on our way out to get fresh air to help flush the sickness away.
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Conall is seeding onions, Tim is harvesting spinach and any time now Calvin and Gerald will arrive from their long adventure to Taproot Farms.

Enjoy your day!

Come see Dirt - Spread it around

2010-04-09T10:11:00.002-03:00

Kings county federation of Agriculture

2010-04-07T21:23:00.001-03:00

The Kings County Federation of Agriculture was recognized tonight by the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board for their contributions of food to the schools as part of the Strive for Five and the AVHPSP Producer Supplier committee work. Peter Eisses accepted the recognition.

Way to go Farmers!!!!

End of the day

2010-04-07T20:22:00.001-03:00

I have just finished eating supper after a long day of getting the local shares out the door. It has been a great day with only a few minor computer issues and spreadsheet challenges:)

I just looked up after eating, scaned the room and saw this.....

What a bunch.......:)

Thanks for a great day!

Filling boxes

2010-04-06T10:29:00.001-03:00

- Farmer on the go!

Getting ready today

2010-04-06T09:51:00.000-03:00

Consl setting up the plywood for the boxes

Meg bagging sprouts

Nickle and Tim bagging spinach

CSA Members day

2010-04-05T16:04:00.001-03:00

April 18th at 2PM will be the next farm day. Bring the dogs, the kites, the kids, the grandparents, the friends. We will walk, talk, learn and just be together on the farm. Let me know if you are able to come along.

Your Personal Chef

2010-04-05T12:43:00.002-03:00

Brit Podolinsky is willing to be your personal chef. She will prepare healthy, delicious meals for the fridge or freezer. She will cook in your home or deliver the prepared food to you. Eating locally couldn't be easier with Brit on board. If you are interested in learning more about what Brit can do for you send her an email at yourpersonalchef@bellaliant.net or calll 542 9490.
She is located in the Valley and has just recently launched her new buisness.

Rinsing Sprouts

2010-04-04T19:42:00.002-03:00

I just finished rinsing the sprouts for the night. They look yummy. Tomorrow will be a wild day of dotting i's and crossing t's for the new deliveries on Tuesday and Wednesday.

See you soon!

Valley members info

2010-04-04T19:41:00.000-03:00

I sent this email out on Friday - but just in case....

Hello All New and Returning members of our Taproot Farms CSA:

We are so excited to begin this journey together with you. *Wednesday April 7th* marks the beginning of our 2nd year of CSA pick up and deliveries in the Valley.

If the weather is nice you can expect to pickup at the end of our drive way for on farm pickups. We will provide you with a basket to collect your produce in. Or if you'd rather use your own bags you can bring them along. If it is cold and yucky we will have all the produce in the house. There will be a sign on each item letting you know how much to take of that item each week. And remember to take a newsletter with you.

For those picking up in Kentville at Speed Pro signs (4:45-5:15) or Wolfville at Willow Park (4:45-5:15) your produce will arrive in a waxed box. You can push the bottom up in them and flatten them for easy storage until next week. Next week, bring your empty flat box back and get a full one. If you forget it isn't a problem, we are just trying to reuse the boxes as much as possible to reduce the impact. We have found these work well and are not too expensive.

Justine will be in Kentville and Valarie usually takes the produce to Wolfville. If you are getting a delivery Valarie will deliver to the Wolfville area and Justine in the Kentville area. If you miss your pickup we will put your box in the cooler. We don't mind this from time to time, but typically if you miss a pickup the value of that produce is donated to the local food bank, in this case the Wolfville Food bank.

I find email is the easiest way to keep track of things. My memory sometimes lets me down, so if I get an email I am sure to have a record and seem to keep on track.

You may wish to learn more about our new Farmstay. All of the details can be found on the webpage and we are providing members with some time to reserve space before advertising more widely. www.taprootfarms.ca

I try to keep the blog updated. If you wish to become an author on the recipe sharing blog let me know and I will add you in.

Some people like to know what to expect for the week ahead. On the blog there is a link called - what to expect this week. If you check in there you will see what we plan to provide you the following week.

