Free Range
The Dancing Hen Farm Blog
Free Range
The Dancing Hen Farm Blog
The Dancing Hen Farm Blog
Posts Filtered by Month - June 2024 |
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June 29, 2024
The Long Journey of Produce: Why Local Matters
The Long Journey of Produce: Why Local Matters
The Journey of Our Produce: From Farm to Table
Have you ever stopped to think about the journey your fruits and vegetables take before they reach your local grocery store? The reality is, most of the produce we find on the shelves has traveled a long way, often crossing multiple states or even countries. This journey not only impacts the freshness and nutritional value of the produce but also has significant environmental consequences.
The Long Road to Your Grocery Store
On average, produce in the United States travels about 1,500 miles from farm to store. This extensive travel is primarily due to the centralized nature of our food distribution system, where produce is often grown in large-scale farms in regions with favorable growing conditions, then shipped to distribution centers, and finally delivered to grocery stores.
Preserving Produce: The Use of Chemicals
To withstand these long journeys and remain visually appealing, produce is often treated with various chemicals and subjected to procedures that can be harmful. Some common methods include:
- Pesticides and Herbicides: These chemicals are used during the growing process to protect crops from pests and weeds. However, residues can remain on the produce, posing potential health risks to consumers.
- Fungicides: To prevent mold and spoilage during transit, produce is frequently treated with fungicides. These chemicals help extend the shelf life but can have negative health implications.
- Wax Coatings: Fruits and vegetables like apples and cucumbers are often coated with wax to prevent moisture loss and enhance appearance. While these coatings are usually food-grade, they can trap pesticide residues.
- Ethylene Gas: This is used to ripen fruits artificially. While ethylene itself is not harmful, the process can reduce the nutritional quality of the produce.
The Environmental Impact
The long-distance transportation of produce contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. Additionally, the energy required for refrigeration during transport adds to the carbon footprint. The use of synthetic chemicals in conventional farming practices also leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Dancing Hen Farm: Your Local CSA
Here at Dancing Hen Farm, we are committed to providing our community with fresh, locally-grown produce through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. As a proud permaculture farm, we prioritize taking care of the land that takes care of us.
By planting certain crops together, we naturally reduce the need for chemical pesticides. These companion planting techniques help manage pests and animals, fostering a healthier and more resilient ecosystem. Our sustainable farming practices ensure that our produce is not only delicious but also better for you and the environment.
Why Local Matters
Choosing locally grown produce can make a substantial difference. Here are a few benefits of supporting local farms:
- Freshness and Nutritional Value: Local produce is often harvested at its peak ripeness and sold shortly after, ensuring maximum freshness and nutritional content.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Local food travels a shorter distance, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Support for Local Economy: Buying from local farmers helps support the local economy and encourages sustainable farming practices.
By being mindful of where our food comes from and choosing to support local farmers, we can enjoy fresher, healthier produce while also contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.
Next time you're at the grocery store or farmer's market, take a moment to appreciate the journey your food has taken and consider opting for local options whenever possible. Your health, your community, and the planet will thank you!
Join Us for the Live Music Series Fundraiser
Don't forget about our Live Music Series Fundraiser this Sunday, June 30th! The event will feature live music from local bands, an art auction, delicious food and drinks, and a variety of fun activities for all ages. I’ll be kicking off the event with an all-levels yoga class at 12:30 PM in the shade on our beautiful property. It's a perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy great music, and support your local farm.
By supporting Dancing Hen Farm, you're not just getting fresher, healthier produce—you're also contributing to a sustainable, community-focused way of living. We look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser and sharing the fruits of our labor with you!
June 19, 2024
Week 1: First Harvest & Egg Week
Week 1: First Harvest & Egg Week
Announcement from Dancing Hen Farm: First Harvest and Egg Week!
Hello, friends of Dancing Hen Farm!
We're thrilled to announce that it's our First Harvest Week and Egg Week here at Dancing Hen Farm, and we're excited about what's in store for you! Get ready for an abundance of fresh, organic produce straight from our fields, starting with an array of nutrient-packed leafy greens. We have a variety of lettuces including two types of romaine, crisp iceberg, and tender butterhead.
In addition to our vibrant greens, we're delighted to introduce you to our diverse herb selection. From the familiar favorites like mint and lemon balm to the lesser-known but equally delicious lovage, our herbs not only enhance flavor but also bring valuable health benefits to your meals. Did you know that mint aids digestion, while lemon balm has calming properties that can help reduce stress? Let's explore these natural wonders together!
As part of our commitment to making your farm experience delightful and inspiring, we'll be sharing some exciting recipes to spark creativity with your veggie box throughout the season. And don't forget about our fresh eggs! They'll be included in your box every other week, adding a deliciously wholesome touch to your culinary adventures.
For your convenience, our online buying club opens every Thursday at 6 pm, so mark your calendars and get ready to place your orders.
A friendly reminder to please save and return your share boxes, egg cartons, and containers (pint, quart) for us to reuse and minimize waste. Your support in keeping our environment clean and sustainable is greatly appreciated. Please return to pick up location.
General Notes and Housekeeping:
Are my veggies washed? Most items have been rinsed, but not thoroughly washed. We suggest you wash most items again.
Storage of greens: Washed and dried salad greens can be wrapped in a damp towel and stored in a plastic bag in your fridge. Likewise, bunched greens will store best in a plastic bag. An ice water bath will quickly revive wilted greens.
Lastly, we kindly ask that you respect our site hosts by maintaining cleanliness and order during pickups. These generous individuals volunteer their businesses and homes for our collective enjoyment.
Thank you for being a part of the Dancing Hen Farm community. Let's savor the goodness of fresh produce, nourish our bodies with wholesome food, and celebrate the joys of sustainable farming together.
Warm regards,
Tai and the Dancing Hen Farm Team
June 17, 2024
Exciting News: Jam For Joan live Music Series!
Exciting News: Jam For Joan live Music Series!
Hey everyone! We had an amazing time at the farm event with live music, an art auction, delicious food, and great company. A big thank you to everyone who came out to support our cause at the Jam for Joan Fundraiser. The event was such a success that we've decided to host a series of events to help even more students.
We're thrilled to announce that our previous Jam for Joan Festival was a success! Thanks to the overwhelming support, we were able to award a $500 scholarship to a deserving high school student as part of the Joan M. Miller/Dancing Hen Farm Scholarship. The live music was fantastic, the art auction was a hit, and the food and drinks truly exceeded expectations. Due to the incredible response, we've decided to launch a fundraiser series, and we're shaking things up this time around!
We'll be kicking off the fundraiser with an energizing all-levels yoga class from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm on Sunday June 30th at Dancing Hen Farm. Picture this: unwinding with yoga, enjoying delicious food and drinks, bidding on beautiful art pieces, and soaking in the melodies of live music. This is an event you won't want to miss!
Join us in our mission to support more students and make a difference in our community. All of these exciting activities will take place at Dancing Hen Farm, your local CSA. Stay tuned as we prepare to share more details.
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