taking a break

Things sure have slowed down on the farm, haven't they? The garden has been retired and eggs have virtually disappeared. Aligned with the change of pace, MHf has decided to take time off from deliveries. The first two months of the year are the least intrusive as far as the schedule of labor is concerned. So, this week will be the final delivery to each location until March, 2011. We realize December has 5 weeks, but Christmas seems like a good place to pause. Besides, we're just ready for a break.

We appreciate everyone's understanding with the egg situation. Obviously, we have no control over the hen's capability (or desire) to produce. There are still quite a few names on the list of back orders. Rest assured, we're doing our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.

This brings us to another aspect of customer orders. While the website clearly outlines the specifics for on-farm pick up, MHf has been a bit lax when it comes to enforcing those specifics. However, interest in the MHf CSA program continues to draw attention (the most-recent three months especially). MHf has been invited to speak to several groups regarding the CSA program and continues to receive email inquiries. For the sake of all CSA customers, MHf must stick to its guns when it comes to on-farm pick up. While some customers have been exempt from the CSA program for various reasons, we're sorry to say that this, too, must come to an end. While we appreciate everyone's business, we feel this decision is the best route to building a viable CSA business. For more information on becoming a CSA customer, please read here.

During our hiatus, nothing will change regarding weekly emails and updates to the In Season page. The only change will be the customer's access - primarily because the cattle are grazing along the driveway and the gate is generally closed. For CSA customers, please call with an estimated time of arrival so we can walk down and open the gate. For all other customers, the gate will be open each Saturday from 2-4 pm. All customers should keep in mind, though, that it's a good idea to email or call with your order. We'd hate for you to drive out if there is no product for you.

MHf appreciates your understanding of our need for long-awaited rest and rejuvenation.

no more appliances!!

Remember the room we started a few weeks ago? It's coming along! Paula spent the entire Thanksgiving weekend sealing all the cracks and getting it painted (four coats). Last Saturday we were able to clean the appliances and get them moved into the room. Eric removed the door to the room and reattached the weather stripping that fell off last spring making it easier, yet, to keep clean. The front porch now looks twice as big! Screening the porch has always been on the list. Can you see why?

This week marks the first time in MHf history that eggs have been removed from the weekly list of available products. The shorter days have really taken a toll on egg production. On the farm, fewer daylight hours equal fewer eggs. So why isn't that the case with the commercial industry? Simple - they install lights in the hen house to keep egg production constant year-round. MHf certainly could do that (we have the electrical capabilities). However, there's a reason God designed our year with varying lengths to the days. It's okay to be without something for a short time or even for an entire season. We just appreciate it more when it is available. MHf's journey to sustainability includes finding the benefit of every season so far as it relates to farm productivity. Right now the shorter days have a negative affect on egg production, but a positive affect on our ability to plan next year's garden. It all cycles. Next summer when the hens are laying by the boat-load and the garden has us wondering why we planted so much, we will be looking forward to winter's time of rest. Bear with us. Local food is not always convenient food. But our hope is that you think it's worth every bit of effort put into it.

a might interesting

Here we have all the sizes defined by the egg industry:

peewee, small, medium, large, extra large, and jumbo.

So then, how shall we define eggs larger or smaller than these?

Miniature and colossal?

The smallest green egg on the left weighed in at a lowly 3/8 oz.
The largest brown egg on the right topped the scales at 3 1/8 oz.

Collecting eggs is always a treasure hunt!