August 2009 update

So summer is here...finally...sort of. Here's whats coming up next:

• Corn Festival Aug 22/23. Hayrides (weather permitting), produce and fruit samples, and of course - corn on the cob.
• Now picking peaches - pick your own is on the weekends only (via the blueberry parking lot).
• Blueberry pick your own continues all week.
• Raspberries will probably start this coming weekend (8/15).
• Our own Garlic will be available in our store most likely mid-August. The rainy weather delayed harvesting this crop too.
• Look for Apple picking to start Labor Day weekend (already? geez.)

Its been a rough growing season so far for Massachusetts farms. First the rain and now a tomato/potato blight has infected the Northeast and many farms have lost some of their crop. This is the same strain of blight that created the Irish potato famine so many years ago. So if you think local tomatoes are a bit pricey this year you know why. Incidentally, the Dept of Agriculture has determined this blight was brought to our region by a "big box" store selling infected plants. Now you know why buying from your local farm is so important.
We've worked very hard at Smith Farm this year to ensure the success of our crops. Protecting against the blight, managing the crops in damp, wet, and generally unfavorable growing conditions has been challenging to the say the least. So whether you usually buy from us or other local farms, please continue to support your local grower and know that we all appreciate your business.
~Smith