Hot weather farm report and supporting a new farm in the Valley

This hot weather has its pros and cons for the valley’s farmers. Corn and blueberries are in, a few weeks earlier than average. Tomatoes are almost ready for harvest. It’s exciting to have these local treats earlier than expected, but weeks of high temps with little or no rain obviously has its challenges. Many farmers are finding it necessary to spend extra time and money laying out irrigation equipment and pumping in water to quench wilting plants. Some crops thrive in hot dry weather, but others suffer. Melons and sweet potatoes are getting a boost, but lettuce and other greens cant make it without added water. Germinating seeds and small seedlings are most vulnerable, their small root systems requiring regular moisture to stay alive. Lets not forget to be thankful for the people who work long hours in the hot sun to keep us well in fed in these challenging conditions!

This week we bring you produce grown by our friends at Next Barn Over Farm in Hadley. You might wonder about the farms’ name- let us explain. Farmers Ray Young and Tory Field worked with longtime Valley farmer Michael Dockter for several seasons at the Food Bank Farm in Hadley. When the Food Bank Farm closed its doors last season, Michael purchased a barn and some land right down the street- literally the next barn over. Ray, Tory, and their crew use the barn and field, and lease several other parcels of fertile Hadley soil- a total of 20 acres in all. They have a 400-member CSA program. In addition to their beautiful vegetables, we also carry their tasty popcorn, available in 1 lb. bags. We are excited to support this new farm, which shares the Food Bank Farm’s vision of working for a just, sustainable food system that makes fresh local produce available to all.