After a long hiatus from the blogosphere, we are back online!
Springtime on the farm can be such a roller coaster. Full of hope for the upcoming season, sometimes confident, sometimes fearful. What lies ahead? Who knows?! The meditations of winter turn into the practical work of spring and summer. Ideas manifest into actions, Life forces refine the budding and rampant growth of it all. After the quietude of winter the farm takes on a fresh appearance. One can literally watch the grass grow. Lush leguminous cover crops will become fertile soil that feeds us. Chickens peck in the orchard and fallow fields, gobbling up slugs, catepillars, greenery and seeds. The White Barn Owl swoops and screeches at night, scaring up some tasty rodents. Bees swarm and prowl the aromatic peach, pear and apple blossoms. Lady Bugs and Lacewings feast on pesky aphids. Harlequin Bugs drop and hide from me as I gather them and their eggs to prevent future damage. Songs emerge from the farmer, narrating the cycles of life that surge all around. Everything in its right place. All of this is what makes our farm alive and dynamic.
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| Bee swarm attached to side of hive and tree |
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| Bird's nest fungi breaking down winter mulch |
Team work and collaboration is a personal theme for the year. Here's a bit about the team I've been working with: A new CSA collaboration with Judith at Bio Farm-enter Bio Moon Farm CSA. (Our website is still under construction, and this blog will most likely show up there once ready.) She has been learning to milk a cow, tending to her neighbors calf and working with the local tribal health agency- sharing farming knowledge and gaining Native Wisdom. We have been meeting about once a week for the last couple months and working diligently together on the CSA project. It's been a job and a half and I am glad we are doing it together. River, Aj, Dave and the rest of the crew at Ancient Lake Gardens are developing Ancient Lake Gardens Art and Ecology (ALGAE). Re skilling workshops, potlucks, music, art, biodynamics and camaraderie. Teale of Love Farms has been busy planting grain this winter, raising his goats, horse and chickens, modifying tools, sharing equipment and utilizing vertical growing space in his hoophouse via grow tubes. Jim of Leonardis Organics has been playing a pivotal role in building relationships among Lake and Mendocino farmers, schools, distributors and community development organizations. Leading the pack in our local food and farm to school movement.
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| covering the hoophouse. |
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| Lady bug in the cover crop |
We all have different strengths and weaknesses, skills and tools. Its wonderful to see them all come to light. The Northern California small farm community is ripe with active and adventurous folks willing to take risks, make change, support each other and nourish the people with incredible food.
I cannot contain my excitement for this year, Nor my gratitude for the community of farmers I keep company with. And you! Yes you! Thank you for your support, without it we would just be playing in the dirt. The chance visits during delivery, the commitment to good food you share with us, the honest feedback, the financial contribution. It's all worth it and it's all good! Last years successes dare to be repeated, while the challenges and shortfalls faced, give rise to creative solutions, deeper awareness and humble gratitude for the successes. This winter I had the opportunity to speak about organic farming to a community college health class and found my voice as a young farmer. I look forward to more opportunities to advocate for ecological agriculture and encourage young folks to get involved in growing food.
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| Peach Blossom in full bloom |
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| Lentils, prior to planting in the wheat field |
I moved here not knowing anything about Lake County or farming but this month marks my 5 year anniversary since leaving the city of Oakland and I feel more like a farmer than ever. I still need doses of the city to keep me sane. To connect to my urban roots, maintain friendships and develop mutually beneficial alliances. Before I gush any further... Become a part of the team by signing up for our CSA program!
visit our web page Biomoonfarm.com (still in development). Contact us through email: biomoonfarm at gmail dot com for CSA specific inquiries, or send an email to me personally mooneymanna at gmail dot com.
xoxo
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