Dear Friends,

September will be a busy month on the farm with 2 large wedding receptions and our first fall flower workshop and brunch.  More information will be coming this week about the event with tickets going on sale very soon.

In the workshop Beth will be sharing ideas about cutting and arranging flowers for a fresh seasonal table arrangement.  She will answer questions and help participants with cutting flowers from our garden and then creating their own arrangement to take home.  We will supply vases, one of Beth’s favorites.  This will be followed by a light brunch in The Shed. 

The first picking of mid-season blueberries was magical.

As it turned out we did not have any damaging late frosts.  What a relief after 2023.  Our season opening was the 2nd week of July, in line with the average time for the last 10-15 years. As far as the low rainfall, it’s hard to know how that may factor in over time.

Clearly the most challenging thing about our season was the early closing date. With the continuing intense heat all varieties of blueberries ripened more quickly. Too many berries were ready for picking all at once and it was impossible to keep up before they over-ripened.  It was one the earliest closing dates on farm record. 

The shorter season was hard to accept.  It was difficult for some people to fit in their visits and pick the amount of blueberries they wished for.  It also effected the farm’s bottom line.

With all this said I want to highlight that the most impressive thing about the season was customer responsiveness. You all stayed tuned-in on communications through social media and checking the farm info-line. When we said “COME NOW” and “DON’T WAIT” you jumped into action. That was so heartening and it blessed everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Each season brings me such joy to open the farm and welcome you all back. You are the best!

The conclusion to this story is that I think the changes in weather are creating a need for more farmer and customer communication and flexibility.  Our new norm may be that each season can be quite different from the last, each having its own unique timing and challenges. Yes, weather has always been challenging but there are definitely measurable changes for the farm. We can see this reflected in season opening and closing dates, length of season and a more intense picking pace. Great picking, shorter window.  

Exploring additional ways to generate income from the farm such as hosting events, renting the Guest House, and developing value-added products may also help with the farm’s sustainability. Extra effort to put the word out about the farm did have results with new and returning customer numbers going up.

There is so much to think about post-season. How do we adapt and improve?  I sometimes find that I need to pick myself back up, try to stay open and curious, regain my sense of resilience. But this is a farmer’s post-harvest work. I am grateful to do this. The farm’s beauty and the privilege of spending my days outdoors in nature make it so worth while.

One of our new farm cats, Kiki, braves out & about on a quiet day.

Peace, love and blueberries….

Amy J Edwards