August 28th, 2024
SUMMER CSA Week 12
Dear FARMILY!
It's been quite a few weeks since I have delivered a "NEW" newsletter. The middle of summer will sometimes get so busy that I just don't have a choice but to take a breather. In addition to that, we have been trying to enjoy our part of the summer too, by going to the lake and the mountains as often as we can escape. See, us farmers don't get many vacations, especially when we go all-year-round. It's been over 2 years since our last vacation so we have been trying to take mini-vacations for 2 or 3 days to try and get a reprieve and it has been absolutely wonderful to say the least! I hope that all of you have also had the opportunity to get away this summer and enjoy your friends and family, and I also hope you enjoy this week's NEWLY DESIGNED newsletter!
CSA UPDATES
If you haven't seen the announcements last week regarding the CSA changes, you need to know about them! We are making huge changes that will not only make our lives better and the farm more efficient and less expensive, but these changes are going to be enormous for our members going forward! These changes are monumental and include: 100% member-
only going forward, 100% customizable shares even for door-to-door delivery members, 8 hour or longer pickup windows, and online farmer's market every week and more! Check out the announcement here.
THIS WEEK'S CSA
This week's CSA is incredible for the month of August! Just wait until you get your hands on that basil and salad mix! WOW! There will also be loads of tomatoes, cucumbers and more as well to round out the shares. Everyone this week will get salad mix this week and we have the largest share of the year as well with members getting 6, 9 and 12 items!
As always, don't forget to see the "What's in your Bag" sections this week to get all the details.
FARMER'S MARKET
The farmer's market is coming to an end (at least for the year)! Yes, you heard that correctly, since we will now be 100% members-only, we will not be extending the farmer's market at the farm. The truth is, we are losing about $600 / week after all the labor, marketing and operational costs and we just can't afford to continue it. However, there are two things to consider: 1. It may return in the Spring / Summer (we need to see how the 100% members-only goes) and 2. There will now be an ONLINE farmer's market (as mentioned above), so now all of our members, even the one's in Denver and on delivery can access extra vegetables every week! The last market of the year will be September 27th.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER
As we have been announcing so many changes, we have also decided to make some major changes to the newsletter. First and foremost is that it is more CSA-member centered and simplified. The format is easier to navigate and less "noisy" while all of the pertinent CSA information in included, while all the added info and fluff has been removed and consolidated for easier navigation and reading. As for the schedule, I will be deciding what's right for the Fall in the coming weeks. Right now, I think it will be once per month, but perhaps a weekly update or bi-weekly won't be too far out of the question, especially with the simpler format.
I hope you enjoy the new newsletter format. Please send me your feedback and let me know if you like the changes. Also, feel free to give me suggestions and tell me what you do like too!
We love you all, our beautiful FaRmily!!!
Farmer Yosef and Family!
WE L❤️VE OUR COMMUNITY!
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
ALL SHARES ARE NOW CUSTOMIZABLE (starting October 1st)
Exciting changes are coming to Ahavah Farm's CSA program, and we're thrilled to announce that starting October 1st, our shares will be fully customizable! We've heard your feedback, and we're making this shift to give you the best of both worlds: the flexibility and choice of the market-style system, combined with the convenience of our traditional pre-packed shares. This change marks a significant evolution in our CSA program, and we believe it will bring even greater satisfaction to your weekly share experience.
For years, we've offered our market-style CSA, where members could come to the farm or market, browse through the selection of fresh produce, and pick exactly what they wanted. While many of you loved the hands-on experience of selecting your veggies, we also understand that it wasn't always the most convenient option, especially for busy families or those juggling tight schedules. On the other hand, our traditional pre-packed shares took the guesswork out of the equation, providing you with a curated selection of our freshest produce each week, but with less flexibility to choose exactly what ended up in your box. Now, we're combining the best aspects of both systems to offer you an innovative approach that we believe will meet your needs better than ever before.
Here's how it will work: each week, from Monday to Thursday, you'll be able to log in to a special link we've set up just for our CSA members. Once you're logged in, you'll find a list of the available produce for that week. You'll have the opportunity to select the items you want to receive in your share, and just as importantly, you'll be able to exclude the items you don't want. This customization process gives you complete control over your weekly share, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes, dietary needs, or cooking plans.
