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May Farm Tour Photos / Farm Work Day Info

April 9, 2008

Farming Weeds

My orchards are a bit hidden by the volunteer grasses and oats that germinated last winter and have been growing ever since. Every spring the time comes when the orchards are dry enough for tractors to cover almost every inch of them without getting stuck. Ricardo started the process of mowing this week, making the transformation from a field of tall grass with some trees in it to a field of trees with some grass between them (where the mower could not go).

For whatever reason the types of weeds located around the farm have made an impression on me this year. In the orchards where we have planted cover crops of vetch and fava beans the weeds are limited to oat grass. On the boarders of orchards and row crop fields where cover crops were not planted there are havens of weed patches that have made great batches of seeds that will provide for more weeds next year. These patches of weeds have been left alone for the years, their little community nestled between fields and in the awkward ditches around the farm.

It crossed my mind this spring that on my farm I want to strive to maintain a diversity of weeds that I agree with and eliminate the weeds that are problematic. My weed of choice will be the vetch that I use for cover crop. This plant germinates in the fall with the first rains and grows to take all of the sunlight from any other plants trying to germinate, it has no stickers to get into the socks of my shoes, the roots fix nitrogen into the soil and the plant is relatively easy to remove.

This summer we will start by removing as many of the bad weed seeds as possible. This is a job best suited for goats. My wife Moyra has been wanting to get a few goats and I think they could be a very beneficial addition to the farm if they are managed correctly – I hear they will eat anything!

So this is a new little project that we will keep you posted on. If all goes well next year’s crop of weeds will be selected by the farmer's will. Enjoy your box this week and be ready for spring and summer produce – they are fast approaching. -Thaddeus

Watch for upcoming events !!

Our Next Farm Tour is May 3, 2008.

FFTY Events 2008

Open to all FFTY customers:

Saturday, May 3rd, 11:00 am FFTY Farm Event – Strawberry Harvest ⋅ Strawberry picking, farm walk, picnic
Saturday, August 23rd, 11:00 am FFTY Farm Event – Tomato Harvest ⋅ Tomato picking, recipe swap, farm walk, picnic
Saturday, October 11th, 11:00 am FFTY Farm Event – Picking Pumpkins ⋅ Selecting pumpkins for carving, farm walk, picnic
Saturday, December 6th, 11:00 am FFTY Farm Event – Grapevine Wreaths ⋅ Pruned grape vines will be used to make wreaths

Tickets Required (more information to come):

Saturday, July 26th, 4:00 pm Farm Fresh To You and Slow Food Yolo present an Heirloom Tomato Gala to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Kathleen Barsotti

Purchase tickets in advance; partnered with Slow Food Yolo
Tickets will be available in the beginning of April
Proceeds above expenses will go to the Kathleen Barsotti Non-Profit for Sustainable Agriculture. The specific purpose of the non-profit is to benefit the public by promoting sustainability in agriculture and life. The programs of the non-profit may include:
- Awarding scholarships to young women pursuing an education that focuses on integrating sustainable agriculture into our society
- Providing educational assistance to children of farm workers ⋅
- Educating the public about sustainable farming practices

Bring a picnic, family and friends to come out and see
the farm. Call or email the office with questions, and
we cannot wait to see you in Capay!

Farm News

April 16, 2008
Spring Heat

April 9, 2008
Farming Weeds

April 2, 2008
The Canal Season

March 26, 2008
Spring Overload

March 19, 2008
The Spring Rush

March 12, 2008
The Frog Hole

March 5, 2008
Light Brown Apple Moth

February 27, 2008
Herb Garden

February 20, 2008
Cental Valley Agriculture

February 13, 2008
Greenhouse Time