Ok I can somewhat breathe now because it always feels better when decisions are made and plans move forward.
First off, the cost on installing the large hoop house became tooooooooooooo much. I didn't think I could recover that investment as quickly as I would need too. So I had to apply for a 14X 32. This is a more manageable size and the kids could help me install it after the husband leaves. So hopeful that funding will come though in June and I can move forward in growing in this large bubble this fall.
Secondly, I mailed off the organic certification packet today. If all my paperwork is in order, the site inspection should be done here the first of July. The forms were overwhelming but I filled out all 49 pages hopefully correctly.
On another note: This week I wanted to rename the farm the "The one women Amish farm". I was overworked, under skilled on large machinery, and overwhelmed when I looked across the field of berries. I had just purchased 80 bales of straw and was beginning to mulch the field. The more I pulled the bales down off the trailer out to the field the more depressed I got. If I only had 6 of me; I would be fine. I sat down on the straw bale and cried, then I cried some more. Then I decided this is enough get up and get going because there's isn't anyone here but me and the two dogs staring at me from under the tree. But in my moment of sorrow there, I came to realize that I can do this but I must be patience with myself. Everything can not happen over night. I had an opportunity to go to a workshop on Saturday and made several connections there. I also had a phone conversation with the City of Pleasant Hill too. This one women marketing department is rather powerful.
Stay tuned
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
High Tunnel
Ok I've decide to apply at least for the high tunnel. I'm applying for 20X48 and it's 8' tall. I made a bold move today and stopped in at Price Chopper. After I had paid for my grocieries, I ask to visit with the store director there. I explained what I was planting south of town and ask about selling locally grown berries and produce there. He was basically trying to get rid of me mainly because I believe
1) I wasn't dressed properly
2) I didn't have makeup on or hadn't brushed my hair
3) Lastly he explained that he has a lot of farmers coming in there trying to do this.
He assumed I was the same as everyone else. Well as he started to say this goodbye I made my move by asking if I could chat alittle further in his office. He invited me in...................Now my heart was pumping a tad harder and I hoped the words would come to me after I felt the need to push the conversation. I started off by appolizing for my appreance and further explained that I'm not just some local farmer wanting to sell their produce there. I have established relationships with the federal, state, county levels as far as regulations and requirements. I explained my operation further to him and how large I intended it to grow. The increase in goods coming from Mexico seems sad when they can be grown right here in Pleasant Hill. When I mentioned that I was becoming organic I was ask to take a chair. The Pleasant Hill store is remodeling and will include a large area of organic and creative foods. My goal with him was to make contract and start the chain to have a buyer before the produce got here instead of waiting to find a market when the produce is here. He gave me the regional buyer name who is in Kansas City.
So now why wouldn't I want to sign up for incentives.
1) I wasn't dressed properly
2) I didn't have makeup on or hadn't brushed my hair
3) Lastly he explained that he has a lot of farmers coming in there trying to do this.
He assumed I was the same as everyone else. Well as he started to say this goodbye I made my move by asking if I could chat alittle further in his office. He invited me in...................Now my heart was pumping a tad harder and I hoped the words would come to me after I felt the need to push the conversation. I started off by appolizing for my appreance and further explained that I'm not just some local farmer wanting to sell their produce there. I have established relationships with the federal, state, county levels as far as regulations and requirements. I explained my operation further to him and how large I intended it to grow. The increase in goods coming from Mexico seems sad when they can be grown right here in Pleasant Hill. When I mentioned that I was becoming organic I was ask to take a chair. The Pleasant Hill store is remodeling and will include a large area of organic and creative foods. My goal with him was to make contract and start the chain to have a buyer before the produce got here instead of waiting to find a market when the produce is here. He gave me the regional buyer name who is in Kansas City.
So now why wouldn't I want to sign up for incentives.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Organic or Not
I'm overwhelmed by the paperwork and research it is taking to apply for organic programs. Just release are funds from National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Small farmers selling less than $5000.00 a year can apply. I would still be required to write a Organic System Plan and implement it. But only for 1 year. So the question becomes is writing that plan worth 75% cost share on a hoop house 20X48, assistance with cover crops, fences and the list goes on. Time is running out. The program ends on May 20th. The URCS is coming out on Monday to chat about this. I hate making quick decisions.
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