We know that life can get hectic, and not everyone has the time to come to the farm or market to hand-pick their produce each week. With this new customizable system, you get to enjoy the freedom of choice from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you best. Whether you're an early bird who likes to plan meals ahead or someone who needs to fit in CSA selection between meetings, this new approach offers the flexibility you need.
Another major benefit of this new system is that it helps reduce food waste. By allowing you to choose what goes into your share, we're ensuring that every item in your box is something you actually want and will use. This not only means less food wasted at home but also allows us to better allocate our resources on the farm, focusing our efforts on growing what you love and minimizing surplus. It's a win-win for everyone involved, from our hardworking farm team to you, our valued CSA members.
Of course, we understand that this is a big change, and with any new system, there may be some questions or adjustments along the way. We're committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and are here to support you every step of the way. We'll be providing detailed instructions on how to use the online customization tool, and our team will be available to assist with any technical issues or questions you might have. We want to ensure that every member feels comfortable and confident using the new system so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of this customization.
We believe that this change will greatly enhance your CSA experience, giving you more control, convenience, and satisfaction each week. Whether you're a long-time member who loves the connection with our farm or a new member eager to explore all the wonderful produce we have to offer, this customizable option is designed with you in mind. It's an evolution of our CSA program that stays true to our commitment to providing the highest quality, freshest, and most nutritious food, while also adapting to the needs and preferences of our community.
As we approach the launch date, the first week of October, we encourage you to keep an eye on your inbox for more information and updates about the new system. We'll be sharing all the details you need to know to get started, as well as tips and tricks to make the most of your customized shares. And, of course, we're always open to your feedback. We're constantly striving to improve and refine our offerings, and your input is invaluable in helping us achieve that goal.
In closing, we're incredibly excited to bring this new level of choice and convenience to our CSA program. At Ahavah Farm, we're dedicated to serving our community with love, integrity, and the highest standards of purity and sustainability. This new customizable option is just one more way we're working to meet your needs and enhance your connection to the food you eat and the farm that grows it. Thank you for being a part of our CSA family, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, with even more delicious, farm-fresh produce tailored just for you.
As we embrace this new chapter, we hope you'll enjoy the added flexibility and convenience, making your weekly CSA share something to look forward to even more. After all, what could be better than knowing that every item in your box is something you've personally selected, with love, from Ahavah Farm? Here's to a fruitful, flavorful, and fully customizable CSA experience—starting October 1st!
WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG THIS WEEK?
SUMMER Week 12 - August 29th & 30th
CSA MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS (so-far) THIS SEASON*:
AUTO-RENEWAL MEMBERS:
👏SMALL +8.48% 👏MEDIUM +14.42%👏18.42%
NON-AUTO-RENEWAL MEMBERS:
👏SMALL +3.48% 👏MEDIUM +9.42%👏13.42%
*MARKET-STYLE MEMBER SAVINGS MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER DEPENDING ON SELECTION MADE BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. THE ABOVE SAVINGS ARE CALCULATED VIA BAGGED TRADITIONAL-SHARE MEMBERSHIPS ONLY.
Market-Style Members Selection - Summer Week 12:
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Arugula, Salad Mix, Basil, Cilantro, Mustard, Swiss Chard, Kale, Green Beans, Turnips, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass
CSA TIP OF THE WEEK!
The Divirsity of Vegetables in a CSA Enhances Your Diet's Nutrient Profile and Overall Health
-By Yosef Camire
At Ahavah Farm, we believe that one of the greatest joys of being a part of our CSA program is the opportunity to discover new and unique varieties of vegetables that you might not find in your typical grocery store. While it's easy to stick to familiar favorites, there's tremendous value in embracing the unfamiliar and adding new varieties to your diet. Not only does this introduce exciting flavors and textures to your meals, but it also plays a significant role in enhancing the nutritional diversity of your diet.
Every vegetable is packed with its own unique set of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, each contributing to different aspects of our health. For example, while kale and spinach are both excellent sources of vitamins A and K, other leafy greens like Swiss chard or mustard greens offer different combinations of nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and vitamin E. By incorporating a wider range of vegetables into your meals, you're more likely to receive a broader spectrum of these essential nutrients, supporting overall wellness and vitality.
Trying new varieties also helps to ensure you're consuming a diet rich in phytonutrients—those powerful plant compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve immune function, and support healthy aging. Different vegetables contain different phytonutrients, so the more variety you include, the greater the benefits. For instance, the deep purple hues of eggplant and purple carrots are a sign of anthocyanins, known for their antioxidant properties, while the bright orange of winter squash signals a wealth of beta-carotene, important for eye health.