We will have eggs. They cost $4.00 (the price went up a few weeks ago). They are from Bosvelds Farm in Lakeville NS. They are free run which means they run in a building. They are grain fed. In July we will have our own Taproot Farms organic eggs for sale. If you would like us to bring eggs each week for you just let me know and both Valarie and Justine can bring them along. We will have eggs here at the farm too. We will have 15 dozen to start and if we sell all of them we will start getting more.

Anything else???

Thank you so much for your trust, support and personal commitment in working towards a better system for our health and community.

With great excitement and appreciation,

Patricia

Info for members in City -

2010-04-04T19:40:00.001-03:00

This is a copy of the email I sent out on Friday.

Hello All New and Returning members of our Taproot Farms CSA:

We are so excited to begin this journey together with you. *Tuesday April 6th* marks the beginning of our 2nd year of CSA deliveries into the Halifax and Dartmouth region.

If you are picking up at the Grainery you can pickup between 4:30 and 6:30PM. Just so that you are not surprised, we do leave shortly after 6:30PM. With all of the city deliveries we do not have a way to store shares for you if you are running late. If you miss your box the value of the contexts is donated to the local food bank in Wolfville, NS.

Lorrie Rand is the volunteer at the Grainery. She will greet you and mark your name off a master list of members. Make sure you get your name check off so that we can keep track of the shares. Once Lorrie gets to know you she'll be able to mark you off when she see you walk in. For those picking up at the Grainery there are many other local and nutritious items that you can purchase during pickup time. The Grainery takes cash, there is no debt/credit machine.

For this week I will plan to be at the CFIA building at 3:40, Ascenta at 4:00 and PBI 4:15 and Peddars Way for 4:40.

At 30 Peddars Way I park on the street in front of 30 Peddars Way. People typically park behind me on the street, walk to the van, pickup and then head down the street to turn around. Please be careful as there is traffic on this street and sometimes they drive quite fast. I will check your names off a master list I will have and in a few weeks I will hopefully remember your names :)

For those at PBI, CFIA and Ascenta, I will contact you to sort of where I will make the delivery to make this work smoothly.

I will bring eggs along with me. They cost $4.00 (the price went up a few weeks ago). They are from Bosvelds Farm in Lakeville NS. They are free run which means they run in a building. The are grain fed. In July we will have our own Taproot Farms organic eggs for sale. I will bring a case with me and if you want eggs they will be in the van with me until they are all gone. For this week I will bring 15 dozen.

Also, for those of you who get your pickups in Dartmouth, I did not do a very good job of being clear on our registration form. I am sorry about this, but once the 26 week shares starts, we will have a second location in Dartmouth, Hawthorne Street Elementary School. All the pickups for Dartmouth for the 26 week time period will be on Mondays. This was an oversight in coordinating, documenting and printing. If this is a major problem for you please let me know. Also, if you wish to switch your pickup between the locations that is fine, just let me know via email.

I find email is the easiest way to keep track of things. My memory sometimes lets me down, so if I get an email I am sure to have a record and seem to keep on track.

Your produce will arrive in a waxed box. You can push the bottom up in them and flatten them for easy storage until next week. Next week, bring your empty flat box back and get a full one. If you forget it isn't a problem, we are just trying to reuse the boxes as much as possible to reduce the impact. We have found these work well and are not too expensive.

You may wish to learn more about our new Farmstay. All of the details can be found on the webpage and we are providing members with some time to reserve space before advertising more widely. www.taprootfarms.ca

I try to keep the blog updated. If you wish to become an author on the recipe sharing blog let me know and I will add you in.

Some people like to know what to expect for the week ahead. On the blog there is a link called - what to expect this week. If you check in there you will see what we plan to provide you the following week.

Anything else???

Thank you so much for your trust, support and personal commitment in working towards a better system for our health and community.

With great excitement and appreciation,

Patricia

New harvest wagon

2010-04-04T15:52:00.001-03:00

This is today's find at the Swallows nest. Josh will be able to fix this up and we will use it to bring crops in.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T10:30:00.001-03:00

It is such a beautiful morning! We just got back from a stroll around the farm. There are so many birds. We saw an eagle in one large tree. It is nice to walk with the kids and attempt to observe nature. It is hard sometimes with 2.5 year old Frank and tired legs Lily, but it is worth all of the carrying. Here are some pictures of what is growing this morning. Have a marvelous day!

