The winter months are full of reflecting on the previous year and planning for the coming growing season. For us, 2024 was a very full year. We had lots of highs and lows, learning, and connecting with the community.
We produced over 150 different varieties and over 1,000 pounds of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and flowers that we started from seed on our farm. We built deer fencing to protect the produce from deer, bears, and other wildlife we are fortunate to share a home with.
We worked hard to create new gluten free, allergy-friendly, and some vegan products to ensure everyone in the community has something sweet to enjoy if they want it. While we brought over 30 new products to market, we experimented with countless more that are not yet market-ready.
We were fortunate to receive a number of grants, which allowed us to support pollinators on the farm, drastically expand our growing season and area with a high tunnel, and support the movement of fresh produce and products from our farm out to our local community with an electric delivery van (more news to share on this in the coming months).
We survived a number of challenging health experiences, reminding us that we are more resilient than we think, and to try to never take our bodies for granted. We were also reminded of the importance of asking for, and receiving help, and were fortunate to have lots of support from our family and our community.
We grew and arranged hundreds of unique flower bouquets using a mixture of native perennials and annuals from our farm. We loved watching people spend time looking at the bouquets until they found just the right one for themselves or a special someone.
We also learned a lot about raising chickens, ducks, goats, and bees. We built shelters, installed fences, and figured out watering solutions for the varied temperatures. We experienced loss when a black bear destroyed our hive and our ducks experienced an illness, and we learned that goats can jump really high when they went on a Fourth of July adventure to our neighbor’s property. We also laughed a lot and marveled and the unique personalities each of our animals brings to the farm.
Through it all, your support has helped us grow, and we’re grateful to be a part of your community.