WOO-HOO!

Some of you may remember that Jessica Kelton who is a Regional Agent specializing in Farm and Agribusiness Management for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System visited us a few weeks ago.

The article she wrote for the Auburn University Office of Sustainability was published on their website a few days ago. They graciously gave us early access to it. Your Market Manager thinks Jessica couldn’t have described both the business and the human side of Market at Dothan any better.

You may read the article

HERE

MARKET CHITCHAT

I think all of us have been taken back a little by last week’s heat after experiencing such an unusually mild August. My take is that it’s just Summer kicking up her heels in a bit of a hissy fit before being pushed aside. If you’ve not seen it here’s a good laugh to help get through these last weeks of summer.

New & Relisted Products

• Salmon Rub from Hortons Farm is Relisted

THIS WEEK’S GROWER NOTES

We have the best Growers in the Wiregrass! Please learn more about them on our Grower Page.

RICHTER FARMS: Hope everyone is well and adjusting to school schedules and such. Just wanted to let you know I will be out of town this week. I will miss all the sweet smiles and chit chats that we have on market day. Thank you all for your wonderful support and the feedback we receive. Our o are getting bare which is a good thing! We do have pork and goat at Beef, Pork and More located on Ross Clark Cir in Dothan. Love you all, see you soon.

AVALON FARMS: Recently several people asked if we offer a CSA. I  would love to provide you all a box (or share) of lovely, sustainable, organic vegetables every week. In a CSA (Community  Supported Agriculture) you join with your farmer by pre-purchasing a weekly share of what will be produced. Payment is made months before any expected harvest, giving the farmer a little working capital and guaranteeing you the best when it comes available. This also means that you share the risk with your farmer of crop failures. So, until I feel like I can guarantee a reasonable return on your investment of buying a CSA share I just can’t do it. But it’s a dream.

Here’s one of the risks I recently encountered. Garlic seed was ordered several months ago for delivery now. Last week I received an email saying their supply of garlic had tested positive for bad nematodes. I had scheduled to start planting garlic this past week, instead I spent several afternoons searching the internet for garlic seed. Thankfully I found some. Planting will be delayed some but still in the window. Then we wait….till May.

BAIN HOME GARDENS: Hey There Marketeers,
How are you? Have you noticed the days getting shorter? We have. It’s a sign that the seasons are changing. Fall is my second favorite time of the year. I must say that after dealing with the summer pests, I’m excited to start fresh with the fall garden plots; not to mention how beautiful it is to watch the leaves change. We had the privilege of visiting Tennessee during the fall months – BEAUTIFUL!

This week we are listing Basil Infused Olive Oil for the first time. We are thrilled to share as we’ve done this in the past and absolutely adore it! Use your Basil Infused Olive Oil for cooking, seasoning, or to make your own vinaigrette.

Well its back outside for us! Much planting to do over the next few days…starting with this planter box! What a mess!!! From our family to yours!

HAWKINS HOMESTEAD: Hello Market Friends,

Last week we spoke to you guys about Fall. This week somebody turned up the heat!! It’s hot! The weather has been out of control this year. We have suffered losses to our crops and sadly even some of our birds.

Our planting schedule has been way off and although we have planned a lot, no matter how much planning is done, weather is always a factor. So if there is excessive rain, too much heat, or no rain at all, plans change and we just have to adapt. Good thing we have back up! We partner with our friends at Bain Home Gardens and as organic farmers we try to support each other. This is what community farming is all about! So I tell people all the time, if we don’t have it…..here’s is where you can get it. They are the closest growers to us in the Wiregrass area.

Both Bain Home Gardens and us here have a few tricks up our sleeve so please be on the lookout for great offerings from us and all our friends at the Market soon.

Coming up we have some stewing hens that will be listed. I’m not sure if it will be this week as Brandon and I have been invited to a summit in Georgia, but be on the lookout on our Facebook and the Market page for details. Until next week. Stay hydrated, be safe, and we thank you for your continued support.