As I sit and write this final post for the 2016 farm season the rain gently falls on the roof of the farmhouse. There is a heavy cloud of fog resting in the upper field making it hard to see the remainder of the fall brassicas. Over 3/4 of the farm has been tilled under and the winter cover crop is growing thick and tall (whoop!) There are over half a dozen burn piles that need to get lit and greenhouses that need to get cleaned and broken down. And with the state of the farm, it seems only appropriate that this is the final morning of our 2016 CSA haul.

As bittersweet as this time of the year is, we're ready to rest up a bit and start scheming for next year. This season started out rockier than any other farm season we've experienced in the 7 years we've been farming (and the 4 years we've been farming on our own.) With the spring gopher damage and root maggots that decimated an entire crop of broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes it was a challenging and frustrating way to kick off our 2016 season. However, we bounced back quickly and again have proven to ourselves that even when Mother Nature has different plans for us if we stick to our seeding schedule and work our asses off we'll have something to show (even if it's not what was originally planned.) We've also battled a TON of fall aphids this year (I know some of you were wondering what those tiny bugs on your broccoli were!) Aphids are completely harmless and because we grow organically (and even beyond since we don't feel comfortable using the organic sprays available) it's nearly impossible to kill off all the bugs. Aphids are easy to rinse off with the kitchen faucet so I hope for those of you who did find a few lonely bugs you weren't discouraged. Aside from the farm predators and lack of rain in the heart of the farm season, Taylor and I feel really proud of the food we were able to grow and harvest this season and we hope you all enjoyed being a part of the Tumbleweed Farm CSA!

.Before I get to the contents of your final box of the season I wanted to let you all know that we will be participating in the "Fill Your Pantry" market in Hood River on Saturday November, 5th from 2-6pm at the Rockford Grange. We'll have a TON of storage crops like squash, potatoes, onions, root veggies, cabbages, broccoli, and more. There will be other venders with bulk meat and canned goods too. The best part is everything will be priced accordingly so you'll get a bulk price deal. This is a great way to ensure you're eating locally all winter long. If you can make it we'd love to see you!

Alrighty folks, thank you for an awesome season. Seriously, we are beyond thankful to each and every one of you for trusting us to grow and feed your families the best damn food we know how to grow. It's because of all you rock stars that we are able to do what we love for a living. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Your farmers,
T & A