Heating Up

Garlic

Things continue to heat up at the farm while the temperatures look like they are about to level out at last. For the first time this year, the forecast ahead shows warmer days without any temperature drops into the 30s. All of our seedlings have stayed sheltered in the greenhouse until now, rather than risk an overnight freeze on the hardening off tables. The onions are certainly ready to stretch their legs, and they will be moving outside this week without a doubt. We can tell that some plants are ready to move into bigger pots because they are strong enough to pull out of the trays while their root systems hold the soil from their cell intact. It is always exciting to make the rounds in the greenhouse and see which seedlings have grown more leaves overnight. These are all signs that operations are inching towards the fields.

Aside from the plants, our crew has been hard at work updating the farm in other areas. Kate has been doing work on the walk-in cooler and building tables for the new greenhouse. Others have been making various repairs and organizing workstations and storage areas to improve efficiency as the season goes on. After fixing some of the fence posts in the upcoming week, the electric fencing will go up to protect our crops from the many deer that come to enjoy the Powisset buffet. The season will only get busier and these upgrades will allow us to focus more of our attention on the produce.

Strawberries

The volunteers deserve a special shout-out this week. We have been lucky to have yet another great group of people helping us out this season, and they have stuck with us to assist with all kinds of chores on some pretty bone-chilling days. Let’s hope that the weather is kind to us, because they certainly deserve some sunshine!

Remember that while we are a working farm, Powisset also offers scenic walking trails on the grounds. Please drop by to enjoy a nice spring day and see what we have going on! You are likely to see pigs, wildlife, and the early stages of fruit and vegetable production. If you are thinking about having local produce this summer, we would be glad to answer any questions you might have for us. You can sign up for a 10-week or 20-week share, as well as a fruit share add-on by clicking HERE.

Best,

Jeff Hoodlet

Farm Apprentice

Let the Growing Begin!

Things have continued to pick up at the farm over the past week. As the seedlings continue to grow, the empty space in the greenhouse continues to shrink. The small seeds that were so meticulously dropped into their trays are now starting to take form and become recognizable from their neighbors. Before long, some will be moved out of the greenhouse to toughen up for the year ahead. Unlike these transplants, we will soon be direct-seeding certain crops right into the fields where they will grow this season. There is also progress with the plants that have spent the entire winter beneath the snow, waiting to be brought to life by the warmth and sun of spring. The strawberry plants have regained their color and we hope to see garlic popping through the soil in the coming days.

Maintenance also continues on the farm, as we try to finish tractor, barn, and other chores before growing consumes almost all of our time. In preparation for getting the machinery into its best condition, the Trustees held a two-day tractor operation, safety, and maintenance course at Appleton Farms. The class was instructed by Shane LaBrake, a very knowledgeable man with years of experience in farming and tractor operation. While both the seasoned and new farmers took away many lessons from the course, the biggest was the importance of mindfulness while performing work in such an environment. Not only will this make the job much safer, but it will also make it more efficient and less frustrating. We would like to thank Shane for his time and efforts in improving the atmosphere around tractors on our farms this season.

As things continue to move along, we get closer to the start of our CSA in June. We are still seeking members for this year, and would love to have you join the Powisset Farm family! I am always impressed by the community that gathers at Powisset to enjoy the camaraderie, produce, and beautiful property where our farm resides. This season we are offering 10-week and 20-week CSA shares, as well as a fruit share add-on. Please let us know if you have any questions, we would be glad to chat with you!

Hope to see you soon!

Jeff Hoodlet
Farm Apprentice

Spring Has Arrived!

Despite the fact that we have seen snow this week, it is most certainly spring at Powisset Farm. The birds are chirping, the pigs are playing, and the vibrant colors are slowly streaming back into the vegetation. With the indispensable help of our volunteer crew, the greenhouse is starting sprout thousands of seedlings that will become the food you and I will eat in a few short months. Many of our volunteers are familiar faces that have stuck around through many beautiful days spent in the fields and the occasional days spent hauling equipment in the snow. Other volunteers are new, carrying fresh personality in with the spring breeze. It is always a great group of people that brings a plentiful batch of smiles, knowledge, and kindness to our work.

