Tuesday, 14 June 2011 12:58

Farming forty acres of vegetables is a lot of work! To put things in perspective: an acre is a little smaller than a football field. The land we are farming is a rectangle about a half-mile long (North--South) by seven hundred thirty feet wide (East--West). In order to manage this large an area, one must have a collection of the right machines and tools. For us, the right machines and tools includes very generous neighbors.

Al Poull (pictured above in the green flannel) is one of those people. Al grew up in the area and actually farmed the land we are currently leasing. He has graciously offered tillage services with his tractor (pictured above), and is able to plow the whole farm in roughly half a day. This would take me several days to plow with the small tractor we are currently renting. Al's farm knowledge of the area and his willingness to share his experiences is another invaluable tool he has provided. Among countless other insights, Al has shared with us which areas dry out first, the best (and worst) time to plow, what implements to use, tractor knowledge, local mechanics, and the power of "the lake effect."

The other man in the photo (blue sweatshirt) is Steve Sandlin. Steve and his wife Sandy grew fresh fruit and vegetables commercially for several years just to the East of our land. Much of our current equipment was used by them at one point. Most of our farmers have produced vegetables with a walk behind rototiller and their hands. Purchasing this equipment as well as renting equipment from the nearby Afterglow Farm have allowed us to plant on the scale that we are with a fraction of the effort exerted in the past by many of the farmers. Steve has donated countless hours showing us how each implement operates, suggesting techniques that worked for him, recommending contacts, and providing insight and perspective critical to our success. His technical and moral support this spring are beyond any help I could imagine getting.

No one person or thing can claim credit for the success or failure of this project. But any ground gained is completely dependent on the good will and actions of countless individuals. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel and that I see from our farmers as a result of the help and support we are receiving. To all of those who have had a hand in our project--and there are many hands in this project--THANK YOU!