Dishing Up the Dirt

Spring 2021

May 22, 2021

I cannot believe it’s almost June and I haven’t popped in here to give a little farm and life update. So instead of a recipe today I’ll give a little short and sweet recap of how the spring is going so far.

As of today (May 22nd) we have officially completed 4 farmers markets and starting this coming Tuesday our CSA begins.  This year we are growing our membership and have 120 families that will be joining our farm family. We are beyond grateful for the continued support from our amazing community and cannot wait to see all of our returning families and meet all of the new ones who will be joining the CSA this year. We are capping membership with no wiggle room for more families this season but will probably expand next year so for anyone that’s on the waiting list thank you for your patience. We are doing our best to accommodate as many folks as we can without compromising quality, efficiency, and our sanity.

So far things in the fields are looking the best they ever have this early in the season. And despite a very (I mean very) dry spring the plants are happy and the soil is healthier than it’s ever been. We’ve been farming this land for almost 9 years now and with every season of adding organic amendments, cover cropping and plant rotation our land is rewarding us with some of the healthiest looking vegetables we’ve ever seen!

It’s been really special this season to bring Pepper out into the fields with us. Last year I tried to get out with her but it just wasn’t happening (except for like 5 minute stints). This year she’s been having fun hanging in the dirt while the crew harvests everything from beets to spring garlic and everything in between.  But don’t let that fool you, it’s still a struggle to get much work done with her out there for long stretches. Though I think we’re in a good groove for right now.

When we’re not busy in the dirt Pepper has been my little kitchen buddy. This girl is eating everything and she’s truly living up to her name because the girl loves spicy food! I think all the spicy food I ate while I was pregnant is the reason her tolerance is so high. We didn’t name her Pepper for nothing! Another one of her favorite things to eat these days is beets. And now that we have them readily available at the farm we’re cooking them up often and she can’t get enough.

This season is off to a great start and we’re hoping for some rain, sunshine, and our fingers are crossed that fire season isn’t as horrible as it was last year. Here’s to hoping we can get through another season without much damage. Anyhow, I hope this post finds you all healthy, happy and well. Thank you to everyone who still pops in here and reads the blog, cooks the recipes and supports our farm. What a wild 14 months this has been. With all the heaviness of the past year I cannot help but be hopeful for this season ahead.

Take care. Xo

 



Leave a Reply

14 thoughts on “Spring 2021

  1. Sue Navratil says:

    Rain rain rain rain here in Iowa! I wish I could send some out to you!!!

    1. Andrea says:

      I wish you could too! And I wish we could send some of our dry weather your way. XOXO

  2. Dorothy Sherwood says:

    Love your joy in all that you are doing. Thank you for farming the land!

  3. Margie Whalen says:

    Ah! These pictures and your update made me smile. Thank you! Wishing you a happy Spring…

  4. carmen capriles says:

    Thank you for sharing Pepper with us!!

  5. Lenny says:

    Love the bucket bib!

  6. Jean G says:

    Andrea, I enjoyed seeing your Mama’s grand baby!! Pepper looks like a spunky addition to the Bemis Family! My best to your hard working family!! ❤️

  7. Jean Husson says:

    Well, that little apple did not fall far from the tree. I laughed out loud at the pic of Pepper and the beets. Of course your child would be down with beets! It tickles me that you have fed her all kinds of flavors from the start and she has taken to them so well. I was one of those kids who ate onions like apples. Great update. Best to you all.

  8. Ann Meub says:

    Adorable kiddo!!! Beautiful family!!

  9. Martha says:

    Enjoyed the update! Pepper is growing and looks like both of you! Have a great spring!

  10. susan bennett says:

    Loving your new book. The photos in this blog are beyond cute….delightfulll

  11. Jewel McKenzie says:

    Thanks for sharing a little of your beautiful family!

  12. Hali Woods says:

    Amazing to see. Thank you for sharing.

  13. Phyllis says:

    Thank you for this blog – wondering how Pepper was progressing. She seems like such a happy girl – God bless you all!

Order Today!

New cookbook!

Local Dirt

I'm super excited about my new book full of farm fresh recipes and stories straight from the farm. There's a little something for everyone inside. You can order a copy today! Please order from my local bookstore, they have signed copies for a limited time and they'll ship anywhere worldwide!

Order From My Local Book Store