But beyond the nutritional benefits, exploring new vegetables can be a delightful adventure. Each season, our farm grows a wide array of heirloom and specialty varieties that offer unique flavors and culinary possibilities. Whether it's a sweet and tender Japanese turnip, a nutty and earthy celeriac, or a peppery and crisp radish, these vegetables can transform your cooking and inspire creativity in the kitchen. They also connect you more deeply to the land and the rhythms of the seasons, as you enjoy the bounty that Colorado's unique climate and soil have to offer.
We understand that trying something new can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you're not sure how to prepare it. That's why we’re here to support you with plenty of resources, from recipe ideas and cooking tips to storage advice and nutritional information. Our goal is to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for you to incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into your diet, so you can experience their full benefits.
By choosing to explore the diverse range of vegetables in your CSA share, you're not only enhancing your diet but also supporting sustainable agriculture. Many of the unique varieties we grow are heirlooms or open-pollinated species that help preserve genetic diversity in our food system. This diversity is crucial for building resilience against pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions, ensuring that we can continue to grow healthy, delicious food for generations to come.
So next time you receive a CSA share, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to try something new. Pick that unusual vegetable you've never cooked with before, and let it become the star of your next meal. You might just discover a new favorite—and in the process, you'll be nourishing your body with a richer array of nutrients.
Thank you for your continued support of Ahavah Farm and for being a part of our journey to cultivate health, sustainability, and community through Local - Sustainable - Pure (TM) agriculture. Together, we can continue to explore, learn, and grow, making each season even more vibrant and nourishing than the last.
AHAVAH COMMUNITY SCHEDULE
CSA "EXTRAS" AVAILABILITY
Availability for "EXTRA's at the CSA pickup locations this week (Summer Week 12):
(see Market Style Section, above, for market selection this week)
Carrots, Fennel, Parsley, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Arugula, Salad Mix, Basil, Cilantro, Mustard, Swiss Chard, Kale, Green Beans, Turnips, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass
Updated and rolling on a 150 day basis:
May 20th, 2024 - Today we had a board meeting to approve or deny applications for ACI. Over 85 applications were submitted and 68 were approved. Funds are limited so the board approved 8 weeks only with hopes that funds will be available to extend an additional 8 weeks.
June 16th, 2024 - The 10th Annual Summer Festival is going to be the best we have ever had! With thousands expected to participate and with dozens of vendors, activities, rides and more, it's going to be not only an awesome night to remember, but a fantastic way to raise money for families in need! We are hoping to raise about $10,000 - $15,000 for local families!
July 7th, 2024 - Thank you to everyone who came out for the Summer Fest! It was an absolute disaster with the hail and rain, but for those who came out - we solute you! Thank you for standing with ACI! Yes, it was a huge loss, but we are hoping that the Fall Festival will be better! We still had about 1,200 people come out though!
July 22nd, 2024 - Due to funding limitations, the current donated CSA shares were scheduled for cancellation, as funds ran out and were not able to be extended. Ahavah Farm stepped to the plate and donated the rest of the season to all members for no cost.
August 9th, 2024 - Our homeschool day was a huge success with about 50 kids in attendance! We had tons of outreach to the community and got to interact with and teach the kids all about regenerative agriculture. Kids got to do a petting zoo, play with the local Soccer-Shots organization, listen to story time, go down the zipline and, of course, we had lots of other activities too!
August 19th, 2024 - Unfortunately due to financial constraints and limited bandwidth, we have decided to cancel the Fall festival. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
August 28th, 2024 - Do not miss the deadline to apply for free CSA shares for the Fall season! The deadline to apply is September 15th. Please go to ahavahcommunity.org/apply
Gardening Tip of the Week: What is Azomite?
By Yosef Camire
Gardening in Colorado is always an adventure, full of challenges and rewards, and as we continue our journey towards creating the healthiest and most productive gardens, I'm excited to share another crucial step in our fertility program: the use of Azomite. As with every tip I offer, the goal is to provide you with the knowledge to not only enhance your garden's productivity but also to align with sustainable practices that benefit our environment and community. Last week, we delved into the benefits of gypsum, and this week, we’re exploring the benefits and uses of Azomite, a natural mineral that plays a vital role in enriching our soil and, by extension, our food.
