We are given days full of surprises. The days swirl from sunshine toward a misty rain to a roaring wind and back again, always giving each day a new beauty unlike the last. With gratitude, the wetter days mean an end to overhead irrigation and more time spent on harvest. The number of times we have seen rainbows increases as rain returns as a familiar friend, and knowing that winter is around the bend, we find ourselves basking in the last days of warmth with the rest of nature. Yet the geese know what lies ahead; they can often be seen and are almost always heard on their migratory journey south.

Although the days are shorter, the farm still teems with agricultural life. New crops are introduced to us and to the Red Dog Farmstand, as squash harvest provides a post-summer rush and radishes and turnips become ready to eat. The arrival of a new farm truck, recently named Pumpkin, is a herald of fall; a reminder of traditions maintained when its driver uses the manual transmission. As the days grow shorter, we look back on a year full of good company and good food, of recipes shared and adventures had. Of meaningful work and of appreciation for an abundant harvest.

Being from the cold-wintered land of Minnesota, I am still getting used to the idea of growing quality produce in the autumn and winter months, yet I continue to be amazed. It is great to know that we can still share so many summer crops, such as kale and cauliflower, this late into the year. While the leaves change color and the birds move south, we remain busy while changing our own colors of a sort – saying goodbye to some crops and hello to new ones. All the while our commitment to quality produce, respect for the earth and the joy of farming remains constant.

~Henry R