Thankful for the Abundant Season
2022 proved itself to be the most unusual farming year I’ve ever experienced, one in which many, many valuable lessons were learned. Literally nothing went as planned this year- from planting plans to staffing plans- there was constant change and upheaval. I’ve learned over the past 24 years farming that being flexible is paramount to success as a farmer. This year, I learned that to my core. Previously I thought I was flexible, but that was only practice, as it turned out! Amazingly, despite the record-breaking spring rainfall, staffing...
read moreWinter Bounty
Winter farming is in full swing at the farm! Many market and Farmstand customers are shocked when they hear that we still harvest in the winter. What is there to harvest? How do these crops survive a Pacific Northwest winter? Are farmers willing to harvest outside during this time of the year? I asked all of these questions when I first started farming at Red Dog. To my surprise, there are lots of crops to be harvested in the winter. In fact some crops that we planted in the summer will survive all the way through the winter and may be in the...
read moreThe Fields of Red Dog Farm: A Musical Journey
Dan here! As the season is coming to a close, I reflect back on many fond memories throughout the season here at Red Dog Farm. I relocated to Jefferson County this year, specifically to work on the farm and find community. I’ve lived all over the US and even some parts of Mexico. I’m somewhat of a rambler if you will. One of my favorite parts of working at Red Dog Farm is the love I have for my co-workers. It’s a truly special group of people I have the honor and pleasure of working with daily. We all have our stories, our journeys that...
read moreGiving Thanks for Good Food
For many people, this Thursday and Friday mark Thanksgiving Day and Native American Heritage Day. It’s an often-complicated weekend that has different significance to different people—many times including family, food, travel and reflections of history and the things we have. For my family, it’s a chance to reunite, spend quality time, make good food, and take care of one another. I’m so excited to spend time with my family and share with them the food that my friends and I grow and harvest here at Red Dog Farm. One thing I’m especially...
read moreRooted in Nourishing Roots
What a time to be a farmer! Just when we thought the rains were coming, here we are basking in the November sun! No complaints here. Nothing lifts the spirits like some sunshine when this time last year we were swimming in mud brought about by an atmospheric river of rain. It’s wild to witness the farm as the seasons change. For me, this farm feels more and more like home. And when the fields start to empty and the crew shrinks, I imagine it’s what a parent must feel like when their kids go off to school and the house starts to feel a little...
read moreThe Rain Has Arrived!
Working on the farm is a lovely experience. There’s something very satisfying about working outdoors, in all weather conditions. I feel that it creates a deeper connection with the natural world, to really experience each and every season. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce the rain has arrived! I’m sure if you’re reading this, you are well of aware of the wet weather the region has started to experience once again. I, for one, welcome the precipitation. Sure, it’s not always easy working in the rain. A hot cup of coffee during break...
read moreFarm Photos
This week, enjoy some photos from around the farm this year! Eli is delighted by basil harvest. Mari and Alex ride the transplanter, planting lots and lots of baby plants. Natalie moves flats of baby plants from the greenhouse to the truck for transplant. Kayla enjoys the plot of crew sunflowers. We’re already looking forward to tulip season next spring!
read morePumpkin Season
Summer—it clung to the air till mid-October this year, wrapped around Jefferson County’s shoulders like a wool shawl on a sunny morning, bringing no few days in the mid 70’s, to the point that even the most diehard sun-baskers among us could not help but think that maybe a little rain would be nice. And, as if heeding the call of the falling leaves, summer has finally succumbed to the inevitable: the changing of the seasons, bringing with it not just the rain, but the fires to our hearths, the mud boots to our chilly feet, and yes, pumpkins,...
read moreA Poem for Autumn
There comes a timeWhen roots are truly ready to be pulled from the earth.And we all feel the transitions.Cool foggy mornings have us in our thick coatsAnd the spinach is covered in frost.The sun still moves east to westBut with different hues and angles.We see each other in new ways.Our coolers are full of more color than they’ve seen all year;It turns out, the roots and bitter, spicy things show more signs of life,And they pull us all in by charming our eyesUntil we feel grounded. There’s a pile of squash at the Farmstand,You’ll see it.We...
read moreWelcome to Squash Ball Season
With the transition into the fall season solidly behind us and the “Spooky Season” right ahead, autumn has given us a warm welcome. And with this new season, we’ve officially started one of the most beloved activities to those of us who work at Red Dog: squash harvest. Not only are we excited for the many beautiful types of squash that we now have in our Farmstand and market booths (including crowd favorites like delicatas, butternuts, and red kuris, plus lesser known delicacies like the odd-shaped buttercups and the ghostly blue hubbards),...
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