Stepping into 2024
As the end of the year approaches, I’ve been trying to take time to reflect on my first season running my own farm. It’s proving to be a little difficult as my thoughts are already drifting ahead, given that it’s time to order seeds, apply for grants and make sales choices for 2024.
I didn’t give myself many expectations for this first year, mostly because I didn’t know what to gauge them on and slightly because I didn’t want to feel disappointed if the farm didn’t live up to what I thought it could be. I was received well at the markets I sold produce at. By the last round of markets, people were thoughtfully asking if I’d be returning. The weather was a challenge, with a drought hanging over much of the season and unwanted rain at the beginning and end. I didn’t irrigate as much as I should have, leading to the stunting and loss of some early crops. There were pest problems I didn’t foresee. Many of the tasks I thought would be simple turned complicated and the ones I dreaded the most weren’t as bad as I’d dreamed.
Overall, I feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement to do it all again next year. The farm is already poised to be in a better position. I will have the greenhouse ready to go this spring for seedlings and early crops. I’m launching a small CSA, with some customers within 10 miles of the farm and some farther north in communities that are near to my heart. Additionally, I was awarded a contract through a local food access program that will get my produce to area food banks. These pieces all help me get closer to what I want my business to be – a sustainable farm producing good food reaching a variety of communities.
Before starting Moody Root Farm, I had worked on an organic vegetable farm outside of Madison that was sending out around 100 CSA boxes during the peak season among other sales avenues. The values behind CSA (community supported agriculture) have always been important to me. It’s a chance for community members to eat seasonally and learn more about food. Each week is a surprise, bringing new items and reliable favorites to their tables. For the farmer, it gives them a sense of encouragement – it’s a foundation to start the season on. CSA funds are often used at the beginning of the season, when money can be tight after paying down the bills and responsibilities of the previous year. Those CSA share purchases are helping fund the cycle of farming – memberships are allowing the farmer to buy seeds, compost and other necessities needed to get the season going.
In return, members receive scheduled deliveries of delicious food harvested as fresh as possible. All of the CSA farmers I’ve interacted with over the years hold a sense of duty toward their members. Usually, their CSA program is at the top of their list, with members receiving the best of the best food. CSA is truly a community, with shared risks and rewards. It brings us closer together and closer to the way food systems should work.
I’m also excited to see how the farm’s pollinator strip continues to flourish next year, with promises from the experts that each year it will get better. By the end of the season there were some wildflowers making an appearance. Between that area and the pollinator-friendly cover crop mix we planted, the insects were very happy this year. It was always nice to take a break and focus on the buzzing life around me during the hard days.
In the last couple months, I have been doing a fair amount of traveling for farmers union programs. I was lucky to be selected to receive a scholarship to attend the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference in November, which took me to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a few days. I’ve been to several farming conferences, but this one was particularly special, with an intimate group of only women present. The topics covered not only focused on farming, but also personal wellness, family life and national policy issues. It was wonderful to have a chance to think about the farm from a more holistic perspective. Then a few weeks ago I attended my first Wisconsin Farmers Union Annual Convention, where I got to connect with familiar faces and learn more about how the WFU structure works. I’m already looking forward to participating in more farmers union programming next year.
Lately I’ve felt the buzzing of excitement for the 2024 season. Next week I will sit down to do seed inventory and plan out the large seed orders. I’ve also been busy recently preparing all of the CSA materials needed for when I open sign-ups after the New Year holiday. From here on out there will be plenty of days spent going over this year’s records and organizing things for next year as well as attending another handful of farming conferences and events.
Between all of the farm planning and working a part-time job, I’m also trying to make time during this “off season” for home projects, spending time with family and friends and getting back into my kitchen. I’ve got a stack of books lined up, sourdough starter to use and roads to travel. Cheers to the end of a beautiful season and the lead-up to another!