FIRST MARKET OF 2017
It has been a wild week preparing for our first Farmers Market of the year! Farm Educators purchased the remaining equipment for the market, contacted vendors, and finalized plans. We spent some time cleaning up the farm for the event and brainstormed some recipes for the produce we will have available. Despite the hard freeze last week, there were ample vegetables for sale!
Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix. The seed trays we planted last week have sprouted, our cute baby tomato seedlings are pictured below. The beets took a hit with the freeze, but inner leaves survived and continue to look healthy and promising.
Due to the excessive rain this week, Farm Educators have been spending some time catching up on indoor tasks; The quantities of administrative tasks that are behind a successful farm are a-plenty! Farm educators have been learning to use software that will help in the organization and efficiency of farm projects as well as lining things up for future events. We are in the process of acquiring Texas Food Handlers Licenses which will educate us on regulations for food safety on the farm.
Our newest Farm Educator started working with us this week! Leslie is a Houston native, born and raised. She is most excited to get involved with the community youth and education. She attended the University of Arizona in Tucson where her studies focused on Anthropology and Urban Sustainability. She has been involved with numerous farms in Arizona, Colorado and Houston since 2011. If you missed the opportunity to meet Leslie at the Farmer’s Market, come to our pop-up market February 1st.
The rain held out for the market this weekend which received startling community support. We are so excited to see the enthusiasm this community brings and can not wait to match the energy with regular markets! Our vendors were happy with the turn out and have expressed that they will be returning in the future.
Monica Charles design even specially engraved a cutting board for our produce trailer display. A big thank-you to everyone who helped get the first market off the ground!