While the seedlings are certainly the change that most directly connects to our produce, there are many other transformations taking place at the farm. Andrew mentioned our new farm crew in a previous post, but a new greenhouse and wash station are also in the works for this season. Both of these updates will help us generate the best food possible for you, the vital supporters and fans of Powisset Farm.

Aside from plant life, spring also brings animal life to the farm. Some of these animals will be seen in the barnyard before long, while others can be found on the trails that meander throughout the property. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a sunny day, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as small as chipmunks and as large as deer if you go for a walk on our trails.

10-week and 20-week CSA shares are available this season, as well as a fruit share add-on. If you’re interested in having some great local produce this summer, please consider our farm. If you would like to learn more, we would love to talk to you!

Hope to see you soon!

Jeff Hoodlet

Farm Apprentice

On Sunday, March 18, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we will be hosting our third annual ‘Fiddler on the Farm and the Whyte School of Irish Step Dance’. Not only will you hear, feel and see fiddler, Claire Petit perform, but we will enjoy watching the adorable and talented step dancers of the Whyte School of Irish Step Dance in Natick. Click here to purchase tickets.

You may have already heard, Outstanding in the Field is coming back to Powisset Farm this summer, on Saturday, September 1, and we are thrilled! Whether you attended last year’s event or were not able to, you now have a second chance. For those not familiar with Outstanding in the Field, it is a series of elegant al fresco farm-to-table dinners at beautiful outdoor venues across the country.  The goal of Outstanding in the Field is to connect diners to the land and honor the farmers and food artisans who grow and create the food guests enjoy. Because we want our Powisset community to be there with us at this amazing event, we are providing you the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public on March 20. Pre-sale tickets will be available until Sunday, March 11.

When you go to purchase tickets, click here and then "join us" button and then you will be asked for a password. Enter: PRSL2018, and you will be able to make your purchase(s) during this time.

Got any plans for your kiddos for April School Vacation Week? Well, we got you covered! Join us for Farmer for a Week (or if you have plans on select days already, join us Farmer for a Day, where you can select one, two or three days). Your kids will be planting, composting, cooking and caring for the Powisset animals. And end the week with Earth Day Astronomy Night where we will learn more about the stars, planets and moon and if it’s a clear night, we will see all of the above through a telescope!

Hello Powisset Blog!

As your new CSA Manager, I wanted to give you an update on how winter plans have been going so far! First, I want to thank Zannah for all she did for this farm for almost three seasons. I know I have some big boots to fill.  Zannah was a great leader, co-worker, and friend. I’m looking forward to putting to use all the knowledge and skills I gained from working with her.

 

I have been in this new position for a week now and it has been busy. I’ve had some help from Diane and Jeff the apprentices for the season,

counting seeds from our inventory so that we can move forward buying more seeds for the upcoming season. They have been a huge help and, as always, they play a vital role in the farm’s operations.

A big thank you to everyone who has signed up for their 2018 CSA share. Having advance sign-ups really helps us estimate how many people we should be growing for and helps with our crop plan. I know signing up for a summer CSA isn’t always on your radar in the dead of winter but if you’re thinking of doing so, I encourage you to do so soon. By supplementing your produce consumption with locally grown fruit and vegetables, you help to reduce reliance on out-of-state farms and their impact on the environment. You’re also supporting a local business, Powisset Farm, which trains new farmers in their trade, ensuring the future of local agriculture. I encourage everyone to make the local food movement a priority.

You can sign up for a 10-week or 20-week share (and add-on a fruit share!) by visiting: tinyurl.com/powissetCSA If you want to talk more about our CSA program, eating local, or farming please feel free to reach out to me.

Finally, thank you for your support. I know at the height of the season it gets pretty busy but please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions that come up: 508-785-0339 or akelly@thetrustees.org.

Cheers!

Andrew

P.S. Check us out on Facebook and our new Instagram account! You can find our Facebook page at facebook.com/powissetfarm and you can follow us on Instagram @powissetfarm. Make sure to tag your farm photos with #powissetfarm and #thetrustees.

February Happenings at Powisset

Happy February Farm Friends!

While it's a different landscape out there in the winter, we've still got a lot going on inside! Last night we hosted an Indian Cooking class and meal with Shruti Mehta. Twelve participants made six extremely tasty dishes including Spinach Pakora, Beet Raita, and Butternut Squash Shaak.