Here is the spinach that will be harvested for this week.

Here are the transplants in the greenhouse.

This tunnel is planted with radish, summer turnip and beet greens.

These greens were transplanted this week. They will be ready for harvest in a couple of weeks.

We were in the House today :)

2010-04-01T13:52:00.000-03:00

This is kindof neat.....

RESOLUTION NO. 117

HON. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day
I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Atlantic Region's title for Outstanding Young Farmers was
awarded to Patricia Bishop and Josh Oulton of Port Williams, Nova Scotia;
and
Whereas the couple have launched a successful community-shared agriculture
program as well as developed a new organic vegetable farm for the health of
both their family and their community; and
Whereas as winners of the Atlantic Region's Outstanding Young Farmers award,
which recognizes farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and
who promote the contributions of agriculture, they now move up to compete
for the Canadian title;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House offer their
congratulations to Josh Oulton and Patricia Bishop for being recognized for
their excellence in farming by winning the title of Outstanding Young
Farmers for the Atlantic Region and wish them the best of luck as they
compete with other young farmers from across the country for the national
award.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
[Page 261]
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded,
Nay.
The motion is carried.

March 30th

2010-03-30T23:30:00.002-03:00

Today was our first day without a CSA share delivery in 52 weeks. It was odd.
The day was full of meetings for me and farm production for Josh. I was in Truro at the Agricultural Land Reviews Committees final consultation meeting. We will now begin to write our report.

Josh was here on the farm treating the greenhouse for the aphid issues we've been having, keeping the fires going and ensuring that transplants of greens that were cut for fresh greens last week made it into the ground in one of the tunnels. They will continue to grow outside and we'll harvest again in a few weeks. He is also checking in on the Swallows Nest. The floors are being done this week. And he is getting things planted at the farm in Canard. Full days now!

Final registrations are trickling in. This is wonderful. Thank you!

Get ready for lots of wonderful spinach in the weeks ahead. You may wish to prepare for freezing it a bit at a time for next winter since we have lots planted!!

I will have a posting up soon and an email sent out on details for next week. Yippy, first week of year two coming right up!

An Awakening.....

2010-03-28T20:15:00.001-03:00

Hello CSA Members,
Please bare with me while I explain myself.

This morning I was down at Swallows Nest cleaning up after a beautiful family gathering yesterday to celebrate the life of Josh's Aunt. She is not well and will be leaving us soon.

Swallows Nest has always felt to me like a place we need to share with people. A place for celebrations of all sorts or for taking time away from regular life. All along it hasn't felt right to have a price tag set in stone around the use of this beautiful place.

This morning it dawned on me that I want all of you members to have access to this space. To come to the farm and to have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and the sense of community, earth and farm that one gets here.

The realities are of course that we need to make mortgage payments, and I have been spending too much time worrying about this. I do believe that by putting it out there things will all work out:)

Please disregard our hand out earlier this week. All of the features remain the same but for people who have shared with us and support us on this farm we want you to feel welcome. So, full weeks, two days, one night, any duration of time is welcome. And a policy of 'pay what you can' will be in effect for all CSA shareholders. Money need not be an obstacle.

I hope this finds you well.

Patricia & Josh

PS. If you didn't get the one-pager this week - see the link here.

A day at the job fair

2010-03-24T12:23:00.001-03:00

NSCC and Peopleworx have put on an Employer Expo. I decided to attend to hopefully find a few people for the farm this summer. They delivered us a lunch to our tables. Guess what was in mine?

Granny Smith apples from Washington!

What am I to do? I am here at this job fair to hopefully employ local people and to generate activity in our economy. I am here representing both Taproot and Noggins, we grow apples, and the lunch we were provided is in part supporting Washington.

What would you do?

I'll keep you posted!

Final class of the day

2010-03-23T11:10:00.002-03:00

It has been a nice morning talking about what it takes to run your own business. Do you have any suggestions to share with the students at EMS? I can pass them on. Mme Gaudat class is the last class of the day before these students head out for lunch. Enjoy!

Visiting EMS

2010-03-23T09:28:00.003-03:00

This morning I have the opportunity to meet with 3 grade 8 classes at the Evangeline Middle School as a part of their two week interdisciplinary unit on entrepreneurship.

