Notes From The Field | November 12, 2023
Sustaining and Sustainable
by Farmer Derek

As we conclude our 15th farming season at the helm of Anchor Run CSA, it's worth recognizing the importance and value of the many great assets that have enabled Anchor Run CSA to survive and thrive and fly into and through its 20th overall season of production.

Our crew of farmer-friends truly help run this place. Quite simply, without their help this community supported farm wouldn't be operable. Their work ethic, positive attitude, diligence, camaraderie, interest in the farm, and willingness to learn new skills, greatly improved every aspect of farm life. From completing tasks quickly and efficiently to managing the pick up room and interacting with CSA members at workshifts, everything was just a little bit better this year. Work-life balance also improved under their tutelage with fewer hours worked overall for everyone, i.e. more work was accomplished in less time.

Along with the wonderful farm crew, our community of members is a buttress, a backbone, a beam of love and light that guides and supports this community farm project. I mean that quite literally as 100% of farm revenue is from membership dues, thus the invisible real support, but most importantly the intangible benefit of a thriving community that provides a visceral feeling of purpose and orientation. As the years have gone by I'm not out in the pick up room as much as I used to be, nor am I consistently part of workshifts, but I do revel in the acknowledgements of thanks and appreciation from you that I receive when you see me, and within your e-mail communications. The gratitude is truly mutual.