The Powisset Cafe: Job Opportunities:

If any of you visited the Powisset Cafe this past summer you know what a special place it is...serving farm fresh goodies like quiche, salad, scones and much more every Saturday during CSA season. Well, we are looking to repeat the Cafe and are hiring for a Manager to work every other Saturday between 9-3pm. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more, please send me an email at nnacamuli@thetrustees.org.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Are you interested in helping out with events and programs at Powisset Farm? Whether you have lots of ideas, love to execute (including moving chairs, decorating tables, or greeting program attendees) or have a knack for Marketing and spreading the word, we have volunteer opportunities for you! Anyone interested, please contact Nicole at nnacamuli@thetrustees.org.

Valentines Day at Powisset

Now that it is February, Valentines Day is just around the corner. Rather than go to a restaurant for the prixe fixe menu, spend it at Powisset for a cooking class and meal at Aphrodisiac Alert: A Valentines Day Cooking Class and Meal! Chef Didi Emmons is our instructor and our menu includes: arugula and basil salad with goat cheese, wild salmon with pineapple avocado salsa, lots of local veggies, and for dessert a rolled vanilla cake with rose whipped cream, and goji and raspberry sauce. The meal is paired with champagne and wine and is limited to 12 people. For more information, visit our web site.

Looking ahead:
February School Vacation Week Programs: Looking for some activities for your kiddos during vacation week? Well, we got plenty of that here in the Powisset Cooks Kitchen with Chef Didi Emmons while we learn the basics of cooking, including knife skills, create an omelet, soup, naan (Indian flat bread), and the grand finale is focused on desserts! Join us for one day or all 3! To register click on the links below:
Feb. 20th
Feb. 21st
Feb. 22nd

The week will end with Soup & Stars on Saturday, Feb. 24th. Come star gaze with us while enjoying some warm soup in the kitchen!

We hope to see you around the farm!

Staff Transitions at Powisset

Winter greetings to all!

Liz Green here - former Powisset apprentice and now manager of our vegetable farms at the Trustees. 

I’m writing to share some news of staff transitions at Powisset: Zannah Porter has moved from her role as Powisset CSA Manager; she accepted a position at Green City Growers in Somerville, directing their urban agriculture work. We are so thankful to Zannah for the two seasons of her able leadership at Powisset (especially her first full season here in 2016, during the challenges of the extreme drought!). We’re happy for Zannah and wish her well in this new opportunity, but she will be greatly missed here at the farm! If you'd like to send well wishes, feel free to email me at egreen@thetrustees.org and I will make sure she sees your note. 

Next steps: Assistant CSA Manager Andrew Kelly is being promoted to CSA Manager. Congratulations and a big welcome to Andrew as he steps into this role! Many of you know Andrew; he has been at Powisset since spring 2016 and knows the farm inside and out. 

Andrew has a broad farming background, from growing up on a dairy farm to five years of production farming on both livestock and vegetable operations before he came to Powisset (including at Siena Farms in Sudbury, Mass. and MX Morningstar Farm in Copake, NY). Andrew lives at Powisset with his partner Steph, a farmer at Allendale Farm in Brookline. We are thrilled to have Andrew in this role; he is excited about the new challenge and looking forward to growing delicious produce for everyone to enjoy. 

Andrew Kelly, new Powisset CSA Manager

We have posted the Assistant CSA Manager position and will fill that role in the next few months in time for spring. In the meantime, Andrew is busy with the crop plan, ordering seed, maintaining equipment, and all the other great winter work of planning for the growing season. He can be reached at akelly@thetrustees.org - if you have any thoughts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. CSA members are such an important part of our farm community and we value your feedback! 

**As Andrew is planning for the 2018 season, it does help us to know how many members we are growing for, especially as we order seeds and supplies. If you are ready to renew your membership, please do! We'd love to have you back, and it's so helpful to know our numbers sooner in the planning process. Signup here for your 2018 share!   

Powisset has long had a tradition of growing great farmers. Since our CSA started in 2007, many former apprentices have gone on to manage their own farms across New England. We are so pleased one of our own farmers will fill a leadership role right here at Powisset, and we’re looking forward to a great 2018 season. 

cheers,

Liz