The first class is arriving now.

Enjoy the rain!

Sad night for Chickens

2010-03-22T22:07:00.003-03:00

On Saturday night we lost all the old chickens. They were laying now and providing us with about 6 -12 eggs per day. There were 30 of them and they were all killed. It was a very sad morning.
They were the ones that we started last year and were so colourful. There are coyotes around and a few of them must have come in for a chicken treat. It just so happens that on that night we didn't close the gate, an evening ritual that was missed because I was rushing us our the door. Anyway, no fault needs to be had, but the fact is now that they are no longer.

The chicken house will be cleaned out and prepped for the new chickens that are ready to be outside.

Ahhhhh.....there I told you.

Good Night.

Bull Frog Power

2010-03-22T20:40:00.002-03:00

You may be interested in this for yourself. This is an email I got earlier today.

Dear Patricia,

We wanted to let you know about a new campaign that Bullfrog Power launched today. The campaign features a deliberately provocative theme: “Pay more for energy”. The purpose of the campaign is to provoke a dialogue on the real cost of energy. While climate change and air pollution are very difficult challenges, the most powerful solution is clear: we need to pay the real cost of energy, including health and environmental costs that are currently hidden.

The campaign will run for approximately 8 weeks, and includes a website where customers like you can upload comments and videos explaining why they’ve chosen to pay more for clean power.

You’ve already signed up for Bullfrog Power, paying a little extra each month to support the development of 100% green, pollution-free energy. Just imagine if everyone did it.

Visit paymoreforenergy.ca to learn more about the true cost of energy and share your reasons for paying more for clean energy with your family and friends.

Thank you for your continued support,

Bullfrog Power

Plastic is on

2010-03-20T09:37:00.001-03:00

10 minutes later.....
Ropes and doors to go. What a great morning.

Tunnel#3 up

2010-03-20T09:21:00.001-03:00

9 AM just starting to put up another tunnel. Hopefully by the end of the day we will have beet greens and radish planted. I may be a bit too ambitious but we will see.

Enjoy the day!

(Josh, Conall & Tim)

Finalized the list

2010-03-19T15:33:00.002-03:00

Today Justine and I finalized the list. It is a plan for what will be in the baskets each week and then I can create a planting schedule based on the time it takes for each of the crops to grow. (it is in pencil so hard to see)

It is Friday afternoon and I am feeling like tomorrow will be a full work day outside. This weather is something else. The greenhouse is nearly full of planted trays - some have already popped up.

I am just getting around to year end activities - Carolyn has been helping me clean up a few errors. For those of you who are accountants I know we are pushing it, sorry:)

Have a wonderful weekend!! The forecast looks great for life and dry for the farm. Luckily your farm is situated on top of a large water reserve - there is water everywhere on this farm. Hopefully we'll never see a day when that water is gone.

Happy Spring!

Isn't it great to know your farmer?

2010-03-17T08:48:00.002-03:00

All that comes to mind is trust and how fortunate we are.

New Book - by Sarah Elton

2010-03-16T10:47:00.001-03:00

Check it out. Taproot is mentioned. That is fun!

Locovore: From Farmers' Fields to Rooftop Gardens, How Canadians Are Changing the Way We Eat.

http://thelocavore.ca/

First blooms of the year

2010-03-16T09:07:00.000-03:00

Sunny day - birds singing

2010-03-16T09:03:00.000-03:00

It is a beautiful day. On a short walk to Swallows Nest - the farm stay, I hear birds, warmth, saws pruning apple trees. Today is alive! Enjoy.

Tunnel challenges

2010-03-12T15:13:00.001-04:00

Halfway done.

Gust of wind

Done for day - one gust of wind and 3/4 of the day blown away.

It is a lovely day here regardless of the tunnel challenge. I'm not sure if they try again today or not.

Tunnel up

2010-03-11T12:29:00.001-04:00

This spinach will take off now. We need to weed and add some nutrients to the soil.

Conall is seeding peppers- bell peppers, 4 lobe peppers and three types of hot!

Wednesday activities

2010-03-10T20:00:00.000-04:00

Today we got the greenhouse opened up. Josh and Conall worked on it for the morning. And the wasps arrived and are happily killing aphids, I hope.
It has been a great day here on the farm!

