Start of Season 2013

Another season is underway at Steed Farms.  I know you probably thought that this was just another dead blog.  Well, at least not yet.  My Irish cousin Gavin would be really upset if I didn't post.  Here's to you Gavin for keeping the pressure on me!

Summer went well at the farm.  The covercrops did splendidly well with all the rain we had.  This should have been a great year for some experimental rice I tried in a low spot we have just to see what would happen. Amazingly, the low spot never filled with water even after the rains.  The weeds competed with the rice but it still produced.  However when I picked it almost every single rice grain was stung by stinkbugs and had turned black or dark brown.  So rice doesn't seem like a future candidate at the farm unless we go conventional and start spraying heavy.

We rotated out to the field nearest the road this year and it seems like it will produce pretty well.  I am trying to rotate fields on a four year rotation.  That should give the ground some time to recover before we plant back.  Right now we have the space to be able to do that.  In this new field there are a bunch of perennial weeds (purple nutsedge and bermuda grass) that will cause tons of problems for our yields.  I've already had to plant around some of the worst sections of the field.

The tomatoes are started in the greenhouse and we will be planting the peppers and eggplants shortly.  We are starting some more herbs in three gallon pots.  My sons just helped fill the pots for African blue basil (a perennial), Vietnamese cilantro, and Mexican tarragon.  I am looking to propagate more rosemary next.

Every year is so unique for production.  This year we have almost zero yellow squash producing, minimal cucumbers, and the zucchini are light as well.  The "greens" types are doing well.  I tried patty pan squash this year and it looks decent.  The yields are a little low but might be a crop for the future.  We will see.

It was great to see everyone at the pick up this last Saturday; old and new faces alike.  We appreciate all the local support for our farming and we hope everyone will enjoy the fresh, naturally grown produce.  I'll try to get some pictures for the next post.

Frequently Asked Questions

We get numerous requests about our farm and almost everyone asks the same questions so we figured we ought to create a post entitled "Frequently Asked Questions". Here are our top questions.

What is a CSA? Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a system where the community supports a farmer and a farmer supports the community. Members provide the funding for us to farm, and we  uses our knowledge and skills to provide the community with locally, responsibly, and sustainably grown food.

When do I pay for my share?  CSA memberships are paid in full at the start of the season. This helps to offset costs for farm maintenance, cover crops, seeds, fertilizer, tractor, and other materials to begin the season.

How much produce do I receive in a typical share?  The typical share has anywhere from 10 to 15 different vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It is dependent upon the season and growing conditions.

Is all of the produce grown on the farm? All of our produce is grown directly on our farm, organically.  Occasionally we may find items to give to our members (eg. starfruits, pineapple oranges) but we always let our members know where they came from and how they were grown.

How do you sign up for your CSA?  You can contact us via our Facebook page, Steed Farm, or you can view our listing on localharvest.org (Steed Farms).

Where are you located?  We are located in Plant City.  We are on County Road 39, 3 miles south off Hwy. 60.

How many weeks is your season?  Our season is 24 weeks and starts around Thanksgiving and ends in May. 

Are volunteer hours required to be a member of the CSA?  We do all the growing and harvesting there are no volunteer hours required.

Why should I choose a CSA?  You get to know your farmer, you see where your produce came from, and you have a personal interest in the welfare of the farm. 

What are the benefits of a CSA?

Food is harvested right before pickup and retains nutrients and vitamins longer.

Our food is organically grown.

A reduction of carbon emissions from transport and cold storage.

You are supporting your local community

Monies spent at a CSA will be spent locally

You will know where your food is grown, who is growing your food, and how your food is grown.

Pictures May 2013