pigs on NHPR

I just heard this GREAT piece on NHPR about happy pigs and some philosophy on killing animals... This time of year is tough for farmers and conscious eaters, alike. I really like the sentiment shared in the piece.

Click on the picture below of one of OUR happy pigs to hear the radio interview:

A solemn (yet sweet) day of sun, songs, and slaughter

I had a FANTASTIC crew of helpers out today to soak up the sunshine and help slaughter the turkeys. There was singing, praying, lots of gratitude, and a little Michael Jackson-inspired fashion on the farm (see Chris, bottom left). 

A big THANK YOU goes to Chris, Kathy, Courtney and Jennifer for all of your help. Also, thanks to the students for their calm participation and yearning for learning!

Zen in the high tunnel

After clearing out the old, we re-composted the tomato beds to feed the soil. Tomatoes are notoriously 'heavy feeders', so adding in a good layer of compost will help replace organic matter which will hold more water + nutrients for the next round of hungry plants.
Much like when we compost the beds in the fields, composting the high tunnel requires the tractor, some shovels, some buckets, and some zen!
Here's Courtney + Mark practicing the zen part while I run back to the compost pile for a tractor load:

high tunnel work

It's that time of year, to clear out the old and start again. The high tunnel is essential for winter greens growth, so those summer crops of tomatoes, okra, beans and more have got to go!

On Tuesday, Courtney and I cleared out the old plants to make room for new seeds:

big job, little truck

Our farm truck is likely the most used (and possibly the most useful) piece of equipment on the farm. From building beds to harvesting garlic, we put this little beasty to work! We also fill it to the gills with weeds and garden culls for the compost pile.

Today, Courtney + I dismantled the pig pen, collected all of the panels, rebar, electric, food + water bins, and cleaned up for the winter.16' steel panels are no match for our truck!

Thank you little S10 for starting each day and running with all you've got!

Surf + Turf at TCS

The pigs went to market last week and I picked up the fresh pork (chops, ribs, sausage, loin roast, etc) this past Friday. Smoked meat (bacon, ham, etc) is currently in the smoker and will be available soon.

The freezer is now FULL of organic, loved, healthy, delicious pork. I truly believe that happy, healthy animals produce better meat and our pigs were darn-right happy. They enjoyed belly rubs, back scratches, ear massages, and more. Not to mention certified organic feed (no GMO or growth hormones), Big Love Burrito slop, Summer Dinner slop, acorns, and more. 

Sharing that freezer space is New England coast, wild, sustainably harvested fish. Flounder, Cusk, Monk, and more are portioned out into 1lb bags and ready for the taking. 

You can source surf AND turf from the freezer: 2lb country style ribs (think thick chops) plus 1lb of choice fish will serve 2-3 for dinner for only $25.

If you are interested in a surf + turf package, or if you want to purchase a quantity of pork, let me know: farm@communityschoolnh.org

Prop 37

Michael Pollan recently wrote a fantastic piece in the New York Times about California's Prop 37.

While I have often stated that I don't wish to get 'political' here... it is starting to become more and more clear just how entangled our nation's politics and food really is. 

Here are a couple excerpts from Mr. Pollan's article.  

"[we will soon learn] whether or not there is a “food movement” in America worthy of the name... But a market and a sentiment are not quite the same thing as a political movement — something capable of frightening politicians and propelling its concerns onto the national agenda."

"... Money-for-food is not the only transaction going on at the farmers’ markets; indeed, it may be the least of it. Neighbors are talking to neighbors. Consumers meet producers... City meets country. Kids discover what food is... The farmers’ market has become the country’s liveliest new public square..."

Please take some time to read up about Prop 37, GMOs, and what you can do to support good food!