Azomite, short for "A to Z Of Minerals Including Trace Elements," is a unique volcanic mineral deposit that contains a broad spectrum of over 70 trace minerals and elements. These are elements that are not always present in sufficient quantities in our soils, yet they are essential for the optimal growth of plants. When our soils are deficient in these trace minerals, our plants cannot reach their full potential in terms of health, yield, and nutritional value. Azomite helps to replenish these crucial nutrients, making it an invaluable addition to our gardening practices, especially in regions like Colorado, where the soil can be particularly challenging.
Azomite is particularly beneficial because of its rich mineral content, which includes essential trace elements like zinc, iron, manganese, and selenium, among others. These trace elements are vital for a variety of plant functions, from photosynthesis to enzyme production and disease resistance. In Colorado, where our soil is often depleted or lacking in certain nutrients due to natural soil composition or the demands of intensive farming, Azomite serves as a powerful tool to restore and maintain soil health.
One of the standout benefits of Azomite is its ability to improve the nutritional profile of the food we grow. Studies have shown that crops grown in mineral-rich soils have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals, making them more nutritious and beneficial for our health. By incorporating Azomite into your gardening routine, you’re not just feeding your plants; you’re enriching the food that will ultimately feed you and your family.
Incorporating Azomite into your garden is a simple yet effective process. It can be applied in a variety of ways, depending on your garden’s needs. For general soil enrichment, Azomite can be broadcast over the soil surface and then lightly raked or watered in. The typical application rate is about 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet, but this can be adjusted based on soil tests or specific crop requirements. If you’re starting a new garden bed or preparing for planting, Azomite can be mixed directly into the soil to ensure even distribution of minerals. For established plants, a light dusting around the base of each plant, followed by watering, will help to deliver the nutrients directly to the root zone.
One of the advantages of Azomite is that it doesn’t break down quickly, meaning its benefits are long-lasting. This slow-release nature makes it a perfect amendment for both annual gardens and perennial beds, providing consistent mineral support throughout the growing season.
Azomite's role in soil health goes beyond just providing trace minerals. It also improves soil structure by increasing the soil’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients. In Colorado, where our soil can be sandy or heavy in clay, Azomite helps to balance these extremes by enhancing the soil's natural properties. This leads to better water retention in sandy soils and improved drainage in clay-heavy soils, creating a more hospitable environment for plant roots.
Moreover, Azomite contributes to the biological activity in the soil by supporting the growth of beneficial microbes. These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and protecting plants from pathogens. By fostering a healthy microbial community, Azomite helps to create a resilient and self-sustaining ecosystem in your garden, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
As with all the inputs we recommend at Ahavah Farm, sustainability is at the forefront of our choices. Azomite is a natural product, mined from a single source in Utah that has been preserved for thousands of years. It is non-toxic, safe for use around children and pets, and does not harm the environment. By using Azomite, you’re not only enhancing your garden’s fertility but also making a responsible choice that supports sustainable farming practices.
Furthermore, the use of Azomite aligns with our commitment to local and sustainable agriculture. While it is not sourced directly from Colorado, its use reduces the need for more invasive and less sustainable inputs, contributing to a more balanced and eco-friendly approach to gardening. By incorporating Azomite, you’re helping to build a more resilient and nutrient-rich soil, which in turn supports a more sustainable food system.
Azomite is a powerful ally in the quest for a healthy, productive, and sustainable garden. Its rich mineral content, long-lasting effects, and ability to improve soil structure and biological activity make it an essential tool for gardeners in Colorado and beyond. As you continue to build your garden, consider the role of trace minerals in the health of your plants and the food they produce. With Azomite, you’re not just growing a garden; you’re cultivating a healthier, more resilient ecosystem that benefits both you and the environment.
As always, I encourage you to experiment with Azomite in your own garden and observe the positive changes it brings. Whether you’re growing vegetables, fruits, or flowers, this natural mineral supplement can help you achieve the vibrant, thriving garden you’ve always dreamed of. And remember, the success of our gardens is not just measured in the harvest we bring in but in the health and vitality of the soil we nurture. Happy gardening!
LEARN MORE
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYS TO MAKE PAYING FOR YOUR CSA SHARE MORE AFFORDABLE, OR EVEN FREE!
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