Greenhouse and computer

2010-03-06T08:03:00.000-04:00

Lily stopped by the seeding room late this afternoon. We got so much done today. All the seeds are organized, the computer and farm management soft are ready and we started the spring seeding. It is seeding nonstop here on out.

Wednesday March 3

2010-03-03T11:56:00.003-04:00

I will leave this blog post open for random comments by you. Feel free to express. What do you think of this new concept? Where would you like to see it? Or would you? Do you like we should start a Taproot Farms facebook page? Would you join? Would it be a better way to communicate with people? It would be nice to see everyones faces, for those of you that I don't get to see at pickups.

Farmers market visit

2010-03-01T19:30:00.001-04:00

Following the potato tech tour we headed over to the farmers market. What a great place with great energy and delicious food!

-

Stirring the Pot: WOW Dishes it Out

2010-03-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

The Women of Wolfville are about to mount their ninth annual production - Stirring the Pot: WOW Dishes It Out. We have wanted to examine the food we eat for several years, and this show is our collective response to a myriad of food-related issues facing the post-modern world.

The Women of Wolfville is a network of over 200 women, about 50 of whom have been preparing for this production for the last six months. Stirring the Pot will be staged four times at the Festival Theatre in Wolfville, at 8 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday, from March 4 - 6, along with a 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon matinee.

Through their annual theatrical adventures, the Women of Wolfville have raised over $150,000 for charity since 2001. The 2010 show will support school breakfast programs, the Wolfville Food Bank, the Acadia Community Farm, along with food-related programs in India, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

Tickets for this year's production are $12 students/seniors and $15 for adults. They are available at the Box of Delights in Wolfville.

10 Health Benefits of Apples

2010-03-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

We're told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what exactly are the health benefits of apples? Here are ten reasons to heed the advice of that old proverb.

Bone Protection
French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

Asthma Help
One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Alzheimer's Prevention
A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Lower Cholesterol
The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.

Lung Cancer Prevention
According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

Breast Cancer Prevention
A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.

Colon Cancer Prevention
One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Liver Cancer Prevention
Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.

Diabetes Management
The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

Weight Loss
A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

Potato expo

2010-02-27T11:00:00.001-04:00

After breakfast this morning we headed over to the Potato Technology Expo. Here all technology related to spud production is displayed for farmers to take in and lots of people to talk to.

Here is a large potato harvester. The equipment here is large. This is the current reality of producing enough fries, hashbrowns and fresh potatoes for the current demand.

Here is Josh learning about a new organic product.

We are the OYF outstanding farmers

2010-02-26T21:55:00.001-04:00

For Atlantic 2010

Thanks so much!

Afternoon tour

2010-02-26T15:29:00.000-04:00

We have just finished our OYF tour. We've been to the Cows creamery and River Country Market. They

make wheat grass juice and other veggie juices.

I tried the wheat grass and zesty zinger ( beets, carrots, Ginger, lemon & orange. Yum!

- Farmer on the go!

In PEI

2010-02-26T09:59:00.001-04:00

We are on our way to our interview. We ran over a dead deer on the highway and had a flat. It has been an interesting morning but we are here now safe and sound and ready to go

Yarmouth bound

2010-02-25T16:11:00.000-04:00

I am enroute to Yarmouth for our 5th public meeting for the NS Ag Land Review. Bill Swetnam and I are fortunate to have my dad driving us. We were in Lunenburg last night. It is a good thing too as this AM my computer crashed while I was putting the finishing touches on our presentation for tomorrow. So now I am redoing it while dad drives.
This week ours seeds arrived. We got three large boxes from johnnys, williams dam and high mowing seeds. So members, your seeds are here:)

Have a great night! If you haven't done so yet please check out www.nsaglandreview.ca to attend a meeting or send in your comments.

- Your Farmer on the go!

Van stuck

2010-02-24T16:47:00.001-04:00

Valarie had a hard time getting out of our driveway today. The mud ruts are deep. Fun, fun, fun:)

Lorrie at the Grainery

2010-02-23T20:37:00.000-04:00

The grainery was hopping tonight during share pickup. Lorrie and Oscar are the friendly faces each week at the Grainery. Often Amy is there too:)

Thanks al!