South Field Germination & a Farewell to Chanticleer

Village Farm Team,

Despite the snow and freezing temperatures the farm endured last week, we have sprouts on our newly replanted south field! The precipitation last week provided the seeds with the moisture they require in order to germinate. We currently have carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips planted on the south field. Since radishes have the shortest maturity timeline of the root veggies we planted, we should be able to harvest them before the others.

The farm team was able to add some new additions to our rows of brassicas on the north farm. We now have Graffiti Cauliflower, Belstar Broccoli, Red Express Cabbage, Fordhook Giant Chard, and Jade Cross Brussels Sprouts planted. Chard is technically not a brassica but rather a member of the Amaranth (or Amaranthaceae) family which includes beets, spinach, and even quinoa. High in vitamins A and K, chard is a particular favorite of our farm goats.

In addition to the first signs of growth on our south field, the team spotted some germination happening among our trays of newly-seeded greens in the greenhouse. The trays were seeded just before the snow last week with a variety of leafy greens including Red Russian Kale, Tendergreen Mustards, and Buttercrunch Bibb Lettuce.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved rooster Chanticleer. The lone rooster of our community, Chanticleer caught an infection in his comb due to a small cut and exposure to the elements. Unfortunately he passed away last week in the care of our farm team. Poultry are unique livestock in that their infections can spread rather quickly. By the time his condition was visible enough to be noticed, it was too late to save him. The rest of the flock was immediately assessed and appears to be healthy. We are currently weighing the option of introducing a new rooster to our flock.